Official Luthiers Forum!

Recently as a birthday present I was bought a Keenovo 1200w 6" x 36" bending blanket and was wondering how people control these, I've looked into a PID system
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product ... 91372.html

or

A Digital Temperature Controller
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product ... 39573.html

I know the PID is more accurate with a thermocouple over the Thermistor based digital controller, but to we need the accuracy?

Anyone used keenovo products as I'd be interested in hearing about them.

Cheers guys

_________________
Formerly JJH

I learn more from my mistakes than my successes

This one is a lot cheaper. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/311398362936

Greetings :+)
Harbor Freight tools has 2 hand operated Temperature sensors.
Press a button and a digital Temp appears in a window.
No need for more.
Also I have found that a Heat Blanket" used to heat Barrels" (comes in different sizes)
and lengths works just fine along with a press and shoot heat monitor..
Biggest thing is PRICE. $119. controller built right into blanket mine is 400* capable
Found mine with a search on Inet.
Thanks for listening

EJ.

_________________
"Live By Faith -Go In Peace".
"What You Think about Grows"

The PID controls the temperature automatically up to the set point and maintains that temperature. The digital thermometers are great for reading temperature but do not control, you are the control by turning off and on the power to the blanket or adjusting the speed controller, so constant monitoring is needed. If you let it go too hot or worse forget to watch the temperature you can easily scorch the wood or cause a fire. I did one set of sides with a router speed controller and temperature probe that came with the blanket and decided that more control was required so went PID. As a retired industrial electrician I had knowledge of PID controllers and decided that was the answer. My controller came from Ebay and with everything needed to create a controller box was probably less than $75.00. I now use the controller for several small repair blankets and with my Hide Glue pot so it is very useful. Anyone interested I have assisted quite a few members in designing and building a controller.

Fred

_________________
Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

I built a controller with Fred's help and am very happy with it. Sometimes, automation is great.

So Fred what's your opinion on the digital temperature controller?

_________________
Formerly JJH

I learn more from my mistakes than my successes

It will work I guess but how you set the temperature might be the issue, I see no means of programming.

Fred

_________________
Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

Hi Fred! While we have your attention, is this suitable, and if so, what else is needed for a complete set-up? http://www.ebay.com/itm/140714316313?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT I'm good at household wiring, but anything else .... not so good!

Alex

_________________
"Indecision is the key to flexibility" .... Bumper sticker

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dual-PID-Temperature-Controller-Thermocouple-TD4-SNR-Solid-state-relay-SSR-25-DA/110880595387?rt=nc&_soffid=5007649100&_soffType=OrderSubTotalOffer&_trksid=p5731.m3795

You need a relay to get enough capacity to run the blanket. This should work or get one with a built in relay good for 15 amps.

Fred

_________________
Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

I might suggest searching for PID controllers on Amazon, and using the OLF link - helps fund our favorite forum

Key things to consider:
K-type thermocouples with the very fine wire tips work very well, as then can easily be sandwiched between the blanket and supporting metal.

SSR is great for faster and quieter on-off cycling, but mechanical relay can work. (Mechanical relays can be very annoying in a quiet shop)

Calculate required amperage: Amps = Watts/Volts - ensure the controller you get / SSR you use is rated higher than the amp draw of your blanket. For example: a 30 amp SSR at 230v can run up to a 6900 watt blanket. Plenty to run your 1200 watt blanket.

I'm building a new controller right now and can post some photos next weekend.

I just ordered two of these yesterday from keenovo on ebay. Comes with a new digital controller.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/6-X36-1200W-120V- ... nav=SEARCH

Sent from my SGH-T599 using Tapatalk

_________________
Another day, another dollar.