With the Universal PID Controller fully functional, the first operation I perform is a hot water test.
I also perform this test when I purchase a new thermocouple.
The Parts
In addition to the Universal PID Controller, these are the items I use when I do this test.
Hot Plate
Just about any hot plate will do as long as it has a manual thermostat control.
This is the one I am using in this test:
Sauce Pan
Small stainless steel sauce pan filled with water about half way. The pan needs a smooth lip so that the bracket shown below can be slipped over the edge.
DIY Probe Bracket
A home made bracket that holds the thermocouple probe.
The bracket is made from a thin strip of aluminum with holes punched into it.
A paper clamp is attached to the center of the strip. The strip can be bent int various shapes so it can be used in a multitude of situations.
The probe is placed int the holes as shown here.
Thermocouple Probe.
This is the one I used in this test:
I have also used these:
Setup
I start with the thermostat on the hot plate set to off.
The power cord is connected to the Universal PID Controller.
The hot plate is plugged into the output power receptacle on the controller.
The thermocouple is plugged into the controller.
The controller is powered up and the temperature set.
The thermostat on the hot plat is turned to its highest setting.
Running the Test
I let the test run.
Once I get near 200 degrees, I verify the temperature with a calibrated thermometer.
This is the thermometer that I use:
In this case the thermocouple/controller are spot on with the thermometer. This is not always the case, I have other thermocouples that are off a few degrees and others as much as 10 degrees.
Conclusion
I currently have four variations of the Universal PID Controller. You will be seeing them used in some of the other projects on this web site.
Everything from proofing bread to powder coating bullets.