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Andrew’s PID Controller

(Submitted by Andrew Wright aka Bun-Bun)

After acquiring a used Cubex Duo 3D printer, I discovered the heated-bed did not actually heat. The PID controller for the unit appeared to be functional and the relay could be heard actuating, however upon testing with a DMM I found the relay to not be contacting. Opening the PID controller revealed a cheapo chinese relay which made me think if there was a better way: an SSR would be quieter (silent) and more reliable than a mechanical relay in the given application. With the help of Scott Walde I sourced an SSR and tested the PID output with a resistor and LED to prove an SSR would work. I drilled and tapped a hole to attach the SSR to the PID enclosure and applied thermal paste; the enclosure is the heatsink for the SSR. I bypassed what was the chinese relay and used the PID connections to wire up the now externally mounted SSR. It works perfectly and any concern on heat dissipation of the SSR is nullified in practice: the heat from the SSR is only enough to take the chill off the metal enclosure, not warm it up.

 

Before
PID Controller with cheap Chinese relay.
02_Testing
Testing with an LED in place of the relay coil
03_Modified
Modified
04_BackTogether
Back together
05_SSRSoldered
SSR with wires soldered on
06_Wired
All wired up
07_Works
It works!
08_BackTogether
Goes back together the same way
09_Done
Done!
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2016 AGM

Meeting Announcement!

Yes, it is that time of year again. The Saskatoon TechWorks Annual General Meeting will be held on March 15th, 2016 at 7pm at the space. (509a Gray Avenue)

At this meeting:

  • Board members will be elected for 2016-2017.
  • Any proposed bylaw changes will be voted on.
  • The president will deliver his address.
  • Financials for the year will be presented.

 

IMPORTANT!

  • Nominations for board members must be received no later than March 7th.
  • Any proposals for changes to the bylaws must be received no later than March 7th.

 

Please send your nominations and proposals to thespace@sktechworks.ca

You must be a member to vote at this meeting.