12-06-2015, 11:52 AM
I feel what you are saying Tom, but there are a couple of reasons I don't want to do that myself.
#1) The thermocouple runs down the back of the furnace on the outside of the case. Sometimes I might have to MOVE this furnace on occasion. The original thermocouple was broken off and missing...
Even "I" can do that level of math!
(That reminds me - I need to make a cover for that.)
#2) Sharp "pokey bits" hanging on the outside of the case? Did I mention I'm on blood thinners???
The heat sink I ordered is also pre-drilled for mounting a CPU fan to it if I really wanted to!
Nah...
I need to stop researching though. I've been reading WAY too many posts (and seen the pictures) about these cheap Chinese SSR's blowing up and starting fires. Like everything else it seems to be about a 50 - 50 ratio. Some people never have a problem with them, others say if they aren't DOA, they melt down in short order. (No pun intended.) I've also seen a letter from UL showing the difference between the import relays that have an actual UL rating and the fake clones that are sporting a pirated logo.
I've already ordered a SSR from Lightobject, but chickened out and ordered another US made relay from McMaster last night. (At 5 times the cost.) But after reading about all those instances of failed relays and fires, I'd rather not chance it. ESPECIALLY since I've read it can take up to 24 hours of continuous operation before the PID completes it's "autotune" program. Somehow the idea of leaving a 2000° furnace running overnight - unattended - while we sleep doesn't appeal to me.
#1) The thermocouple runs down the back of the furnace on the outside of the case. Sometimes I might have to MOVE this furnace on occasion. The original thermocouple was broken off and missing...
Even "I" can do that level of math!
(That reminds me - I need to make a cover for that.)
#2) Sharp "pokey bits" hanging on the outside of the case? Did I mention I'm on blood thinners???
The heat sink I ordered is also pre-drilled for mounting a CPU fan to it if I really wanted to!
Nah...
I need to stop researching though. I've been reading WAY too many posts (and seen the pictures) about these cheap Chinese SSR's blowing up and starting fires. Like everything else it seems to be about a 50 - 50 ratio. Some people never have a problem with them, others say if they aren't DOA, they melt down in short order. (No pun intended.) I've also seen a letter from UL showing the difference between the import relays that have an actual UL rating and the fake clones that are sporting a pirated logo.
I've already ordered a SSR from Lightobject, but chickened out and ordered another US made relay from McMaster last night. (At 5 times the cost.) But after reading about all those instances of failed relays and fires, I'd rather not chance it. ESPECIALLY since I've read it can take up to 24 hours of continuous operation before the PID completes it's "autotune" program. Somehow the idea of leaving a 2000° furnace running overnight - unattended - while we sleep doesn't appeal to me.
Willie