MES Control system rebuild

[JC in GB]

My forum friend TomKnollRFV had the control system of his MES go out and he asked me if I could put together a new control system.

Here is what I have so far. I still need to put some kind of cover on the top so I can mount the controller inside the conduit box.

Everything is inside the junction box. SSR, controller, wiring. Made a penetration into the cabinet to mount the thermocouple. This will also be handy in case the thermocouple goes bad and needs replacement.

BOM

1- REX C-100 style PID controller with SSR output
1 - 25 A SSR
1 - k- type thermocouple
1 - M6 hex nut
2 - 0.25" Fast-on style crimp terminals
2 - 90 degree 1/2 conduit fittings
4ft - 1/2" conduit
1 - 4" junction box
2 - 4" junction box extenders
1 - Threaded brass tube
2 - Brass nuts for tube
Thermocouple mounting tab (Hand made)
3 - Self-tapping screws
1 - AC power entry module
Mounting hardware for SSR
Plastic insulators
Plastic cover for junction box


Reused high temp wire from the cabinet for wiring to the heater element.
All other wire was from scrap wire that I repurposed for this modification.

Approximate parts cost: $48

This was very easy to do. I may look for a used MES and put an electric smoker in my arsenal for good measure.

Thanks to TomKnollRFV for letting me use his smoker for my first prototype.

What do you think?

JC

 

[Electric88]

Awesome! Looks like a great upgrade!

 

[TomKnollRFV]

I'm just glad JC has a good head for this stuff because I get that glazed over look in my eyes when I read about PID rewiring..

Our climate is not kind for keeping a smoker like this outside, and the more I read on FB groups..the more I realize this ;)

I'm the lucky one that he's willing to help me out; he even hot smoked bacon I had on hand to do when my smoker decided to die on me!