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I bought a silicone heating blanket with alloy wire heating conductor.
I also bought a PID temperature controller - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-REX-C100- ... 5852wt_952

What else do I need? How exactly should I wire this thing?
I've got no previous experience with electronics of this sort. Should I get it wired by a professional electrician?


Thanks
Rasmus

Well, you'll probably need some thermocouple wire and maybe a solid state relay depending on the current rating of your controller. Often PID control systems will cycle a relay on and off at a calculated rate in order to control the temperature.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

would this work as a relay?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Solid-State-R ... _992wt_905

Looks like that controller includes an internal relay but it only switches 3 amps...this isn't adequate for your blanket(s) most likely. Looks like there's a provision to use an external relay but the one you llinked to only switches ten amps. It's entirely dependent upon your blanket whether or not that is enough.

If I were setting up such a system I'd use at least a 25 amp relay and a microprocessor like this:

http://www.watlow.com/products/controll ... roller.cfm

You'll also need a thermocouple. You COULD get thermocouple wire and fashion your own but if you aren't saavy about this stuff then it's not likely to read as accurately as a pre-made thermocouple. I'd get a TYPE J (very important....there are many types but type J will suit this temp range and application) themocouple with an eyelet shaped terminal...that's about the easiest and most reliable way to go.

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I read Emerson on the can. A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds...true...but a consistent reading of Emerson has its uses nevertheless.

StuMusic

Hello I've made mine myself using à plan foound in internet i will send you it by mp

It cost only 100$ to build

You know, it should be pointed out that a PID control system for side bending is completely over kill, although it will certainly work. All you really need is some form of a rheostat and some type of thermometer. Easy and cheap.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

Good advice above.


Yes, that's an excellent plan, or at the very least, have an electrician carefully check everything you've done before plugging anything in. You don't want to learn electrical safety the hard way.

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David Malicky