Hi Folks,
Though many modern espresso machines come with a factory fitted PID many other well regarded entry level pro-sumer ones e.g Silvia, Gaggia Classic etc do not - and the consistent feedback is that fitting a PID is one of the most effective ways to improve the extraction quality from these. Traditionally essentially these same components have been sold in pre-configured kits at considerable price markups (~$300+) - though they still required the user fitting them anyway. BUT often these machines actual market value/worth is as much or close to the cost of these kits, which might make the expenditure on such a kit slightly illogical (IMHO anyway).
In several recent threads I've found that people ended up discussing PIDs and specifically very cost effective DIY PIDs that they'd either bought in kit form (generally comprising a digital PID controller box, an SSR (solid state relay) unit and a K-type thermocouple) or individually purchased the bits from Ebay etc. Hence though it takes a little more effort it does seem somewhat logical to me to get the base components and save 80-90% in total costs though with a little more leg work required.
SO.....I just wondered if anyone has fitted a DIY type PID either from a basic kit or from component they compiled themselves? If so, what did they use for components? The Rex C100 is a very common one that comes up but I've seen discussion saying it's unsuitable for many machines as it only has a 2A internal relay? But love to know what folks have used successfully. I think you're saving quite a bit of money as is so getting good quality parts and not just the cheapest ones isn't a big trade off.
Likewise what reference materials did folks refer to for the install, programming of the PID etc?
Discussions applying to any PID kits (even the more expensive commercial ones e.g Watlow) welcomed and any machines that they're installed into.
Much thanks in advance,
Nick
PS. As Ebay links are not allowed might I respectfully suggest quoting the item numbers (where you can) for any items you wish to reference. Thank you. :-)
Though many modern espresso machines come with a factory fitted PID many other well regarded entry level pro-sumer ones e.g Silvia, Gaggia Classic etc do not - and the consistent feedback is that fitting a PID is one of the most effective ways to improve the extraction quality from these. Traditionally essentially these same components have been sold in pre-configured kits at considerable price markups (~$300+) - though they still required the user fitting them anyway. BUT often these machines actual market value/worth is as much or close to the cost of these kits, which might make the expenditure on such a kit slightly illogical (IMHO anyway).
In several recent threads I've found that people ended up discussing PIDs and specifically very cost effective DIY PIDs that they'd either bought in kit form (generally comprising a digital PID controller box, an SSR (solid state relay) unit and a K-type thermocouple) or individually purchased the bits from Ebay etc. Hence though it takes a little more effort it does seem somewhat logical to me to get the base components and save 80-90% in total costs though with a little more leg work required.
SO.....I just wondered if anyone has fitted a DIY type PID either from a basic kit or from component they compiled themselves? If so, what did they use for components? The Rex C100 is a very common one that comes up but I've seen discussion saying it's unsuitable for many machines as it only has a 2A internal relay? But love to know what folks have used successfully. I think you're saving quite a bit of money as is so getting good quality parts and not just the cheapest ones isn't a big trade off.
Likewise what reference materials did folks refer to for the install, programming of the PID etc?
Discussions applying to any PID kits (even the more expensive commercial ones e.g Watlow) welcomed and any machines that they're installed into.
Much thanks in advance,
Nick
PS. As Ebay links are not allowed might I respectfully suggest quoting the item numbers (where you can) for any items you wish to reference. Thank you. :-)
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