JLD612 SSR cycle time
Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2013 9:03 am
I have built a custom sausage smoker with an inside volume of approximately 18' x 24" x 4o". It has a 1500 watt heating element that is controlled by the JLD612 using a SSR. The smoker walls are 2" think with thermal insulation and it is equipped with a small fan that circulates smoke/air within the smoker to help keep the vertical temperature gradient more even as the element is at the bottom of the smoker. Operating temps are between 140-180 degrees F. I have auto tuned the unit and it works very well. However, I have noticed that once the smoker has reached the set point temperature that the relay seems to cycle too often (around once every two seconds or so). I would think that this cycle time could reduced to avoid excessive switching of the SSR even though it is rated at 60 amps (oversize factor of 3) and equipped with a large heat sink and cooling fan for working in the summer months. So I have a couple of questions...
1) Is the fast cycle time normal? What parameters can I change to slow the switching even if I sacrifice some temperature accuracy as I don't really care if I over/undershoot by a couple of degrees. I understand that changing some of the P, I, and D parameters as well as the SouF and Ot parameters can have serious consequences if not done correctly.
2) Also, does the set temp during the auto tune procedure matter? I initially tuned it to 200 degrees but the smoking process I use call for various times of cooking at 160, 170, 180, etc. I typically change the temp by manually increasing the set temp by using the increase button (^) on the unit. Is this any different than using the "0001" menu and entering my desired temp as the SV parameter? In essence, by manually pressing the (^) button to increase temp am I ignoring auto tune parameters that would be used if I set the temp as the SV parameter? Or is it the same thing?
I've attached a pic of the smoker in action on a snowy day. Overall, I'm happy with the controller just need some advice on fine tuning.
Thanks in advance!
-Gary
1) Is the fast cycle time normal? What parameters can I change to slow the switching even if I sacrifice some temperature accuracy as I don't really care if I over/undershoot by a couple of degrees. I understand that changing some of the P, I, and D parameters as well as the SouF and Ot parameters can have serious consequences if not done correctly.
2) Also, does the set temp during the auto tune procedure matter? I initially tuned it to 200 degrees but the smoking process I use call for various times of cooking at 160, 170, 180, etc. I typically change the temp by manually increasing the set temp by using the increase button (^) on the unit. Is this any different than using the "0001" menu and entering my desired temp as the SV parameter? In essence, by manually pressing the (^) button to increase temp am I ignoring auto tune parameters that would be used if I set the temp as the SV parameter? Or is it the same thing?
I've attached a pic of the smoker in action on a snowy day. Overall, I'm happy with the controller just need some advice on fine tuning.
Thanks in advance!
-Gary