Hacked 85-2 heated magnetic stir plate

[wildburkey]

Hi everyone, I recently bought one of these el cheapo Chinese gizmos and no matter what I done with the PID settings it would overshoot a long way past the set point.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/AU-85-2-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
It soon became apparent that the hot plate was overpowered so I installed a SCR voltage regulator before the element so I could have control of the heat being applied. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4000W-22...150410?hash=item25cfbe614a:g:pdYAAOSw2x1XKa4O
Since doing this I am sitting within .1 of a degree so figured I would share in case any other's have one of these sitting around collecting dust as an ornament.

 

[Andy_27]

Thats awesome! Ive got that stir plate without the PID and the heater is useless. Maybe I could install one and be able to use it

 

[wildburkey]

I'll test the theory for you later on today Andy; I'll set the set point high and try control the temp by SCR control alone. P.S. It's a 220V 250W element in the one I've got here.