I've found this indutrial grade temp controller/pyro that I really like because it has an alarm out. It's actual intended to be a temp controller but can be used as a pyro with no modification. I like the idea of an audible alarm both for myself and any others driving my truck. I can also see turning the ashtray into a pod for this thing

They sell a k type probe to go with it for too.

My concerns:
-Their probe may not work well in a diesel application since it's not built to be screwed in etc. -- but I should be able to buy and use any K probe with it.
-Requires a minimum 20v power -- but I should be able to run 24v from the dual batteries in my truck.

Anything else I should be worried about?

Any concerns about general fitness or applicability?

Thanks.

 

did you wire your whole truck for 24 volts? you cant run a 24 volt accessory without redoing the whole thing unless you can wire it up using some diodes or something

 

Doh! Good point. I had been thinking I'd just run two seperate leads all the way from each battery. But I hadn't thought about what effect the ground/return would have.

Hmmm. Back to the drawing board. I think I've seen some egt gauges with warning lights....

 

On second/third thought I've already been planning on permanently wiring up a spare 12VDC to 120VAC converter in my cab. The digital pyro will run of 120 AC quite happily and and the converter will handle everything including the ground.

Sure glad you saved me from the 24V plan. Yeesh.

Any other concerns I'm missing?

 

One thing I noticed is it shows K input to be a max of 1300, that isn't high enough if you really want to know what temps you are spiking at.

If 1300 is the max how accurate is it at that range? It is very easy to see 1300 or more with these trucks. A LOT more even

 

Well I was finally ready to give up on my beloved idea, but when I doublechecked the manual it says for a K thermocouple it's max 0-1300 Celsius or 32-2400 Fahrenheit.

Previously I hadn't looked at range, but I did check accuracy which is .2% or 3 degrees at 1500, which oughta be good. I'm sure that's dependant on the quality of the probe too.

Regardless, I really appreciate the feedback because I don't have any real world experience with this stuff. I'm interested in the possibilities but concerned that I may be ovlerlooking something.

Thanks and keep it coming.

 

What about a small step up transformer to power just the pyro?

 

I emailed the manufacturer and he says they expect to have a 12v model in production in a month or two. In the meantime he says he'll sell me a working prototype with 2 alarm outs, one for high, one for low. He says it's a little bigger so I'm not sure about mounting options etc.

I've asked if I would still get a warranty if I buy a 'prototype'. We'll see what happens.

Another downside is if it does 12v native it won't be so oddball anymore. I'm almost mourning my plans to rig up a converter or transformer. Heh.

 

Allrighty, I'm getting a 12V version that's probly too big to fit in the ashtray hole. Oh well. Also the probe lacks a compression fitting so I'll probly get that elsewhere too.

If anyone's interested, I'll post how it works out. If not I'll just go quietly.

Thanks for all the feedback, etc.

 

"What about a small step up transformer to power just the pyro?"

Transformers (step up or step down) only work with AC. Our trucks are DC. Any voltage changes through a transformer must first be converted to AC, run through the tranformer, then changed to DC.

Steve

 

Wasn't thinking to cleary when I posted. Thanks for catching my mistake (10HAAP).