DANGER- Mains voltage is LETHAL, DEADLY. Do not do any experiments with mains voltage unless you are competent to do so. As an extra precaution I have an in line E.L.C.B.(Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker) safety switch, this will cut supply of mains voltage almost instantly in the event of leakage to earth, ie via a human being for instance.
On right is RKC Rex C10 suitable for up to 400Celsius(752F) on the SV, that is the temp you want to set and control. On the PV(measured value) scale the reading will read to 999Celsius(1830F). The PV reading changes as the temperature as read by the thermocouple changes. On the left is a contactor(solenoid operated switch). 240 volts active line goes to one output terminal on the controller, the other output terminal goes to one side of the solenoid coil, the other side of the solenoid coil connects to neutral line. The power wires to the heating element will be connected to the heavy duty contacts. This contactor is actually a three phase unit that's why there are 3 big output terminals seen in the dark grey area, there are three similar input terminals on the other side.The thermocouple wire is at the front of the test board, I was heating the thermocouple with a small gas torch for playing around with this setup.
Here I have the SV(set value) set at 380C and as the measured value is 468C the alarm panel light is on and also the 240 volt light bulb I have connected to the alarm circuit.
Looking down on the test board, domestic 240 volt supply coming in to the rear of the terminal block on the right.
Here is the element I intend to use, it is glowing dull red and is 418Celsius. I only want an oven suitable to 400C so hope that this element will be suitable.
I got this for nothing because it was "buggered". A repair in the battery wires department and she's as good as gold. The battery lid lugs are broken that's why the masking tape is around it to hold the lid in place. The range is -50C to 1300C and can be set to 1degree or 1/10 degree resolution. C or F is selectable and there is a switch to read either input terminal T1 or T2.
This is another controller I have, it's capable of controlling up to 999C. This one doesn't seem to be as sophisticated as the RKC. On the RKC all functions and settings are accessed and set using only 4 buttons. I havn't hooked this one up on the test board yet. If I get a suitable heating element or wire I will be able to whip up an oven for up to 999C, hey then I'll be cooking.
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