Bow oven controller

[Pago]

One more step towards making some glass bows.

I like things I can set and forget. Here is my version of a bow oven (lights) controller. This unit has a timer, thermostat and relay controlling one outlet. The other outlet is on when the unit is plugged in. I will be able to set this for however long I want, it will control the temperature in the oven and shut off automatically. I can add a fan if I desire. To protect the thermostat I added an inexpensive 10 amp relay. If interested I will post parts details and wiring instructions.

Thanks for looking.


 

 

[T Folts]

I have the exact same set up, works great. I bought the controller on line and the timer from Home Depot.

[Pago]

T Folts, Great minds think alike.  Thanks for your service everyday should be memorial day.

This is my attempt to give something back.  Here are the important bits.

     
Docooler 10A 110V Digital Temperature Controller Thermocouple -58~194 Fahrenheit with Sensor (Amazon)


   
DefiantLCD Touchscreen In-Wall Countdown Timer (Home Depot)

   
125VAC/10A DPDT Plug-In Relay (Radio Shack)

If using a relay you will also need an 8-pin socket. There are several types available depending on your installation. I used this one.

   
NTE R95-111 Relay 8-Pin Socket

Depending on the configuration it can be very simple or complex. It is probably overkill but I went with the 10 amp relay to protect the thermostat. I didn't want the thermostat carrying the full load of the lights even though it is rated at 10 amps. As configured the thermostat is only powering the switching coil in the relay.

[Ice Mike]

If you guys ever want an automated oven controller with all the frills let me know. I am a programmer and temperature controls is my main field. I can build you a controller that you can connect to your wireless network and access through a web browser. You can use that graphic front end to set a temperature setpoint, timer, control how fast or slow the oven heats up, turn convection on or off, or even preheat the thing from your office computer or smart phone before you even get home..You name it I can make it happen. Not trying to sell you guys or toot my horn, but there is nothing that is out of the question..It all just boils down to your imagination..and budget of course..If you guys ever want me to design you a custom controller don't hesitate to ask.

[Ice Mike]

[Pago]

Now you tell me!  

That is a great offer but, in all this was a fun project for me. I'm a dummy when it comes to controls, it was fun to make something custom that actually works!

[JamesV]

MAN.............you guys are too much. Mybox has 8-100 watt bulbs and I burn 4 in the summer and 6 in the winter but now I have to buy a timer and thermo to just keep up.

James

[Pago]

Glad I could be of service.   :D

[canopyboy]

Pago & TFolt-- you double check the sensor against a thermometer you trust? I bought the same controller, and the sensor that came with it seems to read way too high. I think I ended up at 94 degrees celsius as my set point to achieve 180 degrees Farenheit with a calibrated thermometer. Wasn't sure if I just had a bum sensor unit.

[Pago]

I'm assuming you purchased the celsius unit? I searched around on amazon and found the fehrenheit unit. I have checked mine against a calibrated thermometer and it is dead on. I believe there is a menu setting in the unit to adjust the zero point. Sorry for your trouble, I hate fiddling with stuff I buy to make it work right.

[T Folts]

I checked mine also and is dead on.

[canopyboy]

Yep, when I looked I couldn't find a Fahrenheit version available. I wondered if they'd eventually offer one.

I will have to play with it a little more. It's not a zero point adjustment, but a slope (deg/V) adjustment I need to make. Should be in there somewhere I guess. And if not, I could get a new sensor. It wasn't that important to the functionality, but does bug me a bit. The controller itself is nice and simple, but works great.

[Pago]

Hi all,

Had a request for wiring. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. These diagrams are relevant for the equipment I used. I did not include the timer wiring. Ground everything you can including the timer and any outlets. And be careful, never work on a live circuit. Two versions with and without the relay.

Without the relay.
 


With the relay