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screen printing => Equipment => Topic started by: Squeeky on February 28, 2019, 02:28:01 PM

Title: upgrading a "Little Buddy"
Post by: Squeeky on February 28, 2019, 02:28:01 PM

Hey guys,
I have a Little Buddy that I use for little odd and end jobs and tests.
It takes way too long to adjust a temp setting for different garment material with the analog temp controller and get it right everytime.

Has anyone ever converted a temp controller on a similar oven to something in the digital world?

Just curious,
Thanks

jack

Title: Re: upgrading a "Little Buddy"
Post by: ebscreen on February 28, 2019, 02:37:18 PM

Yep, super simple.

Not familiar with the Little Buddy but depending on what it has you will need:

Power Supply (for DC to PID and relays)
Temperature PID controller
Thermocouple
Relay(s) (I recommend SSR's but you may be able to use what's in the LB already. Usually 1 per panel)

Should cost less than $100 for everything.

Title: Re: upgrading a "Little Buddy"
Post by: easyrider1340 on March 01, 2019, 10:09:07 AM

I put a PID and SSR in an old dryer that I had.  It was quite easy to install, but I couldn’t wrap my head around programming it before I sold the dryer. 

My new (to me) dryer was already programmed - thankfully!  Lol


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Title: Re: upgrading a "Little Buddy"
Post by: Pangea on March 01, 2019, 10:28:11 AM

I upgraded a Ranar DX-200 to PID control at the end of last year. Here is the kit I used-

https://www.ebay.com/itm/100-240V-Digital-PID-Temperature-Controller-40A-SSR-K-Thermocouple-Sensor-/223238676836?hash=item33fa0fe164 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/100-240V-Digital-PID-Temperature-Controller-40A-SSR-K-Thermocouple-Sensor-/223238676836?hash=item33fa0fe164)

I ended up replacing the sensor with an 8" wand style from Amazon and picked up a heat sink. If I were to do it again I would get a controller that shows F instead of C but other than that it works pretty well.

Title: Re: upgrading a "Little Buddy"
Post by: ebscreen on March 01, 2019, 01:44:42 PM

The fun part is if you wire a thermocouple backwards the display temp goes down as physical temp goes up.

Most of them have a "learning" mode. Set it to heat (as opposed to cool, they can do either) and run it.

Title: Re: upgrading a "Little Buddy"
Post by: easyrider1340 on March 06, 2019, 10:14:09 AM

Quote from: Pangea on March 01, 2019, 10:28:11 AM

I upgraded a Ranar DX-200 to PID control at the end of last year. Here is the kit I used-

https://www.ebay.com/itm/100-240V-Digital-PID-Temperature-Controller-40A-SSR-K-Thermocouple-Sensor-/223238676836?hash=item33fa0fe164 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/100-240V-Digital-PID-Temperature-Controller-40A-SSR-K-Thermocouple-Sensor-/223238676836?hash=item33fa0fe164)

I ended up replacing the sensor with an 8" wand style from Amazon and picked up a heat sink. If I were to do it again I would get a controller that shows F instead of C but other than that it works pretty well.

I used a similar kit, but mine was able to switch between C and F.   I’m surprised yours doesn’t have that option. 


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Title: Re: upgrading a "Little Buddy"
Post by: printing194 on March 06, 2019, 06:24:24 PM

Can y'all post pics of how you wired it up?
Thanks.
I have the little buddy also