Instruction Manual

PID Temperature Controllers for Espresso Machines – 09/08/2007

Figure 1

Note: This manual is written for various Chinese controllers available AFTER
approximately 9/1/06. Controllers purchased BEFORE this date may have slightly different
parameters available under Code 0089 and Code 0036. These are detailed in the file
PID_Manual_1.doc.

1. Product Highlights
Thermocouple Compatibility: T, K, J, and others (B, R, S, E, Wre3, & Wre25).
Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTD’s): Pt100, Cu50.
Outputs: 1 Relay output and 1 SSR controlled output.
Time-proportional PID controlled output to either Relay or SSR
Three built-in algorithms that fit most control objects and various applications.
Temperature Display: Degrees Fahrenheit or Degrees Celsius.

2. Specifications
Supply Voltage Range: 20-260V AC or DC
Power consumption: < 2 Watts
Sampling speed: 4/sec.
SSR driving output: 10VDC, 40mA.
Accuracy: 0.2% of full scale
Resolution: 1 F, 1 C or 0.1 F, 0.1 C only when using P10.0 RTD for input signal
LED Display: Red, 0.28 inch tall
Out of range indication /no input to controller: “EEEE”
Ambient temperature requirements: 0 to 50 C (32 to 122 F)
Humidity requirement: < 85% RH
Relay Contact Rating: 240VAC, 3A
Controller dimensions: 48 mm x 24 mm x 75 mm (1/32 DIN).
Required Installation Opening (cut-out): 44 mm x 20 mm

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3. Panel Illustration and Description

Figure 2

1 - AL, Relay J1 Indicator.

2 - Select next parameter / value increment.
3 - Selection previous parameter / value decrement.
4 - Digit select / Auto tuning.
5 - Setting / Confirm.
6 - Output, controlled output indicator. (AT) is blinking during the auto-tuning
process.
7 - Temperature reading, degrees F or degrees C (as chosen)

4. Initialization Parameter Setting (power required)

a. Temporarily connect power and, optionally, your temperature sensor to the PID unit –
see Section 8.

b. Press (SET) to enter the setting mode, then enter code “0089” and press (SET) again.

c. The first parameter, “Inty” will appear on screen. Press (SET) and scroll through the
various sensor types by pressing the▼ or ▲ key until the one you want appears. Press (SET)
to select that particular sensor. Note that the symbols for a “t” or “k” thermocouple are
slightly garbled.

d. Press the▲ key to see the next parameter, “Outy”, and then press (SET). Press the
▼ or ▲ key to scroll through the choices (0, 1, or 2) and press (SET) when the one you want
is shown.

e. Press the ▲ key to see the next parameter, “Atdu” and then press (SET). Press (>)
and then ▼ or ▲ to select the value in degrees you desire for the autotune offset and then
press (SET) when the value you want is displayed. The autotune offset is typically 10% of
the Sv value (23 degrees F or 11 degrees C

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 f. Continue the same process for the remaining three parameters.

Table 1 - Initialization Parameters (Code 0089)

Symbol Description Range Default Setting Comment

Inty Temperature Sensor Type See Table 2 PT100

outy Method of controlled 0,1,2 2 Note 1

output
Atdu Autotune offset 0 to 200 10 Note 2
degrees
PSb Temperature Sensor -100 to +100 0 Note 3
Correction degrees F, C
rd Heating = 0;Cooling = 1 0,1 0

CorF Celsius = 0;Fahrenheit = 1 0,1 0 Note 4

End Exit *********** ******* ********** **********

Table 2 - Temperature Sensor Type (Inty)

Symbol Description Original Range Range (Omega) Comment

0 ~ 400 C -200 ~ 350 C
t T Thermocouple Internal Resistor
32 ~ 752 F -328 ~ 662 F
0 ~ 1600 C 0 ~ 1450 C
r R Thermocouple Internal Resistor
32 ~ 2912 F 32 ~ 2642 F
0 ~ 1200 C 0 ~ 750 C
J J Thermocouple Internal Resistor
32 ~ 2192 F 32 ~ 1382 F
0 ~ 2300 C
WrE WRe Thermocouple Internal Resistor
32 ~ 4172 F
350 ~ 1800 C 0 ~ 1700 C
b B Thermocouple Internal Resistor
32 ~ 3272 F 32~ 3092 F
0 ~ 1600 C 0 ~ 1450 C
S S Thermocouple Internal Resistor
32 ~ 2912 F 32 ~ 2642 F
0 ~ 1300 C -200 ~ 1250 C
K K Thermocouple Internal Resistor
32 ~ 2372 F -328 ~ 2282 F
0 ~ 900 C -200 ~ 900 C
E E Thermocouple Internal Resistor
32 ~ 1652 F -328 ~ 1652 F
-200 ~ 600 C
P10.0 P100 RTD Constant Output
-200 ~ 600 C
P100 Pt100 RTD Constant Output
Cu50
Cu50 RTD -50.0 ~ 150.0 C Constant Output

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Note 1 (applies to “outy”) :

0: Relay J1 as alarm output; SSR Disabled, normally used for upper or lower limit alarm
trigger control

1: Relay J1 PID controlled output: SSR Disabled. Contact controlled output

2: Relay J1 as alarm output; SSR PID controlled 10 Volts DC output. No Contact controlled
output

Note 2: (applies to “Atdu”):

The autotune offset will shift the Sv value down by the chosen “Atdu” value during the
autotuning process. This will prevent any damage to the system (espresso machine, kiln
furnace, BBQ smoker, etc.) which is being controlled during the autotuning process.

Note 3: (applies to “PSb”) :

Inputting a value for this parameter allows you to “at-home-calibrate” your temperature
measuring system. You can use a large pot of boiling water and place your thermocouple at
the midpoint of the pot or you can use a distilled water ice slurpy in a covered thermos jug.
The boiling water temperature will vary with your altitude and barometric pressure whereas
the slurpy temperature will not be affected by either. Of course, the boiling water
temperature is closer to the “range of interest”. Your choice – or do both.

Note 4: (applies to “CorF”) :

This parameter sets the display to either degrees C (“0”) or degrees F (“1”). Some users have
reported that the TET-7100 and possibly other controllers “work better” when all data and
readings are in degrees Centigrade vice degrees Fahrenheit. Obviously, some users are also
more accustomed to seeing and thus thinking in terms of degrees C vice degrees F. The
controller was designed in and around degrees Centigrade measurement/display and degrees
Fahrenheit is simply displayed as a multiplier (1.8C + 32).

5. PID Parameter Setting

To enter the PID parameter setting mode, press (SET), enter code “0036”, and then press
(SET) again. The first parameter, “P” will be displayed. Press (SET) again and the default
value will be displayed (5.0). Press (SET) again to accept that value or use the arrow buttons
to change the value to that desired. When finished, press (SET) again.

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 Figure 3

Table 3 - PID and Relevant Parameters (Code 0036)

Symbol Description Range Default Setting Comment

P Proportional Constant 0.1 ~ 99.9 (%) 5.0 Note 5

I Integral Time 2 ~ 1999 (Sec) 100 Note 6

d Derivative Time 0 ~ 399 (Sec) 20 Note 7

SouF Damping Constant 0.1 ~ 1.0 0.2 Note 8

ot Control Period 2 ~ 199 (Sec) 2 Note 9

FILt Digital Filtering 0~3 0 Note 10

Strength
End Exit ************ ******* ********* **********

The P, I, and d parameters control the response accuracy and the response time of the
temperature controller. Auto-tuning is recommended for users who are not familiar with PID
control theory and as initial “ball-park” settings which can easily be fine-tuned later. P, I and
d values should only be adjusted in relatively small steps and only after writing down what

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the existing “auto-tuned” values are prior to making adjustments. For espresso machine use,
“P” should be no higher than 5.0 and “d” should be about 25% of “I”. Typical values of “I”
are 20-44 and for “d”, 5-11.

Note 5
Proportional Constant (P): The Proportional Constant represents the gain of the signal
amplifier. It is entered as a percent of the input range of the controller. The problem comes
in knowing what is meant by input range. The minimum and maximum values that can be
entered for SV with the SYL-1512 are -199 and 2999 F or C, respectively. That translates
into an input range of about 3200 degrees. Given a P value of 2.0 (2.0 %), the proportional
constant would be 64. As P is increased, temperature fluctuation of the object being
controlled decreases but the time to return to the setpoint in a stable manner increases.
Conversely, as P is reduced, the temperature fluctuation of the object being controlled
increases but the time to return to the setpoint in a stable manner decreases. If P is too small,
the system may become non-convergent.

Note 6
Integral time (I): The integral time is the speed at which a corrective increase or decrease in
output is made to compensate for offset. As “I” is increased, the controller action slows
down. A decrease in “I” results in faster action, i.e. as “I” is lowered, response time is
reduced but the system is less stable.

Note 7
Derivative time (d): The derivative time is that time used in calculating the rate of change and
thermal lag in helping eliminate overshoot. The derivative action dampens proportional and
integral action as it anticipates where the process should be. The more derivative time
entered, the greater the damping action. The derivative time should only be as large as
necessary to eliminate overshoot without over-damping the process, resulting in oscillation.

Note 8
Damping Constant (SouF): This constant can help the PID control further improve the control
quality as it helps to dampen the temperature overshoot. When SouF is set too low, the
system might overshoot. When it is set too high, the system will be overdamped and may not
reach the value set for Sv.

Note 9
Control Period (ot): As “ot” is set lower, the heating/cooling cycle is driven faster, and thus
system response speed is faster. When using an electro-mechanical contact control (relay),
the mechanical contacts will wear out faster. When an electro-mechanical contact control
(relay) is used, normally set ot = 5~30. When a non-contact control relay (SSR) is used,
normally set ot = 2 (the minimum value which can be set).

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Note 10
Digital Filtering (Filt): Filt = 0, filter disabled; Filt = 1, weak filtering effect; Filt = 2,
moderate filtering effect; Filt = 3, strongest filtering effect. The stronger the filtering, the
more stable the readout, but the controller will have more readout display delay.

6. Temperature and Alarm Parameter Setting

To enter the temperature and alarm parameter setting mode, press (SET), enter code “0001”,
then press (SET) again.

Table 4 - Temperature Setting and Alarm Related Parameters (Code 0001)

Symbol Description Range Default Setting Comments

Sv Target Temperature Within testing range 80.0

AH1 Relay Closed Within testing range 80.0

AL1 Relay Opened Within testing range 90.0

End Exit **************** ****** ********** **********

During Normal Operation mode, pressing (^) or (v), the display will show SV. Pressing (^)
or (v) again would increase or decrease SV by 1 degree.

a) Set AH1 = AL1, relay is disabled.

b) Set AH1 > AL1: Normally used for upper limit alarm trigger. See Figure 4.

c) Set AH1 < AL1: Normally used for lower limit alarm trigger. See Figure 5.

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 Figure 4 Figure 5

7. Auto-Tuning

By pressing a single button, the built-in artificial intelligence is activated to automatically

calculate and set parameters ( P, I, d, SouF ) that fit the condition to be controlled.

Figure 6

a. To activate auto-tuning, press and hold (>) until “AT” indicator is blinking, which
indicates auto-tuning is in progress. Activate auto-tuning when the machine to be controlled
is at or 10% below your typical setpoint temperature (SV). When auto-tuning finishes, the
“AT” indicator light turns off. Now newly calculated PID parameters are stored in memory
and will be used by the controller from this point forward.

b. To EXIT during the auto-tuning process, press and hold (>) until the “AT” indicator stops
blinking. The previously entered PID parameters values are now used by the controller.

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8. Connection Terminals (back view)

Figure 7

Prior to installing the unit in a panel or other enclosure, some of the basic parameters which
are not set during the auto-tuning process should be established. Note that the controller can
not be set up in any fashion unless power is supplied. Proceed as follows:

a. Supply the unit with power to terminals 1 and 2 – an 18 gage extension cord with
striped ends works fine. Note that the polarity of power at these terminals does not
matter.

b. Attach the leads of a thermocouple to terminals 6 and 7, observing correct polarity.

c. Note that if a 2-wire RTD is used as the temperature input signal, terminals 6 and 7
MUST be electrically shorted (jumpered) as shown in Figure 7.

9. Supplied Thermocouple

These inexpensive PID controllers are often (but not necessarily) supplied with a Type K
thermocouple. This thermocouple has “loose” ¼-20 threads and is designed to be used
PRIMARILY in conjunction with a thermowell or measuring ambient temperature inside a
kiln or roaster where there is high temperature but zilch pressure. While it COULD BE
adapted to an espresso machine, $10 + shipping would buy you the “proper” type of
thermocouple from Omega or other reputable thermocouple supplier. The easiest to install
would be a washer-style thermocouple and the “best” from a control/accuracy standpoint
would be a Type T with special limits of error (SLE) wire.

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10. Application Example

Assume you want to control the water temperature of an espresso machine’s boiler by
measuring the surface temperature of the boiler top. A surface mounted, washer-style, Type
T thermocouple is chosen. Boiler surface is to be maintained at 230 deg F which coincides
with an internal temperature of approximately 240 F. Available power supply is 110-120
VAC and a solid state relay (SSR) with a rating of 25A will be used to control the boiler’s
800 watt heating element.

a) Choose a PID temperature controller with input from a Type T thermocouple

b) See Figure 8 for connection diagram
c) Enter parameter settings

Figure 8

(Inty) = t (auto-tuning should be used to initially set

(outy) = 2 PID parameters – P, I, d, SouF)

(PSb) = 0 (SV) = 230 deg F

(Rd) = 0 (AH1) = 325 deg F

(CorF) = 1 (AL1) = 325 deg F

(FILt) = 0
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Power up the controller and press (>) to activate auto-tuning. I would recommend initiating
the auto-tuning process when your machine is at setpoint or about 10% below setpoint (SV)
and seeing what values are returned for P, I, d, and SouF. When “AT” stops blinking, new
PID parameters are generated for the system and retained internally in non-volatile memory.
The controller is now in normal operation mode. A data sheet is provided below for your
adventures in manual tuning your PID should you find this necessary.

DATA SHEET

P
I d SouF Comments (response time,
Date SV 1.2-
60-120 15-30 0.1-1.0 overshoot/undershoot, etc.)
4.8

Enter Code 0036 to change parameters P, I, d, and SouF,

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11. Using the PID Controller as a simple temperature meter
The inexpensive PID controllers (1/32 & 1/16 DIN) available on Ebay range in price from
$25 to $35 + S&H. Although they display whole digits only, they all have the ability to
correct their “readings” (but not their display) to tenths of a degree. They usually require a
temperature correction of 2 to 4 degrees but once “calibrated” to a particular thermocouple,
“system” accuracy is dramatically improved. Their disadvantage is that they require power
(typically 110-120 VAC is used) but this is most easily accomplished with a shortened
extension cord whose female plug end is snipped off. A very flexible 18 gauge appliance
cord ($5) available from your local hardware store works best. Make sure the PID can read
the type of thermocouple you want to use (Type T highly preferred) – most, if not all, 1/32
DIN controllers can while the 1/16 DIN controllers on Ebay are sometimes limited to Type K
thermocouples. READ THE ITEM DESCRIPTION VERY CAREFULLY AND ASK
THE SELLER QUESTIONS.

If you desire to not see/hear the alarm contacts activate, set AL1=AH1 in the alarm settings
mode. However, please note that some interesting control schemes could be developed using
the relay contacts of the alarm, i.e. automatically stop the pump (open the pump run circuit)
when the cooling flush reads temperature “X”.

***************************************************************************

Editor’s Notes: This is a REVISED EDITION of the manual that is shipped with a variety
of inexpensive (but good value) PID temperature controllers available from Ebay and other
sources. Their typical price is $ 25 - 35 + shipping.

The specific 1/32 DIN PID temperature controllers which this document is considered to be
applicable to are: SYL-1512 from Auber Instruments, SET-712 from Tibet Electronics, and
the TET-7100 from ColdfusionX.

Changed all color drawings to B&W and edited illustrations to make them clearer

Added columns to tables where you could pencil in “your” values

Added column to Table 2 to insert normal ranges (from Omega Engineering, Inc.) for the
particular input chosen

Edited grammar and corrected some spelling

I’m still working on this document as I learn more and more – it is a work in progress. If you
happen to disagree with anything I have written, PLEASE e-mail me with the suggested
corrections – [email protected]

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