Alright, so PID is in. Installation is fairly non-eventful (though not comepletly trouble free), and it only took about 2 to 3 hrs to put in the hardware/wires. The swagelock borethru fitting was a bit pain in the butt to use because it was so small (1/16" OD x 1/4" NPT) and I was a bit worry about the probe hitting one leg of the heating element. But it turn out okay I think. The probe should be about 3/8" to the heating element with about an 3/8" or so of immersion.
Okay, now the hard part. With the PID, I am learning the machine all over again.
I have been taking A LOT of data trying to understand the new behavior and to setup a routine to get what I want. Due to its HX nature, it's a bit more complex than I anticipated. I have to get more data before I can provide an more comprehensive picture. This will take a while (at least a week or two), so don't be surprised if I disappeared for a while again.
One other behavior of the PID - the pump does drop pressure whenever the element comes on (ever 1 sec). This has cemented my idea of getting a rotary pump so part sourcing has begun. I ultimately decided to get an outboard setup to save me money and agony of fitting everything in the case. The parts should be coming in next week or two...
Until then, go drink some espresso. Ecco's Daterra Reserve rules! (Check out their new website! Online order finally!!)
-Ben
