Watlow 96 Heat Controller

[amcardon]

Hey guys, I am finally finishing up my HT oven and just wanted to double check on the controller. This started out as a project for one of my buddy's classes as he's finishing up his masters in mech. engineering. Anyway, he has a new Watlow 96 controller that seems like it will work out just fine, I just wanted to get the "green light" from the experts out there that it will be sufficient for me.

If any of you use this controller and have any tips for me I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm hoping to rosy up my first piece of steel tonight (fingers crossed)!

 

[amcardon]

Oh good hell, I just looked at the users manual... I hope it makes sense to him cuz I'm way too retarded to do this solo!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

That will work fine. I think I have one somewhere out in the shop. Don't let the programing scare you. Most all the program parameters will be the default setting. The manuals are a bit intimidating.

 

[Lon Aguiar]

I have a Watlow 965. You just want to look at the full model # on the unit and check the power supply voltage and the output control signal. They are set up for specific output control. The one I have has a 4-20mA process output and it was a pain to find the right relay to work with it. You want to look for one that has a SSR output (K in the model #).

 

[amcardon]

Ooh, mine is an F controller... We do have it going to an SSR, does this mean it's not gonna work?

 

[Lon Aguiar]

I also have an F controller. I got it off ebay and thought I got a good deal until I found out it didn't have a universal output.
This is what I finally found to use with it. It takes a 4-20mA input control signal. I would give Watlow a call to see what will work and what your options are.