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CT425 PID Temperature Controller
Technical User Guide

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Summary of Contents for Minco CT425

  • Page 1 CT425 PID Temperature Controller Technical User Guide...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    CT425 PID Temperature Controller Contents Document Overview This document provides an overview of how to use the CT425 PID Temperature Controller ....... 2 CT425 PID Temperature Controller. Contents ............. 2 Document Overview ........... 2 For More Information For more information on the contents of this document, For More Information ..........
  • Page 3: Introduction

    A word or phrase with first letter capitalization (such as Relay Output) refers to a feature on the CT425 such as a terminal block connection or a function feature such as Alarm.
  • Page 4: Contents

    TB2:2 – RTD INPUT 1 (-) TB2:3 – RTD INPUT 2 (+) TB2:4 – RTD INPUT 2 (-) TB2:5 – LOGIC VOLTAGE OUTPUT (+) TB2:6 – LOGIC VOLTAGE OUTPUT (-) page 2 | © 2013 Minco | 360-00127(C) | minco.com...
  • Page 5 No terminal is provided for grounding since the CT425 does not require grounding. Ground at either the sensor end, or add a separate ground wire at the CT425 end.
  • Page 6 Typical Wiring Diagrams Below are typical wiring diagrams for DC and AC versions of the CT425. Since the SSR and Relay output are isolated, they may use the same power supply that powers the device if desired, or a different power supply.
  • Page 7: Configuration

    Configuration Once the CT425 is attached to a computer and the configuration software is started, press “Connect to Device”. If this is successful, the configuration stored on the CT425 is retrieved and displayed, along with the measured sensor temperature and output status.
  • Page 8: Output Settings

    Note that when the output is Disabled, the respective output is de-energized regardless of this setting. Also note that despite setting Reverse Acting to True, the output will not remain “closed” when the CT425 is unpowered. Over/Under: Determines whether the output engages when the sensor temperature is over or under the Setpoint. This applies to the Alarm Function only.
  • Page 9: Pid Settings

    An easy, though generic option is to simply set Kp, Ki, and Kd to 100, 2, and 0, respectively. These are the default values the CT425 are shipped with, and work reasonably well in many applications. Kd could instead be set to 1000 for full PID. Again, these values are generic and are by no means intended to work in every application.
  • Page 10: Autotune

    Be aware that simple on/off control is used while autotuning, and it’s possible that significant overshoot will occur during this Autotune step if the Autotune Output Step is set too high. page 8 | © 2013 Minco | 360-00127(C) | minco.com...
  • Page 11: Data Logging

    Once Autotuning is complete, control is immediately returned to the Function selected for that output. Data Logging The CT425 includes two methods of data logging: On-Board, and PC. The intended purpose of these two data loggers is different. The On-Board logger runs continuously and transparently in a loop, storing a number of the most recent samples. Should something unexpected happen, a computer may be connected to the device and the contents downloaded for analysis.
  • Page 12 The PC logger is part of the Windows utility program and simply polls the CT425 on a continual basis, then directly saves the temperature readings to a CSV file. See below sections for more information. On-board Data Logger The On-board logger is active as long as the CT425 is powered. It does not affect any other function and therefore, is completely transparent to the user.
  • Page 13 PC Data Logger The PC Data Collection tab in the Data Collection group contains settings for the PC logger. The CT425 must be connected to the host computer when using the PC Data Logger since data is immediately stored on the host computer.
  • Page 14: Submitting Settings

    The Write Settings to Device button commands the CT425 to commit the changes directly into non-volatile memory. This means that if the CT425 loses power, it will power up with this configuration. Performing this function while running a high page 12...
  • Page 15: General Usage

    As an example, assume the user has a CT425 they wish to use in a heating application. It will be connected to a sensor, heater, and source of power, but won’t be connected to a computer. First the user connects the CT425 to their computer in order to configure the sensor types, outputs, set point, etc.;...
  • Page 16 AC Mode In an effort to reduce switching noise, the CT425 will switch the SSR and LVO at the zero crossings (ZC) when in AC mode. This behavior applies to any function (PID, On/Off, Alarm). The Relay Output does not perform ZC switching due to the impracticality of doing so with mechanical contacts.
  • Page 17: Errors

    Ensure the CT425 is receiving proper supply voltage and try cycling the power. Another possible situation the Status LEDs can indicate is if the CT425 is in manufacturing mode. This is characterized by rapidly alternating yellow Status LEDs, and occurs if a very low resistance is present across the LVO during application of power.
  • Page 18: Bluetooth Low Energy (-Bt Option Only)

    Android or Apple smartphone. The primary purpose of this is to monitor real-time operation of the CT425 without using a PC because the CT425 does not have a display. It is important to note that the PC software is required to initially configure the CT425 with sensor types, output types, etc.
  • Page 19 “Disconnect” and temperatures will appear (Figure 17). To change units and setpoints, select the Settings button and change the appropriate settings. The CT425 is updated when the Save button is selected. Then use the back key to return to the previous screen.
  • Page 20 Application An iPhone 4S or newer iPhone can be used to connect to the CT425. From the App Store, download the CT425 Utilities App. With Bluetooth powered on, open the CT425 Utilities application and scan for devices by selecting Scan on the top left.
  • Page 21: Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)

    A: Check what is connected to the LVO. A low resistance across that output will cause this. Q: I have a 3 or 4 wire RTD, but the CT425 only provides two connections. Can these RTDs be used? A: Yes. Either the extra wires can be left disconnected, or they can be grouped together.
  • Page 22: Specifications

    If both inputs are configured for Thermistor, the CT425 will assume both thermistors are the same type and same parallel resistor. Note that the Thermistor function is not calibrated; only platinum RTD is. Measurement accuracy is typically within 0.5C of the true value, but it’s not guaranteed nor characterized.
  • Page 23: Outputs

    Sample rate: 40ms to 49.7 days in one millisecond increments Type: Circular buffer (oldest sample overwritten with new sample) Utility Program Data Logger Capacity: Limited only by host computer disk space Resolution: 0.01°C / 0.018°F page 21 | © 2013 Minco | 360-00127(C) | minco.com...
  • Page 24: General

    Solid State Relay: A type of relay without mechanical contacts constructed from solid state components. Universal Serial Bus: A common computer interface on computers for interfacing to various peripherals. page 22 | © 2013 Minco | 360-00127(C) | minco.com...

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