Thread: How to convert your ashtray into a digital engine alarm for $39

Originally Posted by Debacle

Just wondering if I used one of these digital temp gauges and instead of using the thermocouple wired it to a sensor in the bottom radiator hose would it give an accurate reading ?

Thinking of using one to switch au falcon fans.

They will read whatever the temperature is at the sensor, so not really sure what you mean by an "accurate reading".
The bottom radiator hose would be the coldest bit of the cooling system (after the coolant has passed through the radiator).
Maybe I'm just not up with the whole electric fan thing, but I can't think of an advantage of putting the sensor there instead of in a position near the thermostat housing or top hose area.

Steve

Originally Posted by steveG

They will read whatever the temperature is at the sensor, so not really sure what you mean by an "accurate reading".
The bottom radiator hose would be the coldest bit of the cooling system (after the coolant has passed through the radiator).
Maybe I'm just not up with the whole electric fan thing, but I can't think of an advantage of putting the sensor there instead of in a position near the thermostat housing or top hose area.

Steve

Sorry Steve, got things a bit mixed up, just want to get it registering a temp similar to what the thermostat is registering at and have it operating the fans at a few degrees above that. Just not sure if using the thermocouple attached to the head somewhere will give me that.

Can someone tell me if the first alarm pictured in the first post 12-24V Digital PID Temperature Controller

has the inputs to cater for two thermocouples and sound the one buzzer if either alarm exceeds the alarm setpoint. The wiring diagram appears to show two inputs but just wondering if anyone has wired it up this way?

Originally Posted by Sleeping Wood

Can someone tell me if the first alarm pictured in the first post 12-24V Digital PID Temperature Controller

has the inputs to cater for two thermocouples and sound the one buzzer if either alarm exceeds the alarm setpoint. The wiring diagram appears to show two inputs but just wondering if anyone has wired it up this way?

Hi,

No unfortunately the controller has only one temperature input. It has three wires for the one input as the RTD type sensors use three wires but less expensive thermocouples like the one I used require only 2 wires.

I havn't come across any similar controllers that have 2 temperature inputs. At work (a brewery) we use the Solo and Shimaden brand controllers which are a lot more expensive and even these have only 1 temp input. (but can cater for PLC event-type inputs as well, to sound alarms etc)

I'd image you'd either have to build a circuit to cater for your requirements, install a second controller (cheapest/easiest) or bite the bullet and go for a MadMan EMS.

Cheers
Simon

I'm researching an Arduino unit to take multiple temp and pressure inputs and have alarms for same. Probably 6 temps and 2 pressures, screen to display any 2 at once, switches to display sensor that alarms on event.

Originally Posted by clubagreenie

I'm researching an Arduino unit to take multiple temp and pressure inputs and have alarms for same. Probably 6 temps and 2 pressures, screen to display any 2 at once, switches to display sensor that alarms on event.

An arduino with display to show temp, egt and boost would be ideal.

How to convert your ashtray into a digital engine alarm for $39.

Hi, I am interested in the above method, but I need more info such as: Does the unit connect to the original temp sensor, Has anybody got this up and running and does it work well? probably many more questions. I am handy at car electrics but I am no genius. Does the controller ( AC DC 12 24V Digital PID Dual Temperature Controller D1S 2R 24 | eBay ) come with a wiring diagram and does this system work efficiently. I have looked at many other options, but they are all quite expensive. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks Guys - Gerry

PS. Mine is a Discovery 1

Originally Posted by wedgetail37

How to convert your ashtray into a digital engine alarm for $39.

It can be done for about $15.

This is the one I fitted. I connected a buzzer to sound when the temperature reaches whatever setting I put into it.

Best Tdi 300 Overheat Alarm

It uses its own sensor.

The biggest part of the job was convincing myself to cut out a section in that plate the fit the display.

This might be where I bought mine.

Digital Temperature Controller Thermostat 12V 10A Switch 40?? 120

I can't be sure where I bought it because I found them available in so many places for around that price.