Homebrew PCBs

I would have guessed that there might be two bi-metal disk thermostats in 
there, but will check.

However, you made me smile with the overkill method you used ;-) Hopefully 
you had a controller available to you at no cost. But I certainly admire 
your approach.

My thought was to simply replace the lower temp thermostat with a higher 
value, again, assuming that's what's inside. Given the fact that it's one of 
the low-cost units, I've got to believe that to be the case.

Chuck



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "josemj1" <kerwoodderby@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:57 PM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Laminator modifications


> Chuck,
>
> I modified a cheap ($30) laminator I bought at Wal-Mart, by letting a
> process controller like this one control the temperature:
>
> http://www.omega.com/ppt/pptsc.asp?ref=CN132&Nav=temp03
>
> I have seen similar "autotune" ones on ebay for less than $50.
>
> Originally, the laminator had two things in series with the heating
> element: a fixed-temperature thermostat for regulating the
> temperature, and an over-temp breaker for protection, which tripped at
> a much higher temperature.
>
> I ripped out all that wiring and let the process controller's relay
> control power to the heating element. I used a piece of thermocouple
> cable as the temperature sensor, by twisting together the wires at one
> end and clamping this end to the heated frame.
>
> I'm fairly certain the GBC unit is similarly wired; you should open it
> up and take a peek.
>
> Marshall
>
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Chuck Kelsey" <wb2edv@...> wrote:
>>
>> OK, new question related to the problem I believe I was having.
>>
>> Who has modified their laminator to either produce a higher heat or
> longer
>> (slower) processing time? Could you share the info?
>
>
>
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and 
> Photos:
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>
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>
>