Auber Instruments PID Temperature Controller Syl-2342 Introduction

High-precision temperature control is possible with the help of the dependable and accurate Auber Instruments PID Temperature Controller SYL-2342. Its digital display and user-friendly interface make it simple to monitor and change the temperature settings. Applications needing exact temperature control, like cooking, brewing, and other industrial operations, are perfect for this controller. The SYL-2342 minimizes temperature variations and enhances overall process efficiency by providing stable and consistent temperature control through its sophisticated PID control algorithm.

Caution

• This controller is intended to be used with proper safety equipment under normal operating conditions. Failure or malfunction of the controller may result in personal injury or damage to the equipment or other property, devices (limit or safety controls), or systems (alarm or supervisory) intended to warn of or protect against failure or malfunction of the controller. To prevent harm to you and to the equipment, this item must be incorporated into and maintained as a part of the control system under the appropriate environment.
• Installing the rubber gasket supplied will protect the controller front panel from dust and water splash (IP54 rating). Additional protection is needed for a higher IP rating.
• This controller carries a 90-day warranty. This warranty is limited to the controller only. 

Specifications

• Input Type
  • Thermocouple (TC): K, E, S, N, J, T, B, WRe5/26
  • RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector): Pt100, Cu50
  • DC Voltage: 0~5V, 1~5V, 0~1V, -100~100mV, - 20~20mV, -5~5V, 0.2~1V
  • DC current: 0~10mA, 1~10mA, 4~20mA. (Use external shunt resistor for higher current)
• Input Range
  • Please see section 4.7 for details.
• Accuracy
  • ±0.2% Full scale: RTD, linear voltage, linear current, and thermocouple input with ice point compensation or Cu50 copper compensation.
  • 0.2% Full scale or ±2°C: Thermocouple input with internal automatic compensation.
    • Note: For thermocouple B, the measurement accuracy of ±0.2% can only be guaranteed when the input range is between 600~1800°C.
• Response Time
  • ≤0.5s (when FILt = 0)
• Display Resolution
  • 1°C, 1°F; or 0.1°C
• Control Mode
  • Fuzzy logic enhanced PID control
  • On-off control
  • Manual control
• Output Mode
  • Relay contact (NO): 250VAC/7A, 120V/10A, 24VDC/10A
• Alarm Output
  • Relay contact (NO): 250VAC/1A, 120VAC/3A, 24V/3A
• Alarm Function
  • Process high alarm, process low alarm, deviation high alarm, and deviation low alarm
• Manual Function
  • Automatic/Manual bumpless transfer
• Power Supply
  • 85~260VAC/50~60Hz
• Power Consumption
  • ≤5 Watt
• Ambient Temperature
  • 0~50ºC, 32~122ºF
• Dimension
  • 48 x 48 x 100mm (W x H x D)
• Mounting Cutout
  • 45 x 45mm

Available Configurations

All the models listed in Table 1 are 1/16 DIN size with dual-alarm outputs.

Table 1. Controller Models

Terminal Wiring

Figure 1. Wiring Terminals of SYL-2342 and SYL-2342P

1. Sensor Connection
   Please refer to Table 3 for the input sensor type (Sn) setting codes. The initial setting for input is for a K type thermocouple. Set Sn to the right sensor code if another sensor type is used.
2. Thermocouple 
   The thermocouple should be connected to terminals 4 and 5. Make sure that the polarity is correct. There are two commonly used color codes for the K type thermocouple. US color code uses yellow (positive) and red (negative). Imported DIN color code uses red (positive) and green/blue (negative). The temperature reading will decrease as the temperature increases if the connection is reversed. When using an ungrounded thermocouple that is in touch with a large conductive subject, the electromagnetic field picked up by the sensor tip might be too large for the controller to handle, the temperature display will change erratically. In that case, connecting the shield of the thermocouple to terminal 5 (circuit ground of the controller) might solve the problem. Another option is to connect the conductive subject to terminal 5.
3. RTD Sensor 
   For a three-wire RTD with standard DIN color code, the two red wires should be connected to terminals 3 and 4. The white wire should be connected to terminal 5. For a two-wire RTD, the wires should be connected to terminals 4 and 5. Jump a wire between terminals 3 and 4. Set controller input type Sn to 21.
   1. Linear Input (V, mV, mA, or Resistance) 
      V and mA current signal inputs should be connected between terminals 2 and 5. Terminal 2 is positive. mV signal inputs should be connected between terminals 4 and 5. Terminal 4 is positive. For resistance inputs, short terminals 3 and 4, then connect resistance inputs between terminals 4 and 5.
   2. Power to the Controller 
      The power cables should be connected to terminals 9 and 10. Polarity does not matter. This controller can be powered by an 85-260V AC power source. Neither a transformer nor a jumper is needed to wire it up. For the sake of consistency with the wiring example described later, we suggest you connect the hot wire to terminal 9 and neutral to 10.
   3. Control Output Connection The relay output of the controller SYL-2342 can be used to turn on a contactor or a solenoid valve. It can drive a small heater directly if the heater draws less than 10A when connected to a 120V AC power source. For applications needing two control outputs, such as one for heating and another for cooling, relays AL1 or AL2 can be used for the second output with on/off control mode. Please see Figure 11 for details.
      1. Connecting the Load through a Contactor 
         Assuming the controller is powered by 120V AC and the contactor has a 120V AC coil, jump a wire between terminals 8 and 9. Connect terminal 7 to one lead of the coil and terminal 10 to the other lead of the coil. Please see Figure 7 for an example.
      2. Connecting the Heater (or Cooler) Directly from the Internal Relay Assuming the controller and the load (heater or cooler) are powered by the same voltage. Jump a wire from terminal 9 to 8. Connect terminal 7 to one lead of the load and terminal 10 to the other lead of the load. Please see Figures 6 and 9 for details.
   4. For First-Time Users Without Prior Experience with PID Controllers, the Following Notes May Prevent You from Making Common Mistakes
      1. There is no power that flows through terminal 9 and 10 of the controller to the heater. This is because this controller consumes less than 2 watts of power, providing only a control signal to the relay. Therefore, wires in the 18 to 26 gauge range should be used to provide the power for terminals 9 and 10. (Thicker wires may be more difficult to install.)
      2. The alarm relays AL1 and AL2, are “dry” single-pole switches, which means they provide no power to themselves. Please see Figures 6, 7, and 11 for how they are wired when providing a 120V output (or when output voltage is the same as the power source for the controller). If the load of the relay requires a different voltage than that for the controller, another power source will be needed. See Figure 8 for examples.
      3. For all controller models listed in this manual, the power is modified by regulating the duration of “on” time for a fixed period. It is not controlled by regulating the amplitude of the voltage or current. This is often referred to as time proportional control. For example, if the cycle rate is set for 100 seconds, a 60% output means the controller will switch on the power for 60 seconds and off for 40 seconds (60/100 = 60%). Almost all high power control systems use time proportional control because amplitude proportional control is too expensive and inefficient.

Description

With its many uses, the Auber Instruments Syl-2342 Temperature Controller is a user-friendly and adaptable temperature controller. With a dual display that shows the process value and the setpoint, it provides an easy-to-use interface. High-quality materials used in the construction of the temperature probe guarantee precise and trustworthy temperature readings. Additionally, the controller contains an over-temperature prevention feature that guards against harm to the gadget and any attached equipment. With its Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Syl-2342 temperature controller enables remote control and monitoring.

Front Panel and Operation

1. PV Display: Indicates the sensor’s readout or process value (PV). 
2. SV Display: Indicates the set value (SV) or output value (%). 
3. AL1 Indicator: It lights up when the AL1 relay is on (Display alarm 1). 
4. AL2 Indicator: It lights up when the AL2 relay is on (Display alarm 2). 
5. A-M Indicator: The light indicates that the controller is in manual mode. For the controllers with the Ramp/Soak option, this light indicates that the program is running. 
6. Output Indicator: It is synchronized with control output (terminal 7 and 8) and the power to the load. When it is on, the heater (or cooler) is powered. 
7. SET Key: When it is pressed momentarily, the controller will switch the lower (SV) display between set value and percentage of output. When pressed and held for two seconds will put the controller into parameter setting mode.
8. Automatic/Manual Function Key (A/M) /Data Shift Key.
9. Decrement Key ▼: Decreases the numeric value of the setting value. 
10. Increment Key ▲: Increases the numeric value of the setting value.

Display Status

• Display Mode 1: When the power is turned on, the upper display window shows the measured value (PV), and the lower window shows the four-digit set value (SV). 
• Display Mode 2: Press the SET key to change the display status into mode 2. The upper display window shows the measured value (PV), and the lower windows show the output value. The example above pictures the output percentage at 60% when in Automatic (PID) control mode. If parameter A-M = 1 (see Table 2), pressing the A/M key will switch the controller between PID and Manual control mode while leaving the output unchanged. This bumpless/smooth transfer allows the controller to be switched between manual and automatic mode without the output suddenly “bumping” to a different value. 
• Display Mode 3: Press the SET key for 2 seconds to enter the display mode 3. (This mode allows users to change the system parameters.)

Basic Operation

1. Changing Set Value (SV) 
   Press the ▼ or ▲ key once. The decimal point on the lower right corner will start to flash. Press the ▼ or ▲ key to change SV until the desired value is displayed. If SV has a large change, press the A/M key to move the flashing decimal point to the desired digit that needs to be changed. Then press the ▼ or ▲ key to start changing SV from that digit. The decimal point will stop flashing after no key is pressed for 3 seconds. The changed SV will be automatically registered without pressing the SET key.

2. Display Change 
   Press the SET key to change the display mode. The display can be changed between display modes 1 and 2.

   

3. Manual/Automatic Mode Switch 
   Bumpless switching between PID mode and Manual mode can be performed by pressing the A/M key. The A-M LED will light up when the controller is in Manual mode. In Manual mode, the output amplitude can be increased or decreased by pressing ▲ and ▼ (display mode 2). Please note that manual control is initially disabled (A-M = 2). To activate the manual control, set A-M = 0 or 1.
4. Parameter Setup Mode 
   In display mode 1 or 2, press SET and hold for roughly 2 seconds until the parameter setup menu is displayed (display mode 3). Please refer to 4.3 for how to set the parameters.

Setup Flow Chart

While in the parameter setup mode, use ▲ and ▼ to modify a digit. Use A/M to select the digit that needs to be modified. To exit the parameter setup mode, press the A/M and SET key at the same time. The controller will automatically exit if no key is pressed for 10 seconds. Figure 4 is the setup flow chart. Please note the changed parameter will be automatically registered without pressing the SET key. If the controller is locked (see 4.17). Only limited parameters (or no parameters) can be changed.

Parameter Setting

Table 2. System Parameters

Alarm Parameters

This controller offers four types of alarms, “ALM1”, “ALM2”, “Hy-1”, “Hy-2”.

• ALM1: High limit absolute alarm. If the process value is greater than the value specified as “ALM1+Hy” (Hy is the Hysteresis Band), then the alarm will begin to sound. It will turn off when the process value is less than “ALM1-Hy”.
• ALM2: Low limit absolute alarm. If the process value is less than the value specified as “ALM2-Hy”, then the alarm will turn on, and the alarm will turn off if the process value is greater than “ALM2+Hy”.
• Hy-1: Deviation high alarm. If the temperature is above “SV+Hy-1 +Hy”, the alarm will turn on, and the alarm will turn off if the process value is less than “SV+Hy-1 -Hy” (we will discuss the role of Hy in the next section).
• Hy-2: Deviation low alarm. If the temperature is below “SV-Hy-2 -Hy”, the alarm will turn on, and the alarm will turn off if the temperature is greater than “SV-Hy-2 +Hy”.

The things you should know about alarms:

1. Absolute Alarm and Deviation Alarm High (or low) limit absolute alarm is set by the specific temperatures that the alarm will be on. Deviation high (or low) alarm is set by how many degrees above (or below) the control target temperature (SV) that the alarm will be on. For example, ALM1 = 1000°F, Hy-1 = 5°F, Hy = 1, SV = 700°F. When the probe temperature (PV) is above 706, the deviation alarm will turn on. When the temperature is above 1001°F, the process high alarm will turn on. When SV changes to 600°F, the deviation alarm will be changed to 606 but the process high alarm will remain the same. Please see 4.5.2 for details.
2. Alarm Suppression Feature Sometimes, the user may not want the low alarm to be turned on when starting the controller at a temperature below the low alarm setting. The Alarm Suppression feature will suppress the alarm from turning on when the controller is powered up (or SV changes). The alarms can only be activated after the PV reaches SV. This feature is controlled by the B constant of the COOL parameter (see 4.14). The default setting is alarm suppression on. If you use the AL1 or AL2 relay for a control application that needs it to be active as soon as the controller is powered up, you need to turn off the alarm suppression by setting B = 0.
3. Assignment of the Relays for the Alarms AL1 and AL2 are the names of the two relays used for alarm output. AL1 is the alarm relay 1 and AL2 is alarm relay 2. Please do not confuse the relays with alarm parameter ALM1 (process high alarm) and ALM2 (process low alarm). AL-P (alarm output definition) is a parameter that allows you to select the relay(s) to be activated when the alarm set condition is met. Please note that the deviation alarm cannot trigger alarm relay AL1. You can set all four alarms to activate the one relay (AL1 or AL2), but you can’t activate both relays for just one alarm.
4. Display of the Alarm When the AL1 or AL2 relay is activated, the LED on the upper left will light up. If you have multiple alarms assigned to a single relay, it should be helpful to know which alarm is activated. This can be done by setting the E constant in the AL-P parameter (see 4.13). When E = 0, the bottom display of the controller will alternately display the SV and the activated alarm parameter.
5. Activate the AL1 and AL2 by Time Instead of Temperature For the controllers with the ramp and soak function (SYL-2342P and SYL-2352P), AL1 and AL2 can be activated when the process reaches a specific time. This is discussed in section 3.7 of the “Supplementary Instruction Manual for Ramp/Soak Option”.

Hysteresis Band “Hy”

The Hysteresis Band parameter Hy is also referred to as Dead Band, or Differential. This permits protection of the on/off control from high switching frequency caused by process input fluctuation. The Hysteresis Band parameter is used for on/off control, 4-alarm control, as well as the on/off control at auto-tuning. For example: (1) When the controller is set for on/off heating control mode, the output will turn off when the temperature goes above SV + Hy and on again when it drops to below SV - Hy. (2) If the high alarm is set at 800°F and hysteresis is set for 2°F, the high alarm will be on at 802°F (ALM1 + Hy) and off at 798°F (ALM1 - Hy). Please note that the cycle time can also affect the action. If the temperature passes the Hy set point right after the start of a cycle, the controller will not respond to the Hy set point until the next cycle. If the cycle time is set to 20 seconds, the action can be delayed as long as 20 seconds. Users can reduce the cycle time to avoid the delay.

Control Mode “At”

• At = 0: On/off control. It works like a mechanical thermostat. It is suitable for devices that do not like to be switched at high frequency, such as motors and valves. See 4.5.2 for details.
• At = 1: Start auto-tuning. In display mode 1, press the A/M key and auto-tuning will initiate.
• At = 2: Start auto-tuning. It will initiate automatically after 10 seconds. The function is the same as starting auto-tuning from the front panel (At = 1).
• At = 3: This configuration applies after auto-tuning is done. Auto-tuning from the front panel is inhibited to prevent accidental restarting of the auto-tuning process. To start auto-tuning again, set At = 1 or At = 2.

Control Action Explanations

PID Control Mode 
Please note that because this controller uses fuzzy logic enhanced PID control software, the definition of the control constants (P, I, and d) is different than that of the traditional proportional, integral, and derivative parameters. In most cases, the fuzzy logic enhanced PID control is very adaptive and may work well without changing the initial PID parameters. However, users may need to use the auto-tune function to let the controller determine the parameters automatically. If the auto-tuning results are not satisfactory, you can manually fine-tune the PID constants for improved performance. Or you can try to modify the initial PID values and perform auto-tuning again. Sometimes the controller will get better parameters. The auto-tune can be started in two ways:

1. Set At = 2. It will start automatically after 10 seconds.
2. Set At = 1. You can start the auto-tune any time during the normal operation by pressing the A/M key. During auto-tuning, the instrument executes the on-off control. After 2-3 times on-off action, the microprocessor in the instrument will analyze the period, amplitude, and waveform of the oscillation generated by the on-off control and calculate the optimal control parameter value. The instrument begins to perform accurate artificial intelligence control after auto-tuning is finished. If you want to exit from the auto-tuning mode, press and hold the (A/M) key for about 2 seconds until the blinking of the "At" symbol is stopped in the lower display window. Generally, you will need to perform auto-tuning once. After the auto-tuning is finished, the instrument will set parameter “At” to 3, which will prevent the (A/M) key from triggering auto-tune. This will prevent an accidental repeat of the auto-tuning process.
3. Proportional Constant “P” Please note the P constant is not defined as Proportional Band as in the traditional model. Its unit is not in degrees. A larger constant results in larger and quicker action, which is the opposite of the traditional proportional band value. It also functions in the entire control range rather than a limited band. If you are controlling a very fast response system (>1°F/second) that fuzzy logic is not quick enough to adjust, set P = 1 will change the controller to the traditional PID system with a moderate gain for the P.
4. Integral Time “I” Integral action is used to eliminate offset. Larger values lead to slower action. Increase the integral time when temperature fluctuates regularly (system oscillating). Decrease it if the controller is taking too long to eliminate the temperature offset. When I = 0, the system becomes a PD controller.
5. Derivative Time “D” Derivative action can be used to minimize the temperature overshoot by responding to its rate of change. The larger the number, the faster the action.

On/Off Control Mode

It is necessary for inductive loads such as motors, compressors, or solenoid valves that do not like to take pulsed power to enable the On/Off control mode. When the temperature passes the hysteresis band (Hy), the heater (or cooler) will be turned off. When the temperature drops back to below the hysteresis band, the heater will turn on again. To use the on/off mode, set At = 0. Then, set the Hy to the desired range based on control precision requirements. Smaller Hy values result in tighter temperature control but also cause the on/off action to occur more frequently.

Manual Mode

Manual mode allows the user to control the output as a percentage of the total heater power. It is like a dial on a stove. The output is independent of the temperature sensor reading. One application example is controlling the strength of boiling during beer brewing. You can use the manual mode to control the boiling so that it will not boil over to make a mess. The manual mode can be switched from PID mode but not from on/off mode. This controller offers a “bumpless” switch from the PID to manual mode. If the controller outputs 75% of power at PID mode, the controller will stay at that power level when transitioned into the manual mode until it is adjusted manually. See Figure 3 for how to switch the display mode. The manual control is initially disabled (A-M = 2). To activate manual control, please make sure At = 3 (section 4.4.3) and A-M = 0 or 1 (section 4.16). If you are currently in ON/OFF mode (At = 0), you will not be able to use manual mode.

Cycle Time “t”

Cycle time is the time period (in seconds) that the controller uses to calculate its output. For example, when t = 20, if the controller decides the output should be 10%, the heater will be on for 2 seconds and off for 18 seconds for every 20 seconds. For relay or contactor output, it should be set longer to prevent contacts from wearing out too soon. Normally it is set to 20~40 seconds.

Input Selection Code for “Sn”

Please see Table 3 for the acceptable sensor type and its range.

Table 3. Code for Sn and Its Range

Decimal Point Setting “dP”

1. In case of thermocouple or RTD input, dP is used to define temperature display resolution.
   • dP = 0, temperature display resolution is 1°C (°F).
   • dP = 1, temperature display resolution is 0.1°C. The 0.1-degree resolution is only available for Celsius display. The temperature will be displayed at the resolution of 0.1°C for input below 1000°C and 1°C for input over 1000°C.
2. For linear input devices (voltage, current, or resistance input, Sn = 26-37). 

Table 4. dP Parameter Setting

Limiting the Control Range, “P-SH” and “P-SL”

1. For temperature sensor input, the “P-SH” and “P-SL” values define the set value range. P-SL is the low limit, and P-SH is the high limit. For example, sometimes you may want to limit the temperature setting range so that the operator can’t set a very high temperature by accident. If you set the P-SL = 100 and P-SH = 130, the operator will only be able to set the temperature between 100 and 130.
2. For linear input devices, “P-SH” and “P-SL” are used to define the display span. e.g. If the input is 0-5V. P-SL is the value to be displayed at 0V and P-SH is the value at 5V.

Input Offset “Pb”

Pb is used to set an input offset to compensate for the error produced by the sensor or input signal itself. For example, if the controller displays 5°C when the probe is in an ice/water mixture, setting Pb = -5 will make the controller display 0°C.

Output Definition “OP-A”

This parameter is not used for this model. It should not be changed.

Output Range Limits “OUTL” and “OUTH”

OUTL and OUTH allow you to set the output range low and high limits.

• OUTL is a feature for systems that need to have a minimum amount of power as long as the controller is powered. e.g. If OUTL = 20, the controller will maintain a minimum of 20% power output even when the input sensor failed.
• OUTH can be used when you have an overpowered heater to control a small subject. e.g. If you set the OUTH = 50, the 5000-watt heater will be used as a 2500W heater (50%) even when the PID wants to send 100% output.

Alarm Output Definition “AL-P”

The parameter “AL-P” may be configured in the range of 0 to 31. It is used to define which alarms (“ALM1”, “ALM2”, “Hy-1” and “Hy-2”) are output to AL1 or AL2. Its function is determined by the following formula:

AL-P = AX1 + BX2 + CX4 + DX8 + EX16

• If A = 0, then AL2 is activated when Process high alarm occurs.
• If A = 1, then AL1 is activated when Process high alarm occurs.
• If B = 0, then AL2 is activated when Process low alarm occurs.
• If B = 1, then AL1 is activated when Process low alarm occurs.
• If C = 0, then AL2 is activated when Deviation high alarm occurs.
• If C = 1, then AL1 is activated when Deviation high alarm occurs.
• If D = 0, then AL2 is activated when Deviation low alarm occurs.
• If D = 1, then AL1 is activated when Deviation low alarm occurs.
• If E = 0, then alarm types, such as “ALM1” and “ALM2” will be displayed alternately in the lower display window when the alarms are on. This makes it easier to determine which alarms are on.
• If E = 1, the alarm will not be displayed in the lower display window (except for “orAL”). Generally, this setting is used when the alarm output is used for control purposes.

For example, to activate AL1 when a Process high alarm occurs, trigger AL2 by a Process low alarm, Deviation high alarm, or Deviation low alarm, and not show the alarm type in the lower display window, set A = 1, B = 0, C = 0, D = 0, and E = 1. Parameter “AL-P” should be configured to:

AL-P = 1X1 + 0X2 + 0X4 + 0X8 + 1X16 = 17 (this is the factory default setting).

Note: Unlike controllers that can be set to only one alarm type (either absolute or deviation but not both at the same time), this controller allows both alarm types to function simultaneously. If you only want one alarm type to function, set the other alarm type parameters to maximum or minimum (ALM1, Hy-1 and Hy-2 to 9999, ALM2 to –1999) to stop its function.

“COOL” for Celsius, Fahrenheit, Heating, and Cooling Selection

The parameter “COOL” is used to set the display unit, heating or cooling, and alarm suppression. Its value is determined by the following formula:

COOL = AX1 + BX2 + CX8

• A = 0, reverse action control mode for heating control.
• A = 1, direct action control mode for cooling control.
• B = 0, without alarm suppressing at powering up.
• B = 1, alarm suppressing at powering up.
• C = 0, display unit in °C.
• C = 1, display unit in °F.

The factory setting is A = 0, B = 1, C = 1 (heating, with alarm suppression, display in Fahrenheit). Therefore,

COOL = 0X1 + 1X2 + 1X8 = 10

To change from Fahrenheit to Celsius display, set COOL = 2.

Input Digital Filter “FILt”

If the measurement input fluctuates due to noise, then a digital filter can be used to smooth the input. “FILt” may be configured in the range of 0 to 20. Stronger filtering increases the stability of the readout display but causes more delay in the response to changes in temperature. FILt = 0 disables the filter.

Manual and Automatic Control Mode Selection “A-M”

Parameter A-M is for selecting which control mode to use, the manual control mode or the automatic PID control mode. In manual control mode user can manually change the percentage of power to be sent to the load while in automatic PID control mode the controller decides how much percentage of power will be sent to the load. Please note that this parameter does not apply to situations where the controller is set to work in on/off mode (i.e., At = 0) or when the controller is performing auto-tuning (i.e., At = 2 or At = 1 and the auto-tune has started). During auto-tuning, the controller is actually working in on/off mode).

• A-M = 0, manual control mode. The user can manually adjust the percentage of power output. The user can switch from manual control mode to PID control mode.
• A-M = 1, PID control mode. The controller decides the percentage of power output. The user can switch from PID mode to manual mode.
• A-M = 2, PID control mode only (switching to manual mode is prohibited).

Please see Figure 3 for how to switch from automatic control mode to manual control mode or vice versa.

Lock up the Settings, Field Parameter “EP” and Parameter “LocK”

To prevent the operator from changing the settings by accident, you can lock the parameter settings after the initial setup. You can select which parameter can be viewed or changed by assigning one of the field parameters to it. Up to 8 parameters can be assigned to field parameters EP1-EP8. The field parameter can be set to any parameter listed in Table 2, except for parameter EP itself.

When LocK is set to 0, 1, 2, and so on, only parameters or setting values of the program defined in an EP can be displayed. This function can speed up parameter modification and prevent critical parameters (like input, and output parameters) from being modified.

If the number of field parameters is less than 8, you should define the first unused parameter as none. For example, if only ALM1 and ALM2 need to be modified by field operators, the parameter EP can be set as follows:

• LocK = 0, EP1 = ALM1, EP2 = ALM2, EP3 = nonE.

In this case, the controller will ignore the field parameters from EP4 to EP8. If field parameters are not needed after the instrument is initially adjusted, simply set EP1 to nonE.

Lock Code 0, 1 and 2 will give the operator limited privileges to change some of the parameters that can be viewed. Table 5 shows the privileges associated with each lock code.

Table 5. LocK Parameter

Note: to limit the control temperature range instead of completely locking it, please refer to section 4.9.

Setup Guide

Use these procedures to configure the Auber Instruments Temperature Controller Syl-2342:

• Join the controller and temperature probe.
• Attach the power supply to the controller.
• Link the equipment that requires temperature control to the controller.
• Use the up and down buttons to set the desired temperature.
• The controller will automatically control the temperature and show the process value on the screen.

PID Temperature Controller Syl-2342 Wiring Examples

Controlling the Load Directly with Internal Relay

Controlling the Load via External Contactor

Using the external contactor allows users to control higher power loads than the internal relay can handle. It is also easy to service. If the contacts of the relay wear out, it is more economical to replace them than to repair the controller. In this example, we assume the coil voltage of the contactor is the same as the voltage of the controller power supply. The voltage of the power supply for the alarm is 120V AC. Note: You don’t have to wire or set the alarm to control the temperature. It is just to show how the alarm can be wired.

Controlling a 24V Valve

Cooling and Heating with the Same Controller

This is an example for beer fermentation. The refrigerator is driven by the internal relay of the controller directly. Please note that the internal relay output (terminals 7 and 8) is not powered by itself. A power supply must be used to drive the external relay. The refrigerator must consume less current than the internal relay’s maximum rating (7A at 240V AC and 10A at 120V AC). The bulb (less than 100-300 W) is for heating. The example is set up to have the heater turn on when the temperature drops below 60°F and turn off at 64°F. The refrigerator will turn on when the temperature is above 69°F and turn off at 65°F.

Setup for the Controller

1. Hy = 2.0. Set both hysteresis bands for the heater and cooler to 2 degrees.
2. COOL=9. Set the controller to cooling mode, no alarm suppression, Fahrenheit temperature unit display.
3. At = 0. Set the controller main output to on/off control mode for refrigerator compressor control.
4. ALM2 = 62. Set the low limit alarm to 62°F. The heater will be on at 60°F (ALM2-Hy) and off at 64°F (ALM2+Hy).
5. SV = 67. The refrigerator will be on at 69°F (SV + Hy) and off at 65°F (SV - Hy).

Maintaining a Temperature Difference Using Two Thermocouples

Connect two thermocouples in series with opposite polarity (negative connected to negative). Leave the two positives connected respectively to the input terminals on the controller. The one for the lower temperature is connected to the negative input of the TC input. The one for the higher temperature is connected to the positive input.

Setup the Controller (Assume K Type TC is Used)

1. Sn = 35. Set the input type to -20mV~20mV. It eliminates the interference of the internal cold junction compensation circuit.
2. P-SL = -501 and P-SH = 501. This converts the millivolt units to degrees Celsius. (P-SL = -902 and P-SH = 902 for Fahrenheit). To control a 20ºC difference, set SV = 20.

Note, P-SL and P-SH are calculated assuming the temperature/voltage relation of the TC is linear for the application range. We used 20ºC temperature differences at 0ºC for this calculation. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Controlling the Load via External Contactor in a 240V System

1. Wiring
   1. Power to the Controller
      Connect the 85-260V AC power to terminals 9 and 10.
   2. Control Output Connection
      Connect terminals 7 and 8 for output.
      • Sensor Connection: For thermocouples, connect the positive wire to terminal 4, and the negative to terminal 5. For a three-wire RTD with standard DIN color code, connect the two red wires to terminals 3 and 4, and connect the white wire to terminal 5. For a two-wire RTD, connect the wires to terminals 4 and 5. Then, jump a wire between terminals 3 and 4.
2. Set Sensor Type 
   Set Sn to 0 for a K type thermocouple (default), 5 for a J type thermocouple, and 21 for a Pt100 RTD.
3. Switching Between Automatic and Manual Mode 
   Set A-M = 1 to activate manual mode. Press the A/M key to switch between automatic and manual mode.
4. Changing the Temperature Scale from Fahrenheit to Celsius
   Change COOL (for Celsius, Fahrenheit, Heating, and Cooling Selection) from 10 to 2 (for heating mode).
5. Setting the Controller for Cooling Control
   For cooling control, set COOL = 11 to display Fahrenheit; set COOL = 3 to display Celsius.
6. Setting Target Temperature (SV) 
   Press the ▼ or ▲ key once, and then release it. The decimal point on the lower right corner will start to flash. Press the ▼ or ▲ key to change SV until the desired value is displayed. The decimal point will stop flashing after no key is pressed for 3 seconds. You can press the A/M key to move the flashing decimal point to the desired digit that needs to change. Then press the ▼ or ▲ key to change SV starting from that digit.
7. Auto-Tune 
   You can use the auto-tune function to determine the PID constants automatically. There are two ways to start auto-tuning:
   1. Set At = 2. It will start automatically after 10 seconds.
   2. Set At = 1. Then during normal operation, press the A/M key to start the auto-tune. The instrument will perform its artificial intelligence control after auto-tuning is completed.
8. On/Off Mode
    Set At = 0 to activate the on/off control mode. Set the Hysteresis Band parameter Hy to a desired value.

Error Message and Troubleshooting

1. Display “oral” 
   This is an input error message. Possible reasons are: the sensor is not connected or not connected correctly; the sensor input setting is wrong; or the sensor is defective. In this case, the instrument terminates its control function automatically, and the output value is fixed according to the parameter OUTL. If this happens when using a thermocouple sensor, you can short terminal 4 and 5 with a copper wire. If the display shows ambient temperature, the thermocouple is defective. If it still displays “oral”, check the input setting, Sn, to make sure it is set to the right thermocouple type. If the Sn setting is correct, the controller is defective. For RTD sensors, check the input setting first because most controllers are shipped with the input set for thermocouples. Then check the wiring. The two red wires should be connected to terminals 3 and 4. The clear wire should be connected to terminal 5.
2. Flashing “04CJ” 
   At the moment of powering up, the controller will show “04CJ” in the PV window and “808” in the SV window. Next, it will show “8.8.8.8.” in both windows briefly. Then the controller will show probe temperature in the PV window and set temperature in the SV window. If the controller frequently flashes “04CJ” and doesn’t show a stable temperature reading, it is being reset due to an unstable power line or inductive loads in the circuit. If the user connects a contactor to SYL-2342’s terminal 7 and 8, please consider adding an RC snubber across these two terminals.
3. No Heating 
   When the controller output is set for relay output, the “OUT” LED is synchronized with the output relay. If heat is not output when it is supposed to, check the OUT LED first. If it is not lit, the controller parameter settings are wrong. If it is on, check the external switching device (If the relay is pulled in, or the SSR’s red LED is on). If the external switching device is on, then the problem is either the external switching device output, its wiring, or the heater. If the external switching device is not on, then the problem is either the controller output or the external switch device.
4. Poor Accuracy 
   Please make sure calibration is done by immersing the probe in liquid. Comparing the reference in air is not recommended because the response time of the sensor depends on its mass. Some of our sensors have a response time >10 minutes in the air. When the error is larger than 5°F, the most common problem is an improper connection between the thermocouple and the controller. The thermocouple needs to be connected directly to the controller unless a thermocouple connector and extension wire are used. A copper wire or a thermocouple extension wire with the wrong polarity connected to the thermocouple will cause the reading to drift more than 5°F.
5. On/Off Mode, Although Hysteresis is Set to 0.3, the Unit is Running 5 Degrees Above and Below
   If the Hy is very small and the temperature changes very quickly, users will need to consider the delay of the cycle time (the parameter t). For example, if the cycle time is 20 seconds, when the temperature passes the SV+Hy after the beginning of a 20-second cycle, the relay will not act until the start of the next cycle 20 seconds later. Users may change the cycle time to a smaller value, such as 2 seconds, to get better precision control.

Auber Instruments Temperature Controller Syl-2342 Pros & Cons

Pros

• High accuracy and reliability
• User-friendly interface
• Dual display for setpoint and process value
• Over-temperature protection
• Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity

Cons

• May be expensive for some users
• May require technical knowledge for advanced features

Customer Reviews 

Customers have given the Auber Instruments Syl-2342 Temperature Controller high marks for its dependability, accuracy, and intuitive design. Additionally, they have valued the Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity, the dual display, and the over-temperature protection. Customers have, however, voiced dissatisfaction with the expensive cost and the intricate nature of the sophisticated features.