Overview

The Model 5C6-357 is a microprocessor-based temperature controller specifically designed for laboratory bench-top applications. (Replaces the discontinued Models 5C6-353 and 5C6-355, but does not include backpanel connection for second sensor.)

The front panel tuning of both proportional and integral parameters of the controller allows for use in a wide variety of applications. The three-digit, seven segment LED display can indicate the set temperature or actual temperature in either degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.

The set point resolution is displayed in increments 0.1° below 99.9° and 1° above 100°. This single input and single output controller has a standard temperature adjustment range from 0°C. to 200°C. (32°F. to 392°F.) when used with the listed sensor probe series. 

This is a  "Zero Voltage Switching" AC controller. It uses 120 VAC ±20%, 60 Hz line voltage for input and output power. The timebase is 1 second. Proportional control is achieved by using a portion of a second. 100% power means the output power is always on. 50% power means output power is on for 1/2 second and then off for 1/2 second. 25% power means it is on for 1/4 second and off for 3/4 second. Your application may require a different timebase and we can help you decide whether this or some other controller is appropriate for your thermal system.

The tuning parameter for the proportional gain feature is stated as percent of span. The LED display will indicate 001 to 255 as the adjustment range. This equates to 0.01% of 200 or 0.2°C. bandwidth to 25.5% of 200 or 51°C. bandwidth. The integral gain feature has a similar type LED display scheme. The tuning mode for integral gain will indicate a range from 001 to 250. This equates to 0.01 to 2.50 repeats per minute. 

The fully enclosed controller includes a non-illuminated power switch, line cord, fuse and fuseholder. A standard three-prong receptacle for a heater is an integral part of the controller. A three pin DIN socket is provided for the sensor probe input. Input power for the controller is 120 VAC with an output load capacity up to 15 amperes. 

• Input Power: 120 VAC ±20%, 60 Hz
• Heater Power
• Imax: 15 amperes.
• Control Mode:Proportional Bandwidth plus Integral Gain (PI).
• Control Type: "Zero Voltage Switching" of the line voltage (rather than phase modulated or a voltage based variac).
• Timebase: 1 Second.
• Temperature Range: Standard temperature is 0 to 200C (32°F. to 392°F.). See Sensors below.
• Sensing: Single sensor. No temperature alarms of cutoffs are built-in. Use an appropriate thermal fuse for safety power cutoff.
• Ambient: For Model 5C6-357 ambient should not be higher than 30°C.

INITIAL SET-UP AND OPERATION  

Depress the MENU key prior to applying power to the controller. While holding this key down turn the POWER switch to the ON position. This operation permits entering the TUNE mode. the LED display will indicate "---" and the red TUNE LED will be illuminated. 

The °C. or °F. operation is selected at this point. The corresponding LED will indicate current status. Either the UP or DOWN key will toggle between the two selections. Upon completion of the selection, advance to the next set-up mode with the MENU key.

SETTING THE "P" GAIN

The ACTUAL TEMP / "P" GAIN LED indicator should be illuminated. Use the UP and DOWN keys to scroll through the proportional gain range of 001 to 255 per cent of span selection. Remember that 001 is equivalent to 0.1% of the 200° span and is a 0.2°C. Proportional Bandwidth. Respectively, a setting of 150 is 15% or a 30°C. bandwidth and 255 is 25.5% or a 51°C. bandwidth. Finalize the selection by depressing the MENU key again. 

NOTES ON THE "P" GAIN

The Proportional Bandwidth is an actual temperature band with the set point in the middle of the band. Proportional control only takes place within the band. So, for example, a 10 degree Proportional Bandwidth means that one end of the band is 5 degrees below the set point, while the other end of the band is 5 degrees above the set point. If ambient is 25°C and the set point is 50°C and the Proportional Bandwidth is 10°C, 100% power will be applied until 45°C. At that point proportional control begins. As the temperature rises the power applied drops. By the time you reach 47.5°C only 50% power is being applied. At 49°C only 20% power is applied to the load. This proportional drop in power allows the set point to be reached in a smooth and controlled manner. It also is the main reason for the good end point stability proportional controllers are known for.

Knowing that the set point is in the middle of the Proportional Bandwidth, and knowing that the "P" Gain value of the 5C6-355 is based on a percentage of the 200°C span, here is an easy way to set the "P" Gain value based on when you want 100% power to end and proportional control to kick in:

"001" means PI control begins at "00.1" °C off the set point.
"010" means PI control begins at "01.0" °C off the set point.
"050" means PI control begins at "05.0" °C off the set point.
"150" means PI control begins at "15.0" °C off the set point.
"255" means PI control begins at "25.5" °C off the set point.

So, simply dividing the "P Gain value by 10 tells you how many °C of proportional control you will have near the set point..

SETTING THE "I" GAIN

The SET TEMP / "I" GAIN LED indicator should be illuminated. Use the UP and DOWN keys to scroll through the integral gain range of 001 to 250 which selects the repeats per minute of the integral action. In this case, the selection of 001 equates to .01 repeats per minute and 250 is 2.50 repeats per minute. Finalize this selection by depressing the MENU key again. 

NOTE ON "I" GAIN

Always start with an "I" Gain of zero when tuning the controller. Set your "P" Gain so that the set point is, or is almost reached as a stable temperature. If the stable temperature is below the actual set point, increase the "I" Gain to compensate for the "droop".

EXIT

To exit the TUNE mode and return to normal control using the new settings, turn the POWER switch OFF and then back ON. 

Example of an ordering number for a sensor: TX12-221 (The Temperature Sensor Model followed by the Probe Style). Let us know if you need a temperature range that is different from what is shown below. Note: Sensor ranges are wider than shown (e.g. 0 to 200 C.) with looser end point tolerance.

Temperature controller range for all sensors: 0°C to 200°C (32°F. to 392°F.)

Sensor Model: TX12
Sensor Tolerance Specification: ±2.2°C @ 25°C
Probe Style: -221 ($25.25),-223 ($15), -224 ($15), -225 ($15)

Sensor Model: TS82
Sensor Tolerance Specification: ±2°C over 75° to 175°C
Probe Style: -221 ($29.50), -223 ($17.50), -224 ($17.50), -225 ($17.50)

Sensor Model: TS80
Sensor Tolerance Specification: ±1°C over 75° to 175°C
Probe Style: -221 ($33.85), -223 ($21), -224 ($21), -225 ($21)

Sensor Model: TS81
Sensor Tolerance Specification: ±0.5°C over 75° to 175°C
Probe Style: -221 ($38.45), -223 ($25), -224 ($25), -225 ($25)

MODEL 5C6-357 (Can supply 15 Amperes)
Note: Ambient <=30°C (86°F)
   Quantity 01 price: $295.00 each
   Lower prices are available at higher volume.

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• General Notes on Pricing
• Controllers Only: Prices shown are for the "controllers only". 
• Currency: All prices are $US.