Controller for Hot Runner Coil Heater, 2nd Generation Deluxe

Thanksgiving sale ends on 12/1/2024!

Product Update (5/21/2024): A new feature is available in the current firmware (v2.2.0) that allows users to disable the power button and use the controller with a smart plug or a Wi-Fi plug. Please see the details in the updated Supplementary Manual below. 

RDK-300B is the deluxe version of our 2nd generation PID controller for the hot runner coil heater. It can precisely control the temperature of a hot runner coil. It is safe, accurate, reliable, and easy to use. The deluxe version has extra safety features and is more sleek in design.

Compared to Auber's 1st generation controller, which was assembled with existing controller components for industrial use, the 2nd generation was built from the ground up specifically for the consumer market. The design is very clean and functional. The confusing keypad and indicators were replaced with a rotary encoder and a power switch. The operation is intuitive and reliable. This simple and clean appearance, however, does not mean the controller is more basic. This controller has more features than any other competitor’s product on the market. Below are some of the highlighted features that most other products may not offer. 

Ease of Operation. Adjusting the set temperature is very simple. A user only needs to tap the knob once to activate the temperature setting mode, and then turn the knob to increase or decrease the set temperature. It is just as simple as adjusting the temperature of a cooktop at home.

Real-time Parameter Adjustment. Auber's 1st generation RDK controller would maintain the current power output level while its parameters or set temperature were being adjusted. If the user spent a slightly longer time to adjust parameters, the coil could be overheated and burned out due to the high power and low thermal mass nature of the coil. Those issues are resolved by this new gen controller because it has a more powerful microchip capable of controlling temperature and  reading new parameters at the same time.

Hot Coil Warning After Turned Off. A hot runner coil may take over 25 minutes to cool down after use. The first-generation controller doesn’t provide a reliable way to warn the user if the coil is still hot after being turned off. Being unaware of a hot coil may result in users getting burned or other objects becoming damaged if in contact with the coil. We solved this safety problem by adding a delay timer for shutting off the display. When a user switches off the heater, the display will stay on and alternate flashing "hot" and the actual coil temperature. After the coil is cooled down to a safe-to-touch temperature (100°F), the display will be turned off automatically.

Compensated Temperature Display. The first-generation controller only displays the temperature of the coil. The temperature sensor is located at the tip of the coil and does not represent the actual temperature on the top surface of the nail, which is normally lower. The difference is determined by the thermal conductivities, the surface/mass ratio, and the ambient temperature. This controller allows the user to adjust the display temperature by entering a correction coefficient so that the displayed temperature is more closely representing the surface temperature of the nail.

Timed Automatic Power Off. The built-in timer can automatically shut off the controller after a specified duration. This feature can preserve the coil life and make the system safer if the user forgets to turn the power off. The duration can be adjusted from 1 to 999 minutes. This feature can also be disabled to turn off manually.

Over Temperature Protection. An electro-mechanical relay is added to cut the power to the heater off when the temperature is out of control. This is an added safety function to prevent operation errors or SSR failure.

Ergonomic Layout. The cables are connected to the back panel. It makes the appearance cleaner and safer to operate. It eliminates the potential danger of accidentally pulling the cable of the hot coil on the glass when adjusting the controller. 

Lab Instrument Style Appearance. The enclosure is made of black anodized aluminum. An anodized finish is harder and more durable than a painted or powder-coated enclosure. The black finish also gives a smooth and clean look contrasting the white LED display. The dual-color power switch will light up in red when the controller is connected to a power source in standby mode and will light up in white when the controller is powered on.

Notes for RDK-300B V2 version (June 2020): All functions available on RDK-300A are all available on RDK-300B V2. A new feature "boost mode" is introduced in RDK-300B V2. In "boost mode", users can quickly switch the set temperature between stand-by temperature (e.g., 300°F) and "boost temperature" (e.g., 550°F) by simply pressing the knob momentarily. Users can also define a boost timer, which lets the controller maintain boost temperature for a certain amount of time. For details, please check the instruction manual or contact us. We are currently shipping RDK-300B V2 controllers (version 2 firmware). This firmware fixed an issue in the original RDK-300B firmware. Please check the document here for more details.

The optional 15.8mm coil is rated for 100 Watt 110V. It has 15.8 mm ID, 16 mm width. This coil is compatible with E-nail. The optional titanium e-nail offers a perfect fit with the heating coil. Unlike some of the early design, these nails do not need converter or adapter to fit into the commonly used ash catcher. Two versions are offered. One fits with either 14 or 18 mm male glass (out of stock). The other fits with 14 or 18 mm female glass. 

We also offer a flat coil. The coil is rated as 100W. The cable is 55 inches long with a black Kevlar sleeve. Please refer to the supplementary manual to adjust related parameters. 

Note 1: Compatible XLR pin assignment: 1 & 2: Power to heater, 3: Thermocouple +, 4: Thermocouple -; 5: Ground. If you need a different pin assignment to match your third-party coil, please contact us. 

Note 2: Coil options above have a bent design, which will help to reduce the leverage created by the straight section of the coil, and make the glass/coil setup more stable. If you need a straight coil instead, please leave a note for your order. 

Note 3: For all the coils that we offer, the 20.0 mm coil's surface temperature is the closest to its sensor reading; its temperature correction coefficient is only 1.03 by test, please refer to the supplementary manual for more details.

Note 4: 220V AC flat coil and 20.0 mm coil options are also offered. By default, we will ship you a 110V coil. If you need a 220V coil, please leave a note when you checkout. 

Specification:

RDK-300B Powered Up

15.8 mm Coil	Right: Female E-nail. Left: Male E-nail (Out of stock)

 

Flat coil	20.0 mm Coil, for quartz nails or D-nail's titanium nails

 

Demo Video