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Free smoker

Discussion in 'SOLD' started by clawj, May 29, 2021.

  1. clawj

    clawj Well-Known Member

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    Only used a handful of times but the control unit doesn't work. Beeps when plugged in but display doesn't light up so can't set time , temp, etc. Sounds like a common problem according to Google. Tried all the internet fixes with no success. New control box costs almost as much as the smoker cost so no point wasting money on it, when it will likely just happen again anyways . So if anyone wants this thing for parts, maybe you can use the racks or water tray etc ( but take the whole thing) feel free to take it before I toss it. I live in North kildonan and work near the airport and could bring it to work if that's easier for someone
     

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    clawj, May 29, 2021
    #1
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  2. Ernie

    Ernie Administrator Staff Member

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    I'll take it!
     
    Ernie, May 29, 2021
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  3. Ernie

    Ernie Administrator Staff Member

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    Can you keep it for me a bit? I'll try to make in to peg in the next couple weeks or so.
     
    Ernie, May 29, 2021
    #3
  4. clawj

    clawj Well-Known Member

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    Sure can. Its been sitting in my garage since late fall anyways so a few extra weeks won't hurt. Just PM me a few days in advance whenever you know you're coming and we will make plans to get it to you. If the timing really works out and the covid restrictions loosen I could try to take you fishing while you're in town, if work and the weather cooperate .
     
    clawj, May 29, 2021
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  5. Ernie

    Ernie Administrator Staff Member

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    Sounds good. Tx man.
     
    Ernie, May 29, 2021
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  6. Ernie

    Ernie Administrator Staff Member

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    Thanks a bunch for the smoker @clawj!

    I stripped the unit down to the bones and cleaned it up to new sparkling clean condition. It took some effort but it was worth it.

    A few probes with the multimeter and it was clear the main electronic circuit board located underneath the unit was fried. I could have jimmy-rigged a relay circuit to get it working but decided I want to go another route.

    I stripped all the wiring, probes, shutoff, and control unit from the smoker. Then I wired the heating element direct to the power cord with a high limit shut-off switch in case it ever get to hot. Kind of a backup safety shut-off should something go wrong somewhere else.

    Then I ordered a stand alone PID controller.

    Now I can set and control the temperature to within 1 degree, and also control the time.

    Today I did a test run on a medium sized pork roast.

    A goodly amount of kosher salt, black pepper, onion power, and garlic powder was what I used as a rub.

    I set the temperature to 250F and the time to 5 hours.

    Adding chips to the smoker is a dream. No need to open the door to add chips. I added chips twice in the first two hours and once more at the 4 n a half hour mark.

    The PID controller held the temperature perfectly steady at 250F. The only time the temperature dropped a few degrees was when I got nosey and had to take a peek inside. Within a couple minutes it was up to 250F again.

    After 5 hours the internal temp of the roast was 156F.

    I let it rest in the smoker for 20 minutes. Then I cut into it to taste it. Wow! Heavenly. It was awesome! Perfect amount of smoke and flavor.

    Next up is a venison roast.

    Thanks again Clawj! I think I'm gonna love this thing!



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    Ernie, Jul 8, 2021
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  7. chrism

    chrism Well-Known Member

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    Good work Ernie!
     
    chrism, Jul 9, 2021
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  8. clawj

    clawj Well-Known Member

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    Very Nice! Repairing it was beyond my capability so I'm glad you could fix it up , vs going to the landfill.
     
    clawj, Jul 9, 2021
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  9. Bryan

    Bryan Well-Known Member

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    Nicely done
     
    Bryan, Jul 9, 2021
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  10. Dave

    Dave Well-Known Member

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    PID controller, I am thinking you could tune the firmware to have this controller to be as precise as 0.5 degree...you up for that challenge, just kidding.
     
    Dave, Jul 11, 2021
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  11. Ernie

    Ernie Administrator Staff Member

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    I'm good with the 1 degree. It's amazing how it holds the temperature. I did a venison roast yesterday with the same results.
     
    Ernie, Jul 11, 2021
    #11
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