Author Topic: How to Bypass the Analog Controller  (Read 72107 times)

DivotMaker

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How to Bypass the Analog Controller
« on: June 29, 2014, 12:21:43 PM »
These instructions are for bypassing the stock controller, but does not include a switch.  This bypass uses blade connections on a short "splicing bridge" wire, so it can be easily reversed, should you choose to do so.  Wear latex or nitrile gloves - the insulation is very itchy!  This procedure only takes 10-15 minutes.

I started with a 2" length of #12 wire, and 2 blade connectors.  These were crimped in place, completing the splicer.  14-guage wire will also be fine for the bridge.

Next, remove the back of the smoker.  There are 3 layers of insulation, so you'll remove the first layer only.  Notice, in the photo, that all the wires are beneath the first (outer) layer of insulation.  Make sure they are all in this layer during reassembly!

I removed the middle layer, for photo purposes, so you can see the controller better.  It is not necessary to remove this layer; just unplug the two wires from the controller.

Simply connect the two wires from the controller together, using your splicing bridge.  Then, use heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to cover the splice.  (The piece of tubing I had was a little large, but it was all I had on hand).  It doesn't have to be water-tight, just covered.  To test your bypass, plug the smoker in directly.  The light on top should light, and the element should start to heat.  If it doesn't, something is wrong.

Once you're sure it works, keep the splice up high, and replace the outer layer of insulation.  Replace the back panel.

You have now bypassed your controller, so the Auber will be in complete control of your element! 

Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

GeeBee

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Re: How to Bypass the Analog Controller
« Reply #1 on: June 29, 2014, 03:04:23 PM »
Great job Tony ! :) :) :)
Gary in Hebron, Ohio
#2 with Auber PID and happy about it !

DivotMaker

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Re: How to Bypass the Analog Controller
« Reply #2 on: June 29, 2014, 03:07:03 PM »
Thanks Gary!  It's crazy easy - nothing to be scared of.  I haven't tried the switch method, like Steve (PolishQ), but wouldn't think it's much harder.  This is an easy solution for anyone with an Auber.
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

Danmisuraca

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Re: How to Bypass the Analog Controller
« Reply #3 on: June 30, 2014, 10:39:11 PM »
Great post! Makes it easy!

DivotMaker

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Re: How to Bypass the Analog Controller
« Reply #4 on: June 30, 2014, 10:47:43 PM »
Thanks!  It's easier than you would think. 
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

Three Sons BBQ

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Re: How to Bypass the Analog Controller
« Reply #5 on: June 30, 2014, 11:01:18 PM »
Nice effort into great instructions.  8)

Better than my rambling... And I tend to leave out some details too.  :-\
Brinkmann '07... Offset '11... Smokin-It '13!!!

es1025

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Re: How to Bypass the Analog Controller
« Reply #6 on: July 01, 2014, 02:51:15 PM »
DM
Where did your purchase the connectors?  i tried HD and they only had the females not the males.
Ed from Northern NJ
Proud owner Smokin-it #3, Bypassed and Auber
Has anyone seen my Weber Genesis Gold?

DivotMaker

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Re: How to Bypass the Analog Controller
« Reply #7 on: July 01, 2014, 08:48:05 PM »
Nice effort into great instructions.  8)

Better than my rambling... And I tend to leave out some details too.  :-\

Thanks Steve!  I learned it from you - just added a few more pics! ;D
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

DivotMaker

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Re: How to Bypass the Analog Controller
« Reply #8 on: July 01, 2014, 08:48:51 PM »
DM
Where did your purchase the connectors?  i tried HD and they only had the females not the males.

I bought those at Lowe's.  The box includes male/female connectors.
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

es1025

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Re: How to Bypass the Analog Controller
« Reply #9 on: July 02, 2014, 10:59:39 AM »
DM
I have successfully bypassed the controller.  Actually went to Lowe's that did not have the connectors went back to HD and found one package of males connectors behind all the females connectors.

Currently running another auto tune.  The bypass was very easy. Thank you for the detailed instructions.
Ed from Northern NJ
Proud owner Smokin-it #3, Bypassed and Auber
Has anyone seen my Weber Genesis Gold?

DivotMaker

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Re: How to Bypass the Analog Controller
« Reply #10 on: July 02, 2014, 08:07:38 PM »
One package of males behind a row of females?  How ironic is that?? lol! ;D   Glad you found the poor little guys and got it done!
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

bigbassnutt

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Re: How to Bypass the Analog Controller
« Reply #11 on: July 02, 2014, 08:10:16 PM »
Hey Ed, I just did mine today also. My permanent probe came in the mail so thought I would do both while I had it open. One thing I would like to add, along with gloves, wear long sleeves! Very itchy stuff. I ran a test to make sure it was working correctly and will do another autotune this weekend when I cook. Thanks for the detailed posts and pics, made it a lot easier.
Mike in Indiana
Smokin-it Model 2

DivotMaker

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Re: How to Bypass the Analog Controller
« Reply #12 on: July 02, 2014, 08:18:49 PM »
Yep, the sleeves do help, Mike!  Glad you got it done - you'll love the permanent probe!
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

bigbassnutt

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Re: How to Bypass the Analog Controller
« Reply #13 on: July 02, 2014, 08:22:24 PM »
Tony, is there a way to calibrate the Auber and the Maverick? They were reading way different. Auber was reading 270 and holding pretty steady considering it was empty and Maverick was showing 315.
Mike in Indiana
Smokin-it Model 2

DivotMaker

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Re: How to Bypass the Analog Controller
« Reply #14 on: July 02, 2014, 08:33:33 PM »
Mike, if you're attempting an autotune with an empty smoker, it won't work.  Probe placement, between the Auber and Maverick could also be the problem.  When I've tried to run both, a put the probes exactly side-by-side, so they're getting the same dose of heat.  I've never had them read more than a degree or two different. 

That being said, I would trust the Auber probe and reading over the Maverick.  The probe is better quality, and the Auber is a more "precision" instrument.
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!