Condensation behind the cover on the PID CONTROLLER

[Golfer1659]

So I don't if it's just me but I can't win with this unit, I've managed to make great bbq by giving what the unit gives me at the time but it just seems like it's deteriorating with more and more use.

I am super anal about how I store my unit and keep it clean and follow all instructions to a T.

The last cook, I noticed concensation droplets inside the PID controller where the numbers were.  Obviously afterwards it went away but the machine has been acting up not keeping temps or going way over.  It's just been back and forth and makes me think I made a huge mistake buying this and maybe I should just could my loses and move on......

• Tweet
• 

[Durangosmoker]

Call Steve the owner and tell him what's going on. You should still be under warranty, yes?

[DivotMaker]

First I've heard of that, Kyle!  I have a 2D & 3D, and they live on a covered porch.  I do have rubber plugs in the meat probe port, to keep bugs and moisture out.  The bottom of the controller is solid steel, so the only way there could be moisture in the controller is if the seal is not intact or you've gotten water in the meat port.

The easiest way to fix this is remove the controller screws, and dry it out!  Not sure how it got moisture inside, and like I've said, I've never heard of this.  Unscrew the controller, and take a hair dryer to it to thoroughly dry it out, check the gasket and reinstall.

[PNW Smoker]

I noticed the same thing. I will take a picture tomorrow and post.

[DivotMaker]

I noticed the same thing. I will take a picture tomorrow and post.

Please do!  Maybe it's something that happens in particularly humid environments, I don't know.  But, if it's a problem with others, it's something we need to find a cause and fix for!

[rettaps]

fix it, i just bought a 3D and i don't want the PID to go bad,

[SmokinSusie-Q]

First I've heard of that, Kyle!  I have a 2D & 3D, and they live on a covered porch.  I do have rubber plugs in the meat probe port, to keep bugs and moisture out.  The bottom of the controller is solid steel, so the only way there could be moisture in the controller is if the seal is not intact or you've gotten water in the meat port.

The easiest way to fix this is remove the controller screws, and dry it out!  Not sure how it got moisture inside, and like I've said, I've never heard of this.  Unscrew the controller, and take a hair dryer to it to thoroughly dry it out, check the gasket and reinstall.

I think you may have mentioned this previously but I can't find it.  Where did you get your rubber plug that also covers the port during rain.

[JackT]

I've owned my 3D since the beginning of January. While I do have a covered patio, I do not cover my 3D the majority of the time (it does not get directly rained on). Not once have I experienced the condensation issue mentioned here, but am curious of the cause. My location near St. Louis gets plenty of humidity, rain and high and low temps, so condensation could be an issue, but so far has not. PNW Smoker said he'd post a pic or two, please do. Probably something that can be solved.

[DivotMaker]

I think you may have mentioned this previously but I can't find it.  Where did you get your rubber plug that also covers the port during rain.

Allied Electronics Jack Cover

Pretty cheap insurance against internal moisture, and they hold up great!

[ibbones]

I think you may have mentioned this previously but I can't find it.  Where did you get your rubber plug that also covers the port during rain.

Allied Electronics Jack Cover

Pretty cheap insurance against internal moisture, and they hold up great!

Wow!!!  Under $2.00 but almost $12.00 to ship?  Unless I want to drive to Ft. Worth, Texas to pick it up.
Could they not just drop it in an envelope and mail it?

[Durangosmoker]

Maybe Steve would buy a large batch and resell them on the smokin-it website with more moderate shipping fees.

[DivotMaker]

I think you may have mentioned this previously but I can't find it.  Where did you get your rubber plug that also covers the port during rain.

Allied Electronics Jack Cover

Pretty cheap insurance against internal moisture, and they hold up great!

Wow!!!  Under $2.00 but almost $12.00 to ship?  Unless I want to drive to Ft. Worth, Texas to pick it up.
Could they not just drop it in an envelope and mail it?

Wasn't that much when I bought them (bought 2 of them).  I bet if you call them, they would send a small, non-fragile, item US Mail.  They seem like pretty good folks.  OR, you could print off the pic and find it at your local electronic shop.