Auber 1500 smoker temp too low

[Mason_Dixon]

Hi all,

Suggestions needed to solve (perhaps auto-tune?)

Smoked a ham, but had problems getting smoker to the right temp.  Set Auber for 225, but unit was reading 190.

I then reprogrammed to 250, and the unit was showing smoker temp of 200 +/-, with wide swings.  OUT LED was flashing intermittently indicating that power was being reduced to the smoker.


Context:

I have a Smokin It 3.5 with Auber WSD-1500GPH
Smoked a 20 pound ham.  Had to finish it in the oven.  :-(
Had to use a long extension cord, due to issues with the closest outlet; not sure if this caused a problem
probe indicated correct temp for the ham (tested manually)

THANKS !

 

[old sarge]

I see you also have the model 4 with an auber.  If you are using the same auber for both smokers, you probably need to auto tune when you switch smokers. If your 3.5 has the built in PID, your numbers were factory set at:
3D and 3.5d
P=60
I=800
D=150

 

[Mason_Dixon]

Hi,

I am not sure what model I have as the label is gone.  here is a picture.

I will auto-tune, but not sure that will solve the problem if it is not achieving the temperature I set it to....it's off by a LOT.

Thanks!

 

[old sarge]

I cannot tell which model you have but a you said you had a 4 in an earlier post.  Look at the element.  If it looks like a W it is a 4.  Elongated U it is a 3.5. You can test your heating element(see the link).  Also, is your 1500 separate or built in?  Use the search feature for auto-tune.  Those who have done this use a dummy load to simulate food.  Aluminum pan with moist sand, for example.  You can also contact Auberins direct for assistance.  Good luck!

http://www.appliance411.com/faq/test-element.shtml

 

[azbohunter]

From your photo, units with 3 door latches are at the smallest 3.5 which has a 1300 watt element.
Someone with more knowledge than myself might chime in on this but possibly your PID is to small for the 1300 watt element? Or as others suggested, auto tune if you haven't.
I have a #3 with with the Auber 1500 and it works great but I was cautioned on this forum that it might be to small for my 1200 watt unit. It works great but I had a heck of a time getting the AT to give me results that I was happy with. I ran it loaded, empty, with bricks and ice bottles and finally got it to the point it works great. ( can remember how I got there)

 

[Mason_Dixon]

Thanks.  I have the 4.  Confirmed the W heating element, which appears to be in great condition.

I will auto-tune tonight.

Question: what is a better option for stand-alone Auber if I was to upgrade?

 

[Mason_Dixon]

update: Auto-Tune will not work. 

I am getting a high alarm immediately (AH-1). 

I have reset it a few times, but getting the same result.  temperature briefly flashed the correct temperature, but then started alarming almost immediately.  Wondering if unit is broken, or if plug contacts are corroded, or something else.

Temp probe is just hanging in the first few inches of box.  It is not attached to the shelf, but I've never attached it and it always worked previously.

btw, the 1500-GPH is rated at 1800 Watts, so I don't think it's a watt issue.

https://www.smokin-it.com/product-p/wsd-1500gph.htm


Any thoughts appreciated...hoping I don't have to buy a new one.

 

[azbohunter]

Mason-Dixon
btw, the 1500-GPH is rated at 1800 Watts, so I don't think it's a watt issue.
https://www.smokin-it.com/product-p/wsd-1500gph.htm

I stand corrected, my apology. I have a 1200....
I hope you get it figured out, it is a sweet combination.