Auto Tuning - Group Results

Gary, the #2 internal temp probe doesn't do anything when using the PID.  If you are not bypassing the controller, just set your dial to 250.  The Auber will control the element based on feedback from the Auber box temp probe, not the #2 temp sensor. 

You can do the autotune while cooking, too; I just used bricks and a water pan to have a good heat sink and simulate cooking, since I didn't have time or anything to smoke when I autotuned. 
 
Wow! We're getting a lot of Gary's around here. Cool! I've noticed several times here, people seem to be confused a bit about the probes. Careful reading of the Auber manual tells you that if you set all your "endings" to "time", then you can use just Probe #1 (the cabinet probe). I even discovered that you can substitute the internal probe for the other probe. I was doing some ABT's when I got the "H" error. Out of desperation, I unplugged probe #1, plugged the internal temp probe into it's place and dangled it inside the cabinet. It worked. Obviously my probe #1 went bad, so I replaced it with a permanent probe. Hope this helps.
 
I finally did an autotune on my Auber today. Set up for a rack of ribs, 140 for 30 minutes then 225 for 4 1/2 hours. Took about 2 hours for the AT to quit flashing. Here is what my numbers were: P 32  I 931  D 116.  I did notice a difference in it maintaining temp, Everytime I looked at it, it was either 225 or 2 degree variance, a lot better than before. I was used to getting 15 degree temp swings, don't think it really affects the end result that much but nice to know its holding steady now. Next step is the permanent probe and bypass, just been hesitant to open it up.
 
I do have a question, why do you recommend writing down the numbers after you autotune? It will store them until you change them right? I am not sure it would be necessary to change for different types of cooks.
 
I've been using the auber with fixed probe in my #2 for a couple of months, I didn't record the numbers either and you don't have to change them for different foods works great no matter what I smoke. Don't be afraid to open up the back to install the fixed probe and bypass the stock controller, from start to finish takes about an hour there are easy to follow posts on both of these mods, the fixed probe made my maverick almost useless as I rarely use it anymore, one less thing to hook up.
 
Mike, I believe Auber is the one that recommends writing the numbers down. I think it's just in case something goes blooey and you want to return to a known starting point. It will indeed store your PID settings until you change them (you can go in and manually change them if you so desire). And no, you don't need to change them for different cooks. Once the Auber is set for your box, then that's where it should stay. On the other hand, there are those of us that like to experiment  ::). I've done a few autotunes, just to see, and while I always get slightly different numbers, they're always within the ballpark. This is just for my curiosity as much as anything else.
 
With the permanent box probe, I did one autotune only.  It has been dead-on the money each and every smoke since.  It never varies more than 2 degrees.
 
here are my results:

P 56
I 283
D 160

Used two bricks, one water can, and a hanging probe below the bricks.
#3.
 
Sounds like you got it, Ed!  The key, with the removable probe, is to put it in as close to the same spot as possible during the cook.  That spot is where it read those measurements, so try to duplicate it.  Of course, the permanent probe eliminates that all together. ;)
 
After bypass
Took less than two hours to calibrate.
P 51
I 115
D 130

Cabinet right below the three bricks which were on the top shelf.

Water can and foiled bottom and smoke box.
 
Just completed my first autotune and my reslts were:
P - 87
I - 282
D - 160

Three bricks
Small water pan
Hanging probe from top rack secured with a cork
89 degrees outside
Only took 1 1/2 hours to complete autotune
Temps aligned with Maverick all the way through

Can't wait for mynfirst smoke with the Auber in charge!

 
Ok Tony - now what might be considered a dumb question.......I have not found any documentation regarding what to do now that I have completed the autotune. 

When I start my first smoke with the autotuned Auber and the SI, do I just turn on both the SI and the Auber, crank up the SI to 250 degrees and program the Auber to my desired actual temp (example -140/230 degrees and cook time 140 for 1 hr and 230 for 5 hr) for each smoke going forward? 

In other words - do I set the Auber each time for my particular smoke details for temp and time and do I need to be concerned with any temp settings on the SI other than ensuring it is turned on?

Thanks for your patience for a new Auber user.

 
Turn on the Auber check the settings adjust if needed. Ihave been doing ribs the last few smokes, 5 hrs. @ 235 so the Auber is ready to go no additional settings needed, but either way it only takes seconds to change.
 
Terry, now that the Auber is autotuned, it will perform well to your smoker.  Unfortunately, that doesn't mean it will automatically set itself.  You will still need to adjust the programming for what you are smoking, prior to starting the cook.  I plug mine in, while still in the kitchen, and program it before hooking it up.  Plug in, and go through the 6 "steps" of the programming to adjust accordingly.  Here's a few that I use on a regular basis, and they work well for me (others have variations, as will you):

Ribs:

C01  140    E01  t    t01  0.5
C02  235    E02  t    t02  6.0
C03  0      E03  t  t03  0.0
C04  0      E04  t  t04  0.0
C05  0      E05  t  t05  0.0
C06  0      E06  t  t06  0.0

This program ramps up the temp slowly, then maintains 235 for the duration of the smoke (I check them before the program ends, and just turn it off when the ribs are done).  Notice all "E0x" settings are "t" - if there are no "Fs" present, you don't need the meat probe, just box temp.

Pork Butt:

C01  140    E01  t    t01  0.5
C02  225    E02  F  F02  198
C03  0      E03  t  t03  0.0
C04  0      E04  t  t04  0.0
C05  0      E05  t  t05  0.0
C06  0      E06  t  t06  0.0

As you can see, pretty simple once you get used to the steps.  Here, I ramp-up the wood, then let it go @ 225 until the internal temp reaches 198.  Turn off, foil, rest, eat!

Most programs, for me, are pretty similar.  Just focus on the trigger (time or temp) for the E step, then set your target with the "t" or "F" step.

Let me know if you have any other questions - we're here to help!
 
Terry, as to your other questions:  You will always set the temp dial to 250 when using the Auber.  I recommend a bypass (check the Auber section for instructions - it's at the top), just so the Auber doesn't ever compete with the stock controller.

Just remember, there are 6 steps to the program, and each one has to be addressed.  This will be very obvious to you once you start cooking with it.  It also remembers your last program, so 2 rib smokes in a row will not require a change - just turn it off and back on to reset the program to the start.
 
Thanks for your input Jim and Tony.  That helps a lot before I actually try the Auber.  Maybe I missed something somewhere on how to use the Auber and SI together once the autotune was completed.  The autotune should give me a consistent temp.  I'm going to complete another smoke before considering a bypass.  If everything goes ok, I'll keep the bypass option in my hip pocket for later if I need to do it.  I was originally going to also permanently mount the Auber temp probe and do the bypass.  I used the cork method to suspend the temp probe from the top grate that someone else suggested.  That worked very well with consistent temps vs my Maverick. 

Thanks again guys....appreciate the help and responsiveness!
 
You're welcome, Terry!  Yeah, it gets a little confusing sometimes!  Lots of information to absorb.  Think of autotuning like having a suit tailored; off the rack, it's cut for the "generic" man, but the tailor fits it to your
build.  The Auber, out of the box, is tuned for the Bradley smoker, so you have to tailor it to your smoker.  It adjusts how fast it heats, and when to slow down/heat up to maintain the set temperature.  Now, by placing your probe in as close to the autotune location, it will perform at its peak each time.
 
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