Auto Tuning - Group Results

Auto Tune today SI3 about 65-70* @ Sea Level So Cal. Non-ByPass. Pan of water and two large bricks.Now that I think I understand this I will do bypass tomorrow. Probe was mounted.

P49
I660
D165


Not sure why I was having such a hard time understanding this but I had to read this stuff about 5x before an understanding finaly set in.


DivotMaker

Thanks for the cook settings that you use. This will be my second go at a Butt Tomorrow I used your brine as well. We like the rub below for pork.


6 tsp corn starch
6 tsp salt
6 Tbsp coarse ground pepper
1 1/2 tsp ground oregano
1 1/2 tsp lemon pepper
12 tsp garlic power
12 tsp onion power
3 tsp smoked paprika
3 tsp beef stock base - granulated
 
SI #2 with stock controller bypass and permanent temp probe 2" from the top dead center.  Ambient temp was 50-60 degrees during the two runs.  For both of these runs I also did use chips, I figured there isn't any use auto tuning if the heat from the chips isn't part of the equation.

Run 1 (couple beer cans with water in them, and 3 big wet rocks from yard):
P - 53
I - 893
D - 223

Run 2 (couple beer cans with water in them, two big pans full of water and wrapped in foil):
P - 61
I - 898
D - 224

OK, I couldn't take the fluctuations and slow response time.  After another hour of pondering my results as well as digging into the manual, I made some changed to the PID.

Here is what I'm running with now, we'll see what happens.
P - 50
I - 750
D - 150
 
Josh,

I believe Run 1 would have yielded the most accurate results.  Your water pans, covered in foil, would have given off a lot of reflective heat, instead of absorbing it (like meat).  Did you run a regular program, after the Run 1 autotune, to test the accuracy?  Not sure why you would change the contents and re-run without a test.
 
OK, after a lengthy delay I was finally prepared (I think) to do the autotune.  I did the bypass, did the rocker switch install, completed the permanent auber probe install, and seasoned the #3 that has been sitting in my LR since mid-Jan. I don't know if the programming was done correctly.  My reading skills are not what they once were, because after reading the directions and setting the autotune I realized after 2 hrs at 114 something was not right.  I sat down and reread the directions and came to the conclusion I had neglected to program the PID CO1-CO6 steps BEFORE starting the autotune.  Back to square one.  Entered the numbers according to the directions and tried again.  Checked after 2.5 hrs. and the autotune had completed.  The numbers, compiled with an outside temp of 40 degrees, was as listed below:
                    P  =  80
                    I  =  945
                    D  =  236

How do these numbers seem, Tony?  I am hoping they are not totally out of whack.

I have been visiting this site daily, at least, but didn't have anything to contribute until I got my SI3 ready to go.  I have been pulling recipes, rubs, brines, toys, ad infinitum from this site and smf in preparation.  It is a b...h when you become obsessive compulsive about something.  I will fill you all in on the process and pickups in other appropriate sections of the forum.  I haven't anticipated anything this much since HS sophomore prom night.  (Hope I am luckier this time around.)
 
Numbers look right in line to me, Bill!  Yeah, I missed that program thing, too, the first time I tried an autotune!  Not many instructions, back then, and that's why I've tried to help others with it!

Good to see you with us again! 8)
 
Thanks for the comeback Tony.  I can sleep easy tonight knowing the auber is in line.  Now tomorrow it will be time to start the Canadian bacon and do up some ribs.  And actually, I never left.  I've been on the board daily, just didn't have anything to add so I kept my mouth shut.  I won't do much to build up a post count, but when I do post I tend to make it lengthy.  Oh well.
 
Any contributions are good, Coach - just so we know you're still with us!  It isn't about "post count," but more about a conversation, around here.  I like to think of our forum (different from most) as a conversation among friends.  That's what keeps it fun, and friendly! :D  Everyone's opinions and ideas matter!  You never know when the slightest comment, or opinion, will spark someone's creativity.
 
mcinore said:
Autotune numbers from last night.
SI 4
Outside temp 55
P-42
I-914
D-228
I ran a second auto tune on my #4 this morning and it varied a bit from my first auto tune.  Numbers from this morning.
P-42
I-855
D-213
Morning temperature was 51 degrees. 
 
I've done single ribs and even a small tri tip roast this weekend and never had more than a couple of degrees fluctuation. Thinking your new PID numbers should correct it.
 
SI #2 Auto Tune (800 watt)
By passed with fixed probe mounted 2" from top
Auber WSD-1200 GPH
Air temp 44 degrees
Two wet bricks on 2nd shelf
Mini loaf pan/ hot water next to wood box
Foil on bottom of #2 and top of wood box

Results
P=68
I=623
D=155

Update:  I had problems with the above tune. Temp ramped up and over shot target by 55+ degrees before I turned Auber off.
This happened during a rib cook and in hind sight it was probabley caused by wood catching fire.

Did another tune and changed from bricks to pan of wet sand.  This seems to be working well.

New values:
P=57
I=826
D=206
 
I ran my auto tune--did not watch it like a hawk so don't know all the max temps etc....
Here is my set up for my SI #2
Auber WSD-1200 GPH using WS-SENSOR11 wall mounted probe.
By passed control, with wall mounted probe 1 1/4 inches from top. (Sorry, just want to be different)
Three bricks second from top shelf with a beer can of water on bottom shelf centered above heating element.
Ambient Temperature:  44F
Program: C-1 140 for .5
C-2 225 for 2
C-3 140 for 5
Ran for about 1.5 hours
Results
P= 57
I= 853
d=213

Let me know if this is not Good--appears to be close with most.  Thanks for all the great information in this forum--going for first smoke tonight!

First picture is my seasoning run--break in
Second is Set up of Auto tune
Third Auto tune is complete and cooling down---I think.
First smoke coming soon. 
 

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Dale,
Your numbers look good. When you do your smokes put the water can on the bottom rear right next to the fire box.  A foil mini loaf pan works well for a water pan.  Let us know how it ramps up to target temp and if it over shoots.  Should settle and lock on your target till the end.  Once you are comfortable it's set it and forget it.  Enjoy your #2 and don't forget to post some photos. ;D
 
Done that--thanks Dave.  On my second smoke--longest to date--my temperature exceeded my high temp by 7 degrees initially, but cooled to target and held steady for four hours.  Very happy with it. 
 
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