How to Bypass the Analog Controller

[DivotMaker]

Thanks for the tip, Paul.  That would probably be the safest way to do it, for sure.  But, the power cord coming into the smoker is not hi-temp wire, and there are a couple of layers of thick insulation between the wiring and box.  I've done 2 smokers with standard Romex 12 ga. solid house wire, and haven't had any issues. The wiring stays pretty cool.

 

[CUTiger80]

Paul, I agree with Tony.
There is quite a mixture of wire/connector types in the stock unit.  I believe that the high-temp wire/connectors is what comes from the manufacturer on the heating element.  I left the back off and turned up the heat and then felt the wire, etc. and it was all relatively cool.  Really, the only place it gets slightly hot is in the center of the back down at the bottom where the heating element is located.
Good luck with your mod!!  Mine works great!!  Now I just need to overcome my "VCR programming syndrome" (you know, back when you thought you had your VCR programmed to record a particular show only to find out when you went to watch it you had actually set it for something else) with my Auber.  I had cooked some butts when I first got the Auber and saved the program under "P1".  Later I cooked some ribs and re-programmed the Auber.  This past weekend I cooked some more butts for a group.  I thought that I recalled program (or the Auber folks call it a recipe) "P1" only to wake up at 5:30 AM to find the smoker off, 6 hours into the smoke.  Turns out, the Auber was still set to my rib recipe.  I'm not sure that I am going to try and save and recall programs any more.  It is so easy to just punch it in for each smoke.

 

[mpaulmills]

Ravel / Tony,
Thanks for sharing that info.
Ravel, I'm somewhat apprehensive myself about programming and using the Auber. But there appears to be plenty of helpful info here.
I haven't seen any comprehensive posts on "ramp up" times / temperatures, cooking temps, finishing temps / times and recommended holding times / temps for use with the Aubers. Do either of you know of any? Have seen bits of info on these. 

 

[CUTiger80]

Paul,
I got my Auber in early December and have only used it for 4-5 smokes.  It is fairly easy to program, but I would suggest writing everything down first.  All of my "recipes" so far have only 3 steps.  I have done a smoked salmon recipe before my Auber which would require 4 steps.
I have an SI#2 and I have a bunch of the cheap Weber wood chunks and I have found that I get the infamous "belch" if I don't ramp up the temp on all of my smokes (that is always my first step in the program).  There are many on here that will tell you that it is not necessary, but I think you have to figure some things out for yourself and go with what you are the most comfortable with.  (I also foil boat my wood chunks to try and reduce the risk of belch and extend the smoke, but many on here will tell you that is unnecessary as well.)
I am not sure how many regular contributors to this board are Auber users, but I suspect that it is only a few, so most smoking recipes are not specific to the Auber user.
I will say that for me, there is no difference in how you smoke with and without the Auber, it is just that you can program your steps into the Auber and let it do it's thing rather than you having to tend to it or watch it as carefully.
Just keep smoking and asking questions.  The folks on this forum are awesome and patient and seem to really like coaching us newbies along.

 

[NDKoze]

I will say that for me, there is no difference in how you smoke with and without the Auber, it is just that you can program your steps into the Auber and let it do it's thing rather than you having to tend to it or watch it as carefully.

I think this is a very key point. The Auber basically automates a lot of the things that require non-Auber users to monitor and then make manual adjustments.

I think there are a fair amount of Auber users, with more and more getting on board as we move along here. I think a big thing is that once they are setup and auto-tuned, they are pretty easy to use and don't prompt a lot of questions.

I am finally tentatively planning on taking the plunge this spring when it will be nicer outside to do the bypass and permanent probe install. I have resisted the urge thus far, because there were other accessories that I wanted first. But, the Auber is pretty much all I have left to get.

Regarding the belch, "usually" only one of the two methods (Ramp or Foil) is needed. But, if you have really dry wood, you may have to use a combination of both. The one downfall of foiling is that it doesn't work as well for low temperature smokes.

 

[Limey]

I agree with Ravel that saving programs is not worth the effort. The Auber is so easy to program and programming each smoke forces you to think through each time what you are really trying to accomplish.

 

[DivotMaker]

Ravel / Tony,
Thanks for sharing that info.
Ravel, I'm somewhat apprehensive myself about programming and using the Auber. But there appears to be plenty of helpful info here.
I haven't seen any comprehensive posts on "ramp up" times / temperatures, cooking temps, finishing temps / times and recommended holding times / temps for use with the Aubers. Do either of you know of any? Have seen bits of info on these.

Paul - the guys are absolutely right about use of the Auber not being any different from any other smoke.  It's just a controller, so it's only as good as the temps you put in!

Don't be nervous about programming the Auber.  I was, too, but once I got it in my hands, I realized how easy it was!  Once you grasp that it's 3 things - temperature for the step, what triggers the next step (time or internal temp), and what that trigger is (again, internal temp or time), it's easy.  Don't let there being 6 steps worry you, either.  It just allows you to set more complex programs, but it's still just the same 3 parameters.

 

[Limey]

Just wanted to add my thanks for all the great advice and pics on this thread. I bit the bullet and did a switched bypass over the weekend, something I have been historically opposed to since it does potentially pose a danger. However with the rocket launcher cover it seems safe enough. Pics attached. Incidentally the plug for the blow hole is a synthetic wine cork-they fit perfectly and the price is right.

 

[DivotMaker]

Nice job, Roger!  I assume the wine cork in the blow hole is just for storage, and to keep the bugs/mice out? ???

 

[Limey]

That's affirmative, Tony.

 

[DivotMaker]

Roger that, Roger!  Great idea!

 

[mt.man511]

I know this is a very old thread but I thought I would see if anybody is still around to answer a few questions.
I assume if you don't do the bypass the max temp will stay at 250 even with the Auber, now let's say the switch is installed everything hooked up and I want to use the analog controller for some stupid reason, what are the steps, do you need to unplug from the Auber? or do you stay plugged in flip a switch and does the Auber have to be on? Just trying to get an idea of the process switching from one controller to the other after everything is hooked up. Thank you.

 

[old sarge]

Read the info from 3 sons at this link.  According to the OP, with the Auber on, the switch allows bypassing the original controller thus choosing either analog or digital.  There are 9 pages but this link has some of the verbage.  I suggest reading all pages. Also, you may just decide that you don't need the auber after a few smokes under your belt.
https://www.smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=1287.45