PID Digital Controller Conversion Kit for Model #2

[BarbourQ]

Anyone know when this will be available?  Shows out of stock.  Also, is there a link to the install instructions?

 

[old sarge]

Shoot Steve an email.  He will know when more kits are coming in.

 

[suribachi]

Is the rheostat to PID conversion kit still available? I couldn't find it on the website. Thanks 

 

[old sarge]

  I will get in touch with Steve and see if the kits are still available or if they have been phased out. Please be patient as he will be out of the country for a week.

 

[SuperDave]

If the "D" model conversions are discontinued, the old standalone analog to PID controller conversion is always a possibility.  And just my opinion, a better option than the "D" model conversion because you have the choice of either running on analog or PID. 

 

[old sarge]

I just heard from Steve. The conversion kits proved difficult for many customers to convert so they were phased out.  Left over inventory was used for production of D Models.

 

[suribachi]

Okay - well that's a shame... Thanks Sarge for looking into it for me. I am using a Digi-Q right now to monitor the butt and smoker temp (clipped to rack that the butt is sitting on) but of course does not control smoker temp. The meter serves double duty on my Primo ceramic, controlling temp via a fan. I'm having issues with the analog controller on the model 2 - setting and actual are way off, having difficulty maintaining a desirable steady temp. Understand it will drift as the cal-rod turns on and off but this seems drastic. I guess I will look into the digital controller - so does the smoker plug into the controller and that is how it monitors and controls? Thanks for the replies and Happy Memorial Day. 

 

[SuperDave]

The plug in Auber controller is the same PID as is used in the D models.  The smoker does plug into the back of the controller.  You will have the same level of control and the same 6 program set capability.  There is a very easy wiring bypass most of us with non D models have done and can explain if you go that route.

 

[suribachi]

Thanks SuperDave. I'm going to buy the Auber with the wall mount probe option. Now you have me intrigued... what is the wiring bypass you mentioned, is it explained on the forum here?

Bill

 

[old sarge]

The Auber will work for you as SuperDave stated; you have the ability to still use your smoker should the digital  become inoperable for some reason, or if you just don't feel like doing any programming. Here is a link (lots of reading) that covers hacking the smoker and the Auber  and goes beyond simply plugging the smoker into the Auber.
http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=1287.0

 

[SuperDave]

In short, the bypass is so you can smoke at temps above 250 degrees.  If you never smoked at temps higher than 250, the bypass really wouldn't be necessary. 

 

[suribachi]

Okay thanks Sarge and Dave - no bypass needed then.