Smokin-It Temperature Contoller Bypass

[Paul Case Luca]

Ha it will get warmer this weekend!

Well ... Instead of hard wiring the bypass I'm going to put this puppy on top next to the built in temp setting dial.

Little hesitant to leave it permanently bypassed in the back. I'd like to have the flexibility to bypass when using my Auber... And if Auber not needed say just doing salmon for an hour, to have it not bypass the SI temp gauge.

In the unarmed state, or whenever the red cover gets closed, the SI3 temp gauge will be active. It will win. In addition if let's say my wife uses the smoker or my sons do some day without the Auber.... It's not hard bypassed and someone cannot accidentally melt my toy.

The only way it's bypassed is one the red safety cover is open and two the switch is toggled.

It's a switch to go bypassed or not... With a little missile launcher cover for  safety... Plus it should look serious and intimidating to friends that come over.  8)

 

[DivotMaker]

You're gonna have to do this sticker theme...the A-10 smoker!  Saw this on another forum, and would really like to do it myself! ;D

 

[cwshiles]

Dang!  You beat me to it.    I was looking for that pic too. I love it. Made me think about what sorta theme I would put on my smoker.

I like the safety toggle idea Steve. Good luck

 

[DivotMaker]

Sorry, Charlie!  9 years Air Force, and working with A-10s a lot, I about fell over when I saw this!  Love it!! ;D

 

[Paul Case Luca]

DivotMaker:
That picture is cool!!! I cannot be certain but it looks like an SI3. Right?

The opportunity to serve in the armed forces has passed me by for whatever reason. God speed those who have served or are serving; I'll never directly feel the pride associated with having served my country.

cwshiles:
I just need to verify the electrical ratings; I think they're okay but I want to double check.

At the same time I'm going to modify the length of the power cords - then I should have no need to open up my unit again.

HOWEVER, now it is clear after seeing that photograpy once I get everything modified where I want it, and completing a couple months of smokes, my summer may end up determining a theme for my smoker to give it a personality!!!!!!!!

PS - On a side note, they guys I work with keep telling other people I have a cadilac smoker. One fellow overhearing this asked for all of the information I had, the smokin-it website, and he may well be interested in this too... time will tell.

 

[DivotMaker]

Thanks, Steve!  Yep, that's a model 3.

 

[cwshiles]

Well Steve, maybe you need a big Cadillac sticker on the front of your smoker. 

Looks good.  I am very happy with my power cord change.  Having the more flexible power cord is nice and the lengths work well for my situation as well.  Good luck.

I used to see that avatar with the A-10 alot when I was searching for which smoker to get.  I love it. 

I saw another guy with a stick burner that had a World of Warcraft theme on his smoker and several others that had their college or professional sports team.  Not my thing, but its impressive the extent some of these folks go to customize the look of their smoker.

 

[Paul Case Luca]

Well... I did the deed today. No breakers tripped so all is well. Spent time to ensure it was meticulous.

The switch on top looks from the factory. When missile launcher closed the SI thermostat is inline. When "launched" I can over ride it assuming I have the Auber plugged in.

Also modified the power cord. Really I just shortened it for the exact length of my setup. Only did this because the unit was opened up for the last time i hope. 

 

[Walt]

Very clean.  Impressive.  I'm waiting for you guys to get this all dialed in before I pull the trigger.

 

[Paul Case Luca]

...oh and here is a picture of the side table mod.

I drilled a pilot through the hinge and the table. For now I have put a machine screw 6 through for times when I know I'm doing a long smoke, when there will be heavy traffic near the smoker, or lots of people. At which point I Will insert the screw.

I may make a custom S hook to slip through. That will be easier and double as a spatula hanger, etc.

Anyway... This is real nice and ensures if bumped... The shelves stay in place... And can continue to keep from and accident. I found this hard to do.  The stainless steel requires patience!!!!

 

[Wik]

Can I get a link for where to source that switch at?  I see some low voltage ones like that that also are lighted.  Wonder if a guy could find a 120 lighted one and mount it into the same location as the built in power light.  That way you still have the visual light and a by-pass switch.
Hmm...  I can see I'll be getting itching once again...
Wik

 

[Paul Case Luca]

Wik:

Drilling through the top stainless was a bear. I don't have the right equipment. A $3 drill bit ... again requires patience. Unfortunately I would have enjoyed a beer doing all this but didn't want to risk getting clumsy. 

That said, I had the microswitch. However, I debated about buying a new one with the launcher cover that is lit. I know what you are saying.

You want the following...

Double pole, double throw (DPDT) center off.
15A - 125VAC rating. ( the SI draws 10A so that's plenty and likely your on a 15A house circuit breaker).

I can show you the circuit if needed. It's simple yet elegant. ;-)

I will also search some sites as I out my 2 year old to bed.

 

[Paul Case Luca]

Can I get a link for where to source that switch at?  I see some low voltage ones like that that also are lighted.  Wonder if a guy could find a 120 lighted one and mount it into the same location as the built in power light.  That way you still have the visual light and a by-pass switch.
Hmm...  I can see I'll be getting itching once again...
Wik

Wik : whenever the heater is on the SI light is on... Regardless of the bypass or microswitch. You don't need the lit missile launcher... That's only for effect but I am sure the chicks would dig it.

Steve

 

[old sarge]

Very impressive and professional looking craftsmanship. Innovation is alive and well in America!  Making a great smoker better!!

 

[DivotMaker]

Nice job, Steve!  Looks like the "master arm" switch was factory!

 

[Paul Case Luca]

Sarge:
Funny. I have family. I have work ( for family ). I have education. No hobbies except those three things.  Seems simple. So today was spent going to the hardware store with 8 and 6 year old sons, buying studs, explaining ratings, RMS, lugs, bits, and so on. They lost steam. I literally wasted 12 hours on a 1 hour job( or 2 if you don't have a diamond drill bit to get through stainless). We even got distracted and had to get a magnifying glass and a sharpie - it was easier to agree so we could leave the store. They tried the work. I had to redo it. They would fill up my coffee and so on. Hopefully they turn out better than anything I could ever smoke
Steve

 

[old sarge]

Steve,

I remember trips to the hardware store with my dad in the 50's, and then with my son in the late 80's.  Good times both and I'm sure your two helpers learned a great deal that will surprise you some day long into the future.

 

[Paul Case Luca]

Final post on this thread for me... Signs hung at the Polish Q Headquarters ... Thanks for all the help and ideas folks. I appreciate the collaboration my forum-cue enthusiasts.

 

[benjammn]

very small thing....can you rotate your pics before uploading, otherwise Awesome stuff man!

 

[cwshiles]

Looks great Steve! Very impressive. The switch looks like it was there all along.

I also like the shelf mod. That would definitely be enough to keep the shelf from sliding and dropping. I will be giving that mod a try in the near future.

I also like the garage smoker setup. That's a pretty nice way to keep the SI out of the elements.

Now stop tinkerin and get to smokin!  8)