BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Bradley Smokers => The Digital Smokers (BTDS76P & BTDS108P) => Topic started by: cjj on July 08, 2011, 12:46:12 PM

Title: 2nd element or the 900 watt single PICS OF FAN MOD ADDED !!
Post by: cjj on July 08, 2011, 12:46:12 PM
What do you thinks is the better way to go add a nother 500 watt element or the 900 watt single ? thanks
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: muebe on July 08, 2011, 01:08:42 PM
I would go with the 900w....
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: Habanero Smoker on July 08, 2011, 01:18:04 PM
The answer is going to depend on who did what mod. I did the additional element 2 years ago, and never has a problem. The installation is very easy, so I would have to say go with the second element.

Just note; that it is not recommended to do this mod without some type of temperature controller, such as a PID or DigiQ II.
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: NePaSmoKer on July 08, 2011, 01:19:47 PM
Who has the 900w
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: muebe on July 08, 2011, 01:27:05 PM
Quote from: NePaSmoKer on July 08, 2011, 01:19:47 PM
Who has the 900w

I do and so does Beefman...
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: cjj on July 08, 2011, 01:35:29 PM
Grainger also sell it for $48  pt # 2xdw1. I have a PID to control it with  i will be asking for help on how to set it up after I install  another element or just the 900w thanks
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: ffrcoupe on July 11, 2011, 08:19:39 PM
Quote from: Habanero Smoker on July 08, 2011, 01:18:04 PM
The answer is going to depend on who did what mod. I did the additional element 2 years ago, and never has a problem. The installation is very easy, so I would have to say go with the second element.

Just note; that it is not recommended to do this mod without some type of temperature controller, such as a PID or DigiQ II.

Why?
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: Habanero Smoker on July 12, 2011, 01:32:43 AM
Without an PID, DigiQ II or other type of temperature controller the cabinet temperature could over heat and cause a fire. You can add the additional sensor and in-line fuse as TestRocket installed, but that may not be a fail safe setup. In addition to his extra safety precautions, TestRocket also uses a PID with his setup.
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: ffrcoupe on July 12, 2011, 05:16:23 AM
Quote from: Habanero Smoker on July 12, 2011, 01:32:43 AM
Without an PID, DigiQ II or other type of temperature controller the cabinet temperature could over heat and cause a fire. You can add the additional sensor and in-line fuse as TestRocket installed, but that may not be a fail safe setup. In addition to his extra safety precautions, TestRocket also uses a PID with his setup.

That makes sense.

I didn't think about it catching on fire. (http://mysite.verizon.net/vze11gpul/Smilies/dohreagan.gif)
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: beefmann on July 12, 2011, 10:44:06 AM
i do and have had it for many years and it has not  failed me yet
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: cjj on July 12, 2011, 04:42:04 PM
Well i Installed a 900 watt element and just did the auto tune I got  P-37 , I - 329 , D- 82 ,  does that sound about right ? It seems to be OK , I am  Going to do a pork butt this weekend    I will let you all know how it comes out Thanks for everyones Help
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: beefmann on July 12, 2011, 05:11:02 PM
sounds right on settings
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: Keymaster on July 12, 2011, 05:14:37 PM
Quote from: cjj on July 12, 2011, 04:42:04 PM
Well i Installed a 900 watt element and just did the auto tune I got  P-37 , I - 329 , D- 82 ,  does that sound about right ? It seems to be OK , I am  Going to do a pork butt this weekend    I will let you all know how it comes out Thanks for everyones Help
You have any pictures of the Mod so we might help find any potential problems/not trying to scrutinize your work just want to be safe  :)
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: cjj on July 12, 2011, 06:44:07 PM
I have some pics but I can't figure out how to post them ?
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: Keymaster on July 12, 2011, 07:03:31 PM
I use photobucket .com and it is easy to upload photos to it.Then after upload you just copy and paste the image code into your post.

Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: cjj on July 13, 2011, 12:53:57 PM
THANKS FOR THE HELP HERE ARE SOME PICS OF MY MOD . I DID CHANGE THE WIRE TO # 12 HEAT RESISENT WIRE
(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv189/chet5713/SAM_0075.jpg)
(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv189/chet5713/SAM_00742.jpg)(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv189/chet5713/SAM_0078.jpg)
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: muebe on July 13, 2011, 02:11:30 PM
Cjj nice job! But how come you got the element with the connections on the same side? The link I sent you was for the one with electrical connections on each side? Did you want that design? Or they send the wrong one?
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: cjj on July 13, 2011, 02:35:43 PM
THAT IS THE GRAINGER  ELEMENT  i DID NOT  GET THAT LINK  WOULD HVE BEEN A LITTLE EASER TO INSALL  IT WAS NOT THAT HARD TO INSTALL i JUST PULLED OFF THE BACK AND REPLACED THE WIRE WITH HEAVY GAUGE WIRE    GOING TO DO A PORK BUTT THIS  WEEKEND I WILL LET YOU ALL KNOW HOW IT TURNS OUT  THANKS AGAIN
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: muebe on July 13, 2011, 03:01:55 PM
Quote from: cjj on July 13, 2011, 02:35:43 PM
THAT IS THE GRAINGER  ELEMENT  i DID NOT  GET THAT LINK  WOULD HVE BEEN A LITTLE EASER TO INSALL  IT WAS NOT THAT HARD TO INSTALL i JUST PULLED OFF THE BACK AND REPLACED THE WIRE WITH HEAVY GAUGE WIRE    GOING TO DO A PORK BUTT THIS  WEEKEND I WILL LET YOU ALL KNOW HOW IT TURNS OUT  THANKS AGAIN

There are four different 900w finned elements available. Two are 120v and two are 240v. And you have the choice of one connection on each side or both connections on one side. For others who attempt this mod it is easier to use the one with connections on each side of the element. The one cjj installed will work but will be more difficult to install due to the connectors are on one side. The elements are the same in price.... just a different design.

Sorry cjj I thought I gave you the link for the right element when I sent you the PM
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: ffrcoupe on July 14, 2011, 03:50:04 AM
Quote from: muebe on July 13, 2011, 03:01:55 PMThere are four different 900w finned elements available. Two are 120v and two are 240v. And you have the choice of one connection on each side or both connections on one side. For others who attempt this mod it is easier to use the one with connections on each side of the element. The one cjj installed will work but will be more difficult to install due to the connectors are on one side. The elements are the same in price.... just a different design

Is this the one you are talking about? http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/search.shtml?searchQuery=2xef3&op=search&Ntt=2xef3&N=0&sst=subset (http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/search.shtml?searchQuery=2xef3&op=search&Ntt=2xef3&N=0&sst=subset)
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: smoker pete on July 14, 2011, 07:09:55 AM
Quote from: ffrcoupe on July 14, 2011, 03:50:04 AM
Quote from: muebe on July 13, 2011, 03:01:55 PMThere are four different 900w finned elements available. Two are 120v and two are 240v. And you have the choice of one connection on each side or both connections on one side. For others who attempt this mod it is easier to use the one with connections on each side of the element. The one cjj installed will work but will be more difficult to install due to the connectors are on one side. The elements are the same in price.... just a different design

Is this the one you are talking about? http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/search.shtml?searchQuery=2xef3&op=search&Ntt=2xef3&N=0&sst=subset (http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/search.shtml?searchQuery=2xef3&op=search&Ntt=2xef3&N=0&sst=subset)

I have the 2XEF3 model (connections on each side) that the link points to in a box right now waiting installation.  What did you use to mount the 900 watt element cjj?  Muebe used brackets for drapes.  Looking at the photo cjj it looks like you have long bolts acting as mounting posts!?

Please explain.  Thanks
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: muebe on July 14, 2011, 07:12:47 AM
Quote from: ffrcoupe on July 14, 2011, 03:50:04 AM
Quote from: muebe on July 13, 2011, 03:01:55 PMThere are four different 900w finned elements available. Two are 120v and two are 240v. And you have the choice of one connection on each side or both connections on one side. For others who attempt this mod it is easier to use the one with connections on each side of the element. The one cjj installed will work but will be more difficult to install due to the connectors are on one side. The elements are the same in price.... just a different design

Is this the one you are talking about? http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/search.shtml?searchQuery=2xef3&op=search&Ntt=2xef3&N=0&sst=subset (http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/search.shtml?searchQuery=2xef3&op=search&Ntt=2xef3&N=0&sst=subset)

Yes that is the one...
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: cjj on July 14, 2011, 12:23:42 PM
I CUT A PIECE OF ALUMIUN TO FIT THE BOLT PATTERN OF THE PORCLIN I PUT THAT BETWEEN THE 2 PIECES OF PORCILIN  AND THEN MOUNTED IT TO THE ELEMENT WITH THE BOLT YOU SEE
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: OU812 on July 14, 2011, 02:51:51 PM
Quote from: cjj on July 14, 2011, 12:23:42 PM
I CUT A PIECE OF ALUMIUN TO FIT THE BOLT PATTERN OF THE PORCLIN I PUT THAT BETWEEN THE 2 PIECES OF PORCILIN  AND THEN MOUNTED IT TO THE ELEMENT WITH THE BOLT YOU SEE

Great idea.
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: macsfire on August 08, 2011, 08:09:58 AM
Is it necessary to have a switch, on the second element.  It seems to me that if you are using a pid, which you recommend with a second element.  If you switch the second element off than your paramaters on the pid or not set correctly.
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: TedEbear on August 08, 2011, 09:42:23 AM
Quote from: macsfire on August 08, 2011, 08:09:58 AM
Is it necessary to have a switch, on the second element. 

No.  I have dual elemnts on my OBS and no switch for the second one.  Everything is controlled by the PID.
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: macsfire on August 08, 2011, 11:58:47 AM
Thank's TedEbear.  I think that's the way I am going to hook up my 2nd element.  Just waiting for part's.  How long have you been using your 2 element's.
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: Habanero Smoker on August 08, 2011, 12:58:34 PM
Quote from: macsfire on August 08, 2011, 08:09:58 AM
Is it necessary to have a switch, on the second element.  It seems to me that if you are using a pid, which you recommend with a second element.  If you switch the second element off than your paramaters on the pid or not set correctly.

It is not necessary, but it comes in handy. For example, one member's PID failed, so it was just a matter of flipping the switch to turn off the second element and using the smoker as origianally designed.

I've been using my dual element hookup for more then 2 years. I came up with the idea of adding the switch, because I keep my smoker outside 24 seven. Each time I wanted to use a temperature control device, I would have to hook it up. There are several things I smoke/cook that I don't need my temperature control device. During those smokes, I just turn off the second element, and I don't have to hook up the controller.
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: macsfire on August 08, 2011, 02:19:28 PM
Thank's Habanero those are some good points.
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: Raymillsus on August 08, 2011, 10:11:56 PM
Can you add a 900watt element to a BDS without adding a PID or is the PID still necessary. I am not really interested in adding a PID. (atleast not yet)
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: TedEbear on August 09, 2011, 11:13:46 AM
Quote from: macsfire on August 08, 2011, 11:58:47 AM
Thank's TedEbear.  I think that's the way I am going to hook up my 2nd element.  Just waiting for part's.  How long have you been using your 2 element's.

I added the second element about 6 months ago.  It has been running fine other than one element going out that was part of the rash of bad elements that many owners had problems with.
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: macsfire on August 09, 2011, 02:16:19 PM
I have a DBS 4 rack and I will be putting in a second element when I get the part's.  I think I would like to add a switch but the only place to put the switch that I can see is on the back.  I had thought about the 900 watt element, and if I keep burning out elements this will be the way I go.
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: photobyallen on August 09, 2011, 07:11:54 PM
Quote from: cjj on July 13, 2011, 12:53:57 PM
THANKS FOR THE HELP HERE ARE SOME PICS OF MY MOD . I DID CHANGE THE WIRE TO # 12 HEAT RESISENT WIRE
(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv189/chet5713/SAM_0075.jpg)
(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv189/chet5713/SAM_00742.jpg)(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv189/chet5713/SAM_0078.jpg)

Looks inmpressive, what are the other mods on the left hand side? I have the Digital 6Rack myself and think my heating element went out. I am calling Bradley tomorrow to hopefully get it taken care of, but if this is going to be an ongoing problem I would like a more secure solution.

Thanks
Allen
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: cjj on August 10, 2011, 12:23:25 PM
What you see on the inside of the smoker is were i ran new wire to hook up the new element   If you use the 2XEF3 model (connections on each side) you will not have to run new wire  If you are looking at the pic of the smoker from the outside , that is a PID controller. This past weekend I added a 3 1/2in  fan mod to the very top left of the smoker   I made some jerky  all 3 selves were done  in 4 hrs  I will try to post some pic later   thanks Chet
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: cjj on August 10, 2011, 04:47:20 PM
here some pics of my fan mod(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv189/chet5713/SAM_00871-1.jpg)
(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv189/chet5713/SAM_0085.jpg)
(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv189/chet5713/SAM_0086.jpg)
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single
Post by: Habanero Smoker on August 11, 2011, 01:44:00 AM
Quote from: Raymillsus on August 08, 2011, 10:11:56 PM
Can you add a 900watt element to a BDS without adding a PID or is the PID still necessary. I am not really interested in adding a PID. (atleast not yet)
Raymillsus;
It is not advisable. The electronics in the DBS where designed to handle around 650 watts

Quote from: macsfire on August 09, 2011, 02:16:19 PM
I have a DBS 4 rack and I will be putting in a second element when I get the part's.  I think I would like to add a switch but the only place to put the switch that I can see is on the back.  I had thought about the 900 watt element, and if I keep burning out elements this will be the way I go.

Macsfire;

Those who have added the switch to the DBS have installed it on the back panel. Fortunately I have not purchased any of the faulty elements. They should be out of every one's inventory by now. Though there could still be a few in smokers sitting on some one's display.
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single PICS OF FAN MOD ADDED !!
Post by: macsfire on August 11, 2011, 01:17:30 PM
Thank's Habanero that is where I will put it.  Unfortunately the ceramic insulator broke, when I was replacing the element that had burned out and nobody has any of them, they are on back order.  Hope to get one late next week.  we are running out of smoked meat.
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single PICS OF FAN MOD ADDED !!
Post by: ghosttown on July 08, 2015, 07:10:36 AM
Looking in doing this mod in my OBS, I was wondering in the picture on page 2 of the 900 watts, what is the two white blocks on each side made out of? Did you change all the wiring from the power source to the element with a higher gauge?
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single PICS OF FAN MOD ADDED !!
Post by: manfromplaid on July 08, 2015, 08:40:18 AM
they are the ceramic mounting blocks that come stock with the smoker. the high temp wire in the smoker will work fine.
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single PICS OF FAN MOD ADDED !!
Post by: ghosttown on July 08, 2015, 04:42:45 PM
Just curious to see how other people mounted their 900 watts element. I'm leading towards installing the 900 watts instead of a second element.

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Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single PICS OF FAN MOD ADDED !!
Post by: michsmoker on July 08, 2015, 05:31:43 PM
http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=36408.0 this is why I replaced the stock wire with oven wire. Pics at bottom of post.
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single PICS OF FAN MOD ADDED !!
Post by: ghosttown on July 08, 2015, 06:26:45 PM
Okay upgrading the wires it is :)

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Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single PICS OF FAN MOD ADDED !!
Post by: ghosttown on July 08, 2015, 06:30:13 PM


Quote from: ghosttown on July 08, 2015, 06:26:45 PM
Okay upgrading the wires it is :),  anybody know where I can buy the 900 watts element that ships to Canada?

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Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single PICS OF FAN MOD ADDED !!
Post by: Seancwolfe on July 09, 2015, 08:16:46 AM
Would also be interested as to where a Canuck can source these parts :).  Dual probe PID will be coming first but always need to have a future mod on the horizon...


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Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single PICS OF FAN MOD ADDED !!
Post by: ghosttown on July 11, 2015, 03:41:10 PM
What is the benefits of having a dual probe pid?

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Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single PICS OF FAN MOD ADDED !!
Post by: JohnM70 on July 13, 2015, 12:23:06 PM
All the information here about adding a second element or a 900 is great. I think it is what you feel Comfortable with. The Granger site that had to 900 W element also had a 1100 watt element that is the same size as the 900. I figured that it was only 100 W more that 2 500 W so I decided to try it. I also upgraded the wire to 14 gauge oven wire. The recovery time is amazing.
If you search the forum about Thanksgiving time last year you will understand my upgrade. I also added a heat shield that was recommend by one of the forum members... Salmonsmoker

This is the final product.
(http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w539/JohnM70/m_DSC_1248_zpswm6kr8lp.jpg) (http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/JohnM70/media/m_DSC_1248_zpswm6kr8lp.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single PICS OF FAN MOD ADDED !!
Post by: ghosttown on July 13, 2015, 03:39:23 PM
Looks pretty good,  I am trying to find a post about adding heat shield but I can't seem to find it. Did you use a regular sheer metal and just used screw taps into the existing metal there? Did you also end up installing the fan?

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Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single PICS OF FAN MOD ADDED !!
Post by: JohnM70 on July 14, 2015, 11:05:33 AM
Quote from: ghosttown on July 13, 2015, 03:39:23 PM
Looks pretty good,  I am trying to find a post about adding heat shield but I can't seem to find it. Did you use a regular sheer metal and just used screw taps into the existing metal there? Did you also end up installing the fan?

Try these
http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=31078.msg413832#msg413832

http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=31078.msg413226#msg413226

No I did not install a fan. Right now I am not sure if I will. Maybe this winter when I get bored.

I found a piece of aluminum and cut it to the size I needed. It is a little thicker than the sides of the oven and it is about 1/16" thick.  I mounted it with stand offs. I also used stainless steal nuts, washers and, bolts.

John

Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single PICS OF FAN MOD ADDED !!
Post by: ghosttown on July 14, 2015, 01:26:57 PM
K will do the same, woukd you know the difference between a single vs a dual PID?

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Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single PICS OF FAN MOD ADDED !!
Post by: dave01 on July 14, 2015, 04:27:47 PM
ghosttown, the difference is 1 or 2 probes, 1 for cabinet temp and one for the meat
Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single PICS OF FAN MOD ADDED !!
Post by: ghosttown on July 14, 2015, 04:47:54 PM
O that it was used for something else,  rather use my wireless maverick. It's not easy finding a supplier in Canada for the 900 Watt element. All the US don't want to ship to Canada.

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Title: Re: 2nd element or the 900 watt single PICS OF FAN MOD ADDED !!
Post by: tskeeter on July 15, 2015, 04:08:53 PM
Quote from: ghosttown on July 14, 2015, 04:47:54 PM
O that it was used for something else,  rather use my wireless maverick. It's not easy finding a supplier in Canada for the 900 Watt element. All the US don't want to ship to Canada.

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Ghost, search the 700 watt and 900 watt mod posts.  I remember that some of the Canadian forum members have come up with a couple of Canadian sources for those finned heating elements.  Or post a request for help from the Canadian folks.  Members here are really helpful.