Auber Instruments is selling on EBAY a PID for the Bradley smokers... Plug and Play..
Here is the link.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Bradley-Smoker-PID-Temperature-Controller_W0QQitemZ200220985216QQihZ010QQcategoryZ50926QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247
The price is $145.00 with $15 to ship...
More options for all.. ::) :P
Ivigil
That looks pretty good. The only thing I noticed was the minimum temp being 120 degrees. Other than that, it looks good.
Mike
Ivigil, I wish I had know about that before I made mine. I think that way would of been a lot easier!!
wow now thats an option
Looking at this ebay PID, I notice that they intend for you to simply drop the temp sensor down the vents on your Bradley. I've noticed that most people that have built their own PID's, have installed the temp sensor into the back of their Bradley cabinet. Would there be any pros/cons of using a temp sensor that is simply dropped down the vent like this unit?
I use THS 113-041 on this web site: http://www.thermoworks.com/products/probe/tc_hightemp.html
May eventually try the 8468-22.
I can run it through the door or down the vent and place it anywhere I want.
That is pretty cool, but you can build one cheaper and have the fun of putting it together!!! I've been wondering the same thing Lefty, the parts are on the way for my PID project and have been debating whether to drop it in the vent or run it through the back...somebody smarter than I will have an answer!!
C
Vent or Door is a preference on access. I am wondering if anyone has tried one of these premade units? Experience has been?
I was planning on mounting mine on the back of the unit as well untill I got to asking on this board and the majority of people told me to run it down the vent or door. Also I got to thinking (which can be very scary as many past girlfriends would agree on) that the probe might pick up some of the heat off of the metal thru conduction, along with the air temp causing it to not be accurate. And I like the fact that you have the ability to positin the probe up or down in your box which will allow for better heat controll near your food. But thats just me thingking so take it for what it cost ya...nothing.
I see they now have (2) different PID's available on ebay now. A programmable model, which was linked to above and also a non-programmable model for about $40 less.
Here is a link to the cheaper non-programmable unit.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Bradley-Smoker-PID-Temperature-Controller_W0QQitemZ200220985216QQihZ010QQcategoryZ50926QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem
It does say in the description that this is a low introductory price only available for a limited time.
It looks like both links in this thread go to the same PID - both are $115 plus $16 for shipping. I ordered one and will report back on how it works.
OK now my radar is up, anyone use this yet? I am thinking about buying one to help maintain temp. in a narrower range.
Haellc,
If you are as electronically-challenged as I am and can't have anyone build one for you, I'd be looking into it. I was lucky and had a good friend build one for me. If he hadn't, this is what I probably would have turned to. I'm so electrically challenged my wife has to remind me that the switch goes up when I want the lights on ;)
SD
I will say this as for being electrically challenged I am more of a hazzard is some regards. If it is simple and straight forward I am ok, but if I have to gt my Fluke out and run down a drain or ope circuit I may be in trouble. However my biggest problem is time I have very little except when I set asside a day of pleasure to cook. Mainly the reason i bought my OBS cause i can set it and forget it. LOL
I wonder if I could run the TC from this ebay unit through the cabinet permanately and mount the PID to the side?
Here is the link to the more expensive programmable model on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Bradley-Smoker-PID-Temperature-Controller-Programmable_W0QQitemZ200220985221QQihZ010QQcategoryZ50926QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Hello All,
I was going on the forum to inform you guys about this new PID I saw on ebay and I noticed someone beat me to the punch. Anyway, I called the company this past Sunday to inquire about the product, because the photos I saw on line were using the OBS and my concern was can it be used for the DBS. I am not mechanically inclined and I have been looking for something like this to regulate temp without drilling holes or re-wiring. The person I spoke to said the company has been in business for 3 years manufacturing these instruments and he has a friend that owns a Bradley smoker. The friend asked if they could make a PID compatible with the Bradley unit and so they did. The process started in Dec and they finished a couple of weeks ago. I asked if this unit was compatible with the DBS and he said the testing was conducted on the OBS but it can be used on the Digital, however an extra cable was needed. My question to you more experienced Bradley owners is are the connections in back of the OBS and DBS pretty much the same? Which plug would I connect to this PID instead of the Bradley? Does the same cord used for the heating element operate the smoking element? If so can I even use the PID without disrupting the burner plate/smoke? I asked these questions during my conversation with Auber Instruments and he said he could not see why it could not be used with the DBS and I could return the PID if it could not. I would appreciate any feedback you guys can give. I did order the cheaper non programmable and I am anxiously awaiting its arrival. Thanks.
I was planning on building a PID, but I have several other projects in the queue ahead of it. If OTOH, I buy one, I can put it into production right away. It would seem that the programmable one is a nice option to have. I may buy one this week and report back on it. One reservation is that I seem to recall that the Auber brand TC is not the preferred TC, that the Omega TC was ?
Saw the two types on ebay after reading the post here. Got one of the programmable ones on the way! ;D
OK I did it i ordered one today and will give it a real work out this weekend when I load up my OBS. I will smoke 6 slabs and 4 half chickens so te true test is on. will report back on how it works. ;)
They ran out of the programmable one. They said they would have more in two weeks.
If you go to the actual supplier's website, the unit is for $109 and change. Check here:
http://auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=73
I've got a Digital Bradley and I'm very anxious to hear how these work on the Digital.
I am extremely interested in this unit. Unfortunately I have a DBS. After reading other posts, can someone tell me what additional cords might be required? Interestingly enough, recent post says they are already out of the programable units. Did they think there were only about 10 of us Bradley owners out here? BTW, if you go to their website, they're using Kummok's salmon recipe to illustrate the advantage of the programable model! I'm thinking they owe Kummok!!
Can anyone help me here?
KyNola
Looking at this more. Here's another question. From my understanding this unit is the Bradley attachment. Is it also controlling the puck dispenser? If so, I would think that would be a less than desireable solution. Anyone have any ideas?
The unit plugs in between the Generator and the Cabinet (or direct between the wall outlet and Cabinet), and only operates the Cabinet. It also does not have any direct affiliation with Bradley, only built to be "Plug and Play" compatible with the Bradley Smokers.
edit to add the bit in parentheses
I gave one of these units a test run today. Empty smoker,vent about 1/2 open, no water pan. I set the temp on the unit for 180. When it stabilized the temp on the controller was showing 191. I also had 2 other temp probes inside. One probe for my Maverick which was reading 197 at this time and one probe to my Polder which was reading 192.What do you PID gurus think? Is some form of recalibration needed?
I too received mine today and did a test run, But i went to Walmart and bought some ceramic brickettes for the gas grill. I have read post about using oven brick and such so i was looking around and found these at wally world. I pluged my PID in and run a test no water set the unit on 200 and left it for about an hour, with the bickettes in suronding the wate bowl. I placed my maverick probe in the top vent too about to the top of the 2nd rack from top (4 rack OBS), yes mine too was a little of but only by 7 degrees. which is good enough for me.
Will be interesting to hear the results with a live smoke. Wondering about how stable, consistent, the temp remains at different points... fluctuation thing for sausage. ??? Thanks
Does the unit have an auto tune feature?
Mike
I am giving it the real test right now. Started a 7lb. pork butt 10 hours ago and it is sitting at 168 degrees now. Set the unit at 210 degrees and my Maverick has read a constant 214 the whole time with no fluctuations at all. It appears to be the real deal. It does have an auto tune feature , but with these results I don't thing I would change a thing.This is the first time I have ever done an overnight smoke and I was actually able to sleep. Set it and Forget it. Can't wait to dig in.
I have to agree with Milehi
I just did 4.5 slabs of ribs and 9 chicken Breast, my 4 rack was packed full. I had to satarted the thing about 4 in the morning and it took about 2 hours to get it back up to full temp. I took chicken out about 10 am and FTC them I left ribs on for another hour. Then I placed the ribs in oven @ 300 for 2 hours tented with water apple juice mixture. All I can say is that they were falling off the bone at that point, kind of hard to get then to the serving plate. THis PID did an excellent job as far as I am concerened.
Milehi
Sounds like you have it pretty close.
With your current settings, you could step through them and write them all down so that you can return to these settings manually. This way you could try an auto tune if you wanted.
Mike
Here is a link to yet another PID available on ebay. this one says it is ideal for cold smoking. Temps can be set from -30F - 220F. This one runs $99.99 plus shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Ranco-ETC-PreWired-Bradley-Smoker-Temperature-Control_W0QQitemZ280225761730QQihZ018QQcategoryZ20723QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/Ranco-ETC-PreWired-Bradley-Smoker-Temperature-Control_W0QQitemZ280225761730QQihZ018QQcategoryZ20723QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
Hey Guys
I just got my PID from Auber Instruments and I was wondering has anyone tested it on the DBS and if so where do you plug it in. I hope this is not a dumb question but I am not mechanically inclined. If anyone can fill me in on the connection layout it would be greatly appreciated. Which plug with the Bradley would I be eliminating? I am assuming it would be connection 2 according to the Bradley manual.
I wonder if this is a true PID or some other type of controller?
Quote from: Lefty_Smoker on May 12, 2008, 11:32:33 AM
Here is a link to yet another PID available on ebay. this one says it is ideal for cold smoking. Temps can be set from -30F - 220F. This one runs $99.99 plus shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Ranco-ETC-PreWired-Bradley-Smoker-Temperature-Control_W0QQitemZ280225761730QQihZ018QQcategoryZ20723QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/Ranco-ETC-PreWired-Bradley-Smoker-Temperature-Control_W0QQitemZ280225761730QQihZ018QQcategoryZ20723QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
Matwell
On you DBS you have a short power cord running from your generator to your tower. You basically remove this cord. The PID is plugged directly into the wall outlet (the generator power cord is also plugged into the wall outlet), then the tower is plugged into the PID. Hopefully I didn't confuse you.
Mike
PS
You are right. I just checked the manual on the Bradley site and it is labeled #2. You want to take the power from the wall outlet through the PID, then into the tower. Nothing would be plugged into the generator side of the #2 cord.
Re: New PID on the Market- Plug and Play
« Reply #31 on: May 12, 2008, 11:32:33 am » Quote
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is a link to yet another PID available on ebay. this one says it is ideal for cold smoking. Temps can be set from -30F - 220F. This one runs $99.99 plus shipping.
I am a newbie here and will soon be getting my own OBS. I have been doing a lot of research and it looks like this does not use the PID set-up. As I said I don't have a Bradley Smoker yet but I am thinking that this controller would not be much different then the DBS as it does not seem to use the PID program.
Quote from: gscheig on May 12, 2008, 08:31:30 PM
I wonder if this is a true PID or some other type of controller?
Quote from: Lefty_Smoker on May 12, 2008, 11:32:33 AM
Here is a link to yet another PID available on ebay. this one says it is ideal for cold smoking. Temps can be set from -30F - 220F. This one runs $99.99 plus shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Ranco-ETC-PreWired-Bradley-Smoker-Temperature-Control_W0QQitemZ280225761730QQihZ018QQcategoryZ20723QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/Ranco-ETC-PreWired-Bradley-Smoker-Temperature-Control_W0QQitemZ280225761730QQihZ018QQcategoryZ20723QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
I use the ranco etc to control my smoker.
you can even use it as an internal meat probe.
The sensor is electronic not capillary.... so it is very flexible and versatile.
I have mine wired to shut the smoker off when the desired internal temp of the meat or sausage is reached.
(http://www.butcherblockfoods.com/ranco.jpg)
(http://www.butcherblockfoods.com/IMG00129.jpg)
All I can say is WOW...I had enough trouble putting together my PID :o Thats quite impressive!!
Welcome T B S
C
walleye
Thanks for the info. I ordered a flat cut brisket today from my butcher and have plans to smoke it this weekend. My new gadget will be put to good use. Wish me luck!
Good luck Matwell!
Have fun and maybe even a couple of "sodas" as well! ;)
Hi TBS and welcome to the forum. You did a great job on your smoker! 8)
Did you build the cabinet from scratch or was that a food warmer cart? I'm also curious what you are using for a heat source?
Mike
Have fun and maybe even a couple of "sodas" as well! ;)
Hi TBS and welcome to the forum. You did a great job on your smoker! 8)
Did you build the cabinet from scratch or was that a food warmer cart? I'm also curious what you are using for a heat source?
Mike
[/quote]
Thanks Mr Walleye
The cabinet is actualy a used industrial blast freezer that I scooped from a bakery that went banko. The best thing about this setup is that it has a recirculating fan that keeps every square inch of this (bad ass Bradley) evenly heated and smoked. It holds 50lbs of Jerky or 100lbs of whole hams or 200 llbs sausage.
You could hang a whole pig inside and smoke it.
here is a pic of seven Pork Butts (cottage hams) I did the other day
(http://www.butcherblockfoods.com/IMG00179.jpg)
It is so efficient it uses 1X1000watt hotplate for heat.
and Bradley digital generator for smoke
It will smoke 100lbs of bacon in 8 hours
To get back on topic...... The PID refered to in previous posts uses a capilary tube.. One kink in the line and good bye PID
The Ranco ETC on the other hand uses a waterproof Thermister (sensor) on an eight foot flexilbe wire.
You can find them on ebay
I got mine from this Bradley Dealer
http://cgi.ebay.com/Ranco-ETC-PreWired-Bradley-Smoker-Temperature-Control_W0QQitemZ280225761730QQihZ018QQcategoryZ20723QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
That is much more than I will ever need, but I am very impressed. Nice job.
Very impressive TBS!
I love you capacity for sausage! ;)
I want to build something larger at some point but I have haven't came across a cabinet to use as of yet. Sooner or later I will, or build it from scratch.
Mike
T B S,
Torture is prohibited on the boards here..... :D
Great stuff!!!
Arcs_n_Sparks
Quote from: Lefty_Smoker on May 12, 2008, 11:32:33 AM
Here is a link to yet another PID available on ebay. this one says it is ideal for cold smoking. Temps can be set from -30F - 220F. This one runs $99.99 plus shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Ranco-ETC-PreWired-Bradley-Smoker-Temperature-Control_W0QQitemZ280225761730QQihZ018QQcategoryZ20723QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/Ranco-ETC-PreWired-Bradley-Smoker-Temperature-Control_W0QQitemZ280225761730QQihZ018QQcategoryZ20723QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
Ranco ETC is not a PID controller. It is a on/off controller that is basiclly the same as the Bradley Digital controller. Here is the data sheet
http://www.rancoetc.com/pdf/ranco_etc.pdf
The high end of the temp set point is 220 F with the Ranco is that high enough to smoke all types or is it a little low
I have smoked over 20 thousand pounds of meat and sausage, (over 1000 lbs in the bradley digital smoker) I have yet to see a profesional recipe that calls for over 220 deg F. internal temp.
Someone may enlighten me yet ;D ???
Quote from: Lefty_Smoker on May 12, 2008, 11:32:33 AM
Here is a link to yet another PID available on ebay. this one says it is ideal for cold smoking. Temps can be set from -30F - 220F. This one runs $99.99 plus shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Ranco-ETC-PreWired-Bradley-Smoker-Temperature-Control_W0QQitemZ280225761730QQihZ018QQcategoryZ20723QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/Ranco-ETC-PreWired-Bradley-Smoker-Temperature-Control_W0QQitemZ280225761730QQihZ018QQcategoryZ20723QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
These temp. controllers can also be bought at air conditioning and heating suppliers probably for alot less. I have just order one of the premade one`s from Auberins as I want to have the ability to go above 220 . I will post my results when I receive it
T B S
Do you have a butcher shop or deli.
I would love to do all the smoking your doing. Nice setup you have.
nepas
They can be found on Ebay for around $45 plus shipping - search for Ranco ETC
http://cgi.ebay.com/ETC-111000-Ranco-Digital-Temp-Control-120-208-240V_W0QQitemZ370018117279QQihZ024QQcategoryZ50926QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
here is a question - why is being an "on-off" type controller so bad - seems like it would still be better than manual iterations with an OBS???
The on/off is basically what you get with the digital bradley. THe issue people have with that is the temperature fluctuations that exist when you control temp with a heating element only have the 2 states. That fluctuation can be 10 to 20 degrees. By using a device that has better control, you can get a temperature stability that is more like 1 or 2 degrees from your set point.
Quote from: NePaSmoKer on May 21, 2008, 05:48:14 PM
T B S Do you have a butcher shop or deli. I would love to do all the smoking your doing. Nice setup you have.
nepas
Thanks for that Nepas... Yes I have a Butcher shop with deli, in Vancouver BC.
I used to buy all my deli items from suppliers and later learned how to make them myself.. I started with a Bradley smoker then two then I had three BDS going at one time. There were weeks on end where I had the bradleys going 24 /7 just to fill orders for my growing business. I'm not Bull s-ing when I said I have smoked over 5 thousand lbs with the Bradley smoker.
I built a 25 rack Bradley Smoker with conventional and convection heat, Its also setup with a two stage Ranco (mentioned above) I can set a ham to smoke to 130 deg at which point the ranco second stage turns on the steam generator to bring the hams to 152 deg and then shut the machine off.
Very Nice setup TBS
It's also great to have you as a member here to share your experiences, especially with the volume of product you put through.
Great to have you aboard! 8)
Mike
One question to clear my mine are the ranco mentionned above good or should i pass by to choose an other since i like low temp?
Sorry If I've confused anyone..... I use the ranco as a probe inside the meat as well as smoker temp control.
How do you do? Does it come with 2 probes? and as a temp controller is it good? Is it accurate +-1 degree like it says? And what about diferancial how did you set it up? thx
HI all! I am new, fist post. I have been lurking several years. Just wanted to fist say thanks for the info. I have learns a thing or three.
I have been smoking on a Masterbuilt digital 2 yr and get some real good jerky, sausage, salmon, and some smoked birds, pheasant and chicken. However, the lack of a vent and the total burn on the wood have been obstacles to get top quality, but I have managed for the most part. The digital control is hit an miss on the temp settings so I had to use a Maverick to gauge it, but higher temp errors stop the process too often for long unattended smokes. I have really wanted to upgrade to the Bradley for the cleaner smoke for the longer smoke time items and the bigger overnight projects that I have wanted to try. I waited on the digital and have been watching the forum on those, but it has not sounded like they have it set up quite right so I keep waiting to see.
I finally pulled the trigger on an OBS and it is on the way with wood. I just ordered Bubba Pucks. I have my bricks ready. Next is temp control. I live in MI and smoke all year around in my smoking shed and don't care to set on the smoker to adjust it. I have been looking at temp control and the ones discussed here are what I am interested in. I could and would build one, but I have a hundred things on my to do list for this summer and no time to add one more. I mostly want to get it set for the long runs and forget it so I am thinking about the Ranco or the Auber. I do like gadgets so the programmable Auber is tempting, but I am also on a tight family budget so after buying the new smoker and accessories the Ranco looks good also.
Can someone please elaborate on the differences between the Auber PID and the Ranco. It was said one is a PID and one is an on off, but I guess I don't quite get the difference. Does the PID adjust the power to the heater where the Ranco just does heat on heat off? I have seen the comment that the Ranco is just like the DBS and the DBS doesn't sound like it work all that well so I don't want to go there. I just want good consistent accurate box temps for the most part so can I get that with the Ranco? Also someone mentioned something about kinking the capillary tube; is that a real concern with the Auber and if I kink it is the whole thing shot or do I just need a part?
Thanks!
Quote from: Xtrema312 on May 30, 2008, 10:53:08 AM
Can someone please elaborate on the differences between the Auber PID and the Ranco. It was said one is a PID and one is an on off, but I guess I don't quite get the difference. Does the PID adjust the power to the heater where the Ranco just does heat on heat off? I have seen the comment that the Ranco is just like the DBS and the DBS doesn't sound like it work all that well so I don't want to go there.
In a nutshell, the Ranco controller operates just like the Digital Bradley Smoker in that it is simply a thermistat ON/OF controller. It simply turns ON/OFF the heating elements whenever it hits the preset temp. Because it is a thermistat, it tends to under/over shoot the programmed temps. It will keep your temps within a certain range, say 10-15 degrees within your set temp, but does vary somewhat.
The PID operates essentially the same way except that it can turn ON/OFF several times a second, which will allow it to maintain a much more steady temp, usually within 1 degree or so of your programmed temp, with little to no variation.
The Ranco will essentially keep the heating element FULL ON, until it hits the programmed temp, then shuts the heating element FULL OFF. This usually will result in the bradly box reaching temps above what you set, temporarily at first, then when the temps drop back below your set temp, the heating element will be turned back FULL ON, but we all know that because you are essentially cooking with a 500w light bulb, there is a bit of lag, so temps will fluctuate with this type of setup. The PID on the other hand, will start to turn your heating element on/off more/less as the box gets closer to your programmed temp. This allows the PID to pretty much stay right on your programmed temp, and doesn't over/under shoot when getting there.
Ok, my first mission is to bypass the DBS 9:40 limit, I know the Auber will do that and they claim a plug and play install.
Which one of these thingies can monitor cabinet temp and also meat temp to shut down the thing when meat reaches temp?
I understand that they will all keep cabinet temp better than Bradley can, but the more reading I do, the more confused I get!
Digiq/Raptor says I need a fan, but nothing directed to a bradley install.
with a guru no need for fan power raptor does it instead of a fan.
Quote from: Smokin Soon on June 15, 2008, 06:21:03 PM
Ok, my first mission is to bypass the DBS 9:40 limit, I know the Auber will do that and they claim a plug and play install.
Which one of these thingies can monitor cabinet temp and also meat temp to shut down the thing when meat reaches temp?
I understand that they will all keep cabinet temp better than Bradley can, but the more reading I do, the more confused I get!
Digiq/Raptor says I need a fan, but nothing directed to a bradley install.
As toker1313 states; no fan is needed for the electrical smoker hookup.
Here is the link to the setups for the electrical smokers:
http://secure.thebbqguru.com/ProductCart/pc/viewCat_electric_smokers.asp
Also if you read the review on the NakedWhiz.com, keep in mind that was the DigiQ II being tested on a wood/charcoal pit/smoker. With the electrical smoker the temperature control is much tighter.
So which one would be better, a Digiq/Raptor or this new plug and play PID?
Digiq/Raptor or even a procom 4 with a raptor.
Why do you think that?
Smowmon
The DigiQ/Raptor is sort of the top end of the control devices. It does more than the PID. Does things like ramp temps (although some PID's are capable of this), has 2 temp probes, one for the cabinet and one for the meat, and it will continuously learn how to control you smoker. A typical PID, like the prebuilt ones that are discussed in this thread, are tuned to your smoker when you run the auto tune, they have 1 prob for the cabinet and usually don't have any ramp feature.
If you follow the link Habs posted above and especially read the review he spke about, it will do a lot better job of explaining exactly what it's capable of.
I have a PID that I built and it works very well. I'm sure it's very comparable to the prebuilt ones.
Mike
Great thread, lot's of info I didn't know or didn't understand.
I not real sure what you mean by temp ramping Mr. Walleye.
My understanding of ramping is that you can program it to say, 1 hour @ one temp, then another hour at a different temp, etc...
If you purchased the auber plau-and-play "programmable" (the $155.00 one) unit, then yours will do that.
It is useful for Sausage and some salmon recipes.
Thats what I thought. Just wanted to make sure. It's going to take forever to learn the the smokers langauge not to think of trying to cook with one. Thanks again
No problem.
Quote from: Mr Walleye on July 11, 2008, 06:09:15 AM
Smowmon
The DigiQ/Raptor is sort of the top end of the control devices. It does more than the PID. Does things like ramp temps (although some PID's are capable of this), has 2 temp probes, one for the cabinet and one for the meat, and it will continuously learn how to control you smoker. A typical PID, like the prebuilt ones that are discussed in this thread, are tuned to your smoker when you run the auto tune, they have 1 prob for the cabinet and usually don't have any ramp feature.
If you follow the link Habs posted above and especially read the review he spke about, it will do a lot better job of explaining exactly what it's capable of.
I have a PID that I built and it works very well. I'm sure it's very comparable to the prebuilt ones.
Mike
Is the DigiQ/Raptor that is mentioned here the same as the DigiQ ll and the power raptor unit combined. If it is I was wandering if the Power Raptor unit will work on a 2008 Bradley because the Power Raptor Unit says it only works on pre 2007 models, also are these two seperate items combined the same as the competitors package?
I believe the ramp feature on the DigiQ is really a Ramp Down feature. I believe the way it works is you could start a butt smoke at say 250 degrees with a target temp of 190. When the DigiQ senses you are starting to get close, it ramps the cabinet temp down. I believe this happens until it just holds at the correct temp.
I don't have one so hopefully someone will confirm this. This was just what I understood from the material I have read on it.
Mike
Quote from: snowmon on July 12, 2008, 11:59:59 AM
Quote from: Mr Walleye on July 11, 2008, 06:09:15 AM
Smowmon
The DigiQ/Raptor is sort of the top end of the control devices. It does more than the PID. Does things like ramp temps (although some PID's are capable of this), has 2 temp probes, one for the cabinet and one for the meat, and it will continuously learn how to control you smoker. A typical PID, like the prebuilt ones that are discussed in this thread, are tuned to your smoker when you run the auto tune, they have 1 prob for the cabinet and usually don't have any ramp feature.
If you follow the link Habs posted above and especially read the review he spke about, it will do a lot better job of explaining exactly what it's capable of.
I have a PID that I built and it works very well. I'm sure it's very comparable to the prebuilt ones.
Mike
Is the DigiQ/Raptor that is mentioned here the same as the DigiQ ll and the power raptor unit combined. If it is I was wandering if the Power Raptor unit will work on a 2008 Bradley because the Power Raptor Unit says it only works on pre 2007 models, also are these two seperate items combined the same as the competitors package?
The DigiQ/Raptor will work with all Bradley models. It's just a question of if you need a different adaptor to plug it in.
The Power Raptor is the part of the unit that your main heater is connected to. Then the Power Raptor is controlled by the DigiQ or the Competitor. The DigiQ or Competitor is the "brains" behind the control.
To hook up any of the BBQ Guru products to any electric smoker you need the Power Raptor. Then you control the Power Raptor with a number of different controls like the DigiQ.
Hope that helps
Mike
I got one of the programable plug and play PID's in June from Auberins. I have used it about a dozen times. It is very accurate and maintains a constant temperature within 1-2 degrees. Great product, although I thought it to be a little pricey, especially the $15 shipping fee for less than 2 lbs. of freight. Works great though. I'm glad I have it.
Quote from: manderso on August 25, 2008, 08:02:27 AM
I got one of the programable plug and play PID's in June from Auberins. I have used it about a dozen times. It is very accurate and maintains a constant temperature within 1-2 degrees. Great product, although I thought it to be a little pricey, especially the $15 shipping fee for less than 2 lbs. of freight. Works great though. I'm glad I have it.
Let me say that there are PID controllers and then there are PID controllers.
OK guys i have been using this PID for about a year and absolutly love it. I run the temp probe down the vent and let it just hang there (I am still wondering if it is best to mount it to the back of the unit).
This is very easy to set up and it controls the heat well. If you have a OBS and are thinkng about going digital this is a very economic easy way to get it done.
4.5 stars from me.
would i really need a pid if i went with a dbs. does work the same.
Quote from: mikecorn.1 on June 13, 2009, 12:25:19 PM
would i really need a pid if i went with a dbs. does work the same.
The PID just makes the DBS that much better.
nepas
Had my PID for over 2 years with no problems.