BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Miscellaneous Topics => General Discussions => Topic started by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 08:04:26 AM

Title: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 08:04:26 AM
Some of you are following my Stoker cook on Twitter.  The cook just started about 15 minutes ago and the first tweet sent.  However, all my testing was with the stoker only and I'm using StokerLog to follow the cook from the comfort of my recliner.  Apparently the Stoker won't send a tweet when the StokerLog has control of it so I've switched over to sending tweets with StokerLog. I'm sending them every 15 minutes.  If that's too annoying I'll cut it back to every half hour.

So far the fire has climbed a bit over target but I've added more fuel as I antisipate a longer cook with the brisket.

Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: squirtthecat on July 10, 2010, 08:12:41 AM

My phone has buzzed a couple times already!   That is so cool.   Talk about your remote monitoring..

For you non-twitter types - this is what it looks like:

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CbvAIVzmFFM/TDiNnxVjRjI/AAAAAAABLy8/c3NkMETgaQA/stoker.JPG)

Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 08:16:05 AM
Thanks for the screen shot Pat.  I know CRG and several other don't do Twitter so it's cool they can see the output.

I've cut the target temp back to 200 as it's running much hotter than I'd like.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: squirtthecat on July 10, 2010, 08:18:12 AM

Looks to be 214° right now according to it's handy-dandy website.

I'll get a screen shot of that as well..
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: KyNola on July 10, 2010, 08:22:41 AM
How cool is that?  I want one!
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 08:24:34 AM
If you're logged into the stoker, the page refreshes itself every couple minutes so there's no need to hit refresh.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: classicrockgriller on July 10, 2010, 08:24:52 AM
And I thought I was Lazy! ;D

Pretty Kewl!

Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: squirtthecat on July 10, 2010, 08:26:12 AM

Screen shot from the stoker's built in web server:

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CbvAIVzmFFM/TDiQnWzWEPI/AAAAAAABLzY/PHsY2KIGzPQ/darqmanstoker.JPG)

(I promise not to touch any of your settings!)
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: begolf25 on July 10, 2010, 08:26:55 AM
Nothing like being able to follow someone else's cooks degree by degree! I think that is the true definition of bbq addicts...lol
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 08:28:15 AM
I'm sitting in my recliner typing a message and the doorbell rings.  That's unusual... hummm.  It's a guy out campaigning for his friend who's running for judge in Logan county.  First thing he asks about is the bubba keg so of course I've got to show it to him.  His mind was blown when I told him you could follow the progress and update settings on the internet.  
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: classicrockgriller on July 10, 2010, 08:38:59 AM
Somebody needs to send Suyi a link to this for a new PID for the Bradley.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: TTNuge on July 10, 2010, 08:53:58 AM
Big temp drop.... if you're looking you ain't cooking!
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 08:57:29 AM
I had to temporarily abort.  I'm reworking some things and will be back up in a little while with details on my mistake.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 09:16:15 AM
We're back online. 

All my tests were without food and it's different with a load of food. I didn't listen to Ron and get a cheap grill to cover the fire. The drippings from the brisket put the fire out... duh!  So, I've restarted the fire, moved the brisket to the top rack and put a drip pan underneath.  A stupid silly mistake and I should have known better.  Let's see how things work out this time. As Benny Hill would say, "Learning all the time, learning all the time". ;D
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: squirtthecat on July 10, 2010, 09:17:10 AM

I saw the same thing and thought 'he left the lid open then the doorbell rang'!

Oh, it looks like he is back in business..

Smoker started at: 11:13.45
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: TTNuge on July 10, 2010, 09:23:23 AM
Back in bidness
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 09:28:33 AM
Here's the StokerLog software.  The screenshot that STC posted was the built-in html page served up by the Stoker's web server.

(http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp228/steve_jensen/bradley_forum/StokerLog.jpg)
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 09:30:24 AM
You'll probably have to scroll it to the right to see all of it.  My display resolution is set really high 1920x1080.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: classicrockgriller on July 10, 2010, 09:40:55 AM
Looks good to me.

That stoker is stokin".
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: squirtthecat on July 10, 2010, 09:49:22 AM

Just curious..  Why didn't you enable the 'lid detection'?
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 09:53:38 AM
Because I don't have an alarm set for the fire.  Here's the section from the help file on the settings:

Auto-Lid Open Detection
One of the negative aspects of automated temperature control is that if you open the lid of the smoker, the fire probe temperature drops, causing the blow to run and create a flare up.  Stoker has a menu option to turn this on but this is hard to do quickly and at any rate, one can forget and have a flare up still.  If you turn on the checkbox marked "Auto Lid Detection", StokerLog will monitor temperature of the fire probe and if it drops suddenly, it will force the target temp for the fire to be 50 degrees F, which should cause the blower to stay off.  The program will then wait 5 minutes before returning the target value to whatever it was set to before change.  If you want to turn the blower back sooner, simply uncheck the box and the unit will quickly revert back to original setting.



When the program detects that the lid is open, the text legend "Auto Lid Detection" turns red and a caption is created and put on the chart.  Once it turns off, it goes back to being black and another caption is put on the graph.  While the lid is open (i.e. the text is red), there is a countdown timer until this mode is turned off.  The text changes from "Auto Lid Detection" to "Auto Lid Det (min)" where min is the number of minutes left until we resume the original temperature.  Note that if you modify the target fire value, it can get overwritten while the legend is red. 



The way the program detects the lid being opened is by looking at how fast the temperature drops.  If the current reading is lower by X degrees from the previous one, then it will assume the lid has been opened, causing the probe to cool off.  Since it is impossible to set a number that works for all scenarios, we make this parameter programmable under Settings->Advanced.   Increase the value if the program is not detecting the lid being opened.  Or lower it if you are getting false alarms, when for example, the blower cycles.



Tip: you may not want to leave this mode on all the time.  Instead, check it before you go and play with the smoker and then turn it off when done.  This way, it is not subject to false alarms when you are not watching it.



In version 5.0+, there is no an advanced setting to program the time delay.  So instead of 5 minute delay, you can use a shorter or longer time.  Also, the temp that the stoker is brought down to is now 50, instead of 32 to avoid some reported problems with stoker target being set too low.

Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: squirtthecat on July 10, 2010, 09:56:26 AM

Gotcha.   Thanks.

Hal's DigiQ has something similar to that to keep the blower from coming on full blast after we have the door open.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 09:58:50 AM
I hear that's a nice product too.  I'll eventually get on so I can compare the two. 
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: OldHickory on July 10, 2010, 10:12:19 AM
This is awesome.  I have been watching and waiting for your posts on the Stoker, now it is here and I am blown away.  I don't Twitter, not that computer smart, but I will be watching for your continued posts with intense intrest.  Thanks for sharing.  GO GO DarqMan.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: ronbeaux on July 10, 2010, 10:15:37 AM
Pretty darn cool Darqman! I can't believe you passed on the $4.00 throwaway grill though???
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 10:19:24 AM
Quote from: ronbeaux on July 10, 2010, 10:15:37 AM
Pretty darn cool Darqman! I can't believe you passed on the $4.00 throwaway grill though???

Thanks Ron, I will get one for the next cook FOR SURE!
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 11:05:04 AM
My wireless game adapter lost connection to the network.  I'm cooking on the opposite end of the house so I had to restart to get connected again.  Looks like I need to get an extender.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 02:30:54 PM
If you've been following this cook you know it's been all over the place.  I learned a lot and made some mistakes.  At this point I'm tempted to take it off and finish it on the Traeger.  I'm going to let it go a bit longer before I do that but I think eventually I'll have to. 
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: NePaSmoKer on July 10, 2010, 02:36:45 PM
Me likes  ;D

I think by the time i get back to NC all the Bubba's at Home Peepot will be gone.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 02:44:55 PM
Quote from: NePaSmoKer on July 10, 2010, 02:36:45 PM
Me likes  ;D

I think by the time i get back to NC all the Bubba's at Home Peepot will be gone.

Yeah, they certainly aren't getting any more.  I was fortunate to get this one.  I really like it but have some practice before I have it down.  But hey, I'm have a BLAST learning ;D
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: TTNuge on July 10, 2010, 02:45:16 PM
I been watching and imagining whats going on over there.  Looks like you got your hands full.  The ease of pellet cooking wins again. ;)

Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 02:55:36 PM
Quote from: TTNuge on July 10, 2010, 02:45:16 PM
I been watching and imagining whats going on over there.  Looks like you got your hands full.  The ease of pellet cooking wins again. ;)


Trent, I couldn't have said it better. It's on the Traeger now.  I'm not giving up.  A minor setback and I will play another day. 
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: ronbeaux on July 10, 2010, 03:02:57 PM
Rookie ;D

I'm thowing on a pork butt tonight and going to bed using the Bubba with no gadgets. I'm not getting up at 0200 for a report either.

See ya at 0600 when I pull it out to rest.

;D

Just funnin with ya! The best part is learning how! You gained valuable experience with the new cooker that every body on the other forum is going through now since it is so new.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 03:13:52 PM
Oh man, I laughed my a$$ off when I read that.  Because I had to agree, you're right.... ROOKIE on the Bubba.  I know you can do it without gadgets but where's the fun in that??  ;D 
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 03:15:20 PM
Ron, you'll have to show me the ropes at the TSO!!
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: squirtthecat on July 10, 2010, 04:21:45 PM

Cut a hole in the BK and mount the Traeger firebox on it!  Best of both worlds!

I had to turn off the mobile notifications from the Stoker's Twitter feed.   Couldn't keep up.   ;)

Like you said - it's a learning experience!
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 04:23:44 PM
Quote from: squirtthecat on July 10, 2010, 04:21:45 PM

Cut a hole in the BK and mount the Traeger firebox on it!  Best of both worlds!

I had to turn off the mobile notifications from the Stoker's Twitter feed.   Couldn't keep up.   ;)

Like you said - it's a learning experience!

There's a lot I'll do differently next time.  That was my first rodeo!
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: begolf25 on July 10, 2010, 04:36:05 PM
Darq,

You will get it, just takes some time.

Before i got my CyberQ I did a few overnight cooks on the Primo. Once I got the temps dialed in they never moved more than a few degrees. I had temp swings a lot bigger than that on my Traeger.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 10, 2010, 04:48:09 PM
Quote from: begolf25 on July 10, 2010, 04:36:05 PM
Darq,

You will get it, just takes some time.

Before i got my CyberQ I did a few overnight cooks on the Primo. Once I got the temps dialed in they never moved more than a few degrees. I had temp swings a lot bigger than that on my Traeger.

Thanks Bryan.  I've seen some of your cooks and they are impressive.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: ronbeaux on July 10, 2010, 05:48:11 PM
I've been out in the pool watching just a wiff of smoke coming out the top now for at least two hours now. I'm getting pickled both inside and outside. See you guys in the morning.............
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: classicrockgriller on July 10, 2010, 05:54:17 PM
I have been busy (non smoking) and just saw the operation is Shut Down?

I know you will get that Baby dialed in and it will be just awesome.

You may need to bring that to TSO so that we can show the World what we are cookin'.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: SnellySmokesEm on July 12, 2010, 12:57:02 PM
Man DM, the stoker is awesome!  What a way to merge technology and smoking.  I still cant come to grips with being able to control your smoker remotely from the internet!!!  Way cool.  Better luck next time with you brisket.  You'll have it nailed in no time!!!
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 12, 2010, 06:26:34 PM
Quote from: SnellySmokesEm on July 12, 2010, 12:57:02 PM
Man DM, the stoker is awesome!  What a way to merge technology and smoking.  I still cant come to grips with being able to control your smoker remotely from the internet!!!  Way cool.  Better luck next time with you brisket.  You'll have it nailed in no time!!!

I just got home and stopped at the dollar store on the way and picked up a cheapo grill for a heat deflector.  I'm following Ron's instructions on the fire this time.  I've got a rack of St. Louis style pork ribs ready to go this time.  I was a bit bummed with the brisket but I'll get it.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: Smokin Soon on July 12, 2010, 06:30:11 PM
I got my eyes on this also. This is some really cool stuff!  ;D
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: squirtthecat on July 12, 2010, 06:47:07 PM

That's the spirit!   We'll be following you!  (literally..)
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 12, 2010, 06:49:08 PM
Quote from: squirtthecat on July 12, 2010, 06:47:07 PM

That's the spirit!   We'll be following you!  (literally..)


Pat, should I cut the interval of tweets back to every half hour instead of 15 minute intervals?
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: squirtthecat on July 12, 2010, 06:50:51 PM
Quote from: DarqMan on July 12, 2010, 06:49:08 PM
Quote from: squirtthecat on July 12, 2010, 06:47:07 PM

That's the spirit!   We'll be following you!  (literally..)


Pat, should I cut the interval of tweets back to every half hour instead of 15 minute intervals?


Naw, 15 is good.    If I was doing it, I'd want to know sooner than later that things were getting too hot/cold/out of hand!
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 12, 2010, 07:20:49 PM
I've got other means of being notified like text and email.  I was thinking abut it being too annoying for the folks following.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: classicrockgriller on July 12, 2010, 07:31:36 PM
Soooooo What Happened to the Brisket?

Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 12, 2010, 07:40:13 PM
I finished it off on the Trager.  Eating a brisket taco right now. ;D

It was still good viddles!
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 12, 2010, 07:59:34 PM
I keep hearing 10.5 saying... well, you know.  So here they are.

Stoker and wireless game adapter.
(http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp228/steve_jensen/bradley_forum/427884d2.jpg)

Brisket on Bubba before moving to top rack with drip pan.  This caused problems with fire.
(http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp228/steve_jensen/bradley_forum/6e9d3ac8.jpg)

Brisket on top rack with drip pan.
(http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp228/steve_jensen/bradley_forum/1b87db13.jpg)

A few slices after finishing on Traeger.
(http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp228/steve_jensen/bradley_forum/4714b8f1.jpg)
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: classicrockgriller on July 12, 2010, 08:07:06 PM
Looks like a "Robotic Bubba"!

Did you get a little smoke ring from the Traeger?

Even though I didn't "twitter" with ya, it was very interesting.

I know you will hammer it next round.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 12, 2010, 08:15:31 PM
I cut a little of the small end off before I put it on the Traeger and there was an ever so slight smoke ring.  Must have been the chunk of hickory I put on the Bubba.  It didn't take very long to finish, and I was eating on the small end after about only an hour on the 075.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: classicrockgriller on July 12, 2010, 08:19:36 PM
Quote from: DarqMan on July 12, 2010, 08:15:31 PM
I cut a little of the small end off before I put it on the Traeger and there was an ever so slight smoke ring.  Must have been the chunk of hickory I put on the Bubba.  It didn't take very long to finish, and I was eating on the small end after about only an hour on the 075.

I was gonna say, It "looked" close to being there.

Man I need to cook something.

Have been in a "Funk" mood for a few days and maybe that will snap me out of it.
Title: Re: Bubba Keg brisket cook with Stoker
Post by: DarqMan on July 12, 2010, 08:22:28 PM
Quote from: classicrockgriller on July 12, 2010, 08:19:36 PM
I was gonna say, It "looked" close to being there.

Man I need to cook something.

Have been in a "Funk" mood for a few days and maybe that will snap me out of it.

I miss the CRG super cooks... Smoke some of those chicken thighs for Caleb. ;D