BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Miscellaneous Topics => General Discussions => Topic started by: crapshooter on November 27, 2011, 02:24:32 PM

Title: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: crapshooter on November 27, 2011, 02:24:32 PM
this thing was so confusing trying to set for my first smoke and now I'm convinced I did it wrong. Once it's started can I reset it and do it from the beginning?
Title: Re: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: FLBentRider on November 27, 2011, 02:27:04 PM
Just power cycle it to start over.
Title: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: mikecorn.1 on November 27, 2011, 02:56:54 PM
Just start over and re do the cycles. Just make sure
You do all 6


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Title: Re: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: crapshooter on November 27, 2011, 05:13:12 PM
I did but now it's not hot at all.  I finally looked in after about 5 hours and it's showing IT of 115 but it's getting no heat at all now.
Title: Re: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: GusRobin on November 27, 2011, 05:20:00 PM
you have the OBS? If so are the lights on the cabinet bottom? Are all the plugs in tight? i would reset again.
Title: Re: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: iceman on November 27, 2011, 05:24:03 PM
If to have the OBS make sure the heat adjustment (slider lever) is all the way over to the high heat position.
Title: Re: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: crapshooter on November 27, 2011, 05:31:43 PM
Quote from: iceman on November 27, 2011, 05:24:03 PM
If to have the OBS make sure the heat adjustment (slider lever) is all the way over to the high heat position.
Yes, it's the OBS and slid all way to right.
Title: Re: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: viper125 on November 27, 2011, 08:36:42 PM
Plug directly In wall and try see if element is a red or not.

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Title: Re: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: Tiny Tim on November 27, 2011, 09:37:17 PM
Also, try backing the slider off just a touch...some of the switches have a dead spot at full right.
Title: Re: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: Habanero Smoker on November 28, 2011, 01:29:45 AM
Gus asked a very important question. The answer to that will help narrow down the problem. The question, is the light by the temperature controller on? If it is on then the problem is your heating element. If it is off it could be one of several problems.

Here is a link that may help, or at least narrow down the problem:
FAQ's (http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?481-Bradley-Smoker-FAQ-s&p=748#post748)
Title: Re: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: crapshooter on November 28, 2011, 04:20:06 AM
I'm not sure what the problem is. I did get it back on but I put the brisket in at 2:00 pm yesterday. Now it's 6:15 am and the temperature is finally up to 187 with IT of 115. I've not opened the door to look at it since the heat came back on because when I opened it to put the brisket in it dropped so drastically.  I have a feeling I've wasted about $30 for a brisket. Should I just keep cooking at this low temperature until it finally gets to 185 IT?
Title: Re: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: Habanero Smoker on November 28, 2011, 01:05:20 PM
How did you make out?

I would have placed it in the oven, when the problem couldn't be resolved. I don't understand why your temperature is remaining so low.

What was your vent setting?

Was the PID indicator light pulsing off/on or was it glowing steady?

I would run two test one with the PID hooked up, and one with the PID unhooked and run the smoker as it was originally designed. If you get higher temperatures without the PID, then the problem is the PID.
Title: Re: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: crapshooter on November 28, 2011, 01:09:04 PM
Quote from: Habanero Smoker on November 28, 2011, 01:05:20 PM
How did you make out?

I would have placed it in the oven, when the problem couldn't be resolved. I don't understand why your temperature is remaining so low.

What was your vent setting?

Was the PID indicator light pulsing off/on or was it glowing steady?

I would run two test one with the PID hooked up, and one with the PID unhooked and run the smoker as it was originally designed. If you get higher temperatures without the PID, then the problem is the PID.
The vent was pretty much wide open and the lights on the PID were steady.
Title: Re: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: Habanero Smoker on November 28, 2011, 01:19:16 PM
It may be that you are not getting enough power to the smoker, for it to run at its full capacity.

Do you have other appliances that are drawing power from that line? That may be the cause. Sometimes a long extension cord, or a cord that has a lower gauge then recommended may cause the problem.

Another possibility is a defective rheostat. I would do the test runs, to make sure it is not the PID. Then give Bradley a call. When you do the test, if you can simulate a load; such as a pan of sterile sand, with about a couple of cups of water would work.
Title: Re: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: crapshooter on November 28, 2011, 02:03:12 PM
I'm sure it's not the extension cord. I bought the heaviest they had but I'm not sure what else is hooked up to that plug where I put it.  I'll try a test run later when I get time. I've got the brisket wrapped in foil and towel resting in cooler right now. Will see how bad it is later. I know the end was really tough and salty.
Title: Re: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: Sailor on November 28, 2011, 04:20:04 PM
The salt would be due to any rub that you put on it.  The ends can dry out some but if you got the IT to 185 it should be nice and tender a little ways in.  Please let us know how it was when it came out of FTC.
Title: Re: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: crapshooter on November 28, 2011, 06:08:35 PM
Quote from: Sailor on November 28, 2011, 04:20:04 PM
The salt would be due to any rub that you put on it.  The ends can dry out some but if you got the IT to 185 it should be nice and tender a little ways in.  Please let us know how it was when it came out of FTC.
It tasted pretty good. The outside crust was really tough.  I've seen videos of people sliding it off with their knives, but that wouldn't happen on this one. Wife liked the taste also so that part worked out good. I used Jan's rub and your directions when I cooked it. Now if I can figure out why it was so slow heating.
Title: Re: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: Sailor on November 28, 2011, 09:09:30 PM
Reading your other posts I would suspect that your settings on the PID was to blame.  Once you figure it out you will love it.  Play with it when you don't have a load of meat and see if you can figure it out.  If not then PM me and I will give you my number and help you with it.
Title: Re: I need some quick help on pid
Post by: Habanero Smoker on November 29, 2011, 01:49:13 AM
Good luck with your test. As Sailor pointed out it could be your PID settings; but the indicator light running steady has me concerned that thee is not enough power.