Is it possible to buy a pre-wired PID at a reasonable price? I'm not smart enough to build one (at least I'm honest).
I used the search tool and read the links and looked at a bunch of diagrams, wires, and lights and stuff. I just want to click "order now", open the cardboard box it's shipped in, plug in my smoker and go.
Thanks in advance.
If you are unaware of the Raptor/Guru; here is a link
http://secure.thebbqguru.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=49&idproduct=166
Robs,
After reading about the PID's when I first got my Bradley I knew I had to have one. But I felt I was in the same situation you were and could never build such a monster. After reading tons of threads and asking lots of questions I figured what the hell and decided to give it a shot. After getting all the parts and staring at them for awhile I realized building this would not be as confusing as I had made it out to be. The best part is you can build a simple model for under $100.00. I will never be without one again. If you change your mind and decide to try and build one let me know. I will be glad to help you along as I am sure many others here will also. Good luck and welcome to the boards!
Quote from: begolf25 on August 01, 2006, 12:53:05 PM
Robs,
After reading about the PID's when I first got my Bradley I knew I had to have one. But I felt I was in the same situation you were and could never build such a monster. After reading tons of threads and asking lots of questions I figured what the hell and decided to give it a shot. After getting all the parts and staring at them for awhile I realized building this would not be as confusing as I had made it out to be. The best part is you can build a simple model for under $100.00. I will never be without one again. If you change your mind and decide to try and build one let me know. I will be glad to help you along as I am sure many others here will also. Good luck and welcome to the boards!
Yeah, I think I might give this a try. I'm going to search the forum a bit more and see if I can figure this out. $250 seems a bit steep for the raptor thingy. Thanks!
Quote from: robs on August 01, 2006, 04:51:16 PM
$250 seems a bit steep for the raptor thingy. Thanks!
Not when you consider the extras that come with it.
Quote from: Habanero Smoker on August 02, 2006, 04:35:29 AM
Quote from: robs on August 01, 2006, 04:51:16 PM
$250 seems a bit steep for the raptor thingy. Thanks!
Not when you consider the extras that come with it.
Ok, you peeked my interest. Can you please explain why this would be a better value than a homebrew setup? I'd appreciate it. Thanks.
Quote from: begolf25 on August 01, 2006, 12:53:05 PM
Robs,
After reading about the PID's when I first got my Bradley I knew I had to have one. But I felt I was in the same situation you were and could never build such a monster. After reading tons of threads and asking lots of questions I figured what the hell and decided to give it a shot. After getting all the parts and staring at them for awhile I realized building this would not be as confusing as I had made it out to be. The best part is you can build a simple model for under $100.00. I will never be without one again. If you change your mind and decide to try and build one let me know. I will be glad to help you along as I am sure many others here will also. Good luck and welcome to the boards!
I took the plunge today and ordered the parts to build a box. I ordered the same stuff that nodak did in this thread: http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=2739.75
I also ordered the Maverick et-73 for $40.
So for $114, I should have a pretty good setup. I just have to figure out that wiring diagram in that other thread. Thanks for the advice!
rob
Quote from: robs on August 02, 2006, 06:06:44 AM
Quote from: Habanero Smoker on August 02, 2006, 04:35:29 AM
Quote from: robs on August 01, 2006, 04:51:16 PM
$250 seems a bit steep for the raptor thingy. Thanks!
Not when you consider the extras that come with it.
Ok, you peeked my interest. Can you please explain why this would be a better value than a homebrew setup? I'd appreciate it. Thanks.
I just saw the above post. I don't know how I missed it.
Well for $114, that's pretty good. The extras I was referring to for the Raptor/Guru is that the meat and cabinet monitors can work together. This is called the ramp feature; when the cabinet temperature will decline as the meat temperature approaches the set value, then it will hold the cabinet temperature at the same setting as the meat temperature. So you set it up that you will never over shoot you meat temperature, preventing it from being overcooked. Almost making it truly a "set it and forget it" system. Finally, a feature I am most interested in, with the purchase of the right equipment, it can be modified to control the temperature in most charcoal smokers.
Quote from: Habanero Smoker on August 07, 2006, 03:29:16 AM
Quote from: robs on August 02, 2006, 06:06:44 AM
Quote from: Habanero Smoker on August 02, 2006, 04:35:29 AM
Quote from: robs on August 01, 2006, 04:51:16 PM
$250 seems a bit steep for the raptor thingy. Thanks!
Not when you consider the extras that come with it.
Ok, you peeked my interest. Can you please explain why this would be a better value than a homebrew setup? I'd appreciate it. Thanks.
I just saw the above post. I don't know how I missed it.
Well for $114, that's pretty good. The extras I was referring to for the Raptor/Guru is that the meat and cabinet monitors can work together. This is called the ramp feature; when the cabinet temperature will decline as the meat temperature approaches the set value, then it will hold the cabinet temperature at the same setting as the meat temperature. So you set it up that you will never over shoot you meat temperature, preventing it from being overcooked. Almost making it truly a "set it and forget it" system. Finally, a feature I am most interested in, with the purchase of the right equipment, it can be modified to control the temperature in most charcoal smokers.
Thanks for getting back to me on this. Yeah, the ramp feature would be cool. I was actualy close to ordering the package until I found out the warranty was only 90 days. I'm sure it's a fine product, I've read good reviews.
For some reason new messages in this thread don't list as unread when I click on "Show unread post...."
Good luck with you PID.
Quote from: robs on August 01, 2006, 09:59:21 AM
Is it possible to buy a pre-wired PID at a reasonable price? I'm not smart enough to build one (at least I'm honest).
I used the search tool and read the links and looked at a bunch of diagrams, wires, and lights and stuff. I just want to click "order now", open the cardboard box it's shipped in, plug in my smoker and go.
Thanks in advance.
Ok people, listen to how desperate and affraid I sounded in this post. Before I build my PID, I didn't know anything about electronics or electricity. I had heard of "ground" before, but didn't know about neutral and hot. I was scared sh!tless to tackle this project. I'm telling you, if you have any interest in building a PID - you can do it.
I was lucky enough to have help from another forum member (begolf25). He went above and beyond. Here's the deal, until I get a chance to write up a "Building a PID for Dummies", anyone who is interested can send me an email or PM asking any questions.
I hope to have the complete set of instructions posted within the next few days. Until then,
This is the PID I bought
http://auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3
This is the SSR I bought
http://auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=9
Total cost for the project was about $100.
Auberins is a pleasure to work with. They have incredible support.
Good luck, and look forward to a "Building a PID for Dummies" coming real soon.
rob
Congratulations on your success, Rob, and thanks for sharing and exuding such confidence. Almost makes me feel like I could do it. I will definitely look forward to your complete set of instructions.
Quote from: asa on August 17, 2006, 08:08:26 PM
Congratulations on your success, Rob, and thanks for sharing and exuding such confidence. Almost makes me feel like I could do it. I will definitely look forward to your complete set of instructions.
If you have $100, can read, and have at least one hand, you can do it. I'm glad that there is some interest. I'll try to have a post sometime Sunday.
rob
robs,
Glad to hear your success.
Arcs_n_Sparks
I'm looking forward to it!
I'll be waiting for instructions Rob. I need to make three or four of them for the new smokers. The Johnson controls I use cost that much and are unreliable as all get out. Thanks in advance for all your efforts. ;)
You guys are getting me fired up. I may have to shoot for having it done Saturday night!
rob
I'm looking forward to the instructions! Bought everything 6 months ago, and there it sits, in a box. A new thread would fire me up to put it together.
mld
ps: and provide a new thread to ask questions when the damn thing wont work
:D
I have a great start on this. I will post it later tonight.
I am new to the forum as well - Had my Bradley since Christmas and its awesome. I too have been looking through the forum regarding the PID upgrade and look forward to Rob's posting.
But as part of my reading, I also notice that the extra heating element is recommended by several of the old timers, and seems right since sometimes on cold days it takes awhile to get things back to temp after opening the BS up for a mopping session.
Unfortunately, I don't have an old breadmaker laying around - does anyone have a recommendation on a commercially available heating element and mount? Seems like Rob's SSR will handle the extra element with the 25A rating.
Special Blend Dave
http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=3751.0
I started a new thread.