I am in the process of making a PID by following some instructions that I found on "Olds Place" it is way more easy than I ever expected. I have one question tho....when u get finish the PID do you mount the box in which the PID is placed in on your smoker box or do you just set it on the smoker box or somewhere else?
Most just set it either beside their Bradley or on top of the generator or tower. Although there are a few who have mounted the PID directly into their generator. I think the only disadvantage to this is for cold smoking unless you have a long enough TC. Here is a link to one that was installed in the generator.
http://www.n9adg.com/articles/bbq/bradley-smoker-temperature-controller.html
Here is a pic of my setup. You can see the PID in the first and third photo, just to the left of the smoker.
http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=6075.0
Mike
I just set mine on top the smoker and run the TC down thru the vent. The two power cords run behind the smoker. Others have mounted theirs in the smoke generator housing but, being sheet metal cutting challenged (d.h. total klutz), I just put mine in a hobby box and set it on top the smoker.
Tom
mr w that looks like a pretty cool setup! I think I may just set my on the side just to make it easier. thanks!!!
3rensho i think thats what i may do as well. How good does it work with the TC running down the vent hole instead of installed thru the back?
Works like a champ. I just run the cable thru the vent and use a twist tie to secure it on the rack near what I'm smoking. Hasn't failed me yet.
Tom
I havent thought about doing it that way but I may have to try it.
does everyone else just run their TC down thru the vent hole as well? The instructions that Ive found for the PID dosent say how to install it so im thinking this may be how everyone does it?
I use the Maverick, the Thermoworks MT and the PID. I use the vent and go through the door. The door method seals well enough with the wires in it. These days I put the meat probe through the vent when I am only doing 1 rack. Through the door if more than 1 rack if I want to rotate racks. Easier that way.
So wild....im assuming that your TC from the PID isnt fixed thru the back of the meat cabinet(im not sure if anyone has installed it to their box or not....I guess I may have just dreamed that up)? If not how and where do you place it in the box when using it?
I run all probes through the door, all the time. Seals good enough that I don't see smoke.
I also have the PID sitting on the smoke generator next to the puck holding tower.
Quote from: tturaider on April 28, 2008, 07:49:50 AM
So wild....im assuming that your TC from the PID isnt fixed thru the back of the meat cabinet(im not sure if anyone has installed it to their box or not....I guess I may have just dreamed that up)? If not how and where do you place it in the box when using it?
Mine is not installed. I have the crocodile clip tc from thermoworks. I think Mr Walleye has his installed to the cabinet wall.
Thanks TT I may have to start doing it that way seems like it would be a whole lot easier esp with more that one rack.
I may have to im/pm Mr Walleye to see how he did that and if he likes it that way.
Just ordered my parts for the PID, I may have to track you down ttu and see how yours is put together...electrically challenged I am ;D
C
Sounds good westex. I just got mine up and running. Its on auto tune right now. Been at it for about thirty min so far, does anyone know how long it takes to do the auto tune?
Westtex just to let you know you are more than welcome to come by and take a look at my setup. I followed a diagram off of Old's Place that works easy as well. Here is the link if you want to use it....http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?t=315 (http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?t=315)
Like I said you are more than welcome to come take a look if you want to tho..
Ok I let my PID run in auto mode for approx 3-4 hrs and it was still showin At does anyone know what is goin on with it?
I can't help ya on that problem, but I wanted to point out that the proper way to read the wiring diagram is Right to Left...it took me a little while to figure that one out.
Oh, just thinking about it, TTU, did you check your thermocouple to make sure it was wired with the right wires on positive and negative? If it's backwards, the measured temp will drop as the ambient temp rises...might possibly cause a long autotune, but I don't know.
TT I did check the TC and it worked just like it should.
Ok I just finished my first smoke with my new PID and it was awesome. The PID actually did make it a "set it and forget it" smoke. Thanks for all of yalls help! Now the only decision is what to smoke next.... 8)
Quote from: tturaider on May 02, 2008, 12:08:41 PM
Ok I just finished my first smoke with my new PID and it was awesome. The PID actually did make it a "set it and forget it" smoke. Thanks for all of yalls help! Now the only decision is what to smoke next.... 8)
Way to go tturaider. Sure makes it smooth sailing when you can set and forget and go about other things while it does it own thing. "Drinking at a distance" is now possible! :D ;D ;)
Glad to hear that tturaider. The PID makes overnight smokes easy. Since I made my PID it opens up a lot of time that I do not have.
SET IT AND FORGET IT!
Brad
It makes it a whole lot easier!!!! I even went out to the bar last night till early in the AM and never worried what my Bradley temp was at. ;D
Let my PID project begin...USPS just delivered my auber pid, time to hit radio shack and get my remaining parts, can't wait to get started!!!!
C
Quote from: westexasmoker on May 05, 2008, 11:19:33 AM
Let my PID project begin...USPS just delivered my auber pid, time to hit radio shack and get my remaining parts, can't wait to get started!!!!
C
Just like getting an extra birthday present. :D ;) Have fun!!! :)
Hi Westexasmoker, You will be surprised how easy the PID assembly is, even I did it :D and once you have used it you will realise why everyone raves about them. We have a great bunch of guys on this board who are always ready to give advice if you get stuck.
good luck westex...if you need anything let me know
Was'ant able to finish last night, kids came out, got the holes cut into the box wires stripped and connectors put on. Oh crap it just dawned on me, I think I left my drill and jigsaw outside last night.....Yep I did and we had a nice thunderstorm blow through, Oh well such is life ::) Is the heatsink plan the way to go or not???? And what about some air vent holes (if my drill dries out) on the sides of the box??
C
PID is assemblied, well at least wired up, powered up and the TC seems to be working..YEAH!!! And the house did'nt burn down and I'm still walking/talking, bummer to the wife she was already looking for the insurance policy ;D...I'm still in a conudrum about the heatsink, if I need it or not or just some vent holes..and the only wire I had was 12 awg a bit on the heavy side and hard to work with, but thats all I had and it worked but stiff. I reckon we'll sort this out and try the AT and go from there..Any other ideas out there??
C
westexasmoker,
What do you have the SSR mounted to, or is it just hanging in free space?
Arcs_n_Sparks
Right now its just hanging, thats where I go with heatsink or no heatsink, I figured I'd just bolt it to the side with a sink or no sink?? I had originally planned on the heatsink, but after seeing the plug-an-play model for sale do I really need it???
C
What would you bolt it to? If metal, that would probably be okay.
You could run it a bit and do a thumb test. If you cannot keep your thumb on it (watching out for A.C.), it is too hot and needs a heat sink.
Arcs_n_Sparks
What do ya think about an air hole behind it, mounted on the side..I guess if its too hot heatsink and ther're cheap insurance...huh??
C
So if I bolted it to a strip of metal (with air hole) that would be enough???? And I'm still thinking I need to swap out my gauge of wire??
C
Do you mean just let it hang in free air and have a hole in the box? I having a little trouble visualizing how you are building it (pause while I reach for my beverage...)
You're pushing at most 4 amps through it. The spec on the SSR has it dropping 1.6 volts, so that means at most 6.5 watts of heat dissipation. You should be okay.
Arcs_n_Sparks