BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Bradley Smokers => The Black Bradley Smoker (BTIS1) => Topic started by: JDNC on November 18, 2008, 04:11:15 PM

Title: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: JDNC on November 18, 2008, 04:11:15 PM
I just received my first OBS and after installing everything I plugged it up inside just to checkout everything before taking outside.  The power lamp on the smoker unit came on and also the indicator lamp on the tower.  After adjusting the slider I noticed heat from the heating element after a few minutes, but it was not glowing red (I don't know that it does) and I assumed it was working ok. I then turned on the smoking unit and after about 5 minutes the end was hot and I then pushed the advance button and heard a little noise as if it was attempting to advance. I didn't install the bisquette tube or bisquettes I just looked down inside and pushed the button and nothing happened other that little noise.  Do I need to go in the unit and look for the problem or what?

Any idea's or help would be appreciated as I really wanted to use this smoker this Thanksgiving.  I hope I don't have to send this unit back.

Thanks, JD
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: beefmann on November 18, 2008, 04:51:05 PM
JD

Try this press the advance button for a few seconds and watch down the tube where the bisquettes go ... you should see the advancing device move.... it not ... release the button .. wait a  few seconds.. then  press the button again as you  unplug the main power and then  plug it  back in...

there have been problems with this in the past I  think you may not have pressed the button long  enough...

there will be others that  will chim in on this issue
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: JDNC on November 18, 2008, 05:02:18 PM
How fast does this thing advance?  If it's really slow I may have not waited long enough.  I'll try what you said and see if that works...

Thanks JD
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: Smoking Duck on November 18, 2008, 05:06:42 PM
It's a pretty slow process.  In fact, it takes about 10 seconds for mine to go through the cycling process before I push the button again to cycle the next bisquette.

It will not glow red if I can remember correctly.

SD
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: beefmann on November 18, 2008, 05:11:05 PM
JD smoking duck is correct it  takes  several seconds to cycle through what  you  should  hear is a  click and then the puck advance  move.. its not loud  though loud  enough..
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: JDNC on November 18, 2008, 05:19:27 PM
I tried what Beefmann advised without any luck.  I looked down inside but can't see any movement.  I can hear a click somewhat like a relay, but no movement.  Do you have to hold the button to advance a bisquette or do you just push it and let it go?

JD
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: JDNC on November 18, 2008, 05:26:33 PM
Oh yeh, what is fused...the whole unit or this circuit?

JD
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: NePaSmoKer on November 18, 2008, 05:26:38 PM
maybe your feed tube that the wood is in is pushed down to far and resting on the pusher?


nepas
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: JDNC on November 18, 2008, 05:29:38 PM
The tube is out of the unit.

JD
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: Smoking Duck on November 18, 2008, 05:32:16 PM
I'm not sure that I've actually seen the thing move.  I simply put the bisquettes in (at least 4 of them) and when I push the button, the first one goes through the cycle.  When I hear the click telling me the cycle is finished, I push it again and the process continues.  I suggest trying it with bisquettes before deciding it isn't working.

SD
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: JDNC on November 18, 2008, 05:39:03 PM
Smoking Duck,

You know, I thought the same thing....then I thought..what's the chances of there being some kind of micro switch that had to be activated by weight for the thing to work?  I'm going now to try this thing with wood.  I know what will be on my mind in the tree stand tomorrow morn...I'll worry about this stupid thing all morning!

JD
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: JDNC on November 18, 2008, 05:51:39 PM
Well, I tried wood (4 pucks) and no luck.  I've e-mailed Bradley ref the problem, but who knows when I'll get a reply.  Does anyone know what's inside the unit reference mechanical parts, servo motor etc.,?  If I knew it was jammed up by a bent part or something I would attempt to repair it, but if it's an electrical part such as a motor or relay I'm wouldn't waste my time.  Any idea's would be appreciated.  Thanks for the support maybe something will work.

Thanks again, JD
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: Smoking Duck on November 18, 2008, 05:52:28 PM
Any luck, JD?
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: Smoking Duck on November 18, 2008, 05:54:43 PM
I would take the unit apart.  Check to make sure there isn't a loose connection.

Hang in there JD.  Bradley is pretty good about standing behind their product.  I would recommend giving them a call the moment after you drag your buck outta the woods tomorrow.

SD
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: Bradley (Head Office) on November 18, 2008, 06:09:51 PM
Hi JD

Sorry to here about your troubles

Try this unplug your generator, remove the feeder tube, then turn the generator upside down remove the 8 screws around the perimeter of the generator (do not remove the screws in the middle) turn right side up after removing the screws and separate the two halves of the unit. Once the generator is open look for the bisquette advance motor it has a brass arm on it which should make contact with a small grey switch. See if the arm from the motor is stopped on the switch if it is reach in and pull it off the switch then try and push the bisquette advance button to see if it will work normally.

If this does not help give me a call in the morning and i will make sure we get you fixed up.
Call our toll free number 1-800-665-4188

Thanks
Brian

Bradley Technologies
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: Smoking Duck on November 18, 2008, 06:15:01 PM
See, JD.  If the members here can't help ya, you get the head honchos helping you out.  Not too many other products out there that can give you that kind of help this time of night.

Good luck getting it going. 

SD
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: beefmann on November 18, 2008, 06:17:48 PM
JD one other item, once the somke generator is open check to see if the power connections to the advance motor is made,,, sometimes they  come apart
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: JDNC on November 18, 2008, 06:51:57 PM
Brian,

Thanks for the prompt reply! I tried what you suggested and found the arm to be resting on what appeared to be a grey micro switch.  I pulled the arm around some, fired the thing up but no luck.  I also checked the connections to the motor (unplugged and plugged back) and tried again with no luck.  Unless you have additional suggestions I'll try to give you a call tomorrow.  I wish there was something I could do to fix the problem without returning the thing, I just hate to wait for the turn-around but what the heck...crap happens (most of the time to me)!

Anyway...I just want you all to know what a great help you all have been and what great support this forum offers, and for a rep from Bradley to chime in and address the problem is remarkable.  This says alot about this company.

Thanks again, JD 
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: Bradley (Head Office) on November 18, 2008, 07:01:55 PM
Hi JD

Sorry i couldnt help you fix it

Please give me a call in the morning i will see to it that we get to fixed up asap

when you call ask the customer service girl to transfer you to Brian

Thanks
Brian
Bradley Technologies
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: JDNC on November 18, 2008, 07:20:21 PM
Brian,

I'll give you a call tomorrow morning...thanks!

Now.....if some of these guys could feel so sorry for me that they might send me some of their sausage, pulled pork...pork loin...come on guys..he he

JD
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: Tenpoint5 on November 18, 2008, 07:53:33 PM
Quote from: JDNC on November 18, 2008, 07:20:21 PM
Brian,

I'll give you a call tomorrow morning...thanks!

Now.....if some of these guys could feel so sorry for me that they might send me some of their sausage, pulled pork...pork loin...come on guys..he he

JD

Ill send sausage if you send Venison Loin So I can make more VCB!!!
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: Habanero Smoker on November 19, 2008, 01:44:53 AM
JDNC
Sorry to hear about your problem. If all else has failed you might want to try this trick:

Bisquette Advance Problem (http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showpost.php?p=775&postcount=18)
or
Bisquette Advance Problem #2 (http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showpost.php?p=777&postcount=19)

Other FAQ's
Bradley Smoker FAQ's (http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?t=481)
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: JDNC on November 19, 2008, 04:55:23 PM
I contacted Brian this morn and he is shipping me a replacement.  I can't say enough about the great product support for Bradley products and also this forum!  Just waiting now for the generator which I should receive soon.

Thanks JD
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: beefmann on November 19, 2008, 04:58:30 PM
Jd..

Glad brian and bradley has taken care of you and there have great  customer  service
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: JDNC on November 22, 2008, 01:24:01 PM
Received my replacement generator yesterday....and all is well!

JD
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: Mr Walleye on November 22, 2008, 01:28:49 PM
Right on!

Now get that puppy smokin'!  ;)  :D

Mike
Title: Re: HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing
Post by: beefmann on November 22, 2008, 02:21:44 PM
sounds great JD hope yoyu have no more problems