Smoke Generator Question

[JRL]

I own the Bradley 4 Rack Digital Smoker. I purchased this unit 3 years ago, and haven't had any problems with it until now.  I was recently smoking a batch of Jerky and realized that my smoke generator was running the bisquettes through the hopper like a rapid fire machine gun ?  As the pucks would be passed through to the hot plate it would immediately send another ( not giving any time for a puck to sit in a spot for more than 5 seconds)....  Then after roughly 5-6 pucks an error code "E1" would appear.
Before I started taking things apart, I figured I would ask the question here first.
Any Ideas ???

Thanks in advance for any help,

James

[Mr Walleye]

James

Sounds like you need to clean your smoke generator. This should get you back in operation.

Here is the FAQ on pucks continuing to advance....
http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?488-Answers-To-Bradley-Smoker-FAQ-s&p=988#post988

Here is the FAQ on how to take apart & clean the generator...
http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?488-Answers-To-Bradley-Smoker-FAQ-s&p=987#post987

Here is the FAQ on the E1 error...
http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?488-Answers-To-Bradley-Smoker-FAQ-s&p=761#post761

Mike

[BuyLowSellHigh]

That's kind of a weird combination.  The E1 error code is usually associated with the thermistor sensor connection between the SG and the cabinet.  The puck feed suggests the articulating arm isn't making solid contact with the microswitch or the microswitch is defective.  That you have both of these occurring simultaneously suggests that either you have two separate and distinct problems, or that the electronic controller/logic may be shot.

On a digital the successive puck feed would usually indicate that either the microswitch is defective or you need to make a minor mechanical adjustment so that the articulating arm makes solid contact with the switch on the return to end the cycle.  But in your case, it might not be that simple.

I think the first step should be to give it a good internal cleaning including breaking and remaking all internal plug-in connections, use some electronic contact cleaner on the terminals and wipe clean, then reassemble and test it.  It may simple be a loose or corroded connector.  If the problem remains then call Bradley Customer Support on Monday.

[JRL]

Thank you for the quick responses and information.  I am going to pull cover off, give it a good cleaning, check all connections and switches. 
I will post the outcome...

Again, thank you !!

[Quarlow]

If you need a quick reply from Bradley you could PM brian. he usually keeps tabs on things even on the weekends.