Guide for 900w or 500w Element Install

[mr5150]

Hello All,

Is there a step by step guide on how to install a 900w or 500w element into a Bradley digital smoker?

[classicrockgriller]

There is a guide on the recipe site for the 500 watt install.

recipe site:
http://www.susanminor.org/forums/

this is a direct link

http://www.susanminor.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?27-Bradley-Accessories-User-Modifications

[beefmann]

and here is the 900 watt install with a blower

http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=17329.0


and a timer - pid for heat control, the timer switches between the smoking process due to the blower removing to much heat off of the bisquette burner

http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=17304.0


if you have any questions  please ask

[porterdriver]

ClassicG,

Did you have any problems with element burnout after you installed the second 500w element?  I just lost another element (and of course your don't realize it until you the unit loaded with food); second in a year.  Seems as if the rear element position (original location) is the more vulnerable.  I followed the instructions to the letter, no deviations.

Has anyone found a single 1000k element that is compatible with the Bradley's mounts?  Changing alternative elements out is a pain, a single element that would easily mount into the existing bracket would be nice.  Beef's setup is nice but I don't want to have to open up my own sheet metal shop for this mod; no offense Beef, I'm just not that handy.

[classicrockgriller]

I finally changed a front element out the other day, but

I have probably smoke a ton of meat in mine.

It was not dead, it just didn't seem to be as hot.

I changed it anyway and saved it.

[devo]

Has anyone found a single 1000k element that is compatible with the Bradley's mounts?

When I was having problems with elements burning out(three) I was in contact with a fellow from one of the element places on the web. All of their 500 & 1000 watt elements where to long to just slip into the Bradley holder. He told me they could make one to fit but I would be looking at a 70-100 dollar price tag. The more you order the cheaper they become. Didn't figure the little aggravation the bad elements where giving me was worth that price tag.

[Habanero Smoker]

PorterDriver;

I've had my dual element setup for over two years, and have not had a problem with either element. Both elements were purchased prior to what seems to be a bad batch.

[muebe]

Has anyone found a single 1000k element that is compatible with the Bradley's mounts?  Changing alternative elements out is a pain, a single element that would easily mount into the existing bracket would be nice.  Beef's setup is nice but I don't want to have to open up my own sheet metal shop for this mod; no offense Beef, I'm just not that handy.

I have the same 900W element as Beefman and do not use his fan setup. I ran the element for over 60 hours with no problems before I installed a convection fan. I just had to modify slight with some brackets and extend the existing power wires to fit.

[mishou]

the original configuration for a BDS is to have the controller power up and down the heating element based on the temp reached.
I want to install a second element (reaching 250 with one is hard) but is the controller able to handle twice the amps ?

thank you
Mishou

[TedEbear]

I want to install a second element (reaching 250 with one is hard) but is the controller able to handle twice the amps ?

It s not recommended to use the stock temp controller if you're going to upgrade to 1000W.  A DIY PID temp controller from Auber is less than $45.  Even with the SSR, K-type thermocouple and miscellaneous parts to do it the price comes out to be less than 1/2 of the plug-n-play version.