Consistent Temps and PID's

[josbocc]

Hey Everyone,

I've been trying to do a little research on the best way to maintain a consistent temp with my BDS6.  I just purchased a Maverick remote sensor, and am right now in the middle of smoking some spare ribs.  The Bradley tells me the tower temp is at 205, and the Maverick tells me (with the sensor about 2/3 of the way down the cabinet, and slightly to one side) that the tower temp is about 175.  I have read that the Bradley is not the most accurate device in the world when it comes to displaying, and maintaining an accurate temperature, and I'm not opposed to spending the extra $ to make sure I'm getting the right temps.

I am NOT an electrician, nor am I mechanically inclined.  Give me a pile of lumber and I might amaze you, but the other stuff is way beyond my abilities, therefore building my own PID is out of the questions.  I noticed that a few people have referenced the Auber Industries PID for the Bradley, and it looks like it might be just what I might want, but I'm not sure how it will work with the digital Bradley.

Do any of you happen to have one of these with the DBS?  I'm wondering if the PID will override the electronic workings of the DBS, because the photos on Auber's E-Bay page show an original Bradley, and not the digital model.

Any assistance would be appreciated.  THANKS

Jeff

[beefmann]

jos,

while it is true that the bradley  empture gage is not accurate i would believe  your  other  device to be more accurate to the correct  tempture. I have  even  noticed on my  bradley a difference as much as 50 degrees with the didital being more accurate.

have done comaprisons with the  digital and a  remote therometer and the  bradley wasway  off while the digitaal controller and therometer  were  with in 7  to 10 degrees .. that  could have been the location of there respective probes.


hope this  helps
beef

[chrispy]

Jos,

As well as Beefmann, I have compared my BDS6 against a maverick et73.  It was off between 5 and 10 degrees max.  As far as the PID goes, I contacted Auber, and you may want to do the same.  I have looked into a PID for myself, but have not yet purchased one.  Auber told me that they will work with the BDS, but again, please check for yourself.  I emailed them with questions, and I think they responded with answers within 15 minutes!!!!  They seem very helpful.  And by the way, WELCOME!!!

Chrispy

[Mr Walleye]

josbocc

No problem using a PID with the DBS. I've had mine running that way for a year and a half. Auber are gret people to deal with. I built mine, but nothing wrong with buying one of the prebuilt ones. Shoot them an email with any questions you have, they are usually very quick to respond.

Mike

[Smokin Soon]

I have the Auber on my dbs 4 rack and  it works great. You still have control of your smoke timer, but the Auber controll the smoker temp. It also eliminates the 9:40 min. smoke time which is a real pain when doing a couple butts. Do you really have to have it? No.
The Bradley is very forgiving and I do not recall anyone here ruining a great meal with temp swings. A nice add-on...Yes!

[josbocc]

Thanks everybody for your input, opinions, and advice.  I believe that I will contact the folks at Auber before ordering a PID.  I especially appreciate hearing that some others have experienced "significant" temp. differences with their Bradley's.  My new Maverick verified that a meat thermometer placed into a pork loin wasn't pulling my leg.

I'm not worried (too much) about ruining a good meal.  I am worried about undercooking something and sending a friend, relative, or myself for that matter, to a miserable night of thumbing through old issues of Outdoor Life while alternating between the sitting and crouching positions in the Library.

I'll let you know how I make out.  Thanks Again.  The folks in this forum are absolutely tops!!!

Jeff