DBS6 Puck advance issue

[josbocc]

Hey Everyone,

Trying some of Kummock's salmon today, and my nemesis has struck again.  After 20 minutes, my puck advance just keeps pushing pucks out.  I'm having to shut the smoke generator off, then go back in 20 minutes to repeat the process.

I did a microswitch replacement about a year ago when the unit was advancing 2 pucks at a time.  That worked for a couple of smokes, then it was right back to pushing out two pucks.  Today we have gone from two (which I can live with), to continuous advance.  I took the generator apart about two weeks ago, cleaned everything, checked all connections, and then reassembled.  I am getting frustrated.

I love my smoker, but at this point I'm almost ready to give up.  I know everyone says call Bradley, but I am about 6 years into this smoker, and my experience with electronic devices is that sooner or later, they go.

At this point I am considering replacing the generator.  Yard and Pool has an OBS generator new for $105.  I have an Auber PID and cannot think of anything that I would be sacrificing by replacing the Digital with an OBS.  I am I correct in this assumption?

Jeff

[ragweed]

Sounds to me like the micro switch is bad again.  Mine was acting like yours and replacing the switch fixed it.  Pucks are sticking now, but I watch it closely and life is good.

I have an OBS with an Auber PID and would wouldn't trade them for any digital.  Never used a digital though.

Thanks for the tip about the SG from Y&P.  Might have to get one.

Anyway, just my 2 cents on your problem and digitals.

Joe

[beefmann]

if you  have a  pid that  would control the heat, then a basic smoke generator would do, not the  digital

[josbocc]

Thanks for the input.  I wish it was as simple as replacing the microswitch (again), but after an hour and twenty minutes of watching the pucks advance in succession, the problem finally went away.  I'm not sure if it is an ambient temperature problem (temps here today were in the upper 30's F), or it is a microswitch issue, but at this point I believe that it might be worth the $105 to eliminate the problem altogether, and keep the Digital generator as a back-up.

BTW, the salmon is turning out incredible!!!  Thanks Kummock.

Jeff

[Habanero Smoker]

I know how tiring it is to keep repairing something, but it may be as simple as adjusting the position of the motor. The arm may not be depressing the micro switch enough.

[GusRobin]

I have a 6 rack from a digital with an OBS SG, controlled by a PID.  Best of all worlds.

[josbocc]

Thanks for all of the input.  Habs, I might just try to adjust the position of the motor, but it seems funny that it works fine once it "warms up" and other times it does what it wants.  Two pucks this time, no puck the next time, and then a continuous stream of pucks twenty minutes later. 

We'll keep you posted.

Thanks Again,
Jeff

[Habanero Smoker]

Thanks for all of the input.  Habs, I might just try to adjust the position of the motor, but it seems funny that it works fine once it "warms up" and other times it does what it wants.  Two pucks this time, no puck the next time, and then a continuous stream of pucks twenty minutes later. 

We'll keep you posted.

Thanks Again,
Jeff

There may be smoke residue or something else on the button that is preventing it from fully being pressed in. When you open the generator up it again, also clean the micro switch button with an electrical contact cleaner, or isopropyl alcohol. If using alcohol just use a very small amount on a Q-tip. You don't want moisture getting into the switch. Don't use WD40; as it will leave a residue.