Help! Which pid should I buy?

DOUG3D · January 10, 2010, 02:49:38 PM

Was just wondering if anybody could make up my mind for me! I was all set to order a PID and then noticed the posts for the new models. If I understand correctly the unit for $175 monitors the cabinet and the food, the one for $195 does the same but has the two relays. This brings up my question, I have a 4 rack DBS and have the control of shutting down the smoke generator with the timer. Is there a need to spend the extra $20 with the digital smoker? Or does anybody feel they would stick with the $149 model and buy a maverick? Thanks in advance for any help!!

FLBentRider · January 10, 2010, 02:52:00 PM

If it was me I would get the 2 relay one. It gives you more options down the road.

I have the programmable and it is great.

classicrockgriller · January 10, 2010, 09:59:06 PM

I bought one of the new ones and origionally got the one with the 2 extra relays.

Then decided that was an over kill and changed my order back to the new dual probe.

Now I am undecided. I might send it back and get the one with the two relays.

Once you plug in the Auber, it overrides the digital control.

If you can afford it Like FBR said get the one that gives you more options down the road.

Toker · January 10, 2010, 10:32:35 PM

Me to i bought the one at 175$ Mr Liu told me that i was able to automaticly close the tower and the smoke gen with this one that's all i need. I just hope he advised me the good one cause i have the OBS not the DBS can't wait to see how I'm able to do it with the pid.

GusRobin · January 17, 2010, 08:23:08 AM

Quote from: toker on January 10, 2010, 10:32:35 PM
Me to i bought the one at 175$ Mr Liu told me that i was able to automaticly close the tower and the smoke gen with this one that's all i need. I just hope he advised me the good one cause i have the OBS not the DBS can't wait to see how I'm able to do it with the pid.

I don't see how you can control the smoke generator on the OBS with the PID since I don't think there is any electrical connection between the two. As far as I know the only way to control it on the OBS is with the on off switch. When you get your PID, please post if you can or not as I have the OBS. I just bought the old version PID a few weeks before Christmas but may be willing to upgrade if it can control the generator.
Maybe one of the experts in mods will find a way and post a mod?

Toker · January 17, 2010, 09:03:15 AM

Hi here the answer i've got from him i did not received my pid yet so i have yet to tried if it is working.

Power connection of the controller and smoker. The generator is connected to the power strip by the power cord from Bradley. The input of the controller is connected to the female receptacle on the generator by the power jumper cord provided by the Bradley. It is the cord that used to connect the generator to smoker. The controller output is connected to the smoker by the power cord.

At the end the pid shut down the heater since the smoke gen is connected this way it should shut down at the same time. Note, it shut down at the same time than the heater its not used as a timer ex; if you set the heater to shut down in 7 hours you can not shut down the smoke gen before the 7 hours mark.

GusRobin · January 17, 2010, 12:59:20 PM

I have the OBS with the earlier pid. It is hooked up basically the same way. Since the power goes from the outlet to the generator first, I am not sure how the PID can turn off the generator. It can turn on and off the heating elements since the power goes from the pid to to the smoker cabinet. So the pid just turns off and on the power to the element to control temp. As far as I know the OBS doesn't have any way to control the generator except manually---either you manually push the switch on or off or you cut power. Since the power is to the generator first and the pid gets it power through the generator I don't think the PID can control it. The DBS is a different set-up so I think it can control it on the the DBS.
Anyway, please post when you get yours and let us know if it works that way. (hope so).

Habanero Smoker · January 17, 2010, 01:47:43 PM

Quote from: GusRobin on January 17, 2010, 12:59:20 PM
I have the OBS with the earlier pid. It is hooked up basically the same way. Since the power goes from the outlet to the generator first, I am not sure how the PID can turn off the generator. It can turn on and off the heating elements since the power goes from the pid to to the smoker cabinet. So the pid just turns off and on the power to the element to control temp. As far as I know the OBS doesn't have any way to control the generator except manually---either you manually push the switch on or off or you cut power. Since the power is to the generator first and the pid gets it power through the generator I don't think the PID can control it. The DBS is a different set-up so I think it can control it on the the DBS.
Anyway, please post when you get yours and let us know if it works that way. (hope so).

I know this is not what you are looking for, but it is another option if turning off the generator is important. What some people have done in the past with their OBS,was they plugged the generator into a timer. Then set the timer for a specific period to shut the generator off, and the PID would continue to control the heating element(s).

Toker · January 17, 2010, 01:59:35 PM

You were right I WAS WRONG I'M SORRY! I just received an answer to the email i sent him half hour ago here it is:

The model you purchased, WSD-1200CPH can't shut off the smoke generator. The WSD-1500DPH can do that. However, some wiring is need. If you want to have that function, there are two options. 1) if you have ability to do circuit board soldering, I can send you the needed hardware. 2) you need to send the controller back for us to install the hardware (relay for switch the generator).
Thanks,
Suyi

But i will do the way Habs said earlier. Once again i'm sorry i was wrong >:(

GusRobin · January 17, 2010, 03:01:02 PM

Quote from: toker on January 17, 2010, 01:59:35 PM
You were right I WAS WRONG I'M SORRY! I just received an answer to the email i sent him half hour ago here it is:

But i will do the way Habs said earlier. Once again i'm sorry i was wrong >:(

No need to be sorry. We all make mistakes.
I made one once, --I thought I was wrong. (sorry -old joke)

Toker · January 17, 2010, 03:14:26 PM

i think i will exchange this one for the other if i can sell the one i just bought if not i will keep it :D i'm so disapointed that i don't even know what to do and i did not even received it yet. ???

classicrockgriller · January 17, 2010, 06:22:59 PM

If you have't used it he will exchange it!

Toker · January 17, 2010, 06:44:41 PM

I probably just needed to calm my self down a bit. Listen CRG you're a wise man so pls help me to think pls ;) i already have a spare digital timer that could turn off my smoke generator. It would be cheaper than sending it back (paying for it i mean) then paying for the extra wiring cause its not plug and play it has to be modified even if they are 2 relays i think then paying for him to send it back to me no? ??? What would be the other benefits execepted than turning the smoke generator on and off. I know about the extra wattage. if i keep (the one that i have yet to receive) the only thing i have to buy is an extra extention cord. What would you do? Exchanging it seems to be more expensif for the same result no???

classicrockgriller · January 17, 2010, 07:01:32 PM

What did Habs say about putting a timer on the generator.

Imo, if all you didn't get with the new Auber was the ability to turn off the generator,

I wouldn't worry about it.

You are going to go out there and peak anyways. ;D

I know I go out there just to talk to Gabi and sometimes I sing to her. She loves when I sing.

FLBentRider · January 17, 2010, 07:05:30 PM

Quote from: classicrockgriller on January 17, 2010, 07:01:32 PM
I know I go out there just to talk to Gabi and sometimes I sing to her. She loves when I sing.

Tenor, Lead, Baritone or Bass ?