smoker power issue

scoopbooty · January 21, 2012, 04:29:27 PM

I have a DBS 4 rack system, bought it used last year and used it many times without fail. Recently the pucks stopped advancing and would jam up. I determined this was from grease running down the inside of the unit and landing on the advance tray...gumming it up. Took it all apart, cleaned it well and it worked fine for a couple of uses. I learned that part of the problem with the pucks clogging was due to them swelling up slightly from humidity...so I keep the pucks indoors now.

So, a couple of weeks ago I got an error message on my system. I unplugged and replugged it in...same E message. Did this a few more times and the E cleared but now the power on the smoker won't come on at all. I've taken everything apart, all the wires look connected, the arm on the advancing motor seems to move freely, so not sure what's going on. Fuse is good... and I'm wondering if I need a new advancing motor or if there is something else I can try.

When I unplug and plug in the unit all digital read outs are 8...across all LED. Then LEDs go black and if I power up heat element it seems to be fine, but nothing appears on the smoker side of the read out. I've pushed the button several times but nothing happens.

Any suggestions, other than buying a new controller (ouch!). I'd call Bradley service but unfortunately it's Saturday and no answer there. Thoughts? Anyone know of a reset code or combo buttons I can push....something of that nature?

Thanks, d

Quarlow · January 21, 2012, 09:57:19 PM

Since you had trouble with the pucks swelling, I have to ask, Do you keep you unit outdoors? If so you may have a moisture problem. There could be something else wrong but this is a start.

Habanero Smoker · January 22, 2012, 02:07:51 AM

In addition to Quarlow's reply, since you had grease build up on the burner plate that may be the issue. Unhook the burner to see if that will restore power to your panel. If the power is restored to the panel you may still get an "E" error, but the problem or at least part of the problem is the burner plate.

To prevent grease from flowing down to the burner plate, first make sure there are no cracks in the seams of the drip tray, if there are replace it. Then make sure you smoker is level. If it is not level, some grease that goes through the drip pan will flow along the underside of the pan and then drip on the burner plate.

scoopbooty · January 22, 2012, 05:58:07 PM

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. Yes, the unit is kept outdoors, but it is completely under cover. And yes, it was not level, thus I have had issues with moisture running down the insides and out of the unit. I've remedied that though.

I've unplugged and replugged in the heat tray but no luck. Removed the swing arm that slides the puck feeder tray as well to make sure it is free turning and not jammed up. It seems to be free. I'm thinking it's the relay board. I've got a friend's smoker here at the house temporarily, using it to cook up some venison snack sticks. I may use some parts from his after we're done and do some trouble shooting. Perhaps I can use his controller hooked up to my system. If it all works then I'll be lead to believe it's the controller. If it get's the same error I guess I'll have to conclude the problem lies elsewhere.

Thoughts?

d

matrifia · January 22, 2012, 07:09:30 PM

concerning pucks swelling up, i did notice if the damper is keeped to closed smoke and steem tend to back draft through the puck drive and swells
up the pucks to a point where they get stuck and get an " E " message.

KyNola · January 22, 2012, 07:49:37 PM

The vent should NEVER be in a closed position. It will cause the smoke to back up into the generator and effectively destroy it.

Habanero Smoker · January 23, 2012, 01:21:39 AM

The below link may be of some help:

Digital will not power up.

Also about the vent settings, as KyNola pointed out you do not want to close your vent too far. Many leave it wide open, but I find that different vent settings help control the heat and moisture:

Vent Settings

matrifia · January 23, 2012, 09:21:58 AM

I found out the hard way with the error message ::)

As for the digital, i would go with process of elimination,
- unplug all outputs from the card ex: - element (s), electric motor, sensor, micro-switch.
- test the sensor with an ohm meter to make sure they are not short or grounded
- plug the card back in with out the sensors or micro switches and see if it lights up
- if it lights up, of course it will give an error because the heat sensor is not pluged but at least it lights up...
- plug the sensors back in and try it again, if it goes blank again one of the sensors may be short.

I have not had a close look at the pc but i am going to take it appart this week to clean it up. ( had my damper close last smoking session and made a mess..)

i will take a closer look at the circuitry and see if i can spot something that would cose a black out.