New to this and need a little advice

Smoking Golfer · March 01, 2012, 11:49:15 AM

I have had two smoker in the past a smoke hollow and propane canister type. I'm looking to buy a Bradley 6 rack digital smoker. I am a little confused about what a pid is. What kind of mods would a "GURU" recommend on the 6 rack, or would it be fine on its own? Thanks in advance for any input.

mikecorn.1 · March 01, 2012, 11:59:20 AM

Here is the one I have.
PID

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Smoking Golfer · March 01, 2012, 12:09:33 PM

So basicly a digital temp guage. I am assuming it is better than the stock one that comes on the digital bradley?

mikecorn.1 · March 01, 2012, 12:15:33 PM

Quote from: Smoking Golfer on March 01, 2012, 12:09:33 PM
So basicly a digital temp guage. I am assuming it is better than the stock one that comes on the digital bradley?

The Bradley will have wild temp swings. This will keep it at whatever you set it to +/- 1 or 2. Helps if you also add a second 500w element or one 900w. You can ramp up or down temps by time among other things. Nice addition to the smoker.

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watchdog56 · March 01, 2012, 06:00:26 PM

I have a 6 rack digital and even though it will handle most foods with no mods,depending where you live,when you smoke and what you smoke you may want the mods. I live in Minnesota and use my smoker a lot in the winter(mostly in the garage if bad weather is coming) but with the cold temps I finally added a second element to help recovery time-works great. I have not added the fan mod yet(not sure if I will but I am sure it would help). I also make a lot of sausage and fish. The digital temp has to big of swing in temp (+/- 15 degrees). To big to keep temps down when making sausage. I use a PID and temp range is +/- 2 degrees. When making sausage you do not want your sausage to get over 180 or it will fat out and be dry.

Whatever you smoke,don't be afraid to ask any question. A lot of good help here.

Oh and welcome.

Smoking Golfer · March 02, 2012, 10:36:44 AM

Thanks for all the input I am from Richmond IN. I believe I'll get the 6 rack this weekend and order the dual pid as well ill hold off on the second element for awhile.

Smoking Golfer · March 08, 2012, 03:51:38 PM

Well I ordered a 6 rack smoker, Auber dual pid and a Maverick et732. Now its waiting game for them to arrive. Can hardly wait, hopefully everything arrives in working order.< keeping fingers crossed>

mikecorn.1 · March 08, 2012, 06:36:56 PM

Dont forget the wood pucks. Also you'll probably realize that sooner than later you will go in on some bubba pucks. Or you can make your own.

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Clyde72 · March 11, 2012, 04:42:01 AM

Thank you for the description and meaning of a PID. New to the smoke world and I appreciate the PID link, saved it to my favorites for future reference. I am still in the experimentation phase with my smoker so this will help me.

Salmonsmoker · March 11, 2012, 09:02:41 AM

Welcome to the forum Clyde72 and Smoking Golfer! Your questions will find answers here.

4given · March 13, 2012, 11:20:16 AM

Welcome to the Forum! Lot's of good folks and info here!

Smoking Golfer · March 13, 2012, 04:56:42 PM

Thanks for the welcome! Got the PID, mavarick and wood pucks today, Thursday the smoker will be here. Saturday will be the first attempt.

mikecorn.1 · March 13, 2012, 05:41:03 PM

Quote from: Smoking Golfer on March 13, 2012, 04:56:42 PM
Thanks for the welcome! Got the PID, mavarick and wood pucks today, Thursday the smoker will be here. Saturday will be the first attempt.

Ask away on Saturday if ya need something. :)

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Smoking Golfer · March 17, 2012, 06:24:27 AM

Ok i set up everything according to manual pid to wall socket, pid to smoke tower, smoke generator to wall socket turned everyrthing on and the smoke generator beeped and flashed e1 so i set it up without pid and it worked fine any ideas? i will be smoking briscuit and ribs tonight/ tomorrow so the pid wont be a huge deal
<at least i dont think> thanks again

NePaSmoKer · March 17, 2012, 06:45:22 AM

Quote from: Smoking Golfer on March 17, 2012, 06:24:27 AM
Ok i set up everything according to manual pid to wall socket, pid to smoke tower, smoke generator to wall socket turned everyrthing on and the smoke generator beeped and flashed e1 so i set it up without pid and it worked fine any ideas? i will be smoking briscuit and ribs tonight/ tomorrow so the pid wont be a huge deal
<at least i dont think> thanks again

An "E" message is letting you know that there is something wrong with the advance system. It's the connection between the motor arm and the micro switch. Please open the generator, and take a look at that switch which is going to be a gray rectangle shaped switch; first make sure that it is connected, secondly makes sure nothing is blocking that switch and the arm.

An "E1" message is something to do with the sensor cable. The sensor cable is the short skinny cable that runs from the generator to the tower. Please make sure that it's connected, secondly unplug it and switch the ends around, so plug "A" side into "B" and the "B" side into "A" sometime that makes a better connection. Also make sure that is nothing blocking that connection ie: loose chips, dust. Then check the connection; by wiggling one side of the connection and then the other, if the "E1" message temporally goes away while you were wiggling one side, you need a new sensor connector.

When using a PID with the digital you need a dummy plug placed where the sensor cable would go. IE No sensor cable from smoke generator to back of smoker when the PID is used. Dummy plug fits to the back of the smoke generator.

http://www.bradleysmoker.com/support/

New to this and need a little advice

NePaSmoKer