Bradley Digital Temperature Difference

[Dr. Evil]

Hey guys and gals, its been awhile since I last visited.

Anyway, heres a bit of background info -  I bought a used digital 4 rack.  The first few times I used it, it worked flawlessly.  The temperature tracked the setpoint within probably 2 degrees.  Then I took the smoke generator apart to clear some chaips and after putting it back together have had problems with the red wire that supplies power to the element.  I may just solder the wire onto the terminal.


Onto the problem.  The last time I used the smoker I had just about a hundred degree difference between the setpoint and the temperature (ie, I had the setpoint at 305 deg and the temp was 210 or so).  I didnt trouble shoot much because it was getting late and we needed to eat  >:(

So whats the likely culpret here?  The main element?  The temperature measurement device (is this an RTD?)  The wiring in the smoke generator?


Any and all advice appreciated.

Thanks.

[mikecorn.1]

Depending on how much meat you had in there at once, you might never get that high. Especially at the beginning when it's all either cold or at room temp and everything is absorbing heat all at once. That's one possibility.


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[muebe]

Well first off I dig the avatar ;)

It sounds like there could be an issue with the temp sensor itself or a possible loose wire. The sensor is a small recessed metal disc located in the back of the cabinet near the top of the smoker.

Do you notice correct temps when the cabinet is empty? I would place a maverick cabinet probe at the same location of the sensor with a empty cabinet and verify the readings are the same.

There will be others much smarter than me along to help you :)

[Dr. Evil]

Thanks for the quick replies fellas.

Sorry I left out some info.  The ambient temperature outside was around 15 degC - 18 degC (~65 deg F) and the smoker was full but not overfull.  I dont think the problem was from being full as I was still having this trouble after the smoker ran for 4+ hours.  After 4+ hours the smoker should have been able to reach the setpoint (I would assume)...


Do you know if the sensor is an RTD? I should be able to use a meter and read the raw signal.

I guess a wiring diagram would help a lot.  Anyone have one? (my apologies if one is posted I did not search for one).


And no I have not ran the smoker empty - I guess thats my next step.

[Dr. Evil]

Depending on how much meat you had in there at once, you might never get that high.

I wasnt really expecting to get it to 305 but I had to crank it up there just to get enough heat to cook the meat.

[Habanero Smoker]

I believe the thermometer in the Bradley is a Thermistor-style food thermometers; so it is a resistor type of thermometer.

There are so many variables that can come into play. Another factor could be you had the probe too close to the meat. If so that can give you a lower reading up to 40°F. Placing the probe between racks will give you an even lower reading.

[Dr. Evil]

No thats not it.  I dont have an external temerature probe.  Im just using the temperature sesors thats built into the smoker box

[KyNola]

You can't rely on that to be 100% accurate, especially at the beginning of a cook.  Many of us use the Maverick ET-732 or something comparable to monitor the temp in the tower as well as monitor the temp of the meat.

[Dr. Evil]

Ok thanks.

Maybe Im not expalining myself well enough.  The smoker previously worked flawlessly, however something has changed and I have just about a hundred degree difference beween the measured temperature and the setpoint on the controller.  I feel something (either the temp sensor or the element) isnt working properly. 

I guess I should have did some testing before asking questions.

[TedEbear]

My guess is that the element is getting weak.

[Habanero Smoker]

I believe the element is like a incandescent light bulb. It should provide 500 watts until it burns out. There shouldn't be a gradual decline in wattage. If it's not heating at 500 watts, it is possible that there is a loose wire to the element that is not making full contact.

[Dr. Evil]

That may be correct - like I said I have had troble with that red wire inside the smoke generator.  I may just solder it on ...or try a dfferent connector on it.  I believe that red wire feeds the element.  Thanks so much for youre thoughts....

[Habanero Smoker]

While the generator is open, check for any other loose wires, and/or connections.

Have you gotten around to testing the temperature sensor's resistance?

[Dr. Evil]

I havent had time to look at it.  Thanks.