New Smoker

[jbj]

Hi there

My wife bought me the 4 rack digital smoker and Auber PID for Christmas and I used it for the first time today for some spare ribs. I followed the 3-2-1 method with a rub and it turned out pretty good but slightly over-cooked/dry. We ended up going 3-1-(45 minutes) as it was looking over-cooked when we pulled them out after the smoking period. Vent was fully open for the whole time.

I have some questions about the PID as it didn't work as I expected. I set up one cycle at 225 degrees for 6 hours (3+2+1)  with just one probe connected to the probe 1 socket as my program was time-based. While the output light went off to indicate no power to the smoking cabinet as we approached 225, the temperature continued to rise, got into and remained in the 230s/240s. It didn't drop much during the wrapped in foil stage and was in the 210s for the last 45 minutes. I'm wondering why the temperature got, and stayed so high. As I'm only using the PID to control the heating element in the smoke cabinet, could the heat from the smoke generator element be a factor? Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to better regulate the temperature - I thought the PID was supposed to take care of this?

Thanks in advance.

Mike

PS Before anyone asks, here's a pic :-)

[GusRobin]

When you state the temps, is it as read by the Bradley or by the PID?

[jbj]

Hi

The temps are all read by the PID. I didn't bother with the temp reading on the Bradley as it is waaay off compared to the PID and another temperature prob we tested.

Thanks

MIke

[GusRobin]

you might want to do an autotune with the PID

[jbj]

I'll give that a go - thanks for the help!

[beefmann]

welcome aboard and gus has you  pointed in the right direction

[Smoker John]

Welcome to the boards

[Ketch22]

Welcome to the forum!  :)

[jbj]

Thanks!