I agree with you on the Auber PID manual, its very very lacking and a little more info/instruction would be helpful. I did the dual 500 watt element mod and have the Auber PID and haven't looked back. The recovery rate is phenomenal, and now maintains box temperatures like a champ, even in minus temperatures. I can usually smoke into December, and my last smoke of the season is a Christmas turkey, which was virtually impossible before I did the mod. But a Christmas brisket eh? Great idea. Good luck and happy smoking.