OK guys, I've re-read all the posts here a few times & have some random thoughts.
1. Obie: DO NOT place the flat drip pan anywhere other than the bottom of your smoker! As Larry suggested, you will trap too much heat in the lower part and ruin the smoker.
The V-shaped tray is designed to shield the heat tube and direct the drippings into the water pan. The water pan is designed to hold the drippings and extinguish the spent bisquettes. The flat bottom tray is designed to catch overflow from the bowl in case you forget to empty & refill it while cooking something like a pork shoulder or brisket for 10 hours.
The purpose of the water in the bowl is to extinguish the bisquettes, not add moisture. Although it may in fact do that, it is minimal.
2. Larry: I think Jon's picture is just a "flash related issue" regarding the coloration of the water bowl. The rest of the smoker is way too clean to have ever been fired up.
3. Jon: After re-looking at the picture, I think Kummok is on to something. Are you sure you have the smoke generator properly engaged with the mounting screws? Thinking back, there have been several times when I have not gotten it just right & produced the results you show.
4. Stormdiver: You still need to use the bowl with water in it for cold smoking to extinguish the bisquettes. If you're having a problem with keeping the temp low enough, fill it with ice instead of water.
5. To All: Never let your water bowl sit for more than a day with the ash & drippings in it. Basically, these are the ingredients to make lye. It will eat little pinholes through the bowl & make it into a very effective seive.
Too much liquid in the bottom will eventually run out throught the doorseal but also find its' way through the bottom of the smoker. In doing so, it will come in contact with your temp control board & its' wires & fry them.
Hope this all helps, didn't mean to ramble. Happy smokin' to all,
Kirk
http://www.chezbubba.com