Pid

[bflosmoke]

Can someone please explain  what a PID is and what it does. I see it mentioned all over this site but must admit my ignorance. Hell it took me a long time to figure out FTC.

[Habanero Smoker]

Here is a link that explains what it is and how to build one, or you can now purchase pre-built ones.

PID CONTROLLER

If you do a search you will find additional information.

[bflosmoke]

Thanks Habs
I know Im not the sharpest knife in the drawer but what does PID stand for and what does it do?
Thanks

[westexasmoker]

I won't be much help but...P-proportional constant..I-integral time...D-derivative time= PID, its an automatic control for temperature,flow rate, pressure, and fluid level!  My best advice is it's the best thing to add to your BS, it truly makes it set and forget as far as the temperature goes!  Habs will be along and explain better than I!

C

[Smoking Duck]

Thanks Habs
I know Im not the sharpest knife in the drawer but what does PID stand for and what does it do?
Thanks

I'm no rocket scientist for sure but what it does is maintain a much steadier temperature (within +/- 2 degrees, and some are more accurate) of what you set your cabin temp at.  The Bradley by itself will have much greater temp swings (no big deal if you're doing pork or something that can tolerate larger temp swings; huge deal if doing sausage).  Much like the Supreme Court when asked to define obscenity (I know it when I see it), the PID is for me.  I don't know how the dad gum thing works, but it does a great job and I truly never worry about what I set the temp at.  If I set it at 210, with the PID, I know if I go out and check it, it will be at 210.  I don't even use the Maverick anymore to monitor temp.  I only use the Maverick to monitor meat temp, I have that much confidence in the PID.  For what it's worth (and it ain't much), I highly recommend one.  You'll find even the great minds on this board will agree with me on that.

SD

[Habanero Smoker]

Sorry I thought the article explained it. There are other that can explain it better they I, and have built their own. I don't have a PID, and never built one. I use the Power Raptor  Package (Raptor Guru). Before you ask here is a link to what the Raptor Power Package is :)
Power Raptor

WTS, gave you what the acronym stands for, and Smoking Duck explained what it is.

Basically its an electrical temperature control devise used to provide tighter temperature regulation of the smoker - a popular add-on to OBS and DBS.

[bflosmoke]

Thank You gentlemen. I appreciate your insights and the information you provide.

[Oldman]

Well it has ruin me... I will never go back to the old way of controlling temp. If I set mine to 210F it swings up to 211F and then back to 210F. Truly a plug n' play item!
Olds

[Arcs_n_Sparks]

Thanks Habs
I know Im not the sharpest knife in the drawer but what does PID stand for and what does it do?
Thanks

bflosmoke,

This thread has some additional explanation: http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=6676.msg65235#msg65235

[sherlock]

Getting ready to order the programable unit from auber. They offer a no cost option of a wall mounted sensor in lieu of the hang down sensor.

To me it seems that the sensor being mounted in the unit would be something you don't have to mess with each time you want to use the smoker.

What are the pro's and con's of hanging vs. mounting?

[beefmann]

sher,

the benfits of mounting  perminatly is that you  wall have less of a chance of breaking the wires when it is  just hanging there when you  bump it.. from moving the trays in and out .. I have a  small unit  mounted through the back of the BS and connected  to the PID and have had no problems..

as for haning  it  free you  may  not  have any other problems  with it other theen it  may get in the  way  od  racks and your  meat that you  will be  smoking

I  do agree that a PID and related TC are a great addition to the BS and  wouldent  use  it  in any other way

Beef

[sherlock]

Thank you sir. Ordered today with wall mount sensor.

8)