HELP! New OBS and smoker unit not advancing

[JDNC]

I just received my first OBS and after installing everything I plugged it up inside just to checkout everything before taking outside.  The power lamp on the smoker unit came on and also the indicator lamp on the tower.  After adjusting the slider I noticed heat from the heating element after a few minutes, but it was not glowing red (I don't know that it does) and I assumed it was working ok. I then turned on the smoking unit and after about 5 minutes the end was hot and I then pushed the advance button and heard a little noise as if it was attempting to advance. I didn't install the bisquette tube or bisquettes I just looked down inside and pushed the button and nothing happened other that little noise.  Do I need to go in the unit and look for the problem or what?

Any idea's or help would be appreciated as I really wanted to use this smoker this Thanksgiving.  I hope I don't have to send this unit back.

Thanks, JD

[beefmann]

JD

Try this press the advance button for a few seconds and watch down the tube where the bisquettes go ... you should see the advancing device move.... it not ... release the button .. wait a  few seconds.. then  press the button again as you  unplug the main power and then  plug it  back in...

there have been problems with this in the past I  think you may not have pressed the button long  enough...

there will be others that  will chim in on this issue

[JDNC]

How fast does this thing advance?  If it's really slow I may have not waited long enough.  I'll try what you said and see if that works...

Thanks JD

[Smoking Duck]

It's a pretty slow process.  In fact, it takes about 10 seconds for mine to go through the cycling process before I push the button again to cycle the next bisquette.

It will not glow red if I can remember correctly.

SD

[beefmann]

JD smoking duck is correct it  takes  several seconds to cycle through what  you  should  hear is a  click and then the puck advance  move.. its not loud  though loud  enough..

[JDNC]

I tried what Beefmann advised without any luck.  I looked down inside but can't see any movement.  I can hear a click somewhat like a relay, but no movement.  Do you have to hold the button to advance a bisquette or do you just push it and let it go?

JD

[JDNC]

Oh yeh, what is fused...the whole unit or this circuit?

JD

[NePaSmoKer]

maybe your feed tube that the wood is in is pushed down to far and resting on the pusher?


nepas

[JDNC]

The tube is out of the unit.

JD

[Smoking Duck]

I'm not sure that I've actually seen the thing move.  I simply put the bisquettes in (at least 4 of them) and when I push the button, the first one goes through the cycle.  When I hear the click telling me the cycle is finished, I push it again and the process continues.  I suggest trying it with bisquettes before deciding it isn't working.

SD

[JDNC]

Smoking Duck,

You know, I thought the same thing....then I thought..what's the chances of there being some kind of micro switch that had to be activated by weight for the thing to work?  I'm going now to try this thing with wood.  I know what will be on my mind in the tree stand tomorrow morn...I'll worry about this stupid thing all morning!

JD

[JDNC]

Well, I tried wood (4 pucks) and no luck.  I've e-mailed Bradley ref the problem, but who knows when I'll get a reply.  Does anyone know what's inside the unit reference mechanical parts, servo motor etc.,?  If I knew it was jammed up by a bent part or something I would attempt to repair it, but if it's an electrical part such as a motor or relay I'm wouldn't waste my time.  Any idea's would be appreciated.  Thanks for the support maybe something will work.

Thanks again, JD

[Smoking Duck]

Any luck, JD?

[Smoking Duck]

I would take the unit apart.  Check to make sure there isn't a loose connection.

Hang in there JD.  Bradley is pretty good about standing behind their product.  I would recommend giving them a call the moment after you drag your buck outta the woods tomorrow.

SD

[Bradley (Head Office)]

Hi JD

Sorry to here about your troubles

Try this unplug your generator, remove the feeder tube, then turn the generator upside down remove the 8 screws around the perimeter of the generator (do not remove the screws in the middle) turn right side up after removing the screws and separate the two halves of the unit. Once the generator is open look for the bisquette advance motor it has a brass arm on it which should make contact with a small grey switch. See if the arm from the motor is stopped on the switch if it is reach in and pull it off the switch then try and push the bisquette advance button to see if it will work normally.

If this does not help give me a call in the morning and i will make sure we get you fixed up.
Call our toll free number 1-800-665-4188

Thanks
Brian

Bradley Technologies