Author Topic: "Top Secret" Leaked!! New "Prototype" Electronic Smokin-It Model 2!  (Read 37434 times)

DivotMaker

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10988
  • Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D!
Re: "Top Secret" Leaked!! New "Prototype" Electronic Smokin-It Model 2!
« Reply #15 on: January 19, 2014, 08:53:14 AM »
I was thinking about checking temps on 3 different racks bottom, middle with Ribs via Auber, and top during my next cook.  Thought maybe having the Auber probe closer to the bottom would make sense as well, but wasn't sure how that would affect the upper temps since heat rises.  I'll report back my results in case anyone is curious, or maybe the results will be of interest to your future testing.
Wik

That would be good info, Wik.  I want to delve into where the hot/cold zones seem to be in the box.  Sensor placement seems to be a bit elusive at the moment...
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

DivotMaker

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10988
  • Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D!
Re: "Top Secret" Leaked!! New "Prototype" Electronic Smokin-It Model 2!
« Reply #16 on: January 19, 2014, 10:33:06 AM »
After moving the sensor back to the factory location, I put the Maverick sensor as close as possible to the smoker sensor, and ran a short test last night.  The temps were more even until the smoker got into the 100+ range, then seemed to vary more, but not as bad as when the sensor was higher.

I plan to do a more detailed test on this, and will provide some better documentation.
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

Wik

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 89
Re: "Top Secret" Leaked!! New "Prototype" Electronic Smokin-It Model 2!
« Reply #17 on: January 19, 2014, 10:58:42 AM »
Results from initial heat-up was the on middle rack 2 inches from meat showed lower than bottom and top rack, but seem to level out when it reached maintenance temp.  Then High probe was a bit higher and the low probe bounced around a bit as the Auber attempted to keep meat rack probe within a degree or so.  Since it is fairly cold where I'm at (~15F), I'm assuming if I had the Auber mounted lower it would have an easier time maintaining temp (probably have to Auto-Tune it again), with temps at higher racks slightly hotter.  But since I have it dialed in with the Auber I may just leave it.  It was interesting to see the range of temps which still seems pretty darn good and seem to decrease in range the as it finds its sweet spot / meat warms up a bit.

Summary
Bottom Rack       Meat Rack          Top Rack
82.1                   73                     77.9
116.4                 92                     106.9
131.2                 110                   126.4
170.6                 146                   188.5
191.3                 177                   202.1
200.4                 200                   219.7
208.3                 205                   225.2
216.2                 219                   238.4 (~Auber started to trim power)
218.7                 225                   241.4 (Meat Rack hit temp)
220.2                 224                   237.1
226.7                 225                   239.6
226.9                 226                   234.8

Lower temps is jumping around a bit as Auber adjusts to keep middle probe where I want it.  Not sure if this info really helps you or not.  Good luck and awesome to see more options coming down the pipeline for this product.

After things settled down I'm seeing Mix / Max in this range.  Granted I haven't did a ice bath to calibrate anything, these are from stock Auber for middle and Thermoworks TW8060 for the lower and upper racks.  Maybe I have meat probe a bit too close to the meat, who knows...
223-240            224-226             223-240
Varies               Stable                Pretty Stable usually around 233

Eyeballing this it seems like I'm getting <2-3 degree difference between bottom and top at the moment.  The bottom seems to have the most swings.  That said I'd think the sensor closer to the bottom would provide better control, just that you might need to compensate for a couple degrees as you move higher in the racks.  Good luck, I'm just glad to see a fairly stable temp throughout the smoker.  Next time I'll try to calibrate sensors with ice bath and have the probe on meat rack a bit further from the meat.

Wik
« Last Edit: January 19, 2014, 11:31:08 AM by Wik »
Chad from Moorhead, MN
Proud #3 Owner

DivotMaker

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10988
  • Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D!
Re: "Top Secret" Leaked!! New "Prototype" Electronic Smokin-It Model 2!
« Reply #18 on: January 19, 2014, 11:07:16 AM »
That's really good data, Wik!  I know that if the probe next to the meat is very close, you do get cooling off the meat (until it warms up), and it appears that happened a bit here.

The meat rack sure is dead-on once it hits the maintenance cycle, and looks like top and bottoms probes are coming in line.  Thanks Chad!
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

DivotMaker

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10988
  • Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D!
Re: "Top Secret" Leaked!! New "Prototype" Electronic Smokin-It Model 2!
« Reply #19 on: January 19, 2014, 02:58:27 PM »
I'm doing a "stepped" temp test now.  I have 2 1/2 bricks in the smoker, as the original test, and moved the sensor back to the factory location.  I placed the Maverick sensor under a shelf, very close to the unit sensor location.  I also added a pan of water next to the smoke box.  No wood.

When set to 120, the temps stabilized very close.  Once it stabilized, the controller was reading 122, and the Maverick 120 and holding.  I just bumped it up to 140.

Update 140 band:  Controller 140, Mav 145.  After about 10 minutes, the Mav has dropped to 133, and the controller is reading 138.  Gonna let it ride awhile longer at 140.

Upate 140 band: Set at 140, controller is cycling, and now displaying 144, with 154 on the Maverick.  Hmmm.  Now 156 on Maverick, 145 on controller.  Not sure why it's not shutting down the heat.

Update 140 band:  OK, the 140 setting is definitely problematic.  Controller reads 150, Maverick 158.  I've bumped the temp, again, to 160.  We'll see how that band does.

Update 160 band:  This held close for awhile, but once the controller starting cycling, it climbed to 168/171.  It has just dropped back to 166/169. 

It's now swung the opposite way:  167/163.  The box temp is lower than the controller reading. 

Now 160/156.  Bumped temp to 180.




 
« Last Edit: January 19, 2014, 04:08:18 PM by DivotMaker »
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

DivotMaker

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10988
  • Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D!
Re: "Top Secret" Leaked!! New "Prototype" Electronic Smokin-It Model 2!
« Reply #20 on: January 19, 2014, 04:28:42 PM »
The test is now in the 180 setting band.  It has climbed to 185/187 (controller/Maverick), and is steady.  Appears that 5-7 degrees off is the average.  I going to 200 soon.

It's dropped to 174/169 when set at 180, but is now climbing back up.  Box temp got to 7 over, and 11 under at 180.  Going to 200 now.
« Last Edit: January 19, 2014, 04:44:59 PM by DivotMaker »
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

DivotMaker

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10988
  • Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D!
Re: "Top Secret" Leaked!! New "Prototype" Electronic Smokin-It Model 2!
« Reply #21 on: January 19, 2014, 05:02:59 PM »
Testing the 200 setting.  Interesting that they're equalized at 203/203!  The 200 band seems to be pretty accurate, so far!

The 200 band has dropped to 185/194.  How low will it go???
« Last Edit: January 19, 2014, 05:12:02 PM by DivotMaker »
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

DivotMaker

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10988
  • Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D!
Re: "Top Secret" Leaked!! New "Prototype" Electronic Smokin-It Model 2!
« Reply #22 on: January 19, 2014, 05:25:01 PM »
The 200 test bottomed out at 185/194, and topped at 199/205.  I just set 225.  Let's see how she does at my "go to" Q temp!  This one's the key to success!!
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

DivotMaker

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10988
  • Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D!
Re: "Top Secret" Leaked!! New "Prototype" Electronic Smokin-It Model 2!
« Reply #23 on: January 19, 2014, 05:42:19 PM »
225 setting:  It held 225/225 for a bit, and now the controller is cycling.  Reading 228/232, 229/234.  Let's see where it tops out.

Update:  Topped at 234, and is on the way down.  9-degree swing above the setting.  The electronic controller should definitely hold tighter than that.
« Last Edit: January 19, 2014, 05:45:32 PM by DivotMaker »
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

DivotMaker

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10988
  • Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D!
Re: "Top Secret" Leaked!! New "Prototype" Electronic Smokin-It Model 2!
« Reply #24 on: January 19, 2014, 05:50:17 PM »
Stepped temp test results:  It seems the on-board controller does not keep fast enough pace with what's actually happening in the box.  The Maverick is much more responsive.  This variance could be caused by a) the controller board, b) the temperature sensor, or c) all of the above. 

I'll be putting it to the test with meat next weekend, but the brick tests have shown definite inaccuracies that need to be addressed.  I bet not many "first prototype" electronic boards have been a success right off the bat.  It'll be a fun journey to see where this ends!
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

old sarge

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4046
Re: "Top Secret" Leaked!! New "Prototype" Electronic Smokin-It Model 2!
« Reply #25 on: January 19, 2014, 07:34:45 PM »
Tony - I like the way the testing is going.  The results are interesting, to say the least.  You are being very thorough and it will pay off in the long run and all will benefit from your efforts. Dave
David from Arizona
US Army 70 - 95
SI 3D & Big Red Controller
CS 066
Lodge Sportsman Grill
Weber Kettle
Ducane Meridian 42 inch Grill
LEM MaxVac 1088A
LEM Big Bite #8 Grinder
Chef's Choice 665 and Rival Slicers
Old Hickory Knives
InstantPot Duo80 Plus

DivotMaker

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10988
  • Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D!
Re: "Top Secret" Leaked!! New "Prototype" Electronic Smokin-It Model 2!
« Reply #26 on: January 19, 2014, 08:30:26 PM »
Thanks, Dave!  I'll try to chart these out some more; today was just kind of a play-by-play as I was watching it.

I'll get a load of meat in there soon!
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

old sarge

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4046
Re: "Top Secret" Leaked!! New "Prototype" Electronic Smokin-It Model 2!
« Reply #27 on: January 20, 2014, 02:29:56 PM »
Looking forward to the "proof is in the pudding (meat)" results.

Testing my own smoker (different make) showed a rather large range of temp differences until everything settled down, sort of reaching equilibrium, if you will.  Then the difference between the onboard digital controller and the auxiliary probe were not too far apart.  The aux unit registered approx 5 deg higher than the on board unit, frustrating.  Such is life.  And I did this check just to see what I would get.  Boxed up the aux unit and back to storage it goes. 
« Last Edit: January 20, 2014, 02:49:50 PM by old sarge »
David from Arizona
US Army 70 - 95
SI 3D & Big Red Controller
CS 066
Lodge Sportsman Grill
Weber Kettle
Ducane Meridian 42 inch Grill
LEM MaxVac 1088A
LEM Big Bite #8 Grinder
Chef's Choice 665 and Rival Slicers
Old Hickory Knives
InstantPot Duo80 Plus

DivotMaker

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10988
  • Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D!
Re: "Top Secret" Leaked!! New "Prototype" Electronic Smokin-It Model 2!
« Reply #28 on: January 20, 2014, 04:59:23 PM »
I know it's proven that temp can be held within 1-2 degrees; the Auber proves that, so the technology is there.  The question will be if a board for the SI can be made reasonably accurate, too, with price point in consideration.  Time will tell, and I know it's being looked at.
Tony from NW Arkansas
"Official Smokin-It Test Pilot"
Smokin-It Model 1, 2D conversion, and 3D
Auber PID, NexGrill 896 6-burner, CharBroil Big Easy, Anova Precision Cooker w/WiFi
Wife, Son and One REALLY Big Dog!

old sarge

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4046
Re: "Top Secret" Leaked!! New "Prototype" Electronic Smokin-It Model 2!
« Reply #29 on: January 20, 2014, 05:13:11 PM »
You are correct, of course.
David from Arizona
US Army 70 - 95
SI 3D & Big Red Controller
CS 066
Lodge Sportsman Grill
Weber Kettle
Ducane Meridian 42 inch Grill
LEM MaxVac 1088A
LEM Big Bite #8 Grinder
Chef's Choice 665 and Rival Slicers
Old Hickory Knives
InstantPot Duo80 Plus