Hey Tony, never did find the post for the brine section??
Bill,
Check out the Brines 101 post here:
Brines 101And then the 2nd part of this jerky post, here:
Brine-cured Beef Jerky "Part Deux!"
Once you begin to understand equilibrium brining, you will be amazed at the control you have over the outcome of your smokes, and the consistency!