If I'm not mistaken, this isn't your first smoke. Did you notice this before? Also, what do you consider temps "all over the place?" The analog controller will have up to 20° swings, but it averages-out just fine. If you want temps to always show within a couple of degrees, you need a PID. All analog electric smokers have temp swings, as well as the "digital" Cookshacks...nature of the beast. You'll drive yourself batty if you constantly monitor the box temp during cooks. If I'm using my #1 (analog, no PID), I don't even monitor the box temp anymore. I know it averages to the set temp, because the cook times are accurate for the temp I'm using.