Auber PID

[johnnytex]

Here's a link to the manual:

http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_28&products_id=203

[es1025]

Tex
How easy is it to add the PID?  Are you able to get temps above 250?

[DivotMaker]

Hey guys, I merged Greenesway's post in the Gadgets & Gizmos section into this thread.  Let's reserve the gadgets section for product reviews, rather than questions (especially if there is an active thread on the topic).  Thanks!

[johnnytex]

Ed

Very easy. See my earlier post.

[Greenesway]

I am using the PID for the first time today??  Boy are the directions complicated.   I am an Electrical Engineer by trade and this thing has instructions that would make a PhD's head spin!!!  I assume that you just plug the electrical plug into the back and then plug the #3 into that?  That part was simple.  The The EOX, COX,t ,F, Steps1-6?  I hope we got it right.  Are there any short cuts and does this thing really control the heat and time just by plugging in the 3 prong plug?  It tells you to crank your #3 thermostat to max and then it will do the rest?  If anyone has any pointers on this unit please let me know.  Thanks Again for all the help on the forum!

[johnnytex]

Look over in Gadgets and Gizmos. My program setting are there.

[DivotMaker]

Tex was kind enough to write a nice review of the Auber - very informative!  Here's the link to check out!

http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=1041.0

[Greenesway]

We used the PID today with some success.  The temps were all over the place and we had to adjust a few times as this was our first attempt but we made it through.  I think bi-passing the orginial thermostat like Tex did might be the answer.  I may try that to see if it helps.  I also may not have had the Auber programed correctly but I will try it again and I hope I will get better results. It seems no matter what I do the food still comes out great and everyone enjoys it so that is a good ending!

[johnnytex]

If your temps were all over the place, you should bypass the controller.
It is very easy.
I did jerky today at 160-140 and had temp swings of only +-3 deg.

[BHamel]

I will be posting a pdf with a simplified set of instructions soon.  They will be geared towards the use of the pid with a smokin-it smoker.  I know the unit has an output for a smoke generator (not needed on the smokin-it), and you can use it with or without the meat thermometer.  I will try to make the instructions as easy and informative as possible. 

Thanks,
Ben

[es1025]

Thanks Ben.  I am very tempted to make the plunge on a pid.

[DivotMaker]

That'll be great, Ben!  I'm seriously considering upgrading to a #3 next spring, and I think the Auber will be a must.  Like I've said before, I just can't justify it for the #1 - it does a great job with temp.  I guess that's just due to the small volume that has to be heated; lots more airspace to heat and cool in those big 'ol #3s!

[es1025]

Ben
When you are putting the simplified instruction together can you add a section for bypassing the thermostat in order to achieve temps above 250.
step by step pictures would help as well.

[shomesmoke]

[quote author=johnnytex link=topic=1015.msg4002#msg4002 date=1381152717

 
 
I have noticed that since the element is not on full blast during the smoke, the wood does not smoke to well. Only for the first hour.

 

I am trying a AMPS  next time.
[/quote]

johnnytex,  I am seeing the lack of smoke also, have you tried the amps yet? I wonder if there will be enough air or draft for it to create smoke.

[johnnytex]

shomesmoke

I have not tried the AMPS yet. I have found that if you use 3 or 4 small 1 oz chunks, you get a great smoke.