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Smokin-It Smokers => Model 2 & 2D - The Middle Kid => Topic started by: Jvalenzia on May 07, 2020, 10:44:33 AM

Title: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: Jvalenzia on May 07, 2020, 10:44:33 AM
I have a 2D analog  which I love, however after getting a FireBoard and monitoring the graphing the ambient fluctuates 25 + degrees while smoking. This has now occurred on multiple occasions

Can anyone please provide some insight?
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: old sarge on May 07, 2020, 11:44:19 AM
Your smoker is analog so you can expect the temp to fluctuate.  This is normal for analog smokers.  In the end, the overall temp averages out to your set temp.
https://www.smokin-it.com/v/vspfiles/files/HeatControllerAdjust.pdf
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: swthorpe on May 07, 2020, 12:21:07 PM
I agree with Old Sarge, it sounds like you have the #2 analog.  The 2D is the digital model, and I have not heard of temp swings with those models.   I have a #2 analog and always get the wide temp swings, +/- 25 or so degrees on the heating cycle.   In the end, the temp tends to average out to the desired temp.
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: mike1910 on May 07, 2020, 06:18:47 PM
Agree with the others. I’ve got a #3 analog and see similar temp swings. My average temp is usually right about where it should be. I quit even monitoring my box temp. I just set it, relax, grab a beer and trust the unit will so it’s thing.
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: 1stlink on May 08, 2020, 12:17:27 PM
I agree with all the above, however if you want to keep fluctuation to a minimum say 1 or 2  degrees you may want to use an Auber PID which besides holding temps as desired it can also be set to stop cooking & go to a preset keep warm temp when your meat reaches the desired IT.
Read much more in the Auber PID section of this forum.

PS, PID or no PID your end results will differ little if any at all. (imo)
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: Jvalenzia on May 08, 2020, 02:18:58 PM
I have an Aubrey PID which I purchased separately when I bought the smoker, however I have struggled. There have been multiple occasions during mid smoke the unit would error which turn the smoker off. As a result I lost confidence in the unit and have not used. Maybe I should try again.
Does anyone have suggestions for testing/debugging?
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: old sarge on May 08, 2020, 06:02:41 PM
Not knowing which Auber unit you have, visit the link and select the appropriate model.  Then down load all the instructions for that model. You should be able set it back to the factory PID settings.  If not, you can certainly do an auto tune. I recommend you write down the current PID values on your unit.  I am inclosing some links that may help you and many more available by searching Auber auto tune:

https://www.smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=4275.msg38584#msg38584
http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=1869.0

You will notice that some of the simulated meat loads use bricks (to absorb heat). A pan or 2 of damp sand will work. as well and will also simulate moisture much as meat does.  Good luck!
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: Timinator on May 24, 2020, 09:54:07 AM
I haven't even received my PID #2 yet, but let me tell you about temperature swings.... My Pit Boss Vertical smoker when set to 225 degrees would swing from 165 to 315 degrees!  I don't care what the "average" of that is/was, that's not what I signed up for.  After two weeks, I returned it.    Give me; electricity, gas, or off-set wood/charcoal.
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: LarryD on May 24, 2020, 03:52:26 PM
I have a 2D analog  which I love, however after getting a FireBoard and monitoring the graphing the ambient fluctuates 25 + degrees while smoking. This has now occurred on multiple occasions

I'm slightly confused on which smoker you have...  the #2 is the analog and the 2D is the digital without WiFi.  I owned a #2 for a couple of years and I had a +/- 40 deg temperature swing.  Never once mattered and I quit bothering with monitoring it.  You swing of +/- 25 is perfectly normal and nothing to care about.
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: UpNSmoke on June 21, 2020, 05:37:27 PM
I too have a 2A. Newbie here. I did a brisket this weekend, set it to 225, and when I returned to check on things, my wireless thermometer that I trust, registered 311 degrees. Yikes! I dropped the temp, then watched as the temp fluctuated throughout the day. Always hotter than the analog dial was set. What up with that?
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: swthorpe on June 22, 2020, 07:26:13 AM
A jump in temp to 311F suggests to me that your wood caught on fire in the beginning of the smoke.   I always watch the first heating cycle (on until off) to see if the wood catches on fire, which you can tell if you hear the "belch" and a big smoke exhaust.   I have experienced the "belch" (usually around 180-200F in the first heating cycle) and the temp will jump quickly to over 300F.   As an aside, fire in the smoke box typically happens only on the first heating cycle. 

I have a #2A and did a couple racks of BB ribs yesterday.  I set the temp to around 230F, and saw temp swings from 215 to 260 throughout the 6 hour smoke.    The wood did not catch fire and the temps pretty much stayed in this range all afternoon.
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: cantonn11 on January 30, 2022, 09:11:24 PM
Does a partially loaded smoker have higher temperature swings than a fully loaded smoker? 
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: old sarge on January 30, 2022, 09:23:56 PM
I cannot recall any posts where someone remarked that the swings were more or less influenced by the load.
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: arkhomer on April 30, 2022, 02:00:10 PM
A jump in temp to 311F suggests to me that your wood caught on fire in the beginning of the smoke.   I always watch the first heating cycle (on until off) to see if the wood catches on fire, which you can tell if you hear the "belch" and a big smoke exhaust.   I have experienced the "belch" (usually around 180-200F in the first heating cycle) and the temp will jump quickly to over 300F.   As an aside, fire in the smoke box typically happens only on the first heating cycle. 

I have a #2A and did a couple racks of BB ribs yesterday.  I set the temp to around 230F, and saw temp swings from 215 to 260 throughout the 6 hour smoke.    The wood did not catch fire and the temps pretty much stayed in this range all afternoon.

Mine got to 318 and the unit was still heating. I'm guessing wood caught. How do you combat that?
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: old sarge on April 30, 2022, 04:16:51 PM
Do a search for foil boats. Some use them to to fight combustion. I have never had to.
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: swthorpe on April 30, 2022, 04:41:34 PM
In addition to the foil boat method, some folks have used a ramp up method for the heat - starting for 30 minutes or so at a lower set temp, then ramp up to the desired temp.   The point to the lower temp is to get the wood to start smoking without getting hot enough to catch fire.   

Apparently dry wood catches fire during the first heating cycle.   I have been using wood from smokinlicious that has a higher moisture content (I guess) so that the wood does not ignite.    I have not experienced the "belch", and I don't use the foil or ramp methods.   I do see the quick puffs of smoke at around 180-190*, but it is minor compared to the "belch"!
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: Limey on May 01, 2022, 01:23:44 PM
I have found that keeping a chip screen in the unit at all times is very helpful in avoiding combustion.
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: lcdearman on May 01, 2022, 04:16:59 PM
Before adding the Auber, I used a chip screen with a layer of foil underneath it in my #2. The wood came out as charcoal every time, but without both of those, I always got ash, which I believe means the wood caught fire. When I added the Auber, I got rid of the chip screen and the foil, and do a 30 minute ramp at 150*. With that process I get charcoal.
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: arkhomer on May 02, 2022, 08:14:49 PM
I emailed Steve and he recommended I run a temp probe without wood or meat at 225. I ran two just to make sure one wasn't giving false readings... my smoker got up to 295 and dropped to 240, then back to 280. I've got something wrong with my smoker. Disappointing 😞

FYI, this was about an hour and a half in.. my app overwrites the graph after an hour or so and I missed a Screenshot of the initial rise.
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: tpcdelisle on May 02, 2022, 09:12:14 PM
I emailed Steve and he recommended I run a temp probe without wood or meat at 225. I ran two just to make sure one wasn't giving false readings... my smoker got up to 295 and dropped to 240, then back to 280. I've got something wrong with my smoker. Disappointing 😞

It could be that the 55 degree spread (roughly 25 degrees each way) is fine for an analog.  Maybe the analog dial needs to be adjusted down so that if set at 225 it will cycle between 200 and 250 giving that 225 average.  That would actually be good for an analog and will cook just fine. Just my 2cents.
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: old sarge on May 02, 2022, 10:41:38 PM
The Model 2 smoker comes in two configurations.  Lets try to ensure that we all know whether the smoker in question is analog or digital. Bouncing between two different threads is wearisome.  Also when describing the problem, please provide specific model details of auxiliary equipment in use and not just the results.

Also, is your inkbird calibrated from a standpoint that it accurately registers the temp point of boiling water at your altitude?  Lots of variables in play trying to help you get this sorted out.
Just a thought.
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: arkhomer on May 03, 2022, 12:05:57 PM
It's a #2 analog. Yes, my inkbird is calibrated for my altitude, but that's a moot point as I am experiencing a +70 degree increase from the set temperature.
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: lcdearman on May 03, 2022, 01:54:25 PM
There is a procedure for calibrating the temperature knob. Largish temp swings (+/- 25 or 35 IIRC) are normal in the analog smoker, just like an electric oven. Calibrating the knob lets you make it such that when the knob reads 225, the AVERAGE temp is 225 or thereabouts. I added an external Auber to my #2 analog, and while I like the more precise control (I'm an engineer, I can't help it), it was just as much about the step controls, wifi access, and data plots as it was about the temperature. I cannot say I have noticed a big difference in my food.
Title: Re: 2D temperature fluctuations
Post by: old sarge on May 03, 2022, 07:41:02 PM
It's a #2 analog. Yes, my inkbird is calibrated for my altitude, but that's a moot point as I am experiencing a +70 degree increase from the set temperature.
Sorry you feel it is a moot point. Just trying to help and you did not fully disclose your set up which is why I asked. 

If you need a new controller unit, Steve will replace under warranty.  I would try adjusting as explained in the "for the customer" section of the main SI Site.  If you have already done so, let Steve know. It is quite possible that the capillary tube was kinked during the factory install and if so it will render the thermostat useless and a replacement is needed.