Auber PID

[BHamel]

With the interest posted on the site for DIY upgrades, and the people who have tried the Auber PID, we will be offering an Auber model PID for $199 plus freight. 

It comes with two probes, one for the internal temperature of the smoker and the other for the temperature of the meat. 

If you get one please let us know what you think of it. 

Thanks,

 

[shomesmoke]

Ben have you done any testing on these contollers? I am very interested I think it would be a big help if we could control the temp swings a little better. Is the smoker probe mounted or is it ran through the exhaust hole on top? I have the #3 does one unit work on all sizes of smokers?

 

[BHamel]

It should work with any model, but here is a post where a customer is using one with their Model #3.  http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=980.msg3993#msg3993


Enjoy,
Ben

 

[johnnytex]

Mine works great. Here's what I did.
I took out the existing controller and just wired the two spade lugs together.



Drop the probes thru the hole in the top, clip the temp 01 probe to a rack or use a wood block with a hole in it. Stick the temp 02 probe in the meat.



Plug the Auber in the wall . Plug the #3 into the Auber.



It is very easy and works great.



I did a Lamb roast, sausages and chicken yesterday.



225 degrees plus or minus 2 degrees all day.



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.

 

[puddle jumper]

Hey Tex,,Just wondering can you get the smoker to run at a higher temp with this controller???
In the 300 to 325 range??
Thanks..
PJ

 

[DivotMaker]

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.

Thanks for the guide, Johnny.  I read an article on PIDing a look-a-like competitor awhile back, and am trying to find it again.  Their install required removing the back panel and installing the probe permanently.  I post a link when I find it again.

You mentioned a "downside" to the PID; weaker smoke.  Seems like this might be a case where chips work better than chunks? 

The other question is what's a AMPS?  I just recently found out what a PID is, now you're throwing a new tech term on us!  ??? lol.  Any info on this would be appreciated!

Edit:  Found the article.  It's pretty thorough, and a permanent install.

http://therockbottom.net/BBQ/SmokinTexMod/smokintexmod.html

 

[puddle jumper]

I am trying a AMPS  next time.

The other question is what's a AMPS?  I just recently found out what a PID is, now you're throwing a new tech term on us!  ??? lol.  Any info on this would be appreciated!

Edit:  Found the article.  It's pretty thorough, and a permanent install.

http://therockbottom.net/BBQ/SmokinTexMod/smokintexmod.html

Here you go Tony..

http://www.amazenproducts.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=AMNPS5X8

A-MAZE-N-PELLET-SMOKER

A-M-P-S

If I'm not mistaken...
PJ

 

[DivotMaker]

Hehe - thanks PJ!  I actually knew what that is, just didn't make the connection with the acronym!  I was over-thinking it, thinking it was some other type of electronic device!

 

[johnnytex]

PJ

I talked to Steve and he said the box and insulation was good to 500 °. The Auber works up to 383 °F. Since the #3 has a1200-watt element, that should not be a problem.

I will say so far thing have reached IT faster than before.

DM

The back of my #3 looks just like the article. I took the back off to bypass the old controller.  You can buy the parts and DYI, but i didn't want to go that route. Auber makes two options for their probes, Thru the wall mount or free hanging. I didn't want to drill holes so this was there was no changes necessary to the smoker.

 

[DivotMaker]

Thanks for the good info, PJ and Tex!  I may go this route, some day, if I ever upgrade to a #3.  For now, though, I find my #1 to be very mild in the temp swing category, and very predictable (at least for me).  That may be due to the smaller internal volume; easier to control the temp (I only see about +/- 10-degree swings).  It seems like most of the temp problem posts have been #3 owners, so maybe the internal volume benefits more from a PID.  I'm not an engineer, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. ;D

 

[johnnytex]

Well DV

Wait till you gotta cook three full briskets .

 

[DivotMaker]

I can only dream about 3 briskets at once, Tex! :'(

 

[Rob Babcock]

Very interesting!  As a fan of sous vide cooking I'm intrigued with the idea of using a PID controller to maintain a tight temperature window.

 

[Greenesway]

Anyone use this device?(Auber PID Controller)  Steve sell this for $199.00 and I see it mentioned other places just like to have some advice from someone who owns and uses one.  Does it adjust the Temp and time automatically?  Can it turn the unit off as well?  If so then it would make my new #3 a true plug in, set temp and then wake for the great results unit.  I would appreciate any input on this or any other device like this!  Thanks!

 

[johnnytex]

I have one on my #3 and love it.

http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=1015.0

 

[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!