"Top Secret" Leaked!! New "Prototype" Electronic Smokin-It Model 2!

The test is now in the 180 setting band.  It has climbed to 185/187 (controller/Maverick), and is steady.  Appears that 5-7 degrees off is the average.  I going to 200 soon.

It's dropped to 174/169 when set at 180, but is now climbing back up.  Box temp got to 7 over, and 11 under at 180.  Going to 200 now.
 
Testing the 200 setting.  Interesting that they're equalized at 203/203!  The 200 band seems to be pretty accurate, so far!

The 200 band has dropped to 185/194.  How low will it go???
 
The 200 test bottomed out at 185/194, and topped at 199/205.  I just set 225.  Let's see how she does at my "go to" Q temp!  This one's the key to success!!
 
225 setting:  It held 225/225 for a bit, and now the controller is cycling.  Reading 228/232, 229/234.  Let's see where it tops out.

Update:  Topped at 234, and is on the way down.  9-degree swing above the setting.  The electronic controller should definitely hold tighter than that.
 
Stepped temp test results:  It seems the on-board controller does not keep fast enough pace with what's actually happening in the box.  The Maverick is much more responsive.  This variance could be caused by a) the controller board, b) the temperature sensor, or c) all of the above. 

I'll be putting it to the test with meat next weekend, but the brick tests have shown definite inaccuracies that need to be addressed.  I bet not many "first prototype" electronic boards have been a success right off the bat.  It'll be a fun journey to see where this ends!
 
Tony - I like the way the testing is going.  The results are interesting, to say the least.  You are being very thorough and it will pay off in the long run and all will benefit from your efforts. Dave
 
Thanks, Dave!  I'll try to chart these out some more; today was just kind of a play-by-play as I was watching it.

I'll get a load of meat in there soon!
 
Looking forward to the "proof is in the pudding (meat)" results.

Testing my own smoker (different make) showed a rather large range of temp differences until everything settled down, sort of reaching equilibrium, if you will.  Then the difference between the onboard digital controller and the auxiliary probe were not too far apart.  The aux unit registered approx 5 deg higher than the on board unit, frustrating.  Such is life.  And I did this check just to see what I would get.  Boxed up the aux unit and back to storage it goes. 
 
I know it's proven that temp can be held within 1-2 degrees; the Auber proves that, so the technology is there.  The question will be if a board for the SI can be made reasonably accurate, too, with price point in consideration.  Time will tell, and I know it's being looked at.
 
Has Steve or Ben thought about a retrofit/bypass for the existing smokin-it smokers?  Or is the retro-fit/bypass an auber?

It looks real nice.
 
Testing has stalled until this weekend. :(  Were having an unusually cold snap for the next day or two (I know, Wik, nothing like you, though;), and I'm on the downhill side of a nasty head cold.  Haven't felt like standing in the cold wind the last couple of days!

I plan a smoke on Saturday to test under "operational" conditions!  Any suggestions?  I'm considering a brisket, or a couple of chickens...not sure.  What do you guys think would be a "fitting" first smoke for a brand-spanking-new model??
 
I like the way that boy thinks, Steve!  I did pulled pork last week...may need to go a different direction this time.  But let him know, it's most likely what's for dinner next weekend! ;D
 
Oooh... ribs and chicken?  That's one to consider, Dave!  Bet the rib drippings on the chicken would be pretty good!
 
The first "real-world" operational test of the electronic took place Saturday - actually smoking meat!!  3 racks of baby back ribs (10.5 lbs).  The results were perfect Smokin-It ribs, even though I documented some interesting temperature swings and characteristics!  Check out the cook here:

http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=1388.0

More testing to come!
 
I am glad to hear that they are working on a digital controller. I wish I had a timeframe for when they may be ready for orders. I am ready to pull the trigger on a #3, but the thought of having a digital verses analog controller makes me want to wait. I am not in a huge hurry to purchase as it is freezing cold here in ND and I most likely won't be smoking until the weather gets a little nicer.

I know this is prototype and a lot of testing still probably has to go on. But is there any rough estimate at all as to when these digital models could be ready for orders? If it is within 6 months, I would probably wait. But if we are looking at more like a year, I'm not sure I want to wait that long.

Thanks for any rough estimate you could provide (Don't worry I wouldn't hold ya to it :) ).
 
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