Sargan

That is the one .... they are selling for £139 including shipping.

hence my interest.

can you add wireless probes in future or is it wired only.

Digging further into my need for a temperature controller.

The ProQ web site only lists the Wireless variant at £250 ...... which is too  much for me.

However the SmartFire web site lists only Wired versions  (not wireless) .....  but the "Super Summer Smartfire Controller kit"   is a justifiable spend at £139

• Are these the same software (excl wirleless part) ..... same control, same features ?
• Can wireless probes be added in future if required ?
• Is this a modulating fan rather than just  on/off

After comment about discount ... would 10% discount apply to "Super Summer Smartfire Controller kit"   ... if so anybody know how I activate/order.

I

8 hours ago, Phlashster said:

So the logic behind the lid open mode is along the lines of, because the lid is open, the fire has access to unlimited oxygen. As a result, if the fan started again immediately, the fire would build to be too hot and your pit temp will overshoot. Other controllers without lid open mode do exactly this it seems. 

All pits are different but it seems to take nearly 10 mins for my ProQ to balance out after a lid open event. It is sometimes quicker and if the lid was not off for too long, the fire doesn't build back too strongly. It then seems to take a while to build back the set temp. But you are often within 20-30F of set temp during this time, so your cook is not greatly affected. The main point, it is there to stop unwanted temp spikes. If you see the temp levelling out much lower, just go in and disable lid open mode.

There are lots of DIY options, from Raspberry PI, Arduino etc to dedicated PID controllers (Google the 'hoare blower' for an example).

There were two features of Smartfire that stood out for me.

1) It is powered from a standard USB battery pack. I have no mains near my kit and do not want an extension lead outside with british weather.

2) The Smartfire connects to your home wifi and then is controlled and stores results in the cloud. Your app or web browser talks to the cloud rather than the device itself. This means you can go out and do things. As long as you have mobile data or a wifi signal where you are, you can monitor, get alerts and adjust things remotely. 

Worth remembering, Macs BBQ are members here and provide a 10% discount code for us to use. 

Cheers, Phil.

 

Thanks Phil ....... I like the modulating fan approach, its correct way to use a fan in this role.

I looked at 'Raspberry Pi'  model, and think the learning curve to build it a bit too high for this one off.      Looking around at what my options are - yes I'd like the SmartFire - but its £249.95 a lot of money, and not sure I can justify that spend for amount I use smoker.   I have looked at this for example .... £190 cheaper.       https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252226109850

Accept it does not monitor meat temp - but I alreday have a ThermoPro twin probe thermometer for that.

I also looked at PartyQ - again less than 1/2 price of Smartfire.   https://www.bbqguru.com/storenav?CategoryId=1&ProductId=34

If Smartfire were cheaper  - I'd not hesitate to buy, but willing to consider other options if anybody has any to suggest.

Thanks for comments .... bit undecided which way to.go .... SmartFire or a simple PID controller.    I do prefer a modulating controller approach, just need to get my head around it being 10x the price.

On the ‘Lid open’ function, I agree it’s a good feature, it’s just that a 10min delay to restart control does not makes sense ... maybe there should be a simple ‘re-engage’ option on the App.    No change to set temp or other options, just a way to tell controller lid is closed - get going again.
 

Are there any other modulating controllers to consider, I did come across a Raspberry Pi variant, but that it quite complex to build.

Couple of Q’s ... did you feedback to ProQ on lack off bayonet fitting ? If so what did they suggest .... must point to the fan being made for something else.

Does the fan modulate, or is it just on/off

Did you get any response regarding the 10min open lid delay. (Seems poor, and should be adjustable)