Temp reading different between ortech and analog gauges?

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santaclaws

Newbie
Original poster
Dec 28, 2014
7
10
So, I bought the ortech controller for my traeger Jr. Love the thing, far greater control and much lesser temp swing.

However, I'm not sure what temp I'm really at. The analog temp gauge on the Jr shows about 30 degrees lower than the ortech gauge.

Is this normal? Which one is right? How do I fix it on the ortech if it is the ortech?

Had anyone experienced this before?

Thanks,
Claws
 
Can't help you with how to fix it, but I can say that most stock therms that come with smokers are not accurate. You really need another remote therm to test. I have an IGrill2 and a mAverick732. Both I have tested the probes in ice water and boiling water to to verify accuracy. When I place those probes in my Traeger lil tex elite I show that the Traeger therm is anywhere form 15-30 degrees off and I get temp swings from 5-30 degrees depending on how the pellets are dumping in. If you have a way to test your new controller therm in boiling water do. If not get. A good remote therm and test that. Then place it in the smoker to gauge what's correct. Don't forget to calculate the boiling point if water for your altitude and the current barometric pressure when test your therms.
 
Last edited:
Hmmm, based on that I'm going to assume my ortech is correct. I wonder if they calibrate their system before shipping...

Thanks for the info!
 
[h1]santaclaws,[/h1]
IMHO I would not assume that either of your temps are right! The only way to tell is to compare them to a tested and proven therm. Would not want you to cook a temp critical piece of meat and your therms be off!

Keep Smokin!!!

Wolf
 
The set temp on the controller does not reflect the actual grate temp with its fluctuations as pellets dump, fire gets hotter, fire burns down and gets cooler, etc. It will show an average over time based on the controllers alogorythems. To get an accurate view of actual grate temps, which will vary side to side and front to back, you need a dedicated thermometer like some mentioned. You also have to watch the actual grate temps as the unit cycles through the pellet dump/recovery cycles as the temp will vary by as much as 30-50°. The unit does not stay at a constant, controller set temperature.
 
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