Uds auto temp controller

[dart383]

First post so I'm excited for opinions. I have a newly used uds that I made some modifications too. I added three 3/4 in ball valves for intake and the standard 2 1/4 exhaust in the drum lid. I have a tractor clapper valve on the exhaust if I want to adjust that. The smoker had two 3/4 in intakes with a cap on the third nipple. I've smoked on it twice, food came out well, just have had a difficult time controlling temps until it gets 4 or so hours under its belt. Temps spike and fall constantly. Was thinking about the iq temp controller, does anyone have experience with them, I see they make one for the uds. Would I need one for each intake valve or just th one? Or is there a trick to maintaining temp with just the valves? Thanks

 

[daveomak]

Sounds like you are "chasing" the temp in the UDS...    Most folks use 1 ball valve...  2 more pipe nipples with caps....   If one wide open ball valve does not get the temp high enough, for what you are cooking, 1 pipe cap is removed, exposing the fully open pipe nipple and now the ball valve is closed down to adjust the temperature in the UDS...    same deal for the 3rd cap...

If you are having problems, maybe the lid leaks air...  not air tight...   that will pose problems...   

Check out ECTO1's UDS's....  He has added some excellent info about UDS's....

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/247697/uds-builds-by-ecto1

 

[dart383]

Good advice show my novice with the uds. I'll try only using one ball intake and close the other two on my next smoke. Before i buy a mechanical air intake

 

[hardcookin]

Dave is giving you good advice. Once you get them drums settled in they usually hold temp pretty steady.
If you open your lid, close your intakes on the bottom. Once the lid is closed reopen your inlets.
It will help prevent spikes.