I have obtained a MES 40" model # 20070408 with a bad element...which I have now completely disassembled. Since the replacement element is not available from Masterbuilt I was hoping to attempt to put in a 1200 Watt element like I saw talked about here:
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/89699/40-mes-800-watt-heating-element-mod
However, when I took off the back panel there were some differences between my model and Texacajun's. Worse, when I took a look at the pcb board that generates the DC for the controller and has the solid state relay I found that they were different as well. Here is a pic of my pcb board
and his for reference
From the looks of it, on his (older model I assume) the controller activates a smaller relay which sends mains(115AC) to this big daddy 30 A relay which runs the element. That is why he can put in the larger element without issue. However, on my pcb board there is only one relay, it takes it's dc signal from the controller(through a transistor) and appears to power the element itself. It is rated for 10 Amps, which is fine for the original 800 watt element(800/115=6.9) but a little low for the 1200 watt one(1200/115=10.43).
So I guess my questions are
1. Has anyone done this mod on a model 20070408?
2. If so, am I missing something or did others just do it without knowing the circuit differences and the relay hasn't burned yet(it is only a slight overload)?
3. Any other thoughts?
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/89699/40-mes-800-watt-heating-element-mod
However, when I took off the back panel there were some differences between my model and Texacajun's. Worse, when I took a look at the pcb board that generates the DC for the controller and has the solid state relay I found that they were different as well. Here is a pic of my pcb board
and his for reference
From the looks of it, on his (older model I assume) the controller activates a smaller relay which sends mains(115AC) to this big daddy 30 A relay which runs the element. That is why he can put in the larger element without issue. However, on my pcb board there is only one relay, it takes it's dc signal from the controller(through a transistor) and appears to power the element itself. It is rated for 10 Amps, which is fine for the original 800 watt element(800/115=6.9) but a little low for the 1200 watt one(1200/115=10.43).
So I guess my questions are
1. Has anyone done this mod on a model 20070408?
2. If so, am I missing something or did others just do it without knowing the circuit differences and the relay hasn't burned yet(it is only a slight overload)?
3. Any other thoughts?