Adding Temp Control to old MES40 - Question

[pi guy]

I'm pretty convinced that I want to mod my MES40 instead of getting a whole new rig. My controllerand/or heating element has gone out so I'm investigating options.
For the controller, INSTEAD of a traditional PID setup, could I use this from Inkbird:

https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-ITC-308-Temperature-Controller-Thermostat/dp/B011296704/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

I'm thinking of wiring an extension cord directly to the heating element on the smoker, then plug it into this Inkbird controller. I got the wiring idea from this guy:

But I don't want the hassle of creating my own temp controller.

So in short, is this a stupid idea? Would it work?

 

[Fueling Around]

Don't have a MES, but what I read over and over on the forum the wiring is a big failure in the connectors and a cheap over temp sensor.
Sorry I cannot withstand 40 minutes of video for 5 minutes of actual content but his theme to use a PID control is what you really need for precise temperature control.
I do not recommend the Inkbird unit you linked. Outside of plug and play It appears no better than the MB control unit.
Get an Auber (also plug and play) unit and apply the direct wiring to bypass the MC controller.
Carlos ( tallbm ) started the guide to fixing the MB failures.

MES Rewire Simple Guide - No Back Removal Needed!!!

Lately I've seen a number of posts about guys wanting to rewire their MES. I had wanted to post a quick and simple guide for those out there that are curious or those that simply need to rewire but need a little assistance. Well here goes. Disclaimer: When messing with electrical equipment...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

 

[dr k]

No the ITC-308 Inkbird controller is for 1,100 watts max with a 248*F max at that wattage and the Mes 40 has a 1,200 watt heating element. You'll need something at a minimum of 1,500 watts, 12 amps with a controller that senses and displays 275*F . Will Hi on Amazon had one I believe WH-1308B but doesn't show up.

 

[hoagiehut]

I'm pretty convinced that I want to mod my MES40 instead of getting a whole new rig. My controllerand/or heating element has gone out so I'm investigating options.
For the controller, INSTEAD of a traditional PID setup, could I use this from Inkbird:

https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-ITC-308-Temperature-Controller-Thermostat/dp/B011296704/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

I'm thinking of wiring an extension cord directly to the heating element on the smoker, then plug it into this Inkbird controller. I got the wiring idea from this guy:

But I don't want the hassle of creating my own temp controller.

So in short, is this a stupid idea? Would it work?

pi guy I am going to throw something out there that may be a little unconventional. I too have a MES 40" that I removed the controller on. I follwed the instructions described above. I started with an Auber SYL-3615, which is a BBQ Fan controller. Except instead of a fan I had it control a SSR (solid state relay) and that controlled the heating element of the MES. And that worked surprising well and gave me double duty on my controller and weber grill. Then one day I could not find my Auber cables and I used my Fireboard as the controller device driving the SSR. That worked extremely well as you can see from my last snack stick cook. Checkout the stair-step regulation followed by the sausage temp. https://fireboard.io/sessions/#/sessions/8691510
It would have been a perfect cook but a lightning storm came by and I lost power outside. My point is if you already have a BBQ fan controller you could drive your MES with an SSR and get amazing results with less than $50 of parts. The Fireboard was drop in and go. No PID settings to manipulate. I hope that helps.

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