Electric "module" in propane unit.

[motocrash]

Yeah,mine probably does too.Have to go see.Sounds good on pit test

 

[ericksaint]

So the latest test was to get the first layer of insulation on the cabinet. While I was doing that I put the hotplate in. Cabinet temp maxed out at 235, that was without the doors done, but they are double layer metal, so it probably won't matter too much over all. But it was 60 outside today. Since I just need it to get to 170 it gives me promise. Working on getting the second layer welding blanket stitched together.

 

[motocrash]

235 is pretty respectable for a wally world hotplate even @ 60* ambient!

 

[ericksaint]

Layer two is done, mostly. Still need to cut out the vent opening, but the rest of the fitting and stitching is done. Probably going to sew in some velcro or use press in buttons to make the closures instead of the binder clips. I'm going to make some windscreens for the legs out of some sheet aluminum I have laying around. But really only need those when running gas.

 

[motocrash]

Looks like it's gonna be toasty.Did you get the Inkbird kit ? Or are you waiting to see how it works without....

 

[ericksaint]

I haven't ordered it yet, but I'm definitely going to. I like the ability to set and forget. Think it would be hard to get the 10 degree increments dialed in with the dial in the hotplate. Especially for sticks and sausage, don't want to go over 170.

 

[motocrash]

It looks like the setup might mount nicely in a .50 ammo can...of which I have a few ;)

 

[ericksaint]

I got rid of my last 50cal and 30cal cans to a friend not too long ago. But you're probably right.

I've seen a lot of guys using plastic junction boxes from Menards. Probably just going to use one of those, just don't know what I'm going to do about the heat sink for the SSR in a plastic box.

 

[motocrash]

I just have to "empty" mine first...

 

[ericksaint]

:eek:

Nice! I wish I had a toy to run those through.

 

[motocrash]

Takes a while with my single shot ;)

 

[ericksaint]

Finished stitching in the top and bottom velcro tabs tonight. Closes up pretty well.


Started gathering the local parts for the pid case as well. Leaving for a trip late next week, so not sure if I'll order the rest of the parts before or after my trip.

Snatched an old power cord from work but when I opened it up it was only 18 guage, so I'll use that for the pid power and SSR trigger wires. Got a few feet of 12/3 from the electricians at work, I'll use that to wire the load side in case I ever go up to a larger element I'm covered. Need to verify a bit of the box install, but I'm start another thread on that in the electric forum.

 

[motocrash]

Looks really good man.

 

[motocrash]

Oh,check out the chops I did tonight.https://smokingmeatforums.com/index.php?threads/fat-chops.270335/#post-1772785

 

[ericksaint]

Looks really good man.

Thanks man. I'm really happy with the way the welding blanket turned out. A bit easier to use than just draping it over and having to pull it off every time I need to get in he cook chamber.

 

[motocrash]

You should become a welding blanket seamster,build custom blankets for smokers. :D

 

[ericksaint]

Lol. Next time I'll spend the extra money to get a carbon felt blanket. That cheapo fiberglass was super easy to stitch but that crap gets everywhere when working with it.

 

[ericksaint]

Well. On to the bench testing of pid parts. Learned spring tonight. That even when the temp is satisfied, there must be a small amount of current young through the SSR. When I had a lamp plugged in, it just clicks on and off. I put an electrical tester in the outlet, when the tap is above where it needs to be (by holding the thermocouple in my hand) there is a faint bit of power showing on the tester, with the light plugged in is not enough to turn on the light. When I drop the temp (with a nice cold beer) the tester gets brighter or the light turns on until the the temp goes up again.

Temp above limit, not calling for heat, but still faint lights.


Calling for heat, lights full on now.

 

[motocrash]

By jove it works!:)

 

[ericksaint]

Box cut, and parts mounted. There are a couple options I want to add in the future, but I need to try and find answers to a couple questions before I implement those.

Back into the oven later to test the pid operation in a similar environment to the smoker.



The outlet on the right is controlled by the pid, the outlet on the left is a pass through so I can get power near the box for a clamp light or something similar.