inkbird temp controller?

[BPCBSK]

Hey guys, just wondering if anyone has tried to adapt an inkbird temp controller to be used with the kegs?

They seem to be significantly less expensive than an Auber, pitmaster or other popular brand temp controllers.

https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Itc-308-Temperature-Controller-Thermostat/dp/B011296704/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1475615675&sr=8-1&keywords=digital+temperature+controller

I'm in the market for a temp controller, but I'm frugal.


Any obvious reason not to try and adapter the inkbird to work with a blower that I'm overlooking?

Thanks

[smokey]

Reason # 1
Temp probe will fry at 700, maybe even at 400.
Reason 1.1
You probably can't get a probe replacement.
Reason # 2
You will need a fan setup, typically you can get cheap computer fans. The device seems to use AC, so you got a lot more parts to move to DC 12 V.
Reason # 3
They put a little logic inside the controller, for example when you open the keg, the temp will go way down, and your fan is stoking the fire. Since you have the lid open the coals will take off.
https://bbqguru.com/productinfo/howtheywork


If you still wanted I would go for something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-100-Thermostat-Temperature-Thermocouple/dp/B01489AQAW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1475698663&sr=8-2&keywords=digital+temperature+controller+oven

Then get K type thermo couplers

Or look up Heatmeter,
http://heatermeter.myshopify.com/
https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=18142
http://tvwbb.com/showthread.php?35674-HeaterMeter-v4-0-for-RaspberyPi-Standalone
http://tvwbb.com/

hope this helps



You will have to buy  parts and an arduino or PI

[Cajunate]

This is a new one but you might want to consider something more like this.


http://smartfirebbq.com/

[kite]

It appears like the inkbird is a non proprtional controller. If it is, this will run on or off, picture a fan the temp drops the stat kicks the fan on max until the temp rises, then the stat measures the kemp to be correct and kicks it off. The histerisis of that system will kill you, it would cause a massive spike then slowly drop and then start over. I am assuming all BBQ controllers are always proprtional and the fan speed varies somewhat. Or id the fan restricted to very slow?

[smokey]

This is a new one but you might want to consider something more like this.


http://smartfirebbq.com/

Seems very interesting.  I'm curious about whether it's just a fan,  or fan and a door.  A little too expensive for me. 

I can think of one improvement,  an extension hose,  to move the device away from the keg.
"The electronics inside are resistant to roughly 65C / 150F. So, folk should take care that there is no burning fuel close to the adaptor outlet as the heat and/or live charcoal may affect the unit. It's advised to use a water pan or even a wire barrier on the inside to keep charcoal a few inches from the adaptor outlet on the inside of the pit. "

[smokey]

It appears like the inkbird is a non proprtional controller. If it is, this will run on or off, picture a fan the temp drops the stat kicks the fan on max until the temp rises, then the stat measures the kemp to be correct and kicks it off. The histerisis of that system will kill you, it would cause a massive spike then slowly drop and then start over. I am assuming all BBQ controllers are always proprtional and the fan speed varies somewhat. Or id the fan restricted to very slow?

I think the logic in a pitmaster iq  does short bursts.
I saw it cycle about 50 degrees,  when I was measuring.

[smokey]

Duh, I forgot another option....
Our beloved Uncle swears by it.
https://amzn.com/B01E2R7BMG

I think those that have it like it, seems to have a little learning curve. It's good ol' Yankee ingenuity at it's best. Wish we had more of that....

[smokey]

Hey Kite (or anybody else interested), you wanna play with arduinos?
I can dig up what I had. Basically measuring pit and meat twice (four probes). You get to play with uploading data points. Good thing to learn.

You will need:
Arduino with Ethernet
LCD
Maverick probes (4)
Connectors (I can send you some)
resistors.

Or you can get a raspberry Pi and figure this out with me, most of the Arduino code is in a varian of C, so it can be used.

[kite]

Sure! I don't code much, I use scripts on a mac a lot and a small amount of Swift. But I am interested for sure how much use is another question!
Nimble hands and curiosity is what I have.

[smokey]

Sure! I don't code much, I use scripts on a mac a lot and a small amount of Swift. But I am interested for sure how much use is another question!
Nimble hands and curiosity is what I have.

I'll dig it up,  maybe I'll get a GetHub account to post

[uncle]

Duh, I forgot another option....
Our beloved Uncle swears by it.
https://amzn.com/B01E2R7BMG

I think those that have it like it, seems to have a little learning curve. It's good ol' Yankee ingenuity at it's best. Wish we had more of that....

Yes I have over 100 cooks with mine and still using it.

[78 T140E]

Yes I have over 100 cooks with mine and still using it.

Have you needed to change out the magnets that secure your TTT to the top vent on your KEG?

[ModernMan]

Thread drift:

Duh, I forgot another option....
Our beloved Uncle swears by it.
https://amzn.com/B01E2R7BMG

I think those that have it like it, seems to have a little learning curve. It's good ol' Yankee ingenuity at it's best. Wish we had more of that....

I finally had some mitigated success with mine. It did provide extended periods of stable temperatures around 250F x 1-2 hours for about a dozen low/slow cooks.

However, it still needed some babysitting, as somtimes it would slowly allow Keg temperature drift - generally getting lower n lower, until risking fire going out.
I wouldn't feel confident just setting it, babying it for only the 1st few hours, then going on errands, or sleeping overnight - leaving it completely unattended during very long cooks.

For the price, the TTT with the 5000,  is certainly better than the stock 5000 on its own for low/slow temperature control, in my experiece
Otoh, if you think you'll be simply "setting and forgetting it" over  9-10+ hour cooks, unfortunately you'may be dissapointed.

 Perhaps electrical/fan ATCs are much better for "setting and forgetting" (albeit more expensive and will require modifying/drilling a hole in the 5000). I couldn't say. Maybe someone who' has had experiece with both can comment.

[uncle]

Have you needed to change out the magnets that secure your TTT to the top vent on your KEG?

No, still using the same one's.

[BPCBSK]

Hi Uncle, have you done  a lot of low and slows with the TTT and had any issues?