Ian, morning and welcome to the forum.... the smoker you have is what we call an analog smoker to differentiate it from a MES 30 digital... That is for future ref..... Back to the smoker.... Suggest you get a thermometer for the smoker that is calibrated in boiling water and install it.... if it reads 240, then you know 240 is really 212... the OEM therms are known to not give incorrect temps.... Then a digital therm for checking the meat temp.... Add only a 1/4 cup of dry chips at a time.... When it comes to smoke, less can be better.... Make certain the lower vent / drain holes is open and not covered with foil or something... If you want to make a simple mod before starting.... using a step drill, drill 4 each 1/2" holes.... 2 in each side.... 1 top side, 1 bottom side.. From that starting point, you should be good to go, until you awaken in the middle of the night thinking........... what mods can I make now to get better Q ????????
Dave
