Computer Fan Mod on MES 30 Analogue

[jesse t]

So I've been struggling with my Analogue MES 30 (No external load tray, non adjustable vent) and the AMNPS.  I've added an aquarium pump on the side adding some air, drilled some additional 1/4' exhaust holes on the rear, and placed the AMNPS on a ceramic tile.  I still have issues with keeping it lit, even after microwaving pellets, blow-torching for 1+ minute, and allowing to burn for a good inch in before blowing out and placing in smoker.

I got a computer fan that is variable speed and plugs into a regular outlet.  The burner on the MES analogue 30 covers the entire bottom, so I keep the AMNPS on top of the tile on top of the existing chip tray.  Anyone have any thoughts on fan placement?  I saw someone using a computer fan through the chip loader hole on a digital MES, but I'll be making the hole myself and the AMNPS sits on a different place in a digital model as far as I can tell.  So I'm looking for thoughts on placement.  Should it be blowing right on the AMNPS on the same side, the opposite side, above, below, etc?

I didn't pay a whole lot for this unit and I'm leaving it in Hawaii when I leave in less than a year, so I'm ready to experiment!

 

[chef jimmyj]

If the fan is blowing directly on the AMNPS it better be a Slow Fan I'm going to guess 4 CFM, otherwise you will either cause the Pellets to burn too fast or worse... Ignite! Either way Bad Business. Some mod to deflect the air will help with ignition but you will have to play with fan speed to maintain a 10 hour burn time with the AMNPS. I would go with the MAIL BOX mod that is gaining accolades around here...JJ

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/127921/one-more-mail-box-mod-for-the-amnps-and-the-mes30

 

[deltadude]

OP, pictures help better than words.........

 

[jesse t]

The fan with the variable speed control

fan.jpg

• jesse t
• Sep 28, 2012

The right side, the top hole is the aquarium pump feed that shoots over the AMNPS

side.jpg

• jesse t
• Sep 28, 2012

The back.  You can see a bit of the only original vent hole on the left and the additional vents I drilled on the right.

back.jpg

• jesse t
• Sep 28, 2012

On top of the chip holder, right side.

amnps.jpg

• jesse t
• Sep 28, 2012

Here's a better shot that shows the location of the chip tray where the AMNPS sits now.  Disregard the actual position of the AMNPS here... it's old and that location didn't work so well.

MES.jpg

• jesse t
• Sep 28, 2012