Cookshack SM150 2003…issues using in cold weather?

[schneidmj]

Just picked up a SM150. Turned it on and the heat light came on and no control screen. Non responsive other than the power switch. 54 degrees… it then proceeded to give a readout on the display “overheating” and beeping.

After several tries it finally started working normally. I called tech support and was told a module on the control board doesn’t like anything under 60 degrees. Only option is to replace the control board with an iQ5 conversion at $1k. Anyone else experience these issues? I generally do a lot of big smokes over the holidays when it’s cold.

Thanks…

 

[old sarge]

Per the description on the CookShack website. You could try a hair drier on the controller and see how that works and possible the heat from the smoker once it gets going will keep the module at or above 60 degrees.

 

[schneidmj]

Per the description on the CookShack website. You could try a hair drier on the controller and see how that works and possible the heat from the smoker once it gets going will keep the module at or above 60 degrees.
View attachment 656423

Tech support mentioned that but I was looking to see what others did to overcome this.

 

[schneidmj]

Per the description on the CookShack website. You could try a hair drier on the controller and see how that works and possible the heat from the smoker once it gets going will keep the module at or above 60 degrees.
View attachment 656423

Sarge…where by chance did you find that information? Been looking all over their website and can’t find it.

 

[old sarge]

 

[Fueling Around]

I assume the SM160 is the SM 150 with the IQ5 control?

Sarge…where by chance did you find that information? Been looking all over their website and can’t find it.

Under Support and click on SM Family Comparison Specs

 

[old sarge]

Sarge…where by chance did you find that information? Been looking all over their website and can’t find it.

Here you go: https://cookshack.com/collections/e...r-commercial-electric-smoker-oven-model-sm160
Everything else: https://cookshack.com/pages/manuals-instructions

 

[schneidmj]

I assume the SM160 is the SM 150 with the IQ5 control?

Under Support and click on SM Family Comparison Specs

That’s my understanding. I may eventually upgrade to the IQ5. But if it has the same issues as my current controller I’ll run it until it dies. My trusty Smokette has run in all sorts of weather including -60 degrees with no hickups. I should’ve done my homework better…

 

[Fueling Around]

That’s my understanding. I may eventually upgrade to the IQ5. But if it has the same issues as my current controller I’ll run it until it dies. My trusty Smokette has run in all sorts of weather including -60 degrees with no hickups. I should’ve done my homework better…

I don't know anything about Cook Shack units. I searched out the info out of curiosity.
Maybe Fireboard had something to offer for a controller?

 

[schneidmj]

Not sure how Fireboard would even help in this situation. Not sure it even applies…

 

[Fueling Around]

Not sure how Fireboard would even help in this situation. Not sure it even applies…

Just a guess on Fireboard and forgot to state "or Auber.
Being an electric unit maybe a simple Auber unit will function with some creative rewiring to bypass the onboard unit?