Looks awesome
I have been using charcoal for a number of years, took me a bit to find a brand that worked well with my set up, once that was done, it was easier to control the heat. I have used everything from sticks to chips to chunks. I found placing the chips or small chunks below the charcoal briquettes seemed to allow them to smoke longer. every time I placed them on top it would smoke for a bit but then just burn increasing the heat in the smoker as well. I was just using a cheep canister set up so I really couldn't control the air as well. It doesn't look like you will have the same issue. I would try a few things a see what works the best keep lots and really good notes that should help. OH not sure if it helps but I do not soak the wood before smoking, Like I said earlier I just recently got the AMPS and it is great, it burns consistent and even(however i am now re-adjusting my times a bit) but that is one of the great things about this hobby, always something new to try LOL!
Again that thing looks awesome it will be fun dialling it in, just remember TBS (thin blue smoke) my first time I ran mine like a diesel stack not good
Enjoy
Kitt