I would like to give a shout out to @JC in GB.

[forktender]

About a yr ago, my old PartyQ controller took a dump on me right in the beginning of a rib cook off, talk about bad timing. It was a frantic day, I was sure that I was going to be at the bottom of the list, come call out time. When they called out 3rd place, then second place, I wasn't shocked that I didn't make it. Then they called out 1st place, and it was one of those hey, that's me moments, I was completely floored, I'm not afraid to say that I actually teared up a bit.
Anyhow, I saw the PID thread, and figured I'd try to make one up. I bought most of the parts needed, then realized, this wasn't in my wheelhouse, whatsoever, and asked for help. @JC in GB was the first to offer up his expertise. We went back and forth in PM's, and it wasn't making any sense to me at all.

@JC in GB asked for my address, and a few days later a complete PID was in my hands. I asked Jeff How much I owe him, and he said not a thing, that it was a gift, I was completely floored.
Jeff, and me, had been helping each other out through a few rough patches that life had thrown at us through PM's. It was very helpful to be able to vent things out and get positive feedback from a person that wouldn't be judgmental about the issues we were both dealing with.

This place is amazing, I now have a friend for life.
Jeff, and I send regional gifts to each other. I send him rubs and sauces, he sends me WI cheese curds, which I love, and the best Cheddar cheese, mozzarella and PIDs. LOL.

After my PID failed, I asked Jeff if he would make me a back up unit with the parts I had bought, and he said no problem. So now I have two of Jeff's PIDs, and they both work amazing.
How cool is that of him? I can't wait to try out his new controller that he has been working on once he works the bugs out.


Anyhow, I'm writing this as a thank you to @JC in GB / Jeff, to let people know how cool of a dude Jeff is, thank you brother.


It's late, and I'm tired, sorry if I'm rambling again.
Dan.

 

[Buckeye1]

That’s a great story. It also shows what great people are on this forum! This place is so different from most online setting where people are always fighting or trying to one up every one else.

 

[texomakid]

This is what makes our forum great. Awesome story.

 

[jcam222]

Yep it's that kinda place! Great story.

 

[indaswamp]

Jeff is a great dude! He helped me out a lot when I build my big drying chamber. I could not have done it without him!

 

[SmokinEdge]

Jeff is an electronic wizard. He really knows his stuff and is always willing to share or help. I think that right there is what makes this the best site in the interwebs everyone here will share their knowledge and help out pretty much anybody who needs it, and the topics are all over the board.

 

[JC in GB]

Aw shucks. Thanks so very much for all the positive vibes. I am always willing to share my knowledge and talents to help members of the forum. Lord knows that I have taken advantage of all the knowledge offered here. This is a great community and I am so very happy that I found this place. Peace out and happy cooking all!

JC

 

[sandyut]

There is no place such good people than SMF! Very generous and helpful Jeff @JC in GB!

 

[Colin1230]

Yep, love this place! Because of all of you.

 

[JLinza]

Very cool. Some great folks here, for sure

 

[Jim_C]

I'm glad to hear you have you PID issues sorted out, although, if I won first place without my primary weapon, I might toss it and go back to the old-school ways.

I have read some of Jeff's posts on PID's and had considered making one for my Smoke Vault propane smoker. I do like the fact Jeff takes the time to explain things to folks so they might make a go at it. I'm not there yet. It looks a bit complicated and I need to figure out the right stuff to buy.

On a final note.........I know I have learned a ton here on SMF. People are always willing to share their knowledge. It's an incredible forum and one which has allowed me to grow my smoking skills and has given me the energy to try new meats and techniques.

 

[civilsmoker]

Very nice Fork! I'm addicted to PID's.....they are a game changer for the knife making and even vetted my heat treat design here (2300 degree oven with 30 step options) @tallbm and @JC in GB both helped out!!! Saved me big time $$ and piece of mind!

 

[JIMSMOKES]

Met Jeff @JC in GB from a gift exchange when I first joined. Ended up becoming a northern friend that has helped me along my journey of extending my knowledge of smoking meats. Along with many other members.
This forum is amazing!

 

[forktender]

I'm glad to hear you have you PID issues sorted out, although, if I won first place without my primary weapon, I might toss it and go back to the old-school ways.

I have read some of Jeff's posts on PID's and had considered making one for my Smoke Vault propane smoker. I do like the fact Jeff takes the time to explain things to folks so they might make a go at it. I'm not there yet. It looks a bit complicated and I need to figure out the right stuff to buy.

On a final note.........I know I have learned a ton here on SMF. People are always willing to share their knowledge. It's an incredible forum and one which has allowed me to grow my smoking skills and has given me the energy to try new meats and techniques.

I have to ask, how does a PID control a propane smoker. LOL
I'm not joking, I really want to understand.

And as far as going back to my old ways, HELL NO!!!! I was up and down so many times chasing temps that day. Now I set the temp, let the smoker settle in and toss the meat on, then go take a nap, or sit in my recliner and play my guitars and wait for my done alarm to wake me up when it's done. I like the lazy man way so much better. The only time I need to get up and down now is when I use my offset smoker, which is mainly for brisket or butts. I like the way they turn out on the offset. I'm gonna play around with it the next time I cook a brisket or butt, I'm gonna run one load of wood coals then toss in the UDS, so the controller can babysit it until it's done. I'm curious to see how it turns out.

Thanks.
Dan

 

[Jim_C]

I have to ask, how does a PID control a propane smoker. LOL
I'm not joking, I really want to understand.

And as far as going back to my old ways, HELL NO!!!! I was up and down so many times chasing temps that day. Now I set the temp, let the smoker settle in and toss the meat on, then go take a nap, or sit in my recliner and play my guitars and wait for my done alarm to wake me up when it's done. I like the lazy man way so much better. The only time I need to get up and down now is when I use my offset smoker, which is mainly for brisket or butts. I like the way they turn out on the offset. I'm gonna play around with it the next time I cook a brisket or butt, I'm gonna run one load of wood coals then toss in the UDS, so the controller can babysit it until it's done. I'm curious to see how it turns out.

Thanks.
Dan

For a propane smoker the PID uses solenoid valves to control the flow of propane.

Here's a thread where OldSmoke discusses it and posted pictures of his propane PID: https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t...etooth-propane-regulator.324585/#post-2479479

Propane is not something I would generally mess with in terms of automation, but I'm curious and It's something I'd like to try. I would need a lot more guidance from someone with firsthand knowledge, like OldSmoke, before I make the effort to build one.

 

[forktender]

For a propane smoker the PID uses solenoid valves to control the flow of propane.

Here's a thread where OldSmoke discusses it and posted pictures of his propane PID: https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t...etooth-propane-regulator.324585/#post-2479479

Propane is not something I would generally mess with in terms of automation, but I'm curious and It's something I'd like to try. I would need a lot more guidance from someone with firsthand knowledge, like OldSmoke, before I make the effort to build one.

WOW!!!
Thanks for the explanation, that seems like a pain in the ass.

 

[civilsmoker]

WOW!!!
Thanks for the explanation, that seems like a pain in the ass.

fork, I did a little bit of research on this a while back cause I was considering it as well as on my knife forge, many knife makers PID control their forge temps. There are a number of propane supply/safety control valves that are PID controllable, ie they have pilots/thermocouples and auto shut offs..... Using a PID controllable gas supply/safety valve with a pilot/thermocouple is the only route I would go for this type of operation...... these valves typically run 300-500 or more...

PS I scrapped this idea and am designing soon to be building a 220V 30 amp electric oven with stabilized ceramic blanket, so it heats up quick for precise forging. IE done right it will hit a 1500 degrees in 15 - 20 mins and go up to 2300 degrees in about 45 mins. My current 120V 12 amp oven will hit 1500 in 50 mins.....and 2300 in 2 hours...... oh an why the need for precise forging temp....Well when you are making a cu mai (ie a coper layer) that has to be done at a very precise temp to be successful. I am wanting to also make damasus with some brass layers in it and that has to be even more precise.... Oh and the safety factor of NOT have a 2300 degree blast furnace in the shop is also a good reason.....

 

[JC in GB]

WOW!!!
Thanks for the explanation, that seems like a pain in the ass.

That is why I pretty much abandoned trying to make a PID with control output for gas. Just too many safety concerns. If you have a valve set up already put together, I can likely figure out the interface you would need to mate it up to a PID controller.

JC