I'll definitely need help. I have no idea what that is...lol
A PID Controller (Proportonal, Integral, Derivative = PID) will measure the temperature inside your smoker with a temp probe ( you clip it to the bottom smoker rack) and based on the set temperature you punch into the controller, it will cut on/off electricity to the smoker to hit and hold on that set temp. Usually holds within 1-3 degrees with no wild temp swings.
To use one you have to do a simple rewire to your MES. Basically you cut the ends off 4 wires. Then you wire nut he proper ends together to make 2 whole wires and you're done!
Now your rewired MES will take electricity from the plug and send it to the heating element bypassing all the old MES electronics.
This is why the PID controller is needed.
You plug the PID into the wall outlet and clip the temp probe to the bottom rack inside the smoker.
Then you plug the MES plug into the PID.
Turn on the PID and enter a set temp and it will take power from your wall outlet and feed it to the MES plug/heating element and then hit/hold your set temp. No magic needed :)
You turn your golf cart of a smoker into a Ferarri! You can now smoke sausage, bacon, jerky, etc. without fear of melting fat or temp swings that ruin things for you. You now can hit your max MES temp of 275F where the original controller rarely ever did and didn't hold it due to temp swings.
Your smoker is now awesome! :D
Read all about rewiring for a PID here:
Lately I've seen a number of posts about guys wanting to rewire their MES. I had wanted to post a quick and simple guide for those out there that are curious or those that simply need to rewire but need a little assistance. Well here goes. Disclaimer: When messing with electrical equipment...
www.smokingmeatforums.com
I haven't done it yet, but was going to tell you the same thing. I'm still wondering if building a pid or buying is cheaper/ better idea.
If you have never bought the parts, tools, and additional items (insulation shrink wrap, extra wire, etc. etc.) it is WAY less expensive to just buy one.
Also if you build one you really need a drill press, vice, an easy way to cut squares/rectangles into sheet metal, etc. etc.
I've both built and bought and yeah the last one I built I spent $40 less then buying an Auber BUT I still didn't come out in the black from all the tools, drill bits, dremel cutting wheels, and extra crap needed to do the job... and I only have hand tools which makes it way more difficult than having a drill press and vise, etc. etc.
So I recommend buy unless you really enjoy a project and don't mind spending double and don't mind potentially ruining pieces that you have to buy again (project box/enclosures).
You can read all about rewiring an MES for using with a PID controller here:
Lately I've seen a number of posts about guys wanting to rewire their MES. I had wanted to post a quick and simple guide for those out there that are curious or those that simply need to rewire but need a little assistance. Well here goes. Disclaimer: When messing with electrical equipment...
www.smokingmeatforums.com
Ask all the questions you have, the guys here are awesome! Plus all of us PID guys would never go back and usually wonder why we waited so long to bite the bullet and move to a PID :)
I hope this info helps all of you :)