MES 30 Questions

[EZman]

I have an MES 30, version 2.5 I think...

I have a few questions...
I'm looking at doing the mailbox mod because I'd like to get the AMNPS...Which size works best for the mailbox? Also for the mailbox, galvanized or no? Not sure I want to take a chance with galvanized even though I know the AMNPS doesn’t generate enough heat...I’ve seen a popcorn tin used and a stainless steel stock pot...has anyone used anything else? Just trying to explore my options. Would aluminum duct work that is sealed work as long as there are holes for airflow? Possibly untreated wood?

Also, I've read that the built in meat probe can be a little off, does anyone have any recommendations on a wireless meat probe?

Since I will be doing the mailbox mod, I'm trying to figure out a stand or something that will support both the smoker and the mailbox but still have it be somewhat mobile to move in and out of the garage. Please post any pics of any set ups you guys might have.

Is it recommended to leave the smoker outside? I do have a cover. Just thought a mobile stand will help keep everything in better condition.

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to being more active on the threads!

 

[fivetricks]

Ok...

1) 6x8 pellet tray for the mailbox.

2) galvanized box is more than fine. As you said, not enough heat generated to matter. The tray will actually build up layers of creosote on the inside of the box as time goes on.

3) yes, unit probe sucks. Generally. I have the inkbird 4x and 6x Bluetooth, plus a TP-20. All fine products. these days I tend to enjoy the thermometers with their own separate RF unit over the Bluetooth units because the software that comes with all Bluetooth thermometers is very poor. Lots of drops, the graphs reset, etc etc. The units with their own RF unit have a far greater communication range and I have had much better luck with them.

4)

There's my setup. I built a couple of wooden carts with wheels on them and handles on the other end. You can see the storage areas that are built in. I just sort of slapped them together. But they do work quite well. as you can see I have a universal exhaust running out of the top of them made from the same materials that you will use to connect the mailbox. This is so I don't have to use them outside in inclement weather.

5) storing the unit inside when you are not using it is always recommended. having the cover is nice to keep the dust off it. But if you leave it outside, cover or not, it is going to absorb extra moisture just from the environment around it. this is very bad as several of the connections from the factory aren't of the best quality anyways and you will more than likely burn up your controller much faster than you would otherwise.

Edit: pay close attention to the holes and ventilation for inlet that I have on the mailbox covers. I played around with this for a very long time and I found that this setup works quite well. You definitely want a static lower and upper set of holes for inlet. But I also like the adjustable damper for days that have unusual wind.

I also set my tray on a biscuit of wood in the bottom of the mailbox. I have found the elevating the tray a bit off the floor really helps with an even burn on the pellets. Especially considering more often than not when I light my tray, I light it from both ends

If you have any other questions, feel free to hit me up!

 

[EZman]

Ok...

1) 6x8 pellet tray for the mailbox.

2) galvanized box is more than fine. As you said, not enough heat generated to matter. The tray will actually build up layers of creosote on the inside of the box as time goes on.

3) yes, unit probe sucks. Generally. I have the inkbird 4x and 6x Bluetooth, plus a TP-20. All fine products. these days I tend to enjoy the thermometers with their own separate RF unit over the Bluetooth units because the software that comes with all Bluetooth thermometers is very poor. Lots of drops, the graphs reset, etc etc. The units with their own RF unit have a far greater communication range and I have had much better luck with them.

4) View attachment 442748

There's my setup. I built a couple of wooden carts with wheels on them and handles on the other end. You can see the storage areas that are built in. I just sort of slapped them together. But they do work quite well. as you can see I have a universal exhaust running out of the top of them made from the same materials that you will use to connect the mailbox. This is so I don't have to use them outside in inclement weather.

5) storing the unit inside when you are not using it is always recommended. having the cover is nice to keep the dust off it. But if you leave it outside, cover or not, it is going to absorb extra moisture just from the environment around it. this is very bad as several of the connections from the factory aren't of the best quality anyways and you will more than likely burn up your controller much faster than you would otherwise.

Edit: pay close attention to the holes and ventilation for inlet that I have on the mailbox covers. I played around with this for a very long time and I found that this setup works quite well. You definitely want a static lower and upper set of holes for inlet. But I also like the adjustable damper for days that have unusual wind.

I also set my tray on a biscuit of wood in the bottom of the mailbox. I have found the elevating the tray a bit off the floor really helps with an even burn on the pellets. Especially considering more often than not when I light my tray, I light it from both ends

If you have any other questions, feel free to hit me up!

Ok...

1) 6x8 pellet tray for the mailbox.

2) galvanized box is more than fine. As you said, not enough heat generated to matter. The tray will actually build up layers of creosote on the inside of the box as time goes on.

3) yes, unit probe sucks. Generally. I have the inkbird 4x and 6x Bluetooth, plus a TP-20. All fine products. these days I tend to enjoy the thermometers with their own separate RF unit over the Bluetooth units because the software that comes with all Bluetooth thermometers is very poor. Lots of drops, the graphs reset, etc etc. The units with their own RF unit have a far greater communication range and I have had much better luck with them.

4) View attachment 442748

There's my setup. I built a couple of wooden carts with wheels on them and handles on the other end. You can see the storage areas that are built in. I just sort of slapped them together. But they do work quite well. as you can see I have a universal exhaust running out of the top of them made from the same materials that you will use to connect the mailbox. This is so I don't have to use them outside in inclement weather.

5) storing the unit inside when you are not using it is always recommended. having the cover is nice to keep the dust off it. But if you leave it outside, cover or not, it is going to absorb extra moisture just from the environment around it. this is very bad as several of the connections from the factory aren't of the best quality anyways and you will more than likely burn up your controller much faster than you would otherwise.

Edit: pay close attention to the holes and ventilation for inlet that I have on the mailbox covers. I played around with this for a very long time and I found that this setup works quite well. You definitely want a static lower and upper set of holes for inlet. But I also like the adjustable damper for days that have unusual wind.

I also set my tray on a biscuit of wood in the bottom of the mailbox. I have found the elevating the tray a bit off the floor really helps with an even burn on the pellets. Especially considering more often than not when I light my tray, I light it from both ends

If you have any other questions, feel free to hit me up!

I really like the damper on the mailboxes. Seems like it would be a lot easier to control than with multiple holes and magnets. Did you just use the damper from the exhaust of the smoker?

also is there 2 holes above the damper on the mailbox cover? What size of hole?

thank you!

 

[fivetricks]

Yes. As I had installed the exhaust system on the MES I no longer needed the damper on the top. So I just removed it.

I don't know I would guess about 3/4 of an inch? I just used the largest of my step bits and drilled all the way through. It's just one of those average step bits that you get in the little three pack setup

What you cannot see on the carts is that there is an i hook installed on the piece that the MES sits on. One on both sides of the unit. Then I run a ratchet strap from one eye hook, then over the top of the smoker, and then into the other eye hook and ratchet the smoker down. This way it does not move around when you roll the cart

 

[MJB05615]

Ok...

1) 6x8 pellet tray for the mailbox.

2) galvanized box is more than fine. As you said, not enough heat generated to matter. The tray will actually build up layers of creosote on the inside of the box as time goes on.

3) yes, unit probe sucks. Generally. I have the inkbird 4x and 6x Bluetooth, plus a TP-20. All fine products. these days I tend to enjoy the thermometers with their own separate RF unit over the Bluetooth units because the software that comes with all Bluetooth thermometers is very poor. Lots of drops, the graphs reset, etc etc. The units with their own RF unit have a far greater communication range and I have had much better luck with them.

4) View attachment 442748

There's my setup. I built a couple of wooden carts with wheels on them and handles on the other end. You can see the storage areas that are built in. I just sort of slapped them together. But they do work quite well. as you can see I have a universal exhaust running out of the top of them made from the same materials that you will use to connect the mailbox. This is so I don't have to use them outside in inclement weather.

5) storing the unit inside when you are not using it is always recommended. having the cover is nice to keep the dust off it. But if you leave it outside, cover or not, it is going to absorb extra moisture just from the environment around it. this is very bad as several of the connections from the factory aren't of the best quality anyways and you will more than likely burn up your controller much faster than you would otherwise.

Edit: pay close attention to the holes and ventilation for inlet that I have on the mailbox covers. I played around with this for a very long time and I found that this setup works quite well. You definitely want a static lower and upper set of holes for inlet. But I also like the adjustable damper for days that have unusual wind.

I also set my tray on a biscuit of wood in the bottom of the mailbox. I have found the elevating the tray a bit off the floor really helps with an even burn on the pellets. Especially considering more often than not when I light my tray, I light it from both ends

If you have any other questions, feel free to hit me up!

That's an excellent looking setup you have there. Very impressive. Especially the exhaust through the wall so you can use it inside.

 

[fivetricks]

Thanks! When I bought my new place, the old owner left me with a broken window. I decided to make lemonade out of lemons.



Here's what the outside looks like.

 

[Lonzinomaker]

I used a painted mailbox and did not have to add any holes for airflow. I did use a piece of extra dryer tubing for an exhaust chimney to help with draft. Cart was a grinder-tool base that I added 4 in casters to. Only had to add some extra siding for a top.

 

[EZman]

I’ve got all of my parts for my “mailbox” mod and going to get it set up today and tomorrow with a trial run.....

what’s a good starter price of meat to try and smoke?

 

[Lonzinomaker]

For a quick smoke, I like to do meatloaf (145 deg) or chicken thighs (160 deg).
Or if it is still 60 deg or below you could try cheese using the mailbox only for smoke.

I sealed my joints with red high temp RTF gasket making silicone from the auto parts store.

 

[3DSmoke]

Also, I've read that the built in meat probe can be a little off, does anyone have any recommendations on a wireless meat probe?

I use a Weber iGrill 2 with my MES 30. I run the wires out of the door near the latch and put the unit on top of the smoker near the control panel.

 

[EZman]

got my MB mod set!

tried a couple of turkey tenderloins for my test run!

will post results when done!

thanks for everyone’s help!

what does everyone store their pellets in? Does it have to be an air tight container?

 

[fivetricks]

Depends on the relative humidity and general dampness of the area where you store them.

I've always just kept mine in an open 5 gallon bucket in my garage. Never had issues. But other people have a hella hard time keeping the moisture out of them from the air.