Found this MES 40 in my local metal dump, as expected the control was dead. I had made a PID based control module for my 500 gallon counter flow smoker but had never used it. After cleaning off ten years worth of woodworking dust I mounted it on the MES 40. The MES wiring was easy to strip out and I was able to direct wire the heating element and thermal cut off only to the existing power in cord. The PID module I had made was in a weather tight project box although it is not weather tight as built. The PID was purchased on eBay for $25.00 and came with a Solid State Relay (SSR) that is controlled by the PID and turns the heating element on and off. I added a Banana Plug inlet recycled from an old receiver that the thermocouple plugs into to signal the PID with the temperature in the MES. The PID keeps the temp at a one degree differential. I love this unit, it is my first electric smoker and the convenience has me using it at least once a week.
Score!
Original wiring.
Rewired to include only the heating element and thermal cut off switch. Only had to remove old control wires and just reconnect existing Molex connectors.
In use with my DIY PID control.
Score!
Original wiring.
Rewired to include only the heating element and thermal cut off switch. Only had to remove old control wires and just reconnect existing Molex connectors.
In use with my DIY PID control.