MES TROUBLE

[chopsaw]

If it's riveted, like most are, just drill them out & then when done, replace the rivets with self tappers.
OOOPS--On Edit---I see Tallbm already said that.

Never hurts to get some back up .
If you get the 9/16 or 1/2 " wafer head self tappers , use the screw to drill the head of the rivet . Using the screw to drill you don't have to worry about the size of the hole , matching a drill bit to the screws .

 

[tanglefoot]

Yes, I was just looking at that. The blame thing is riveted on. Not a huge deal, but why can't those nice chinese folks use screw guns like the rest of the dadgum world. Like i said, not a big deal, but a pain in the covid. I'll work on that after work tomorrow (hopefully) and let you know what I find. Thank all of you fellers for your help.

I tried to fire it up just a while ago and there was a strange clicking sound that seemed to be coming from the control panel. What the dickens???

 

[tallbm]

Never hurts to get some back up .
If you get the 9/16 or 1/2 " wafer head self tappers , use the screw to drill the head of the rivet . Using the screw to drill you don't have to worry about the size of the hole , matching a drill bit to the screws .

Hahaha man I so wish I would have thought of that!
I bow down to your efficiency my friend :D

 

[tallbm]

I tried to fire it up just a while ago and there was a strange clicking sound that seemed to be coming from the control panel. What the dickens???

That's a new one to me.
Did it run at all?
Did you change anything in your investigation of the connections?

 

[tanglefoot]

That's a new one to me.
Did it run at all?
Did you change anything in your investigation of the connections?

After I did that I drilled out the rivets and removed the back panel to expose the temp switch. Can't tell if it's good or not, but again the connections were new, and tight, so nothing jumped out at me. How would I tell if it needs replacing? The more I investigate, the more I'm thinking it's the control panel. But why would that trip the gfci?

 

[tanglefoot]

After I did that I drilled out the rivets and removed the back panel to expose the temp switch. Can't tell if it's good or not, but again the connections were new, and tight, so nothing jumped out at me. How would I tell if it needs replacing? The more I investigate, the more I'm thinking it's the control panel. But why would that trip the gfci?

Sorry, I didn't answer your question. No it did not run, so I unplugged it, cussed at it, and started removing the back panel.

 

[tallbm]

If all the connections look good then the next major problematic part of the MES is the controller.
There isn't troubleshooting to do with it. It either works properly, does not work properly (seems like your case), or does not work at all.

You can contact them and if within warranty they usually send out another panel no problem... other than the wait.

Now if they fall through on you or you simply want to join the big boys you say to hell with the MES controller and do a simple rewire and use a different controller like the an Auber PID controller (PID = Proportional Integral Derivative). It will keep your MES within about 2-3 degrees of your set point and turns it into a smoker that outperforms the stock MES no contest.

You lose the ability to burn wood chips but all us MES owners basically use the A-Maze-N Pellet Smoker tray (AMNPS) and pellets anyhow so it has never been an issue since we upgraded smoke generation that way.

Here is a good post on the simple rewire of the MES to be ready to work with an Auber PID Controller:

MES Rewire Simple Guide - No Back Removal Needed!!!

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

Let us know how u want to proceed and we can keep helping u :)

 

[tanglefoot]

If all the connections look good then the next major problematic part of the MES is the controller.
There isn't troubleshooting to do with it. It either works properly, does not work properly (seems like your case), or does not work at all.

You can contact them and if within warranty they usually send out another panel no problem... other than the wait.

Now if they fall through on you or you simply want to join the big boys you say to hell with the MES controller and do a simple rewire and use a different controller like the an Auber PID controller (PID = Proportional Integral Derivative). It will keep your MES within about 2-3 degrees of your set point and turns it into a smoker that outperforms the stock MES no contest.

You lose the ability to burn wood chips but all us MES owners basically use the A-Maze-N Pellet Smoker tray (AMNPS) and pellets anyhow so it has never been an issue since we upgraded smoke generation that way.

Here is a good post on the simple rewire of the MES to be ready to work with an Auber PID Controller:

MES Rewire Simple Guide - No Back Removal Needed!!!

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

Let us know how u want to proceed and we can keep helping u :)

P

If all the connections look good then the next major problematic part of the MES is the controller.
There isn't troubleshooting to do with it. It either works properly, does not work properly (seems like your case), or does not work at all.

You can contact them and if within warranty they usually send out another panel no problem... other than the wait.

Now if they fall through on you or you simply want to join the big boys you say to hell with the MES controller and do a simple rewire and use a different controller like the an Auber PID controller (PID = Proportional Integral Derivative). It will keep your MES within about 2-3 degrees of your set point and turns it into a smoker that outperforms the stock MES no contest.

You lose the ability to burn wood chips but all us MES owners basically use the A-Maze-N Pellet Smoker tray (AMNPS) and pellets anyhow so it has never been an issue since we upgraded smoke generation that way.

Here is a good post on the simple rewire of the MES to be ready to work with an Auber PID Controller:

MES Rewire Simple Guide - No Back Removal Needed!!!

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

Let us know how u want to proceed and we can keep helping u :)

Thanks, tallbm, and everyone else for your input. I'll consider the PID thing. I already have an AMNPS. (comes in handy for long smokes!!). Maybe after all these years it's time for an upgrade and join the "big boys"!!!!! Thanks again to all.

 

[Bearcarver]

Sorry, I didn't answer your question. No it did not run, so I unplugged it, cussed at it, and started removing the back panel.

Excellent!!!
Those are my first steps too!!

Bear

 

[tallbm]

P
Thanks, tallbm, and everyone else for your input. I'll consider the PID thing. I already have an AMNPS. (comes in handy for long smokes!!). Maybe after all these years it's time for an upgrade and join the "big boys"!!!!! Thanks again to all.

You know if the connections are bad because they will easily look all burnt up, or if u wiggle on them or try to remove them they simply break apart cause of the corrosion.

If yours were good to go then my money is on major failure point #2 which is the controller.
An Auber PID might run you $150 BUT u gotta think of it like buying a way better version of the MES and now with your knowledge about the connectors, the back setup to come off/on, and with a PID you can keep that same MES running short through anything short of being hit by car :D

People are really amazed at how awesome the smoker functions with a PID controller. Its like having a brand new better MES. To the point where from now on if I need an MES I'm buying a used $40-50 one off craigslist/facebook to rewire and hook a PID to because it will beat the crap out of a brand new MES :)

 

[tanglefoot]

You know if the connections are bad because they will easily look all burnt up, or if u wiggle on them or try to remove them they simply break apart cause of the corrosion.

If yours were good to go then my money is on major failure point #2 which is the controller.
An Auber PID might run you $150 BUT u gotta think of it like buying a way better version of the MES and now with your knowledge about the connectors, the back setup to come off/on, and with a PID you can keep that same MES running short through anything short of being hit by car :D

People are really amazed at how awesome the smoker functions with a PID controller. Its like having a brand new better MES. To the point where from now on if I need an MES I'm buying a used $40-50 one off craigslist/facebook to rewire and hook a PID to because it will beat the crap out of a brand new MES :)

You about got me sold on the idea. I was just thinkin'.....might be a good way to put that kung flu cash to work!!!! Thanks again.

 

[chopsaw]

You about got me sold on the idea. I was just thinkin'.....might be a good way to put that kung flu cash to work!!!! Thanks again.

For an investment of less than 200 bucks , you get an awesome set up . Hard to believe the difference until you do it . Keep us posted .

 

[tallbm]

You about got me sold on the idea. I was just thinkin'.....might be a good way to put that kung flu cash to work!!!! Thanks again.

Hahaha let us know what you decide. If you think you are going to buy an Auber PID and if your MES is basically broken as is you can do the simple rewire and then plug into the wall and see if the element heats up. If so then you know the controller or the circuit board went bad on you AND you know you can pull the trigger for an Auber PID since it is ready for one and it is heating up :)

For an investment of less than 200 bucks , you get an awesome set up . Hard to believe the difference until you do it . Keep us posted .

I agree it is very hard to believe until you do it AND it's so funny how instantly all the worry melts away when it just works after making the switch hahaha.