I was a Bradley user since 2005, had all of their smokers, did all the mods, used a PID. Make sure all your plugs are seated tight, keep your top vent full open, water in the pan to snuff the pucks out, make sure the bottom hole in the V tray stays clear. Remember your only heating with a 500w element so doing 2 butts is going to take some time.
I recently got tired of all the mods and PID rebuilding and went with a MES 40. Best choice i have made in while.
Good Luck