New MES Bluetooth Digital smoker

[arkansas smoker]

Thanks Kurt.

I think what is happening is I've got a Maverick 773 where it's probes as well as the meat probe of the MES 40, are pretty much instant read thermometers since there is almost no mass to them.  The chamber sensor is mounted on the back wall which is basically a huge heat sink and takes a lot longer to register a change in temperature but it's the one used by the controller to manage the heating element cycling.

So I did a test tonight.  I let the smoker stabilize at 225 (took about 45 minutes), until the 773 probes, the meat probe and the chamber probe were all within a couple of degrees of one another.  Then I opened the door to simulate the time it would take to spritz a rack of ribs (about 30 seconds and the heating element came on).  The temp readings dropped to 160-180 for the 773 and the meat probe but the chamber temp only dropped down to about 211 since it is still reading the big metal mass of the back wall it is in contact with (and the residual heat rise of the things Kirk mentioned).  Once I shut the door, the temp started rising and the heating element turned off when the chamber therm got to around 238.  The open air probes of the 773 and meat probe went up over 260-270.  After about 10 minutes, all 4 therms stabilized again to 225 with about a 5-8 degree swing either way as the heating element cycled on/off.

Now I believe that having the 773 is just providing too much information and making me think to much about a problem that doesn't really exist.  It takes about 10 minutes for the smoker to stabilize after a door opening which I guess is really no big deal every hour of a 7 hour smoke.

It is interesting to watch a new piece of equipment and pontificate about it but in the end, those ribs last night were fantastic!  I'll keep an eye on it but like all things new, it will just take a little time to learn how my new smoker behaves.  I can, and did, micro-manage the heater element/temp on the first smoke but I suspect over time, I won't even think about it as long as the results are tasty

Appreciate the feedback guys.  Anyone should feel free to correct my assumptions as I enjoy learning new things. 

Brisket is on the menu this weekend.  Can't hardly wait.  Between now and then, I'll learn how to use my AMNPS 5x8 that I got today.

BTW, does anyone know of any time lapse videos of a AMNPS burning?

I feel mine is burning way too fast using Todd's hickory pellets but will need to try it a few times before I ask about it.  I figure a time lapse vid would be good for a newbie to show them how it's supposed to burn from beginning to end.

 

[dennispfaff]

As far as the AMPS pellet tray, I think it was Bear that initially told me that as a rule of thumb, one row = 3 hrs of smoke, 2 rows = 6 hrs, etc.
Dennis

 

[arkansas smoker]

Todd's site says up to 11 hours but I assume different woods burn at different rates.  I did 1 row of hickory plus a little spillover into the next row and it burned about 2-1/2 hours so that is closer to Bear's times.  I'll do a full tray tomorrow and she what happens.  It burned OK and smoked a LOT more than using chips.

20160817_200555.jpg

• arkansas smoker
• Aug 17, 2016

 

[dennispfaff]

You are probably right that different types of wood pellets faster/slower, as well as how well your initial fire gets them going. Definitely better using the AMPS than feeding the wood tray every 15-20 minutes.

 

[arkansas smoker]

Well, I'm sorry to say that my Sam's version of the MES 40 BT has a defective controller like others have posted.  I started it up this morning and set it to 225F for 20 hours and have watched it climb to over 300F so far at startup.  So, I pushed on the "Set temp" button on the front panel and it says 876F.

I guess I'll call MB today and see what they say but how disappointing.

I feel like letting it go to see how high the smoker will get and if there is any kind of fail safe temp where it will shut down on it's own but afraid of fire so probably won't.  I'll let it go to about 350F before I pull the plug.

Any ideas what could be wrong?

I want to call this thing a POS but I also want to like it.  Dang man, is there anything good coming out of China these days?

 

[dennispfaff]

Wow! I purchased mine at Bass Pro and have never had any problems like that. Knock...knock...knock

 

[Bearcarver]

 
Well, I'm sorry to say that my Sam's version of the MES 40 BT has a defective controller like others have posted.  I started it up this morning and set it to 225F for 20 hours and have watched it climb to over 300F so far at startup.  So, I pushed on the "Set temp" button on the front panel and it says 876F.

I guess I'll call MB today and see what they say but how disappointing.

I feel like letting it go to see how high the smoker will get and if there is any kind of fail safe temp where it will shut down on it's own but afraid of fire so probably won't.  I'll let it go to about 350F before I pull the plug.

Any ideas what could be wrong?

I want to call this thing a POS but I also want to like it.  Dang man, is there anything good coming out of China these days?

I heard of this before, and a couple guys managed to get Masterbuilt to give them an RF control & Remote to replace the defective BT Controller.

I would see if you can get that deal, because the RF is much better than the BT. IMHO

Bear

 

[dr k]

Well, I'm sorry to say that my Sam's version of the MES 40 BT has a defective controller like others have posted.  I started it up this morning and set it to 225F for 20 hours and have watched it climb to over 300F so far at startup.  So, I pushed on the "Set temp" button on the front panel and it says 876F.

I guess I'll call MB today and see what they say but how disappointing.

I feel like letting it go to see how high the smoker will get and if there is any kind of fail safe temp where it will shut down on it's own but afraid of fire so probably won't.  I'll let it go to about 350F before I pull the plug.

Any ideas what could be wrong?

I want to call this thing a POS but I also want to like it.  Dang man, is there anything good coming out of China these days?

Unplug it. Make sure the app is closed and plug it back in. Operate the smoker with the controller and see if you still have the problem. It maybe the app I believe I heard others with this problem try.
-Kurt

 

[arkansas smoker]

I'm working with MB support now verifying the front controller panel works (with the app closed) then we will troubleshoot the BT functionality.  Personally, I think it's the BT module (and/or app) and if it looses BT connection, the controller may "lose" it's mind and go into some default high temp mode.  This happened yesterday when I left the range of the smoker with my phone so when I got back and noticed it was over 300F, I reset the temp/time from the BT app and it went back to normal.

I agree that if the controller works fine from the front panel, I'll see if I can get them to send me an RF module and controller.

 

[dr k]

I'm working with MB support now verifying the front controller panel works (with the app closed) then we will troubleshoot the BT functionality.  Personally, I think it's the BT module (and/or app) and if it looses BT connection, the controller may "lose" it's mind and go into some default high temp mode.  This happened yesterday when I left the range of the smoker with my phone so when I got back and noticed it was over 300F, I reset the temp/time from the BT app and it went back to normal.

I agree that if the controller works fine from the front panel, I'll see if I can get them to send me an RF module and controller.

That sounds about right from what others that had a controller read 800+*F.
-Kurt

 

[arkansas smoker]

It's confirmed, the Bluetooth controller and/or Android app is at fault.  The problem only happens when I am in a spotty area of the house or my property and the bluetooth connection drops/reconnects frequently.  Masterbuilt is sending me a new RF controller and remote when they are back in stock next month.

When the app is shutdown (not running in the background) and using just the front control panel, the smoker appears to be rock solid and keeps a steady temp.

I never got the extended warranty from Sams.  I'm gonna call them and see if there is a grace period to buy it.  I bought the MES this past Saturday.  After the problems that I've seen, I think $30 would be a good investment for a 3 year warranty.

A side note, I got my 5x8 amazen smoker yesterday with the propane head option from Todd and wouldn't you know, there is not one propane tank in my shop that has any gas in it... DOH!  Time to head to Home Depot... again!

 

[arkansas smoker]

I have smoked ribs, a boston butt and today I'm just finishing up a brisket.  In between smokes I've been trying the different pellets flavors I got from amazin like hickory, mesquite and apple just to practice using the AMNPS5x8.  I am not having any trouble getting the pellets in the AMNPS5x8 started but all of them will go out after a few hours.  The hickory did the best and burned 1 1/2 of the rows before it went out.  The apple, about 1/2 row and the mesquite almost a full row before the embers died.

I've read the instructions as well as all of the posts on this thread and a few other threads on the AMNPS5x8 but what is my problem, lack of oxygen, no draft, wrong location?

This thread shows folks that don't need to pull the chip loading tray out to keep the little pellet smoker burning but others have had to.  So I tried it this morning by pulling it out about 1/2" and while it's still smoking after a few hours but I've been here before.  Maybe it will burn to the end this time but I now understand the frustration of others here figuring it out.

I have it elevated on 1/2 brick on the left side of the drip pan since I don't have any wire racks to elevate it.  Also, all of my bags of pellets have been in a air conditioned, low humility storage.  Any suggestions based on my specific symptoms?

 

[Bearcarver]

 
I have smoked ribs, a boston butt and today I'm just finishing up a brisket.  In between smokes I've been trying the different pellets flavors I got from amazin like hickory, mesquite and apple just to practice using the AMNPS5x8.  I am not having any trouble getting the pellets in the AMNPS5x8 started but all of them will go out after a few hours.  The hickory did the best and burned 1 1/2 of the rows before it went out.  The apple, about 1/2 row and the mesquite almost a full row before the embers died.

I've read the instructions as well as all of the posts on this thread and a few other threads on the AMNPS5x8 but what is my problem, lack of oxygen, no draft, wrong location?

This thread shows folks that don't need to pull the chip loading tray out to keep the little pellet smoker burning but others have had to.  So I tried it this morning by pulling it out about 1/2" and while it's still smoking after a few hours but I've been here before.  Maybe it will burn to the end this time but I now understand the frustration of others here figuring it out.

I have it elevated on 1/2 brick on the left side of the drip pan since I don't have any wire racks to elevate it.  Also, all of my bags of pellets have been in a air conditioned, low humility storage.  Any suggestions based on my specific symptoms?

Since you have the new #2.5 MES, try the way I do it:

Put your bottom smoker rack in.

Put your AMNPS on the right end of that bottom rack.

Pull your Chip dumper out about 2" to 3".

If your AMNPS gets smoking too heavy, push the Chip Dumper in.

Bear

 

[arkansas smoker]

Thanks Bear, I'll try that next.

Even though I had to relight the AMNPS5x8 a couple of times, the brisket turned out pretty tasty!

Brisket-1.jpg

• arkansas smoker
• Aug 21, 2016

 

[Bearcarver]

Yup---Looks Plenty good from the Bear Den!!

It'll just keep getting better too!

My Best to you!!

Bear

 

[dennispfaff]

So Bear...you put your AMNPS on the "right side" now? I have always put it on the "left "side, thinking it would be under the vent and thus provide the best air flow?
Dennis

 

[Bearcarver]

So Bear...you put your AMNPS on the "right side" now? I have always put it on the "left "side, thinking it would be under the vent and thus provide the best air flow?
Dennis

Hi Dennis!!
I tried the right side & it worked better on my #2.5.

That's right above the Chip Dumper intake.

And the smoke got too thick for my standards a couple times, so I pushed the Dumper in, and it simmered down nicely for me.

Then when the smoke gets a little too light, I pull it out a couple inches & that wakes it up again.

Bear

 

[smokingearl]

I never have any problems with mine on the bottom of the smoker under the water pan with the lit end towards the rear and next to the heat element. Chip tray removed, chip loader pulled out a few inches in the dump position.

 

[dennispfaff]

I never have any problems with mine on the bottom of the smoker under the water pan with the lit end towards the rear and next to the heat element. Chip tray removed, chip loader pulled out a few inches in the dump position.

That's something I haven't tried - removing the chip tray. Sounds like a good thing to try. Also, putting the lit end at the rear of the smoker. Two good recommends. Experimenting is always a good thing to find out what works and what does not.
Dennis

 

[arkansas smoker]

I've not pulled my chip tray out either.  This is good stuff guys.  I'm glad I asked as it kind of revived this oversized thread :)

BTW, once I pulled out the chip loader an inch or so, my AMNPS burned to the end today.  Oxygen was my problem!  I never dreamed this smoker was so tight around that chip loader.

I did notice that the temperature swing around the chamber set point is greater when the chip loader is pulled out a little.  The 1200W element has no trouble keeping up and it all averages out during the smoke but there is a lot more air movement.  I would think that is a good thing in that the smoke in the chamber is always fresh and never gets stale.