New to the forum, but not to smoking

[SofaKing]

Thank everyone in advance for their helpfulness and information.

Like other MES users my smoker suddenly stopped working no lights, and yes, I’ve checked everything power is good to the unit and no circuits are blown inside the house, etc. etc. I have been hearing that there are a lot of people discussing PID controllers and I’m looking to find the details because when I search for Auber PID controller on Amazon, I don’t get one item I get a whole list of items so I don’t know which one I’m supposed to be looking for specifically and then what are the instructions to convert this unit. One of the commenters said that this will turn my master belt into a beast… I’m all for that. Please provide me with specific guidance and I will tackle this project

 

[SmokinEdge]

Welcome to the forum.

Here is a link to a page here on this forum that will explain everything. It’s 20+ pages so happy reading, but everything you need to know plus some is there.

https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/mes-rewire-simple-guide-no-back-removal-needed.267069/

 

[Fueling Around]

Welcome to the forum. You came to the right place for straight forward answers and no BS or flaming.
The link above is long and tedious but very informative.
If you have any more questions, I'll tag tallbm

 

[Winterrider]

This is the one I and many others use. And the link SmokinEdge post is very helpful. More questions, got a few on here that surely can help.
Welcome to the forum. . .

Multi Purpose Controller [WS-1510ELPM] - $159.95 : Auber Instruments, Inc., Temperature control solutions for home and industry

Auber Instruments, Inc. Multi Purpose Controller [WS-1510ELPM] - The WS-1510ELPM is a versatile temperature controller to have in your home. It can be used for various applications such as Sous Vide cooking, controlling an electric smoker, making yogurt, dough proofing, controlling the...

www.auberins.com

 

[Colin1230]

We!come to the forum, glad you joined us. These guys have you covered. When you get that Beast up and running, let's see some cooks. Again, welcome from KC.

 

[sandyut]

Welcome to SMF from Colorado

 

[tallbm]

Thank everyone in advance for their helpfulness and information.

Like other MES users my smoker suddenly stopped working no lights, and yes, I’ve checked everything power is good to the unit and no circuits are blown inside the house, etc. etc. I have been hearing that there are a lot of people discussing PID controllers and I’m looking to find the details because when I search for Auber PID controller on Amazon, I don’t get one item I get a whole list of items so I don’t know which one I’m supposed to be looking for specifically and then what are the instructions to convert this unit. One of the commenters said that this will turn my master belt into a beast… I’m all for that. Please provide me with specific guidance and I will tackle this project

Hi there and welcome!

The guys have you covered. Page 1 of the forum post that SmokinEdge linked to will give you a rewire guide.

The Auber PID link that Winterrider linked will take you to the minimum model PID that will do all MES units. Many guys opt to go with the wifi version of the Auber PID because it's easier to work with using the app. This is all your call but both will get the job done well.

In short the simple rewire is to cut the ends off 4 wires and wirenut together to make 2 whole wires. At this point the plug of the MES bypasses the circuitry in the MES but still keeps the high temp safety switch in the mix.
I think your issue is probably that your high temp safety limit switch or the connectors on it are failing, based on what you mention checking at this point. You would have to cut into the back of the MES to access it and it's worth it since that component is probably the #1 failure point in the whole thing. You just replace the switch or remove the switch and connect the wire ends but WARNING if you remove the switch you take responsibility for a safety mechanism being removed so be on the ball with monitoring your smoker in this case.

Once rewired the Auber PIDs will be tried and true controllers to now control your rewired smoker.
The MES plug will go into the Auber PID.
The Auber power plug will go into the wall socket.
The Auber temp probe will go into the MES, most of us just drop it down the MES smoke vent and I always encourage people to clip it to the underside of the bottom MES rack in the center of the rack to get closest to the heating element for better response times.

That's basically all there is too physical setup.
Finally, you will set the P-I-D values to some tried and true values that guys have provided and then it's off to just test and tweak your new setup like any new smoker BUT this one will be able to perform like a $1,000+ electric smoker and like 50x better then a brand new MES ever could :D

Reach out if you have any questions! :D

 

[JLinza]

Welcome from Colorado

 

[SofaKing]

Hi there and welcome!

The guys have you covered. Page 1 of the forum post that SmokinEdge linked to will give you a rewire guide.

The Auber PID link that Winterrider linked will take you to the minimum model PID that will do all MES units. Many guys opt to go with the wifi version of the Auber PID because it's easier to work with using the app. This is all your call but both will get the job done well.

In short the simple rewire is to cut the ends off 4 wires and wirenut together to make 2 whole wires. At this point the plug of the MES bypasses the circuitry in the MES but still keeps the high temp safety switch in the mix.
I think your issue is probably that your high temp safety limit switch or the connectors on it are failing, based on what you mention checking at this point. You would have to cut into the back of the MES to access it and it's worth it since that component is probably the #1 failure point in the whole thing. You just replace the switch or remove the switch and connect the wire ends but WARNING if you remove the switch you take responsibility for a safety mechanism being removed so be on the ball with monitoring your smoker in this case.

Once rewired the Auber PIDs will be tried and true controllers to now control your rewired smoker.
The MES plug will go into the Auber PID.
The Auber power plug will go into the wall socket.
The Auber temp probe will go into the MES, most of us just drop it down the MES smoke vent and I always encourage people to clip it to the underside of the bottom MES rack in the center of the rack to get closest to the heating element for better response times.

That's basically all there is too physical setup.
Finally, you will set the P-I-D values to some tried and true values that guys have provided and then it's off to just test and tweak your new setup like any new smoker BUT this one will be able to perform like a $1,000+ electric smoker and like 50x better then a brand new MES ever could :D

Reach out if you have any questions! :D

I do have a few questions. Can I provide you with an email address to reach me?

 

[tallbm]

I do have a few questions. Can I provide you with an email address to reach me?

Sure but don't post it here on the forum or else every bot on the internet will have it and may spam you lol.
Just mouse over my name and a pop up will appear with a "Start Conversation" button. See the image below.

You can ask questions there or provide me your email and we can do it over email. At that point though you are messaging me to send me an email address for messaging so that is a little redundant and could just send me your questions directly there :D
However you like to do it though, I'm down :D

 

[Fueling Around]

As I posted earlier you came to the best forum for help

Sure but don't post it here on the forum or else every bot on the internet will have it and may spam you lol.
Just mouse over my name and a pop up will appear with a "Start Conversation" button. See the image below.
...

Outstanding! Thanks C man

 

[normanaj]

Hello from RI.

Lots of MES owners have done the simple rewire and added a PID and the first thought afterwards is asking yourself why you waited so long to do it. It certainly is a game changer for the MES.

 

[Coreymacc]

Not new to the forum but its been a long time since I posted, figured I would say hi here, the forum has changed a bit since I was here last.

Corey

 

[SmokinEdge]

Not new to the forum but its been a long time since I posted, figured I would say hi here, the forum has changed a bit since I was here last.

Corey

Hey Corey, good to see you.