Wood Burning in the Minion method

[caveman]

In using the minion method, how do you know how much wood to use for a burn that you want to continue on its own? My understanding on the smoke part is that you add wood when you don't smell anymore wood flavor from the smoke. I don't want the next piece of wood to start burning before the started piece has burned completely. Or can this not be regulated?

 

[eaglewing]

I don't know of an automated way.... my fires always need attending to even with the minion method, but I guess that depends on your SMOKER.

When I no longer have 'Thin Blue Smoke', then I add wood to get it back.