Firmware Update for Pit Boss Pro Series 850?

[RyanS]

Update time again (10/14/21) - I just received my second new controller from PitBoss after waiting ~1.5 months for this one. And, as expected...it's identical to the previous two boards and does not provide 10deg increments.

I'm calling back now and expect the same run-around, ~1-2 months of waiting, to receive another controller that doesn't do what they say it does, etc. Really a great experience...

Final update! (12/20/21) - I received my 4th new controller on Friday 12/17/21 and it actually has the new firmware! I can increase my temps by 10degs between 200-300deg (210, 220, 230, ...) then it goes back to 50 deg jumps from 300 on (300, 350, 400...). The new board looked almost identical to the previous 3 I received, so I had little hope that it would work...but plugged it in and viola!

To recap, this started back in AUG 2021 and took 7 calls to Pitboss and 4 different boards to be shipped to finally fix it. Really hoping that all the new boards going out will have the new firmware, but if not, just be persistent . Hope this thread helps someone else.

 

[ANT0407]

I just got the same grill from Lowes. I can confirm it goes up in 10 degree increments to 300, then 25 from there.

However, the app will only let you change in 50 degree increments no matter where you are in the range.

Do you have version 3.12.16.1 of the smoke it app? If not download that. In the Google play store "SMOKE IT" is in capital letters on the new version. Once I got that one it solved the app problem.

 

[bosty22]

I got my new 850 yesterday fresh off the truck after work...I got home about 5:00 and spent a little time putting it together. I never had a chance to fire her up so I will let yall know tonight if it has the updated board in it or not...BUT what they did change is my 850 did come with 2 meat thermometers! I thought that was a little win.

 

[Guineabear]

Congratulations on the new 850 and the extra meat probe. With luck you'll have updated board too. If not a call to customer service should get you a replacement. Good luck.

 

[bgoen]

Good deal! I have the same situation...no indicators. I am hoping to get mine in tomorrow or Saturday and will report what I find.

Well as things go, took longer to get around to installing it than I had hoped. Got the new firmware for 10 degree from 190 to 300. 25 increments to 400 and then I think 50 to max. I am planning on giving it a more thorough test a little later but pretty happy as of now. Hoping that my massive temp swings are also gone and that will be the test for later today. If they are not gone, at least I will have a little finer control over the therm.

 

[bassaway]

I have been fighting inconsistent temps on my 850 for a couple years now. Tried all upgrades and even had the main temp probe replaced but grill temps still fall 40-50 deg below set temp. I think the new firmware will at least give me more flexibility to compensate.

Just spoke to Pit Boss customer service who said they are not able to provide the new controller for the 850's yet as they are all "going to Lowe's", guessing for new units.

For those of you who have been lucky enough to get your hands on an upgraded replacement controller for the 850's, was there a trick? How were you able to get Pitboss to send you the upgrade? Anyone have a part number for the upgraded controller?

 

[Guineabear]

I have been fighting inconsistent temps on my 850 for a couple years now. Tried all upgrades and even had the main temp probe replaced but grill temps still fall 40-50 deg below set temp. I think the new firmware will at least give me more flexibility to compensate.

Just spoke to Pit Boss customer service who said they are not able to provide the new controller for the 850's yet as they are all "going to Lowe's", guessing for new units.

For those of you who have been lucky enough to get your hands on an upgraded replacement controller for the 850's, was there a trick? How were you able to get Pitboss to send you the upgrade? Anyone have a part number for the upgraded controller?

I think it's all a matter of who you talk to. I complained about inconsistent temps. Had already replaced temp probe. I was also waiting almost 4 months for a warranty replacement part for my other Pitboss smoker at the time. The rep readily agreed to send me the new controller. Haven't installed it yet but am pretty confident it has the update. There are no numbers or identifiers on the new board. I'd try calling a different customer service person. Good luck.

 

[MKinHB]

I had the same issues at first, they replaced my controller twice, the third one worked just like the second one.
they told me there was no upgraded controllers and I proved them wrong. They gave me an address in Washington to send my controller to get it upgraded, sent it in and got it back a few days later with the upgrade. All is good.
They sent me an additional controller too, I installed the re-programmed #2 controller and it worked fine.
Decided to send #3 in to the same place and it came back updated too, so I have 4 now, 2 with the update.
I had to pay for shipping since this was not a warranty issue.

 

[bgoen]

I have been fighting inconsistent temps on my 850 for a couple years now. Tried all upgrades and even had the main temp probe replaced but grill temps still fall 40-50 deg below set temp. I think the new firmware will at least give me more flexibility to compensate.

Just spoke to Pit Boss customer service who said they are not able to provide the new controller for the 850's yet as they are all "going to Lowe's", guessing for new units.

For those of you who have been lucky enough to get your hands on an upgraded replacement controller for the 850's, was there a trick? How were you able to get Pitboss to send you the upgrade? Anyone have a part number for the upgraded controller?

In my case, I had mapped the temps inside with barrel (as well as you can) and shared the info with the rep. Sounds like your situation was very similar to mine as far as temp differences. I had changed out the RTD probe and the differences were still quite large. As a test, I tried to get to 500 and the most I could get was about 445. When I mentioned all that to the rep he said that it was obviously a controller issue. He followed with I should get a controller with the new firmware and if I didn't to call back and order another one. I think I was just lucky. This thread is full of stories like MKinHB's, multiple calls and finally finding someone that "knows".

Keep trying, you have to win eventually. After a couple of years, I am sure you are well beyond frustrated.

 

[bgoen]

I think it's all a matter of who you talk to. I complained about inconsistent temps. Had already replaced temp probe. I was also waiting almost 4 months for a warranty replacement part for my other Pitboss smoker at the time. The rep readily agreed to send me the new controller. Haven't installed it yet but am pretty confident it has the update. There are no numbers or identifiers on the new board. I'd try calling a different customer service person. Good luck.

As I started the replacement yesterday, comparing the boards was the first thing I did and they the numbers were the same. I have to say, I was a little bummed and figured it was going to be a like replacement. However, I believe the version that popped up when I plugged it in was 106? I am guessing ours are out of the same batch so you will likely have the same firmware. Got tied up yesterday so I am about to go turn mine on and let it run for a while.

Hope you are feeling better!

 

[bgoen]

Well, tested starting at 180 and everything was looking good through about 210. Diffs where there but not too bad. Decided to jump to 250 and after a bit got the flashing ERR along with the igniter light. Have a new igniter on the way now. Thinking of swapping the controllers back to see if it happens on the old one also. Was going to do a cook tomorrow but not sure now.

 

[MKinHB]

As I started the replacement yesterday, comparing the boards was the first thing I did and they the numbers were the same. I have to say, I was a little bummed and figured it was going to be a like replacement. However, I believe the version that popped up when I plugged it in was 106? I am guessing ours are out of the same batch so you will likely have the same firmware. Got tied up yesterday so I am about to go turn mine on and let it run for a while.

Hope you are feeling better!

My controller displays '107' when you plug it in now.

 

[bgoen]

My controller displays '107' when you plug it in now.

That is interesting. I verified mine again and it’s 106. Wonder if they have multiple new versions? Will be interesting to see what others get.

 

[bosty22]

Do you have version 3.12.16.1 of the smoke it app? If not download that. In the Google play store "SMOKE IT" is in capital letters on the new version. Once I got that one it solved the app problem.

My APP version says 3.1.9 I downloaded it for the first time last night. I did my 45 min burn off...is this the most current version of the app? if not how do I get the most current version? I did download the app with SMOKE IT in all caps.

And yes my smoker has the updated board in it.

This place is great...thanks for all of the advice!!!

 

[MKinHB]

That is interesting. I verified mine again and it’s 106. Wonder if they have multiple new versions? Will be interesting to see what others get.

and I got mine way sooner than you guys so I'm not sure what that means...