How install a REC TEC controller on a Pit Boss

[ajzride]

I tried to run the RecTeq in my Memphis grill to see if it exhibited the same behavior there, but I guess the 3% minimum auger speed was too high, because it wouldn't run below 350F no matter what temp I set it at. The Memphis has a small hopper and I didn't want to babysit it for 12-15 hours at that burn rate just for a test. I brought the RecTeq back inside and hooked it up on the bench with a spare RTD and put a hair dryer on the probe so that controller would think it was heating up and not error out, and it stayed alive for 20 hours (never made it that long hooked up to the grill). This could point towards a problem with the install in the Pit Boss (Wiring or overheating), but it also could mean nothing because the controller was pulling 0.00000 amps through it with no fan or auger actually hooked up. I think I'm going to put it back in the Memphis, drain all the pellets and repeat the experiment with the hair dryer.

Camp Chef is scheduled for delivery on Saturday.

 

[ajzride]

I repeated the experiment with the ReqTec connected to the Memphis with the hopper empty and it ran for 24 hours. The issue is either with the Pit Boss or that the controller was getting too hot inside an enclosure, because it obviously worked fine sitting on bench in the open air:

I will redesign the enclose to have better ventilation, and possibly a small case fan, and repeat. Thanks for the help troubleshooting everyone.

 

[GeekChef]

I repeated the experiment with the ReqTec connected to the Memphis with the hopper empty and it ran for 24 hours. The issue is either with the Pit Boss or that the controller was getting too hot inside an enclosure, because it obviously worked fine sitting on bench in the open air:

I will redesign the enclose to have better ventilation, and possibly a small case fan, and repeat. Thanks for the help troubleshooting everyone.

View attachment 3953

Sounds like heat for sure! so add a fan inside blowing on it. If it still crashes, then try a heat sink right on the Wi-Fi module.

There is so much space inside my PBV4 that is never locks up….even in cooks when it is 90+ in the sun outside.

But u can see the recteq controller is so accurate and repeatable when it bud running for u….so much better that the pit boss for my vertical