Pellet sensor - inaccurate readings

[dgutierr27]

I upgraded to a Silverton 810, which includes a pellet sensor. I'm finding the sensor readings are off, because as the pellets get consumed it leaves a dip/hole in the pile right beneath the sensor, even though there are pellets stacked high in the others areas of the box. If I manually shuffle and spread the pellets around, the sensor reading jumps back up to the normal capacity reading. Anyone else have this annoying issue or have any tips?

 

[miguelb]

I upgraded to a Silverton 810, which includes a pellet sensor. I'm finding the sensor readings are off, because as the pellets get consumed it leaves a dip/hole in the pile right beneath the sensor, even though there are pellets stacked high in the others areas of the box. If I manually shuffle and spread the pellets around, the sensor reading jumps back up to the normal capacity reading. Anyone else have this annoying issue or have any tips?

Yes. I noticed that as well. I haven't done anything about it.

 

[Murphy's Law]

I bought one as an upgrade for my Pro780

Worst money spent on any accessory, IMO!

 

[GrillMeister]

My pellet sensor is amazingly accurate and precise. I love it!

I just lift the lid and peek inside.

 

[TheGrumpyGriller]

Yep - it's the tunneling effect. I just know that even if it says 40%, chances are it's closer 50-60%.

 

[YYCRed]

I saw somewhere else that someone had installed a low-friction tape to the pellet hopper to ease - if not eliminate - this problem. I haven't tried it yet as I am in the habit of knocking the pile down on a regular basis. And my grill is right outside my kitchen door, so it's quick to do.

 

[miguelb]

I saw somewhere else that someone had installed a low-friction tape to the pellet hopper to ease - if not eliminate - this problem. I haven't tried it yet as I am in the habit of knocking the pile down on a regular basis. And my grill is right outside my kitchen door, so it's quick to do.

Same here.

 

[Lbeberdick]

I upgraded to a Silverton 810, which includes a pellet sensor. I'm finding the sensor readings are off, because as the pellets get consumed it leaves a dip/hole in the pile right beneath the sensor, even though there are pellets stacked high in the others areas of the box. If I manually shuffle and spread the pellets around, the sensor reading jumps back up to the normal capacity reading. Anyone else have this annoying issue or have any tips?

I have the 810. The pellet reading is an annoyance, but not a really big deal. As long as you about the divit and when you get to 15% then shuffle the pellets no biggie. I read a post that said to remove the guard right away, which I did. My big issue with the 810 is smoke leaks out everywhere. I bought some lava lock gasket material that helped.

 

[JayHog]

I upgraded to a Silverton 810, which includes a pellet sensor. I'm finding the sensor readings are off, because as the pellets get consumed it leaves a dip/hole in the pile right beneath the sensor, even though there are pellets stacked high in the others areas of the box. If I manually shuffle and spread the pellets around, the sensor reading jumps back up to the normal capacity reading. Anyone else have this annoying issue or have any tips?

I installed both of these low friction tapes (Amazon). It works well for a continuous feed in my Ironwood hopper. It still doesn't read the level EXACTLY since it seems the camera focuses on the feed slot, but I haven't had it stop feeding. The slick surface now allows the pellets to feed smoothly and continuously.

I made a pattern for each side of the hopper (using thin cardboard) and it worked out well.

CS Hyde UHMW Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Tape With Acrylic Adhesive, 5 mil, White, 12" x 12": Protective Tape: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

CS Hyde UHMW Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Tape With Acrylic Adhesive, 5 mil, White, 12" x 12": Protective Tape: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

smile.amazon.com

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00823JFAI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1