Probes

[farmeroz]

My Probes are sending strange measurements….negative and extremely high positive temperatures

 

[traeger860]

The Traeger probes aren't known for their accuracy, but yours sounds either broken or in need or calibration.

https://support.traeger.com/hc/en-us/articles/4477084589595-Wired-Meat-Probes

 

[RayClem]

The Traeger temperature probes are of questionably accuracy, even when new. They are a user-replaceable part. There are YouTube videos that show how to replace the part.

The RTD thermocouple that provides feedback to the controller may not be accurate. On my Ironwood, I have to set the controller to 450F to achieve a 400F cook temperature as measured by an independent thermometer. I drilled a hole in the lid of my grill and mounted an analog thermometer like they use on offset smokers. I use that as my reference and set the controller accordingly. There is no way to calibrate the RTD thermocouple.

The internal meat probes can be calibrated, but the suggested calibration point is an ice/water slurry at 0C,/32F, which is nowhere close to the temperature you will be measuring. If you have not already done so, get yourself a instant read meat thermometer. You need one accurate to +/- 1F over the range of 120F - 205F. Some "instant read" thermometers are far from instant. I have some older ones that can take 10 seconds to achieve a stable reading. You want one that reads in less than 3 seconds. The best ones from ThermoWorks take only 1 second as they are designed for use by professional chefs. There are less expensive ones that will still get the job done.

 

[John S.]

I would consider FireBoard, no isssues for 3 years.....

 

[RayClem]

Fireboard are great for monitoring a cook, but they do not provide feedback to the controller. I do not use fireboard as I have no interest in plotting the temperatures over time.