RTD Sensor. Did I break it?

[Puertex]

The earlier firmware had pretty bad overshoot when starting up, especially if you set high temps (over 400F) at ignition. Now the grill creeps up to the set temp with less if any overshoot. It's a challenge to have a fast response and still handle big temp dips (door open) without over compensating the fuel feed. The thermocouple is fast, so the controller should be able to quickly detect a door open condition, it's how it handles it that has been refined in the firmware updates.

Re Fireboard probes, ya those competition needle probes are killer. When I first bought mine, I had seen a needle probe on another brand. I called FB support and asked if they supported it, or would consider making some. He told me that they already had them, "competition" probes, I was thrilled. I told others here to call in their orders (instead of on-line order) and ask if they would sub comp probes and just charge the price difference. They did do it for a few but may have stopped. Considering the minor price difference, I really don't know why anyone would want anything but needle probes? Also, they pass thru the side ports much easier!

Ahh...That's good past history info...
You touched on a good point passing the probe through the grommet can be a PITA with the long probes.
I would swap my longs for shorts but I already used. Its cool, they are not too expensive. I bought 3 shorts with the purchase of the FB.

Regarding your comments about the controller, I see that the controller can see the temp changes quickly but the actual feeding of fuel (pellets) is slow with the auger... Its not like when you are trying to control a natural gas valve in an industrial boiler which occurs within seconds..In controls parlance they call it system lag.
Some competitors are trying to enhance their control by advertising PID control of the smoker which is the type of control technology used in industrial systems. See here: https://myronmixonsmokers.com/what-is-a-pid-controller/
I don't know how they deal with the system lag of the auger...Don't know if you can significantly improve it with better control firmware or if it is overkill.
Maybe Traeger is using a scaled down version of PID control.
Personally, I think trying to control a smoker like a boiler is a bit too much but you may eek out a bit of better control performance... J ust dont know.
Maybe someone here has experience with it.
Good discussion !
Thanks,
Puertex

 

[RemE]

Ahh...That's good past history info...
You touched on a good point passing the probe through the grommet can be a PITA with the long probes.
I would swap my longs for shorts but I already used. Its cool, they are not too expensive. I bought 3 shorts with the purchase of the FB.

Regarding your comments about the controller, I see that the controller can see the temp changes quickly but the actual feeding of fuel (pellets) is slow with the auger... Its not like when you are trying to control a natural gas valve in an industrial boiler which occurs within seconds..In controls parlance they call it system lag.
Some competitors are trying to enhance their control by advertising PID control of the smoker which is the type of control technology used in industrial systems. See here: https://myronmixonsmokers.com/what-is-a-pid-controller/
I don't know how they deal with the system lag of the auger...Don't know if you can significantly improve it with better control firmware or if it is overkill.
Maybe Traeger is using a scaled down version of PID control.
Personally, I think trying to control a smoker like a boiler is a bit too much but you may eek out a bit of better control performance... J ust dont know.
Maybe someone here has experience with it.
Good discussion !
Thanks,
Puertex

Older Traeger's had user adjustable PIDs but the new D2 controllers manage this automatically. In theory they vary the Auger and fan speed as needed to maintain temp, make more smoke, recover from open hoods etc. with no user adjustments needed, or possible. While they aren't perfect, they are pretty stable most of the time. All we can do is keep them clean, use good pellets, and don't leave the hood open long.

 

[Timmy]

What do y'all think about this? A new thread?

Go for it!

 

[RustyJake]

This article is fairly well written and explains the two controller types and their differences
"What Is D2 Direct Drive? - Traeger Pellet Grills/Smokers" https://www.pelheat.com/what-is-d2-direct-drive-traeger-pellet-grills-smokers.html

 

[Puertex]

This article is fairly well written and explains the two controller types and their differences
"What Is D2 Direct Drive? - Traeger Pellet Grills/Smokers" https://www.pelheat.com/what-is-d2-direct-drive-traeger-pellet-grills-smokers.html

This is a very informative article.
Interesting to know that the previous controls gen had to turn on/off the auger and the fan at the same time and there was no motor speed modulation. Going to the D2 is a huge step forward from the controls point of view...
Thanks for sending the link !

 

[Slimpicker]

Jake is our resident Slooth indeed!!!