Also, get your UDS up to temp by opening your intakes until you get about 10 degrees or so from your target temp, then turn the IQ110 on. No need to light 5 coals and then have your IQ110 (or any other temp controller) struggle bring it up to 250 degrees. Im not so sure that is what they are made for.
I don't know much about the partyQ... But now I'm interested! :-D
In the beginning, we had a couple of early adopters that purchased our temp controller and didn't like its performance. Our return policy clearly stated that we can't accept used controllers as we can't resell them. We're not Walmart. So, these two (and only two, and this was about 18 months ago) asked to return their units. I stuck by the stated policy and resisted. I still regret this decision as these two individuals still like to share their experience. (This is a good time to point out that it is essential to know how to control your cooker without a temperature controller, because if you don't, you will not be satisfied with the results while using a temperature controller because they are not magic. Not saying that this is the reason for the returns, but it is important.) Anyway, I quickly realized my wrong and refunded these two individuals 100% of their purchase price, less shipping, despite my stated policy. Both individuals returned their units to me and they tested fine. In fact, I used one of them all last year on my WSM chicken cooker in KCBS comps, up until the new version with the adjustable damper went into testing. Did I mention that both were refunded 100%?
Thanks to these two individuals, our customer service is now much better. So, I thank them. In fact, I think that both would like the new version, and I think that between the adjustable damper and revised software, both would be satisfied with the performance. Try our customer service; give Matt or Barb (or me) a call at 636-447-7974 and talk to us before placing your order.
We have many IQs in the market. Since Alton Brown of Good Eats fell in love with the IQ and featured it in his "grand finale" segment of his one hour BBQ special, "Right On Q", we have had many sales. We have never charged a customer for a repair, even if it was out of the warranty period, and we have never refused a return request since we were taught our lesson. I'm not saying that we never will, but we have managed to be able to give our customers this level of service because our products have been that reliable.
On to air flow: The blower in the IQ is rated over 15 CFM (present blower rated 18.2 CFM @ 16.9 mmH2O). We use a large blower so that, using variable speed control of the blower, we can control a range of pits from small to large. Older IQ software versions were very conservative with airflow, being afraid to blow too hard into a small cooker. Newer versions are smarter, and more aggressive without over-powering small cookers. The newest version, available by special request, can be configured to blow at maximum airflow anytime combustion air is required. This version was designed for our own Rebel 28 gravity feed cooker (www.rebelsmokers.com; used by pitmasterIQ BBQ), and others like it.
For those of you wondering, I have permission by the webmasters of the BBQ Brethren to provide this type of support to The Brethren. In fact, they too are my customers.
I fought my ique 110 for 4 months, gave up and sent it back today at lunch.
John,
Since you have chimed in I have a Rebel 23 and bought a Pitmaster IQ from Brian when I got my smoker. I have used it a lot and had good luck. Recently I have had an issue with it going into error mode and the fan stops blowing and my temps fall. It has caused me to be late on my last 2 cooks. I just don't have the confidence in it I did early on. I have been planning on getting a different controller. As I stated it worked great early on and I have given advice on here to buy the IQ. I have used mine a lot. I got it in February and am not asking to return it. I am just asking if you may know why it won't come out of error mode? Just looking for advice here so I can continue using my pit fan. I though the unit was over heating so I made a sun block for it but that hasn't seemed to help. Thank in advance for any advice.
Thanks