Karl Vacek
TVWBB Member
I'm new to barbecuing and have only done a couple of cooks, but it's enough (especially with winter coming here in the Chicago area) to know that I really don't love going outside every few minutes to play with dampers. The idea of a temperature control/blower sounds great, but I can't justify buying an expensive commercial one at this stage, and besides the HeaterMeter looks like the best option available. Built and repaired lots of electronics since the 50's - basic construction and simple troubleshooting aren't an issue. I do most all troubleshooting and work on my own computer cars, motorcycle, and computers.
I've dragged through many threads and several websites, the Wiki, etc. I feel a little more familiar with the terminology and am less confused now, but I still am not completely sure what's the latest and most complete way to configure my HM. I also haven't found any simple way to order either a complete kit or at least several kits that will allow me to quickly build a complete, fully-featured HeaterMeter. I want pit temp, at least one food probe, wireless monitoring and control (Raspberry Pi), and logging.
I really want to at least build the basic unit and get in at least one test cook before smoking a turkey on Thanksgiving. If I can get everything now and just build it and set it up all at once, that's better.
- I don't see, for instance, food probes anywhere and can't find a reference to what ones the meter will accommodate.
- I have no problem with electronic soldering, and if necessary probably can set my heat gun to solder SMD's (I have a good infinitely-variable heat gun and a Fluke meter with a precision temp probe), but I'd much rather buy any SMD boards soldered and tested.
- While I admire the resourcefulness of those who have access to 3-D printing and want to print their own case, I don't have access or interest. And I recognize that it's all about the quest and proving that you can print a case, but I'd really like to use a metal or metal and Bakelite case and not worry about melting my custom case. There must be a recommended standard box that I can drill and punch?
How can I compile a comprehensive list of what is optimum and the latest, and figure out where to get everything?
Thanks!
Karl Vacek
I've dragged through many threads and several websites, the Wiki, etc. I feel a little more familiar with the terminology and am less confused now, but I still am not completely sure what's the latest and most complete way to configure my HM. I also haven't found any simple way to order either a complete kit or at least several kits that will allow me to quickly build a complete, fully-featured HeaterMeter. I want pit temp, at least one food probe, wireless monitoring and control (Raspberry Pi), and logging.
I really want to at least build the basic unit and get in at least one test cook before smoking a turkey on Thanksgiving. If I can get everything now and just build it and set it up all at once, that's better.
- I don't see, for instance, food probes anywhere and can't find a reference to what ones the meter will accommodate.
- I have no problem with electronic soldering, and if necessary probably can set my heat gun to solder SMD's (I have a good infinitely-variable heat gun and a Fluke meter with a precision temp probe), but I'd much rather buy any SMD boards soldered and tested.
- While I admire the resourcefulness of those who have access to 3-D printing and want to print their own case, I don't have access or interest. And I recognize that it's all about the quest and proving that you can print a case, but I'd really like to use a metal or metal and Bakelite case and not worry about melting my custom case. There must be a recommended standard box that I can drill and punch?
How can I compile a comprehensive list of what is optimum and the latest, and figure out where to get everything?
Thanks!
Karl Vacek