Had another shut down


 
D

Darian Hofer

TVWBB Pro
3 1/2 hours into my cook today I had another shut down. I had some ramping of the pellets but not enough that I feel it was a feed issue.
I did not check for software updates before I started this cook. So maybe while I was doing other things around the grill with phone in pocket it linked up and did software update then shut off? I should prompt you for update install of it’s going to kill the cook in progress. I normally check for updates before the cook, but didn’t today. Still kind of BS that a software update will stop the cook and not return to the original cooking temperature. It started back up with no issues.
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Are you able to look at the app and see the version and the date installed? If so maybe you could then know if that was it or something else
 
Spoke too soon. Walked back out to grill and dark smoke was pouring out from everywhere. Display said cooling down and temp had spiked and 450 temp was displayed on control panel. Set temp was 230. I pulled the plug and opened the lid. Flames were covering the area around the pot and pellets had spewed all over.
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Holy crap, thank god you were there. Only time I saw something like that was on my initial start up. Software update may have played a part in it. Not 100 percent sure though.
 
Bob Erdman said:
Holy crap, thank god you were there. Only time I saw something like that was on my initial start up. Software update may have played a part in it. Not 100 percent sure though.
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Fired up the Kamado and have some chicken breasts quick marinating now. Even if the SF is total loss it was a fun ride and a learning experience.
 
Minor set back at most, I bet. I would start taking it apart to see if its hardware or software related.
 
Darian Hofer said:
3 1/2 hours into my cook today I had another shut down. I had some ramping of the pellets but not enough that I feel it was a feed issue.
I did not check for software updates before I started this cook. So maybe while I was doing other things around the grill with phone in pocket it linked up and did software update then shut off? I should prompt you for update install of it’s going to kill the cook in progress. I normally check for updates before the cook, but didn’t today. Still kind of BS that a software update will stop the cook and not return to the original cooking temperature. It started back up with no issues.
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There was a software update that came out on 8/1. I know because I happened to be talking to a Weber SF specialist about my controller seemingly randomly restarting a few days ago. My SF wasn't cooking at the time. The Weber guy said he thought there had been a software update. I was thinking to myself "yeah sure". And sure enough, I looked it up and there it was.

I can't fathom why it would restart the controller in the middle of a cook though. That should be something easily fixed...in the software. :)
 
Jon B said:
There was a software update that came out on 8/1. I know because I happened to be talking to a Weber SF specialist about my controller seemingly randomly restarting a few days ago. My SF wasn't cooking at the time. The Weber guy said he thought there had been a software update. I was thinking to myself "yeah sure". And sure enough, I looked it up and there it was.

I can't fathom why it would restart the controller in the middle of a cook though. That should be something easily fixed...in the software. :)
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A few months ago I was standing next to the grill during a cook and watched the control panel switch over and update software. After update was complete, it shut down. Also in the middle of a cook. I’ve had prior shutdowns in the past did not witness the shutdown. So I’ve gotten in the habit of checking for updates before tossing on the food. Just did’t do it this time.
But I completely agree, the software should prompt you about update before taking over.
 
I have to say that the whole concept of software and cooking something on a grill just doesn't compute for me. I'm not bashing it, just saying that one of the things I like about cooking on my grill is that I don't need a phone to do it. It's simple and it makes me happy. I enjoy being the computer in the equation and always smile when my wife asks me when something will be done. The answer in my head is always the same, when it's done. I can definitely sympathize with you because it reminds me of having WiFi problems and we are all slaves to that now.
 

SmokeFire Software Version History IMG_1967.JPG​




Current Version
Version 7381 (Available 8/1/2023)
Improved WiFi connectivity
General device enhancements and bug fixes for improved product performance

Looks like the download was to update the controller firmware. That was probable what caused the initial shut down. After the shut down, I think the controller should have been rebooted, powered off, unplugged for a few minutes, then restarted. This sounds very familiar to me because I had a similar issue with my SmokeFire when installing firmware for the first time.

I would not be surprised if everything worked fine now. After you give the inside of the grill a good cleaning first though. Those bars and bottom of the pit look a little juicy to me in the pictures.

Good luck, I hope you are up and running again soon. I would miss seeing more of your cooks.
 
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If your SF is automatically shutting down to perform updates during your cooks it seems as though this article indicates updates will not occur if the unit is not paired via Bluetooth, so I wonder if that can be your workaround (though inconvenient):

https://consumer-care.weber.com/hc/en-us/articles/360040815192-How-do-I-update-my-firmware-

HOW DO I UPDATE MY FIRMWARE?

Plug in your SmokeFire.

Push the SmokeFire power button ON.

Confirm that you have the latest version of the Weber Connect app on your phone as well as the latest software version on your grill. You can find the latest version information here.

Pair your SmokeFire to the Weber Connect app via Bluetooth or Bluetooth + WiFi. Updates will not occur if only connected via WiFi.

NOTE: If you don’t have the latest software then you will be prompted to download it when pairing with the grill. After download is complete, select Shutdown on your SmokeFire, power the grill off, and then turn it back on. You can confirm that the software has updated to the latest version here. Once you are on the latest software version you can continue with the firmware update process.

Ensure that your smartphone is within Bluetooth range for approximately 15 minutes as the update takes place. We suggest leaving your smartphone on the side table, with the app open, for maximum range

After 15 minutes, shut down your grill by navigating to Grill Settings (on the control screen) and enter shutdown mode. Once shut down is complete, the grill will display that it’s safe to turn off your grill. At this time, flip the grill switch off. Once the grill has completely shut down, power SmokeFire back on again for the update to sync to the grill controller.

Once the grill is powered back on, wait one minute, and then navigate to the grill’s About screen.

Check that the Firmware Version matches the latest firmware version on our firmware version page here. It will take up to a minute for the controller version to be reflected.
 
Sucks to hear. I can’t fathom why on Earth they would shut down during a cook.

I don’t update mine. Ever. Seemed issues were always right after an update so I figured why if it’s running right? It’s still on the same software that it came with, maybe it updated once when I was trying to remote monitor. It isn’t hooked to wifi and I never pair with my phone.
 
Wow! Thats really a bummer. Thats one of the reasons I don't want or need remote access to my grill. I would never leave my grill alone, just to me a dangerous thing to do. Also, the frustration that's involved with trying to sort out something like this isn't in my wheelhouse. The most I do is use my smoke in the house, so I don't have to run out all the time to check temps. But I do poke my nose out every once in a while.
I'm just glad for Darian it didn't get any worse.
I'm with Steve and Bob, I enjoy sitting at my computer and looking at all kinds of things on the internet knowing that nothing going to bite me in the a**. But to me fire and computers don't mix well.
 
Steve Hoch said:
I have to say that the whole concept of software and cooking something on a grill just doesn't compute for me. I'm not bashing it, just saying that one of the things I like about cooking on my grill is that I don't need a phone to do it. It's simple and it makes me happy. I enjoy being the computer in the equation and always smile when my wife asks me when something will be done. The answer in my head is always the same, when it's done. I can definitely sympathize with you because it reminds me of having WiFi problems and we are all slaves to that now.
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I must admit that I am in agreement. As someone who doesn't own a pellet grill with app control or any other kind, it does seem counter intuitive. reading the thread I don't think that I want a cook dictated by tech. I have enough problems with the fan on my oven in the kitchen!!
 
Seems like maybe there is a "glitch" in the OS to it. Perhaps they can write code to it to lock it out from performing an update while in use
 
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