After lots of thought, I decided to forgo purchasing a high-end ATC unit (Stoker, CyberQ, etc) and instead upgrade the previous ATC I built:
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/automatic-temp-controller/msg141250/#msg141250The goal of this project was twofold: Make the unit portable so it can be used with multiple kettles, and clean up the asethetics of model 1.0 which looks like this:
A pretty butchered wiring job. It worked, but was not pretty....
Here are all the components of model 2.0 hooked up and working prior to final assembly. I went with a much smaller enclosure, a single display PID, a single toggle switch, and no indicator light (the PID already has one built in making it redundant). I spent more time on the wiring as well, knowing that it all had to fit into the small enclosure:
All buttoned up. I used a K type thermocouple connector to enable reuse of my investment in thermoworks probes. They work well and certain models can thread through small grommets in the cooker. Shown is a new probe I bought that is very stout and will mount permanently in Wapiti.
Back side. From left to right: Motor connector, power connector (different size than motor connector), probe lead, and illuminated power switch.
The previous motor I used cost me all of $9 and worked pretty well. For model 2.0, I decided to splurge and buy a 10 CFM Pit Viper from BBQ Guru as they were on sale for fathers day, and I have always liked this style of motor. It has a built in damper for micro adjustment, a nice metal housing to protect the fan, and a fitting design that allows you to easily install and remove it for use with different cookers. The Pit Viper is a nice upgrade to my home made unit.
Next steps include a mounting system for the ATC that will protect it from the elements, and a jig that will allow me to use my ARLO wireless camera to monitor cooker and food temps remotely. I would like to be able to see the temps of my pork butt without having to crawl out of bed
Winz