Pellet Fan
Pit Talk -- Comments and Questions Regarding These Pellet Pits => Camp Chef => Topic started by: wahoowad on March 04, 2018, 04:23:25 PM
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Hi folks,
New Camp Chef Woodwind owner here. Also a first time pellet grill owner (but long term WSM and propane smoker owner) and could use a little guidance.
My Woodwind arrived last week and I used it Thursday (ribeye), Friday (brisket) and Saturday (ribs). I did not pay attention to temps during the high heat reverse sear on the ribeye, but both my brisket and rib cooks displayed what feels like significant and constant temperature swings throughout the cook. For example:
Set temp @ 275 ranged from 233 to 311 (+/- 36/42)
Set temp @ 250 ranged from 219 to 305 (+/- 55/31)
The set temp was never changed - these swings were due to the unit trying to maintain temp. I am using Camp Chef pellets and everything in the unit otherwise seems functional. I kept the hopper 50% to 75% full. Air temps were mid 40's and 50's.
I was not sitting there watching this thing, these were noticed while checking on it every hour or so. Rarely was it hovering +/- 10 degrees, it always seemed like it was recovering from one of these spikes or crashes at closer to the extremes that at the midpoint.
Trying to run 275 on brisket cook:
(https://i.imgur.com/QoHIQadh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ILLTW2ch.jpg)
Trying to run 250 on a different cook
(https://i.imgur.com/5M31XAYh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RdfpWhmh.jpg)
Additionally, It was producing thick smoke every 5 to 10 minutes as it recovered from a low crash. The brisket flavor is…unrecognizable? I think it is because of that excess pellet smoke.
(https://i.imgur.com/pWSPhfoh.jpg)
The overall features and quality of the grill seem nice, but my #1 goal with buying a pellet smoker was temp control so am feeling a little frustrated right now. I see some insisting the average temp is all that matters but something seems wrong if it is spending most of its time outside the 10 or 15 degree temp spec. Is this all internal to the controller or are there things I should check?
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Seems a bit extreme to me, but I have never seen this grill. I would call Camp Chef to get their thoughts. I know Bentley did a performance test of this unit last Fall and I don't think he had similar issues. He may chime in on this.
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Ditto^^^
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If you look at Bentley's performance test you will see a graph re a temp test he ran -- one hour at 225. Temp swings in that hour ranged from about 195 to about 250.
Did you have any wind?
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Wish I could help, as the Tappecue graph shows, I just did not experience swings like you are seeing. Wind would be the 1st thing I would think, but looking at your pictures, I would say it was a still day! I have no idea why it is doing it. Real long shot, but you could try different pellet, but that is about a 1 in 10000 chance!
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Thanks everybody! I will contact CC Monday for sure.
Yes, a little wind at one point but my temp swings continued after it stopped. Then same for day 2 when there was negligible wind.
How do I measure the chimney cap? The instructions confused me on how to set the height of the nut that stops it. I currently have it where the factory set it.
Lid seems to have an even gap, looks good. No other gaps that I have seen.
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I got my Woodwind last August. In using it two or three times a week over the last six months, I don't see the swings that you are getting. I am in Southern California so it is a bit warmer here, but my swings are more like +/- 20'.
It looks like the knob on the controller has changed a bit from when I got mine.
Good luck.
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It almost seems like you're getting mini flame-outs. The thick smoke usually comes from a lot of pellets being dumped into the burn pot. They'll smoke like crazy then light up and cause a temperature spike. That spike can then cause a flame out. It's a vicious circle that can often be attributed to substandard pellets, but can also be a controller issue. What brand of pellets were you using?
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I was using Camp Chef Competition blend pellets
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I'm currently using SmokePro (Camp Chef) Cherry pellets and haven't had any flame-out issues, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you or someone else won't. They're of decent quality. Not the best, but certainly not the worst performers. I'd lean more towards a controller issue as others have stated then.
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CC sending me a new controller
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Hope that fixes it for you!
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CC sending me a new controller
If you don't need to send the "defective" one back, hold onto it. You never know when you need an emergency backup.
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Whew! Can’t wait for my replacement controller. After letting it sit idle all week I decided to smoke a forgiving pork butt that could better endure temp swings. Or at least that’s what I told myself so I could play with my new toy!
Tonight I went with a setting of 225. I am not sure why I expected anything different but still uncomfortable to see it spiking and crashing. I’ve glanced out the door some while watching tournament basketball and seen it at 278 (+53) and 181 (-44). That new controller better bring this thing into spec.
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Unless it causes excessive soot, the pork will probably taste fine. I own a Traeger, so I’ve seen those kinds of swings while learning to tune in the p settings. You might try 250 or 275 and see if higher temps are more stable.
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Man I'm just having a bad experience as a new Camp Chef owner. After a fairly successful all night cook (but that still included excessive temp swings) my unit just stopped putting out heat despite not running out of pellets. I noticed temps were plummeting down past 170 so I thought maybe my pellets had become blocked and stirred them up to get them to drop.
Not sure if that was it but after about 5 minutes temps then skyrocketed from 90 to 340 and kept climbing. Thick smoke was pouring out and I thought I had a grease fire, but I did not. It was passing 350 so I opened the lid, both to lower the temp and release some of that super thick smoke off my food. But it just wanted to run high so I am doing a shutdown and will restart it using bypass so I can finish my porkbutt cook.
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wrap and finish in the oven
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I know it’s frustrating when set it and forget it doesn’t work that way. To me it sounds like you had a flame out. I don’t know the CampChef controller and googling pics didn’t see a hole for p settings like a traeger, but your swings are just like mine can be when I’m way off. As for a fla,e out, does the Woodwind auto restart or only turn on the igniter when on a smoke setting? Or did you happen to turn the dial when the temp dropped reigniting a burn pot full of pellets maybe?
Anyway, hope the new controller shows up soon and takes care of it all for you. Another thing to do early is raise your vent cap up as far as you can keeping it securely attached until you get everything dialed in and make sure if your foiling drip trays your wrapping them tight not to affect airflow.
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Not sure what a flameout is, but I think i experienced my first auger blockage that led to the temp drop. After restoring pellet flow I think the chamber pot cooled to where the pellets did not initially ignite. They piled up, then eventually the residual heat ignited a larger than normal pile of pellets.
I decided to do a shutdown, cycle power, then let it it start back up normally as it was significantly cooled off by this time. My meat lost a few degrees, but it is pork butt which can take a little extra abuse. It will be done soon.
I'm probably learning more about the operation and different modes by these initial struggles. It's just as well - I really want to understand it at a detailed level.
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I do not know why, but the fire is getting to low, going out, pellets are still being fed in and the unit is relighting. I am embarrassed to say I can't remember if it has a relight feature, but am almost positive by what you are describing it does. The only way what you are describing is going to happen is the unit going out and relighting! Lost of smoke, then a huge temperature spike = lots of pellets in combustion chamber when it restarts!
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The replacement controller and temp probe Camp Chef sent me to address my wide temp swings arrived today and I installed them. Unfortunately the Windwood continues to exhibit the same wide temp swings. This time I did sit there and recorded back to back swings so I could tell exactly what it was doing.
I initially let it run awhile to get up to my setting of 225 and settle in. No wind. Upper 40's. New bag of dry pellets. Just leave it alone and let it run and recorded this:
186 to 304 (-39, +79)
210 to 271 (-15, +46)
206 to 267 (-19, +42)
222 to 248 (-3, +23)
197 to 266 (-28, + 41)
190 to 298 (-35, +73)
Very disappointing, especially when I consider the prospects of next steps. They will probably want to send more parts, possibly items requiring more involved replacement, wait another week, spend time repairing it, see if anything improves and quite possibly be in the same situation. Feels like I got a lemon and starting to think about the grills I passed over when I selected this one :(
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Does the fan seem to run correctly? How far up is your vent cap? What’s the fan do when these drops and spikes occur?
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I saw 2 fans while replacing these parts. It’s not clear to me when each should run and if their speed should vary. I do hear one of them running harder at certain times but can’t state the pattern, but there does seem to be times where one either is running variable or cycling on/off. I assume the controller is telling them when to run. Sounded the same with either controller.
Chimney is 0.75â€, right in between the 0.5†and 1†that Camp Chef support recommended.
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I guess it begs the question...What food has it ruined?
Since the #1 reason you bought a pellet unit was to have temperature control, I would see right now if you can return it and look for one that will meet that need!
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If you want to experiment, try raising it as high as you can and still lock it down. More airflow might help keep combustion more consistent. With the flameout and bouncing temps airflow is a possibility. Cooler temps and no wind? How was humidity? Following Bentley’s comment, my Traeger bounces all over the place, but still cooks good food. Though I think your flameout is related to the swings. Here’s my cook today, got to 46 here with little wind.
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Also, another thought, are you watching the pit’s own probe temp or your Maverick?
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If Kristin gets this Service Puppy, she will be in your city, which is just a few miles to the South of us! I am no expert, but would be happy to come by and take a look at it and see if a 2nd set of eyes might help!
Maybe the SG I am going to Performance Test will have some good performance and they would let you swap it out? That is a long shot, but ya never know...I did not know it but you can put your sear box on it too!
I am kind of speaking out of turn, but you never know!
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Also, another thought, are you watching the pit’s own probe temp or your Maverick?
Primarily the pit probe, but I did run my Maverick earlier today and it showed the swings too. And I put in the new pit probe from CC today and it still worked the same.
Bentley - when are you folks going to be here? That would be very nice of you. Who knows - there may be something obvious to you that i’m just not picking up on since this is my first pellet grill.
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Bummer, was hoping it was the Maverick only and maybe you had it in a bad spot. Hoping to help you find an easy answer is all.
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The only thing that makes sense to me is that your auger may be binding on something. It cools off when the auger binds, and then the temps shoot up when the auger releases. Do you hear it squeal or grind when it runs?
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maybe there is a burr on the auger as I had that issue on my Traeger a few years back.
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The only thing that makes sense to me is that your auger may be binding on something. It cools off when the auger binds, and then the temps shoot up when the auger releases. Do you hear it squeal or grind when it runs?
I occasionally hear the auger jump and assume that occurs when a pellet gets caught between the opening and the edge of auger, until the auger bites through it with a bit of a jump. I don’t hear any traditional motor noises that tell me it is hanging or grinding.
To me it is consistently (1) feeding too little to react quick enough to falling temps, and (2) feeding too much even as temps are obviously rising. It’s like the logic is reversed, but i’ve swapped controllers.
It does produce a lot of smoke each time the temps drop past the set point. Perhaps it isn’t feeding too little, it may be feeding too much each way? And that is why it smokes so much? I don’t know.
I will try opening up the chimney cap but am not optimistic given it seems to breathe just fine as the temps spike.
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The puppies are supposed to go to their new homes around the 14th. Let me see what happens and I will be back to you!
Bentley - when are you folks going to be here? That would be very nice of you. Who knows - there may be something obvious to you that i’m just not picking up on since this is my first pellet grill.
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You didn't happen to put a gasket around the door, did you?
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Nope, no gasket. No modifications. Bone stock.
Just opened the chimney cap to max (was 0.75â€, now 1.25â€) and we shall see what she does.
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I picked up a Woodwind last August and have used it two or three times a week since then. I don't see the types of swings that you are seeing. That being said I am in south Orange County and a very cold day for us is 50'. I cooked a small brisket last afternoon in a light rain and had zero temp issues. The only time I see the temp drop is when I need to open the lid to move something in or out of the pit. With the lid open for 15 seconds the temp might drop 30 or 40'.
Best of luck, for me this has been a great pit.
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Spent all morning doing testing, time that I really need to be giving to needed chores and not watching every cycle of this thing. >:(
At this point I have run it with the chimney cap in 4 different positions:
- 3/4" (where it was set from manufacturer and between the recommended 1/2" and 1")
- 1.25" (close to max)
- removed
- 3/8"
First I want to mention that the internal fan appears to be blowing constantly (it may vary, not sure) which I believe it is supposed to do. This produces positive pressure inside the unit such that any smoke and heat are exhausting out the chimney, door and grease trap. I only mention this since there seems to be a lot of focus on the chimney and I wanted to clarify it isn't the only source of exhaust. I don't care about escaping smoke myself, my opinion being there must be plenty inside for it to escaping.
Regardless, I collected each low and high point for 6 temp swings after giving the unit a couple runs to 'stabilize' :-X between chimney height changes. I've reviewed the data and it is still consistently exhibiting temp swings well outside of the manufacture specs and what most others seem to post who have actually watched theirs. Chimney changes had negligible effect.
Low side averages 24 degrees below the set 225 temp. It was only within 15 degrees 25% of the time.
High side averages 50 degrees over the set 225 temp. It was never within 15 degrees, only once within 25.
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It sounds as if it would be best for you to simply return it and advise them it is not working as it should.
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This is not exactly the answer but may help.... The swings are acting just like the Traeger 180º controller with low "P" settings. That is, when the set temp is reached, the controller goes into smoke mode. If the "P" setting # is set low there will be a longer pause time allowing the fire to die down too much. Then it overcompensates pellet delivery. Thus causing the problem you describe. If this is the case, higher temperatures should be more stable..If 350º temps are fairly stable after the pit is heat soaked (operating @ 350º for a good 20 minutes) then the problem appears to be the controller..Non pid controllers tend to swing more at lower (<300º) temperatures.
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If you find the higher temps to be acceptable, using the smoke settings rather than 220º should work as I believe them to be a timed cycle rather than temperature controlled...If it is cold (ambient) you may have to use the lower temp settings as the fixed timing won't deliver enough pellets to compensate for heat loss and the cold combustion air.
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I'm worried about the idea of returning it. There was quite a bit of packaging and I initially set it aside, but then we had a major wind storm which blew some of it around the yard so I had the trashman take it away the next week. So I don't have the boxes.
I'll call them Monday and see what they have to say. I'm open to other solutions they can offer. I think I would be very happy with the unit if I could just get it stable, but not at the expense of buying aftermarket controllers and augers and such when i just plunked down the cash for a new unit that should work right.
I need Grill God to help out
(https://www.campchef.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/360x270/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/w/w/wwss_grill_god_2.jpg)
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I believe that the combustion fan is constant, do not think it varies. But I do not believe that would be the issue anyway. You are confidant that you have heat diffusers and greasy tray in the unit properly?
Hopefully will be able to come down and see you and the unit just for my own curiosity!
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I believe that the combustion fan is constant, do not think it varies. But I do not believe that would be the issue anyway. You are confidant that you have heat diffusers and greasy tray in the unit properly?
Hopefully will be able to come down and see you and the unit just for my own curiosity!
Yes. I just double-checked with the instructions to make sure I had it right.
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I think Canadian John gave a good next suggestion if you are going to keep trying things. I’ve looked a couple times for info on the controller to figure out if it uses times on low settings and don’t see the adjustment on the face to adjust it if it does. Try setting to 300 or 350 and see if it stays close then. Then you at least have next steps. If it works as expected there you might need to insulate when cooler or get details on adjusting the timings from support. If it doesn’t work, it’s just more info to give support.
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I’m not sure what to do with Canadian John’s input. Smoking at 350 isn’t an option - I bought this thing for low and slow. I did try 250 and 275 previously and it still cycled poorly.
The chamber actually runs about 20 degrees higher than the unit temp probe according to my Maverick. The unit probe is off to the side and I believe it is cooler. Which means if I tried 250 or275 settings it would probably be running 275 or 300. So i’m Trying to be happy with the 225 setting as it actually means smoking around 250.
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I’m not sure what to do with Canadian John’s input. Smoking at 350 isn’t an option - I bought this thing for low and slow. I did try 250 and 275 previously and it still cycled poorly.
The chamber actually runs about 20 degrees higher than the unit temp probe according to my Maverick. The unit probe is off to the side and I believe it is cooler. Which means if I tried 250 or275 settings it would probably be running 275 or 300. So i’m Trying to be happy with the 225 setting as it actually means smoking around 250.
I wasn’t suggesting you try it for smoking, I was just adding you could follow the idea just for a test. Though you could throw some taters on there to make it a less wasteful test. You sounded like your somewhat committed to making the unit work, so trying to toss ideas at you for ways to test and gather data to hopefully make the problem expose itself.
However, if sschorr’s experience is with the same controller, timing shouldn’t be a factor. You could try laying a welding blanket over it to see if it’s just heat loss from cooler temps. I’ve run an insulation kit on all my smokers from November to April where I live. But not sure if camp chef makes one and you or a buddy may already have a welding blanket around. Again though, if 225 is not supposed to be timed, it shouldn’t matter. Just an alternate test if you’ve only tried low settings so far.
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I had a similar problem with my DLX, only worse. I had severe swings sometimes over 100F higher than setpoint. I was never able to get through an overnight cook without a flameout. CC was very accommodating and send replacement parts and pellets but none of it resolved the issue. In the end after a few months they were nice enough to work with online seller and arrange for a return. I never was able to figure out for sure what the problem was but when I was disassembling it for return I noticed what look like a crack in the air channel. And of all of the replacement parts they sent, they did not include the main blower fan. So one possibility was an airflow problem caused by either a leak or weak fan. Months after returning it some other members on PH mentioned they had the same problem after installing a door gasket - and after they removed the gasket the grill functioned well again. I had installed a gasket, but no longer had the grill to test that theory. There have been a few others reporting similar problems with no gasket installed. Still plenty of more folks that have zero problems either with or without.
The problem you are having is almost certainly not the controller or RTD. Unless things have changed drastically, CC uses a very simple controller algorithm that controls only the auger duty cycle. Below set point the auger has one fixed duty cycle with a longer 'on' time , and above set point it has a duty cycle with a shorter 'on' time. That's it. When CC sent me the replacement controller and RTD I already knew it wasn't going to fix my problem because the probe was reading correctly compared to a 3rd party therm, and I had already verified the duty cycle was correct based on other members data.
So if it's not the electronics, what does that leave? It's gotta be an airflow problem. Maybe the fan is under powered which causes problems if there is a small leak, or if there is more back pressure than expected (gasket??). There's something out of whack, and the controller is not sophisticated enough to deal with it.
So, I think what I would try is prop the door open slightly and see if that changes anything.
Also, regarding 'Smoke' modes, IIRC, those are timed cycle modes only - that is, they have a fixed duty cycle that does use the RTD as input.
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If you stick with contacting CC, they will send you an all new hopper assembly.
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Camp Chef sent me a new hopper and I installed it today. This was after already trying a controller the prior week. Looked like it may have been salvaged off another unit as i saw some minor rust and scratches, but was not egregious so was ok replacing mine with it.
This is hard to understand but my Woodwind is still exhibiting large temp swings.
237/276 (-13, +26)
240268 (-10, +18)
204/287 (-46, +37)
224/285 (-26, +35)
199/285 (-51, +35)
205/278 (-45, +28)
213/284 (-37, +34)
I have seen at least one other recent new buyer posting about similar swings. I can only conclude something is off between the controller and auger in terms of rate of delivery. Maybe they have a bad run of parts, firmware, i don’t know. I give up. Too many hours testing ideas and troubleshooting, too many different bags of new pellets, and too many weeks going by waiting for my purchase to work.
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Man, that stinks! So, what now?
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My thoughts:
1/ I would try a heat sink. Fire bricks work well. Four to six should do the thick.. If It helps enough to be acceptable and something you can live with, great. The downside - cost, slower to heat up and cool down and removal for cleaning..This helped some of us Traeger users in their earlier stages of controller problems..
2/ Orteck, TR-100 controller. ~ $60.00..It a fine controller with "smoke settings" so the "P" or pause time is adjustable at all temperatures except high, where the auger is on 100% of the time. In "smoke" the "P" setting controls the temperature. That will work well in warm temperatures to obtain a max of about 200º +..With a temperature selected, once the temperature is reached, the controller goes into smoke mode until the temperature drops to 3º bellow the set temperature..If the "P" setting is set so as there is a long pause, the fir dies down more than it should resulting in the controller overreacting by adding more pellets to the pot than necessary. Thus the big swings..Things even out at higher temperatures..
IF you go this route, DO NOT CUT WIRES. Make up adaptive harnesses so things can be changed back. IE warranty..Cobbled up connections are an open invitation for problems..
The Ortec controller manual is on line if you care to have a look..
Has anyone out there installed a TR-100 controller in their Woodwind???
Then there is the option of return and starting over.. All the best in your endeavours.
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Do they have a dealer or a regional rep in your area? Maybe the company could get them to come take a look since it’s a difficult problem. Guessing you don’t since you ordered direct, but worth asking about. If there does happen to be a dealer anywhere close, maybe you could work with company and dealer to return it that way somehow. Not saying any of this is possible, but it never hurts to ask, right? If you agree to try anything else, ask for some pellets too for all you’ve burned just trying to test fixes that haven’t worked. Worst they can say is no.
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Let me know when there is a good time to come down and I will come look at it with you if you still want to do that!
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What is your availability? I'm appreciative of your offer but would hate to waste your time too.
I swear, I'm near the end of my rope and questioning every additional minute I'm putting into working around their stability issues. I'm contemplating running out to get yet a 4th or 5th bag of pellets, but will feel like more of a fool if I do that and find it is still running off.
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Do you have any Lumberjack pellets? All the Facebook people are saying Camp Chef and Pit Boss pellets give them swings too. I'm skeptical but would love it if I was proved wrong.
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I wouldn't weigh too heavily on pellets being responsible for your swings.
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I don’t, but it’s the only variable I have yet to fully test. I’ve tried 4 chimney heights, 3 controllers, 2 temp probes and 2 auger/fans and 2 types of pellets. The easiest AND LAST thing I am going to try are Lumberjack pellets as the Camp Chef Facebook folks seem to indicate they too struggled with both Pit Boss and Camp Chef Competition blend pellets and several found peace with Lumberjack.
I may feel like a fool after buying yet another bag of pellets and this thing still cycling low/high, but it’s about all I have left to try. I do like to fix things but can feel myself approaching that point when it’s time to move on with other things in life that do work.
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I am with CJ on the pellets...
I am available at any time. I do not have any lumberjack, I have some smoke ring, or some hardwood heating pellets I can bring if you like. What I need to do is find out if I can run the Tappecue with a Ethernet connection and run that for 30 minutes to see where we really are...Let me know!
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Too bad we couldn’t hook up today. That said, i’m Slicing into a brisket in about an hour... :rotf:
So I’m home most days after 5, and we have some daylight now if you were inclined to do that. Otherwise don’t have a lot going on at the weekends either so a Saturday or a Sunday coming up would work. I have wifi and the router is by the door where the grill is if we needed to run a Ethernet drop.
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I will probably shoot for next Sat or Sun if you have a preference. The Tappecue would need to be configured for your WiFi, so if they write me back and say I can just run it from my computer to the Tappecue with the Ethernet cable and get the graph will just do that so I don't need to run the set up for your internet!
Will send you a PM Friday, unless you know day and time right now, and then I will just come then!
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I was able to dig up my old PH posts on this subject. Why it happens to some folks and not others is certainly perplexing.
At the time that I owned the DLX (2015), the controller algorithm was simply:
Auger when grill temp below setpoint
On 10 seconds
Off 10 seconds
Auger when grill temp above setpoint
On 6 seconds
Off 40 seconds
The auger speed was one rev every 36 seconds.
These were verified by other owners, and did not change after receiving replacement parts.
You can check these parameters and if they are the same, the problem has nothing to do with pellet delivery. Only thing left I can imagine is airflow.
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Would not hurt to put a black magic marker mark on the top of the spiral and see how long it takes to rotate. Could at least start eliminating things.
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Can you send it back and get a new one? Sometimes that fixes the problem.
I'm serious. The customer should not have to deal with a flaw like this and he/she has been very up front with the company to fix the problem. Like a lemon law.
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Might check that a feed gasket was installed at factory.
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Is there an update to this story?
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Sadly I have been too busy to smoke anything else to monitor the temp over time. I have tested it so much and tried so many fixes that avoiding it has meant one less stressful thing in my life right now. It should represent a good thing but it isn't that for me.
I no longer believe anything is mechanically or electrically wrong with the unit. I say that as I have replaced all the working pieces with new parts sent by Camp Chef. This is simply how it performs. It's possible they have reprogrammed or misprogrammed something such that current units are working differently than prior units that have good reviews. Looking back I now realize almost all the reviews I found were about the features and did not actually show the unit operation sustained over a typical smoke duration. Most folks grilled a steak or something.
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Sorry for your trouble. Hope Bentley can help you figure it out soon. He has seen them all and tested most of them. Good luck.
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Today I finally ran some temp trials using Lumberjack pellets. It was not very scientific since today was 30 to 40 degrees warmer than prior testing but I did have better temperature regulation with the Lumberjack Cherry pellets.
Today I ran at 275 and averaged -20 on the low side and +25 on the high side so ranging around 255 to 300. I grudgingly can live with these given the hassles of returning it via shipping although still think the unit isn't capable of the manufacturer's advertised ratings. At peaks it ranged from 250 to 311, and there also was dense smoke produced each temp swing, denser than I like.
I grilled on High with it the other day too using Camp Chef's own Competition pellets and it smoked a lot the entire time which seemed unexpected and was undesired while grilling.
Overall I am dissatisfied with the purchase given the tremendous efforts put into trying to figure it out. Camp Chef was responsive with parts but not sure they every resolved anything. In truth I would accept a complete refund and be done with it but not sure how that would work out given I ordered it online from them and shipping it back sounds like a nightmare. It has soured me on the whole idea of pellet smoking which was a big concern as I ventured into it coming from years of being satisfied with a WSM and getting good flavor from wood chunks and charcoal. I know you guys are pellet fans and I'm not calling you out for liking it, just relating my journey and the sour taste it has left in me. I am passionate about barbecue and enjoy everything about the industry but just wish this learning experience could have ended differently and without the pricetag attached.
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Don't feel bad about the comments, pellets are not for everyone!
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I guess I shouldn't say soured me on the whole idea as I can see the value and benefit and certainly lots of others having wonderful experiences. I may have to consider going back to my research list and giving unit #2 another thought about buying sometime in the future. Everybody here has been great ;D
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I guess I shouldn't say soured me on the whole idea as I can see the value and benefit and certainly lots of others having wonderful experiences. I may have to consider going back to my research list and giving unit #2 another thought about buying sometime in the future. Everybody here has been great ;D
Maybe before you try another grill, try a third party controller. Your swings today match what I usually saw with my Traeger being a timing based controller. Others can probably give some advice on the best choices to look at.
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That is a good idea, you may want to look up Savannah Stoker, see if Billy can tell you if it is compatible. I guess the main concern would be, if it is not a controller issue.
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Today I finally ran some temp trials using Lumberjack pellets. It was not very scientific since today was 30 to 40 degrees warmer than prior testing but I did have better temperature regulation with the Lumberjack Cherry pellets.
Today I ran at 275 and averaged -20 on the low side and +25 on the high side so ranging around 255 to 300. I grudgingly can live with these given the hassles of returning it via shipping although still think the unit isn't capable of the manufacturer's advertised ratings. At peaks it ranged from 250 to 311, and there also was dense smoke produced each temp swing, denser than I like.
I grilled on High with it the other day too using Camp Chef's own Competition pellets and it smoked a lot the entire time which seemed unexpected and was undesired while grilling.
Overall I am dissatisfied with the purchase given the tremendous efforts put into trying to figure it out. Camp Chef was responsive with parts but not sure they every resolved anything. In truth I would accept a complete refund and be done with it but not sure how that would work out given I ordered it online from them and shipping it back sounds like a nightmare. It has soured me on the whole idea of pellet smoking which was a big concern as I ventured into it coming from years of being satisfied with a WSM and getting good flavor from wood chunks and charcoal. I know you guys are pellet fans and I'm not calling you out for liking it, just relating my journey and the sour taste it has left in me. I am passionate about barbecue and enjoy everything about the industry but just wish this learning experience could have ended differently and without the pricetag attached.
I have enjoyed having multiple means of smoking so I suggest you keep your pellet smoker and add something affordable like a cabinet smoker or like I have, a Pit Barrel Cooker. I like having both and using both. The ease of use of a pellet smoker is hard to beat. Its a quick easy was to throw smoke on something like wings or a steak you want to reverse sear. It's also great for baked things. But then I use the PBC for butts, ribs, and brisket. And if I have a very large smoke I have extra capacity with both.
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How do I contact this Billy at Savannah Stoker? The website didn't have an email address.
I'm resigned to keeping this Woodwind because of the challenges of returning it but get frustrated with each cook. Today I have it set to 250 and just watched it go from 211 to 296. My last call with Camp Chef support had them acknowledging swings of +/- 30 was normal to them and they don't understand why their documentation says +/- 15. The cycle appears to over-reach at both ends of the spectrum and produces short periods of heavy acrid smoke. I have done some shopping/research for a different unit to buy and none of them seem to exhibit the extreme swings this Woodwind produces. I'm still convinced it is poor design, nothing defective given all I have replaced.
Lumberjack Cherry pellets work the best, still giving average of +/- 25 swings. Cherry burns cooler than oak, hickory and blends so that much be why it works best in this unit that struggles with temp regulation. Today I'm trying the Lumberjack Comp Blend with maple/hickory/cherry and the hickory component must be kicking in and giving me the significantly higher temps than I saw with the basic cherry mix. Good thing I like cherry and I'll have to use it for sustained smokes and use the Comp blend stuff for high grilling.
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I think you can contact them on Facebook, this is a phone number from their Facebook page (252) 746-3367...About all I know, or send him a PM from this site. Member is BMerrill...
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I have the woodwind and have the same issue. They sent a new hopper but still getting 300 degrees while set to 250. I was looking at the savannah stoker too and there is a YouTube video someone has installing it on a camp chef DLX. My issue there is I like the hi smoke feature and don’t think the stoker has anything like that. Let me know where you land on all this.
Camp chef customer service has been great but have had several issues with woodwind. When first delivered it was badly dented and had to return. Then had issues with temp dropping below 100 which they at first stated could be there Pellets so they sent me new ones. That didn’t fix it so they sent a new hopper. I’m on this new hopper and having temp swings mentioned above.
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After actively researching my Windwood temp swing issues across numerous forums, Facebook and Youtube, as well as numerous calls with Camp Chef and replacing all kinds of parts with zero success...and reading of many others with the same issues....I am of the opinion the Windwood (and all the other Camp Chef pellet smokers that seem to use the exact same internals) is working within the parameters of a poor controller design.
Their algorithm for maintaining temps is flawed. It's possible they changed it after their initial release because a lot of initial people seem surprised by new owner's experiences. The Camp Chef Facebook group has daily reports of this as well as fires.
I'm learning to live with mine and cook around it's idiosyncrasies. It does best with Lumberjack pellets. I was skeptical a pellet switch would do anything but without a doubt it does better. I would avoid high BTU wood types like Hickory as it is prone to higher temp swings and significantly more (heavy) smoke.
I clipped an additional smoker thermometer probe onto the back of my grate and it produces more stable temp output than that built in probe on the left side of the unit. I highly suspect the location of that factory probe is susceptible to more temp fluctuations and itsn't as representative of the temp at the cooking location. Maybe it is due to the air circulation from the fan causing it? Regardless, that probe is contributing to the unit having a less-than-accurate idea of the temps inside. What I do not know is if that probe reading is part of what the controller uses to increase/decrease burn rates. It probably does.
If I were to summarize my journey and this thread:
- yes, a LOT of people are experiencing wide temp swings that far exceed what the manufacturer states as normal
- yes, their customer service is great and they will repeatedly send you replacement parts until you get sick of taking it apart again and again
- Lumberjack pellets truly do work better than pretty much everything else
- Put another probe on the grate and you'll like see and feel better that the temp swings are not as bad at the cooking grate
- I recommend people considering a Camp Chef to also seriously evaluate Green Mountain, Grilla Grills and Rec Tec units
- The Sear Box is nice and gets hotter than my Weber gas grill. But seems overpriced at $200. I believe there are similar after-market smaller sear grills for less that could complement a different brand pellet grill. In fact their portability make them more versatile than the the bolt on Camp Chef Sear Box
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Thanks for the info. I’m committed to this smoker now so will be embarking on this journey with you. Will keep you posted if I find any solution
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Just curious if the replacement part fixed your issue. I'm guessing so, but thought I'd check.
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I have the SG and replaced RTD and controller. Holding temp better but had another flame out 10 hours into a butt smoking.
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Did some ribs today at 275. Temp consistently over 325...really thinking about the Savannah or Pellet pro but do like the hi smoke feature of CC.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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After actively researching my Windwood temp swing issues across numerous forums, Facebook and Youtube, as well as numerous calls with Camp Chef and replacing all kinds of parts with zero success...and reading of many others with the same issues....I am of the opinion the Windwood (and all the other Camp Chef pellet smokers that seem to use the exact same internals) is working within the parameters of a poor controller design.
Their algorithm for maintaining temps is flawed. It's possible they changed it after their initial release because a lot of initial people seem surprised by new owner's experiences. The Camp Chef Facebook group has daily reports of this as well as fires.
I'm learning to live with mine and cook around it's idiosyncrasies. It does best with Lumberjack pellets. I was skeptical a pellet switch would do anything but without a doubt it does better. I would avoid high BTU wood types like Hickory as it is prone to higher temp swings and significantly more (heavy) smoke.
I clipped an additional smoker thermometer probe onto the back of my grate and it produces more stable temp output than that built in probe on the left side of the unit. I highly suspect the location of that factory probe is susceptible to more temp fluctuations and itsn't as representative of the temp at the cooking location. Maybe it is due to the air circulation from the fan causing it? Regardless, that probe is contributing to the unit having a less-than-accurate idea of the temps inside. What I do not know is if that probe reading is part of what the controller uses to increase/decrease burn rates. It probably does.
If I were to summarize my journey and this thread:
- yes, a LOT of people are experiencing wide temp swings that far exceed what the manufacturer states as normal
- yes, their customer service is great and they will repeatedly send you replacement parts until you get sick of taking it apart again and again
- Lumberjack pellets truly do work better than pretty much everything else
- Put another probe on the grate and you'll like see and feel better that the temp swings are not as bad at the cooking grate
- I recommend people considering a Camp Chef to also seriously evaluate Green Mountain, Grilla Grills and Rec Tec units
- The Sear Box is nice and gets hotter than my Weber gas grill. But seems overpriced at $200. I believe there are similar after-market smaller sear grills for less that could complement a different brand pellet grill. In fact their portability make them more versatile than the the bolt on Camp Chef Sear Box
Everything in this post is spot on! With my new SG im fighting flame out and temp swings. I have close to $1000 in CC with sear box and hate to take beating on Craigslist.