Fireboard 2 Pro Install - Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800/1050

[@telco_dino]

Thank you for doing this video. After watching your video numerous times, I am following your instructions to upgrade my 1050. I am also doing Klotesmod rear vent and front shelf extension, as well as LSS hopper lid liner. I found a way to mount the Fireboard 2 Pro ambient probe without taking it apart and keeping it movable. You have to destroy the MB oem ambient probe to salvage the small rectangular mounting plate. Once you have it, cut a small slit on the side next to the hole where the probe used to be. The slit only has to be large enough to slide the wire of the Fireboard through. After that you can pull the probe as you demonstrated to mount on the small plate and mount the small pate to the bracket.

[@dymarke]

Your grill is so freaking clean!! Thanks for the vid.

[@onotsamada]

Awesome video I just got one today and it’s so sweet that you can set bbq temp vs meat temp and alerts for each channel or bbq temp and meat temp.

[@lukecashmore6570]

I want to use mains power. Are there any controllers that allow for mains function to replace broken original controller ?

[@RichLasVegas]

Thanks buddy, I just ordered my firebird and will be doing the conversion over the weekend. I hope it goes as smooth as yours seemed. Thx again for the video!

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Good luck with the install! Ask away if you get stuck :)

[@RichLasVegas]

I finished the install. I purchased the Fireboard 2 drive and purchased the holder thru Etsy. I will say this….I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!! Thanks again

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

@@RichLasVegas woohoo! Now the fun begins 💨

[@tonytighttucker]

Where did you get that grill light on the handle???

[@StevesRC]

That’s a Weber grill light. It’s super tight on fit but it does work!

[@tonytighttucker]

Will this fit on the 1050

[@StevesRC]

@@tonytighttucker yea I think the handles are the same size so no problem.

[@unholy7324]

I must say I'm am not happy I found this video. See, I'm poor. I can't be spending an extra $300 on a brain for an already $799 grill. But I'm going to. Lol. You're the one that's going to have to live with it. 😊

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

😜 love it! At least you can feel good knowing your gravity series will be unstoppable! #sorryaboutyourwallet

[@GearJamminHank]

😂😂😂😂

[@Jelliott424]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@luvyesmusici4886]

Love my FireBoard. Finally looked at the predictive analysis the other night. Nice feature. You installed the FireBoard into the unit, why would you not install that power pack into as well. That is one thing I am not a big fan off using my Weber Summit Charcoal Grilling Center/ Kamado with table is having all the probe wires feeding through the top vents, and then sometimes you open the lid, it’s just too messy, or the wires aren’t long enough with my setup. That being said, if I go to a family cook elsewhere, I bring my FireBoard and probes with me, and just take over. The blower fir my non-pellet grill is absolutely essential for your long cooks. You are no more a hero hanging outside overnight with the cooker, than you are inside the house looking at all that is going on with your phone.

[@orlandomarrufo6523]

Great Video Thank You. When needed I will be getting and installing the Fireboard Pro 2

[@SpazzzzzTV]

ty for this video, def the set up i'm going for. I think i've about covered all my mods.

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Have fun with your install! Love mine to this day!

[@YouDownWithJPD]

Great video! Do you have a link for the new ambient probe? Thanks!

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

It comes with the ambient :)

[@Toxyethanol]

Nice hat 😎 92x never leaves my side

[@tonytighttucker]

How is the ambient probe holding up in the stock location on Masterbuilt Grill??

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Still works to this day! The only thing I've changed is the fireboard mount. I've now moved to a "removable" option where I can bring the board in after a cook.

[@tonytighttucker]

Do a video on your new setup

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

@@tonytighttucker I will! Anything else you want to see, just let me know.

[@jeremythompson4741]

Nice video. Are you able to get the meat probes through the hole in the side of the body ok?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Oh yes these are easy to run through there.

[@jeremythompson4741]

Thanks. I'm planning on getting one soon. @@Smokingmeatsbbq

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

@@jeremythompson4741 you’ll love it

[@tank5944]

Where did you get that ambient probe with the alligator clip

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

I’m pretty sure it came in the package

[@erichoover8576]

Love the Beretta hat!!

[@BeardedGuitar]

What is on your handle?? I've seen that on a few other grills...thanks!!

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

That’s a Weber grill light! It’s a tight fit but it does work. Just have to watch it from hitting your shelf. Got mine on Amazon here: amzn.to/3J6uuMj

[@BeardedGuitar]

@@Smokingmeatsbbq Awesome thank you!!

[@mikeatlincoln]

I would like your thoughts on temp control with the Fireboard 2 mod. I tested the setup before mounting the controller and ambient probe. Using the alligator clip I attached the ambient probe the the bracket where the MB probe was installed. Temps looks very good, including the lid thermometer. After the permanent install was done I ran a spatchcked chicken on the middle rack. It was a very windy and cold day. Temp set to 275 and I expected the lid temp to be in that ballpark. It was running 50 deg high. Today I am smoking some vegs for salsa at 225. I placed probe 2 on the ambient bracket and probe 3 in the middle of the chamber. Here is what I am seeing. Ambient = 225 , Probe 1 = 215 , Probe 3 = 239. I am thinking the ambient bracket is too cold due the close contact with the side of the chamber. Probe 2 is in direct contact with the bracket while the ambient Probe 1 has an air gap. I am thinking of adding some insulation between the bracket and the side of the chamber to reduce the effect of outside temps. Any thoughts on all of this?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

I firmly believe the major reason here is that on the grates, you are getting pretty direct heat from the diffuser and firebox. I also think that you could choose either one. Frankly, I know the cooker well enough from cooking it on the MB system that I know what "225" cooks like vs. 250. It may not be EXACT @ 225 where the meat sits, but I know it will be stable and I know how it will cook. I need to try what you are saying to see if there are differences in the way it cooks.

[@spike200080]

Why didn't you run channel 3 as ambient? Wouldn't you want the closest socket close to the grill?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

I suppose I could have. Doesn’t matter which you choose ultimately.

[@tonytighttucker]

Good night sir I have a question I just set up my Masterbuilt 1050 with the fire board Pro 2 I tried to light up the grill and do a burn in and I noticed the fire board would kick on the fan but then the whole unit would shut down like it's resetting and then come back on have you ever heard of something like this I bought the fire board Pro 2 from fireboard Direct I wanted to smoke a turkey for Thanksgiving and I'm a little upset right now do you have any suggestions

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

@@tonytighttucker hey sorry! I realize now it’s the big day but did you ever figure this out? Sounds like you were having an update that needing time to reset or the unit was shorting out.

[@davidalford7165]

So why brand light on handle did you use it looks like a Webber??

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Yea thats a Weber light. I will say its a tight fit, but it does work well. Link in description!

[@lrodriguezvideo]

Can I ask what temp gauge you used up top on the lid? Thanks for these videos!

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

sure! I got this one amzn.to/3J2g8wx

[@sourdoughhome2571]

IM(NS)HO, the thermometer on the lid is, as it is with every smoker and grill, useless. They are all in the wrong position. You want to the know the temperature at the grill level, not at the lid level.

[@MarkHolcomb-p3l]

If installed on Masterbuilt 1050 will it control the fan on and off?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Of course. Same basic install

[@djweaver30125]

What thermocouple temp probes are you running for your meat?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

The k type that comes with the unit.

[@delegation_rcs7817]

What did you do with the stock control panel mine went out and I need a replacement.

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

I no longer have mine sorry!

[@rcg3496]

Good vid. Helped me select a master built. Thanks!

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Awesome! Welcome to the fun!

[@JoeyGarcia-b8l]

Curious if you still love your FireBoard pro or do you wish you would’ve gotten the FireBoard Drive 2 with 6 ports and ability to use RTD probes which can withstand 700°

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

I just got done cooking some skirt steaks at 700 degrees and I can say that I’m happy with the pro! Wouldn’t change a thing.

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

And to be clear this is the Fireboard 2 Pro with the type k thermocouple type k probs rated up to 1400 degrees. whereas the drive only has thermistor probes which is only rated to the mid 500s

[@JoeyGarcia-b8l]

Yes, I am aware of the differences between the pro and drive2 as I have been researching, as I am going to purchase one of these models. I am told you can get RTD probes for the drive.2 that can withstand 700°. But I still think I prefer the more durable K couplers (pro model) even though I can only have three channels, which to me seems adequate. Is there any time you wish you would have six ports to use?😊

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

@@JoeyGarcia-b8l ah I see. Well, currently I’ve not had a need but I do have a separate inkbird with 4 extra ports if I’m trying to track anything that closely. I stick to my thermopen for checking and use the probes for my main cook which usually only calls for one probe.

[@JoeyGarcia-b8l]

You say you have a thermapan, which is an amazing instant read thermometer, but have you seen or used the spark from FireBoard? It seems like an amazing instant read that can do so much more. Just wondering your input on the spark, if any, as you seem to be technically savvy.

[@DavidTaylor-i8i]

Did you end up leaving your ambient temperature probe in the original spot or did you end up moving it somewhere else

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

To this day it is still there. Works perfectly fine.

[@hfdsso14]

1st, do you have to bypass the door switchs to get the fireboard to work? If not why do you bypass them? 2nd, do the temp probes come with the yellow connectors or do you have to change them? I see you had a link to the yellow connectors. 3rd, what holds the fireboard in the mount?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

You technically don’t need to bypass them, I just wanted to. If you buy the pro, you get the yellow type connectors. It’s a mount from Etsy, I think I linked to it as well :)

[@HerbMcBride]

Have you set an offset temp for the ambient probe? Assuming you figured out that the PID fan setting must be set to large, which means the minimum fan speed is 30%. Have u noticed a temp stability issue because of this? What Fireboard PID version have you settled on?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

I’m not running large fan size. This isn’t required in my opinion. The system can run the fan slower so the large fan size setting isn’t needed. I’m running the 3.0 pid. No offset temp setting here for ambient.

[@tonytighttucker]

I have a question when you're cleaning your grill Is this control board waterproof or you have too very carefully with it?????

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

It’s water resistant so you should be okay. Just don’t pressure wash it haha :)

[@evimorrison5579]

Hey awesome video. I’m looking into this. With the original fireboard did you notice a temperature discrepancy between the ambient probe and the hood temp guage. I’m trying to get those closer matching as I think the hood guage is way more accurate. Any advice or help would be appreciated.

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Yes they aren’t even close physically so I assume there will always be a variance. I think Fireboard makes a hood probe but I haven’t spent time looking into that.

[@Jleonpolanco]

Hey buddy, question for you if you're still running this set up. Did you notice that for the same set temperature, the fireboard 2 runs the grill much hotter than the masterbuilt controller? I placed my ambient sensor in the same place and my grill is running much hotter than what the ambient says. It does make sense as i would assume theres a temperature gradient (right side hottest), but the gradient is very steep compared to the masterbuilt. I did ribs today and while holding 225 degrees at the ambient prove, my meater probe inside the ribs was measuring 315 degrees and the ribs surely cooked much quicker. With the masterbuilt, while holding 225 at the controller, my meater would usually read around 195 - 200. Did you notice the same? Did you do anything different to mitigate? Thanks!

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

I’ve not noticed that to be honest. I am still running this setup. I’ll have to play around next time I fire it up and see if I can just run ambient probes on the bottom grill to see what I’m getting.

[@Jleonpolanco]

@@Smokingmeatsbbq Hey Thanks for responding! Update for me I ran a test with probes in the middle and right side along with the ambient sensor where you have it. Had differences of ~100 degrees. I figured maybe that metal plate covering the ambient sensor was the culprit so I just bent the sensor down so it was exposed more and now I'm within expected ~20ish degree difference. The Meater+ app is also showing the same expected difference.

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

very interesting. I need to try that. You bring up a good point!@@Jleonpolanco

[@jimoneill5696]

Since you have installed the fireboard would you say it can heat up grill just as fast as the MB controller? Fireboard says their controller has less power output than the MB. FB controller was designed for a small 20cfm fan motor vs MS large fan with 108 cfm. Also, have you experience any FB resets where the fan is shutdown for a period of? Great video!

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

I would say its slower in general. The FB has programming to slow down if temps ramp too quickly. However if you are in a pinch, you can just set the fan to 100% manually and get it ripping hot quick. Personally I just fire up the grill and walk away for a while anyway to get cleaner smoke. I have had zero resets where the fan shuts down for a long time. As a note, I rarely just use the FB unit for power, I use a USB power bank capable of putting out 12v to run the system and keep it charged. The Fb will not run the fan at 100% with just its own power so you need that 12v input to get the max performance.

[@tank5944]

Any reason that you chose the pro over the drive model?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Primarily the k type probe and the fact that they can handle higher temps since the MBG can hit 700 plus temps. Which would kill the standard probes.

[@imranibnismail]

how low can you run with the new controller, is it suitable to smoke fish?

[@StevesRC]

How low do you need? I've done as low as 100...

[@fuzzybullwinkle]

With that new controller can you still run it off of a 110 house plug? And also do you lose the Bluetooth connection to the masterbuilt app

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

I do not run it off 110 as that fireboard operates off its own battery and/or a USB input. However, I supposed if wanted, you could run it off 110v with a usb plug like charging a cell phone.. and Yes you lose the masterbuilt app when you change this out, however you get a FAR BETTER app within the fireboard app which you will love.

[@samseaborn6410]

That looks like a permanent setup. Can you just leave everything attached through the winter? I live in Wisconsin and it gets pretty cold and snowy here. Also, is there some way you can run the Fireboard with an AC connection rather than a battery bank? I've got my FB on order, but haven't seen it yet.

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

You can unplug it but with a cover I leave mine out all winter

[@yz450pro]

I can’t get mine to run more than 5v. Is there something I’m doing wrong?

[@alsmith7316]

Your what? to run more than 5 volt? I think there are different ports on Anker battery. With the Fireboard 2 Pro, and I think Drive, an external 5V power source is all you need to get the fan to 100%. You do not need 12. You need that on the older Fireboard controllers.

[@catchbag1398]

Great video mate!

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Thanks!

[@ryana.pearson6941]

I set up everything as instructed... connected the Masterbuilt Custom cable... but my fan is spinning slowly and the temperature isn't increasing. Did I do something wrong?

[@StevesRC]

Hmm not sure what are your settings? Fan speed max setting? PID setting?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Did you figure it out? Happy to help if needed via phone. At least I could try hah

[@sourdoughhome2571]

You bypassed the switches. Is there a way to use the Fireboard and use the switches?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Not that I’ve seen yet

[@sourdoughhome2571]

@@Smokingmeatsbbq I've (finally) finished the install and have two cooks on the FireBoard 2 Pro. I should have migrated to it before my MB controller flaked out. The folks at The BBQHq provide a free adapter cable when you buy the FireBoard 2 Pro from them. The cable does engage the switches. So far, my switches have worked well.

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

@@sourdoughhome2571 You are totally correct! Since I had bypassed, I was not trying to get those to work. I hate the switches and feel like they just cause issues. Glad you. got it working and thanks for posting here for others!

[@sourdoughhome2571]

Did I blink and miss it? How are you getting 12v from the battery pack to the FireBoard? Most usb battery packs only put out 5v. Thanks!

[@StevesRC]

I bought an anker battery pack and using the usb C option it will give you 12v ;)

[@sourdoughhome2571]

@@StevesRC Thanks again!

[@TimVinson-r2t]

Do the switches still work as with the MB poo controller?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

With this setup, no

[@markowen7129]

I see they use the Fireboards on the Lone Star Grillz, Pellet Smoker. Can the Fireboard Pro 2 be adapted to say a Pitboss Pellet Smoker, or do you think they have special made Fireboards for the LSG? I'm assuming they do as I've never seen the Fireboards mention anything about having a glow igniter and auger plug also.

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

You know, that’s a great question. Technically all it’s doing is running a fan, so it should realistically be able to do it but the ignition part is the hard part. I’m not familiar with the level of customization you can do on the Fireboard but I don’t think they are special units, just special firmware. I’d love to have an LSG!

[@markowen7129]

@@Smokingmeatsbbq LSG is my dream cooker. Lol. Thanks for the reply!!

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

@@markowen7129 one day!

[@bottomtiercollector]

Does this install on a 560 as well?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

I would assume so but I’m unable to confirm since I don’t own one. Same technology. Just a matter of how you install it.

[@bottomtiercollector]

@@Smokingmeatsbbq I figure fit up is potentially the only difference. Do you have any videos on how you made that thing solar powered? I just love all this electronic modding you've done.

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

​​⁠yes check out my video titled “must have gravity series add ons.” I talk about it there and have the links needed. It’s just a simple cable and a battery pack.

[@SuperCymru]

Nice project ... but the faceplate adapter in 46 GBP .... that is a lot of money for a plastic box. Anybody found an alternative?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

You can certainly run this unit without mounting it permanently. A lot of folks just leave it on top of the side table and run the wires to it. Messy but it works. Or build a wooden faceplate with a steel plate and get the magnet mount :)

[@sfiv1987]

So you disconnected all the door switches and just left the fan plugged in?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Yes basically

[@sfiv1987]

@@Smokingmeatsbbq I saw a video from the bbqhd and I believe he said the fan won't work with his adapter cable if you bypass the door switches? I'm lost. Please advise

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

I have it working flawlessly. Just have to be careful when you open the ash or chiminey doors :) They aren’t disconnected they are bypassed or “closed” circuit so effector the system doesn’t know there’s any switches.

[@sfiv1987]

@Smokingmeatsbbq so you disconnected the door lid switch and the hopper doors switches you bypass it. Is this correct?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

@@sfiv1987 yes, looking back at the video I realized I did indeed connect the lid switch but have since bypassed it by closing the circuit. I show that in another video I have on the channel.

[@joshuagoshman2684]

Will the Fireboard pro still hit the 700 degrees that the stock controller did?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Yes it can absolutely. However, I do find it takes a little longer based on the heating algorithm. I’ve gotten mine up just as high but had to use manual fan settings rather than telling it to hit a temp.

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Personally I went the FB route since I rarely use m MB for higher than smoking temps and it’s perfect for me. Use my griddles for searing and bbq type stuff.

[@mikeatlincoln]

Do you see any issues with leaving this unit out in the sun? My Pit Boss controller suffered from the UV after a few years.

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

I keep mine covered. It’s “weather proof” but I wouldn’t leave it out without a cover personally.

[@mikeatlincoln]

@@Smokingmeatsbbq I have a cover for my MB1050 so I'll get in the habit of covering it when not in use. Great video by the way!

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

@@mikeatlincoln thanks!

[@BryanJones-1967]

@@Smokingmeatsbbq I would assume that 3d printed housing would need to stay out of the sun. If it's PLA, it won't survive a Texas summer. I'll have to look for other options before trying this

[@alsmith7316]

12V external power is not needed to get 100% fan speed. 5V external is enough to run at 100%. I rarely run above 60% on my 1050, so an external battery may not even be necessary with the GS

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

After testing, you are correct. I'm not sure where I read that at the time, but it appears 5V does work fine. I will say having 100% fan speed makes for a much quicker start up.

[@theformulafitness]

Just fyi all you had to do was remove the rubber to fit that temp prob yellow end through

[@mrhappy9911]

Awesome video! Do you have one on installing the fireboard drive fan?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

I do not as I used the stock MB fan on this unit.

[@tommyapligian]

Certainly would be nice if you shared what freaking “custom cable” you used. I mean this thing is useless without that tidbit of extremely important information.

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

@@tommyapligian I’m pretty sure I did. It’s the one you buy with the unit. It’s also in the description 🤷

[@tommyapligian]

@@Smokingmeatsbbq apparently mine didn’t come with it. Good times.

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

@@tommyapligian ah if you just buy from Fireboard, you don’t get it. It’s sold through that link I provided only I think.

[@tptwk]

Cool tinkering job and I love the hat!

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Thanks! Clay shooter here :) Beretta for life!

[@HeyMichaelLeo]

MB 800 for under $200? Holy shit. Well...I clearly paid full price then, but I love it. Still have my Vision Pro grill, which I use for most simple grilling. Nothing like a well conditioned, ceramic, sealed grill. I needed a Rotisserie and a smoker.

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Haha yea it was an absolute steal of a deal!!

[@HeyMichaelLeo]

@@Smokingmeatsbbq well...when all you can eat is Wagyu and Haritage Berkshire Pork. The expense of the grill is not really a big deal. Right?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

@@HeyMichaelLeo hah!! Living large!

[@HeyMichaelLeo]

@@Smokingmeatsbbq This is true, but how do you go back to less, once you've had such amazing Beef. I will give you a heads up, my favorite place to shop for such and best value, is Jimmy P's, try them you will not regret.

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

@@HeyMichaelLeo I’ll have to check them out!

[@tylerarndt8218]

You got you 800 series for how much!?!?!? Such a good find.

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Haha yea a steal!

[@seancrable7464]

Got mine as a floor model for 79.99

[@TheViewer315]

I just bought that last mount on etsy. To the 7 people that had it in their cart at the time of my purchase... 🖕😄

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Haha nice!!!

[@CesarMartinez-tp4bx]

Why not the 560?

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

I think it could work but rather than just tossing it out there without checking I decided to leave it out of the title

[@KristianH1986]

$170 makes me feel sick. These are £1000 in the UK 😢

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Dang! Yea, I certainly got a great deal! Sorry about the pricing across the pond!

[@GlennEmery07]

Pic of that Walmart Receipt for the Masterbuilt or it didn't happen! 🤣😛🤣

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Lol! I promise!! They seriously rang up a Kit Kat and changed the name and price. Not kidding!!

[@Jleonpolanco]

Masterbuilt for $170?!? Had to have bought it from a shop that stole it 😂

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Nah it was a Walmart. Just workers who didn’t know any better :)

[@Hunterlewis675]

too much work

[@russellernst1705]

That your opinion. Who cares

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

😂

[@HomeTech_Pro]

I don't need this toy , I want this toy ....... the Controller that Masterbuilt gives with the grill is in a word a PIECE of sheet !!!! They literally went with the lowest bidder when deciding which chinese company to buy the controller from !

[@Smokingmeatsbbq]

Time to upgrade! To this day, I still love this setup more than anything I own!