Pitboss Vertical Copperhead controller upgrade - how to

[@dabeek2136]

Thank you Louis for the video, you got me started in the right direction. Yesterday I did this upgrade and it works great. I did a couple of different things then you did. Instead of making a plate to hold the new controller on the Pitboss, and cover the hole, I took the guts out of the old Pitboss controller, and used that shell for my plate to hold the new controller. Because I used the Pitboss shell for the new controller, I also was able to use the back of the Pitboss controller to secure the back of the new controller. Since the controller is now protected using the old shell for the new controller, I also didn't have to make a heat shield to protect the new controller. This saved a couple of steps, and the new controller is secured tight on the upright Pitboss smoker. Thank you again for pushing me in the right direction.

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

Thank you for watching. That was a great idea to reuse the original controller frame. What controller did you go with?

[@dabeek2136]

@@LouisatRshackBBQ Because of your great video, I bought everything that you bought, it is the same controller, the only difference is yours is a G3 and mine is a G2. I don't know if the different numbers means yours is a newer model then mine, but they look the same and seem to act the same. Thank you again.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Awesome Louis! I love it when someone tears into their grill to make it better, Nicely done!

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

Thank you for watching and commenting. I have been wanting to do this for a while- trying to find the right controller to somewhat fit in the original cut out was a challenge

[@scottd88]

Great video...only 1 negative comment...always put the male exposed ends of the splices on the Load side of the wiring. That way if a joint comes apart the exposed metal end is not live.

[@johnmanthey2683]

I agree with you on the “why” you did this. The temp swings are drastic. I find them more consistent on my new PB Classic pellet grill. I think there is a PID controller on it. There is a button to change the PID setting. I’m glad you have the skill and courage to do that conversion. I like the digital control much better than the dial. Good video. I’m still pretty much set on getting a series 3 as opposed to my 5. Space considerations on my patio. When yo decide to hop on I-90 east let me know and I’ll try to have the parts ready for you.

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

John Manthey thank you for watching and commenting. I would love to visit but there is that long somewhat boring drive through Montana .. lol. Yeah through our conversations I could see where a 3 would fit better than the 5.

[@johnmanthey2683]

Louis at R shack BBQ I think after the mountains I think 90 cuts south through Wyoming. That’s when it gets boring till the Black Hills. Then boring for 5 more hours to Sioux Falls. Who knows but some day we may meet. Let’s just not make it in the hereafter. L

[@martinmelish4043]

Good video! I work with PLC’s and PID loops at work. Smoking with my Pit Boss series 3 as I type this. Good job!

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

Thank you for watching. I can’t say that the controller I installed is compatible with the copperhead as it seems to be 100 degrees cooler than what it is set for. I have a rec Tec controller which I will try next.

[@paulsq_]

Nice job with showing us the wiring and explaining LT. You haven’t got me convinced yet to change mine out. I noticed a 75 degree difference from your actual to the probe inside. I think you should’ve used a pit probe you trust most to get a better idea of what the temps are inside vs using the built in probe you haven’t used yet. I’m waiting to see more on this through your videos to see if it’s worth the change or not. You mentioned an issue cooking at high heat but you didn’t elaborate on it, I’d like to know more on the issue you were having?

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

Paul’s Q thank you for watching and commenting. Yeah I wish I had a pit probe for it rather than a internal temp probe. On my copperhead it liked to run best at 250 degrees with 25 - 50 degree temp swings when set there. Anytime I went up over 300degrees I would get up to 100 degree temp swings. It was fine since I like to do most of my smoking between 225 to 275. Figured I would try a new controller to see if that helps.

[@troyberinger1233]

I agree Paul. I was surprised to see the big difference in temps

[@jluberto3852]

I did this too. I installed the Rec Tec controller.I have to say I couldn't be happier temperature swings within a degree or two

[@josejulian5116]

Awesome video, a before and after pic would be great too.

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

Thank you for watching. I am not happy with this controller- it doesn’t seem to be 100% compatible- the inside temp is way off from what the controller displays. I have another controller I will be installing soon and will do a before and after on it

[@jf5233]

@@LouisatRshackBBQ Did you replace the internal RTD probe also? Maybe the original PB one isn't compatible with the Danson control board?

[@Highnz57]

Just got myself one of these puppy's. Liking the upgrade 👍💯 🇺🇸

[@AuroraRecepti]

Great video Louis!👍🏻👍🏻

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

thank you for watching. Glad you enjoyed it

[@1984BBQ]

Very cool Louis ... I'm excited to see how well it works during a cook .. I'm cooking on mine as we speak and so fair its doing ok .. But I may very go this route if works out well for u

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

1984 BBQ thank you for watching and commenting. Mine liked to run at 250 degrees which is fine but anytime I set it up over 300- it would swing temps big time. I am looking forward to see how this new controller does over a long cook

[@brentsvensson7882]

Louis at R shack BBQ please keep us posted

[@mattcossel29]

Thank ypu sir, you got my like as soon as i heard regulators playing lol

[@RandyRandy-s8n]

Great video Louis, it's on all the forums. Would you know the difference between a G3 and a G2?

[@martinmelish4043]

The white wire is the neutral for power.

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

Thank you for watching and explanation. I am far from a guy who knows wiring but I can figure out colors on pictures. Haha

[@keithsavoie4499]

Thank you for the video. What is the lowest temp setting the controller will go?

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

Thank you for watching. I believe the controller goes up to 450 but I don’t think it gets any hotter than 400.

[@keithsavoie4499]

@@LouisatRshackBBQ what is the low temp

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

@@keithsavoie4499 the lowest setting is 180 degrees in their smoke mode but my experience is it ran between 180 and 225 in that setting - not very consistent at 180

[@enthuzworld1784]

Good video. So, is the Louisiana grills vertical smoker the better of the two? Of course, taking cost out of the equation.

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

Thank you for watching. I can only comment about the LG at Costco as I have actually touched it. It is around 5 inches taller so it has 6 shelves standard. Has 2 door latches instead of 1 and cones with a cover for the same price as the Copperhead at Walmart and no cover. It also has a digital controller vs a dial- so looking at those factors I would say yes it is a better --deal,,, unit not sure about since they are the same manufacturer under Danson.

[@billbehrens4487]

Awesome mod ! Just started following

[@nuvitcelikgil1442]

Well done Sir - Great Tutorial! Would you mind linking to parts and place of purchase? Again Nice Job!

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

thank you for watching and commenting. here is the web site I found the digital control center from Louisiana grills. I personally would recommend the RecTec controller over this one but it is $100 more than the Louisiana grill controller. pellet-stove-parts-4less.com/account/login?return_url=%2Faccount

[@u812green7]

Temperature swings was a fan issue on mine

[@SCDrJ03]

Great mod Louis, having same issues with mine (Louisiana version), both large offset from controller temp and actual pit temp as well as big swings... Have you done a nice cook on it yet?

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

Thank you for watching. I did do a cook with and used a inkbird wireless to compare the temps. I didn’t get the same kind of swings but did have some issues of what temp. It was running at. Here’s the link to that video kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJqXoXdsl7t3pJo

[@gtsbarbecueandcuisine4837]

Great video Louis! I've seen several videos lately with people having problems with Pit Boss controllers. I told John over at 1984 Barbecue to reach out to you and he would really appreciate seeing this so i'll forward to him. Have a great weekend brother and maybe we can sit six feet apart on my deck for a cold one sometime soon?

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

GT’s Barbeque and Cuisine thank you for watching and commenting. I debated against ordering a RECTEC controller or a Danson one. Danson is the Parent company for Pitboss and Louisiana grills so I figured the wiring would be more plug and play but as you can see I still had to create my own connections. It would be fun to sit and chat soon buddy.

[@chaloamerica7569]

Congratulation, I am your new subscriber and new friend ....#21 Like.....Stay connected.

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

Chalo America thank you for watching and commenting. I will check out your channel

[@davesender2635]

Nice video. I have a year old LG 7 series and the controller throws off error codes (ERl, ERH) that shut system down. Cooked great when it worked but I have had it. It has a 5yr warranty but the controller is not great. I will probably return to Costco for full refund. Can anyone recommend a smoker vertical or grill that has a good PID controller and does a good long somewhat stable smoke without error codes?

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

Thank you for watching. I bought mine and a month later the LG showed up at Costco. My dumb luck. I love this vertical style - just wish the controller was better.

[@tonyablackwell7295]

Does it have WiFi ability

[@michaelg6808]

Has anyone tried moving the control panel to the top of the smoker to avoid the heat / drippings?

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

Thank you for watching. As far as dripping go - the controller is pretty well protected but there might be some heat issues. I have seen where guys have mounted them on the side up high but that’s more for convenience

[@Zippydaclown]

Which COPPERHEAD do you have? Will it work with the 5 Series?

[@jackskelly6473]

When he pulled out his owners manual it said 5 series on it. I assume that is what he has as well.

[@u812green7]

My Copperhead came with a PID controller