@dennyo The light is (just) a visual confirmation that everything is working. So, when the PID decides that ‘power’ is needed and turns on that power to the heating element of the smoker, the light bulb comes on. Is this really needed… maybe not. I will tell you that after doing this upgrade to my smoker and making my first batch of SS, I found being able to (see) all the parts & pieces as they were working was actually very interesting. Not only could I see how long the PID was directing power to the heating element, I could see ‘how long’ the power was being applied. Would I wire my smoker upgrade this way if I were to do it again… YEP! I really like that visual (understanding) confirmation.

Hope that helps. Just so you know, you do have to separate the two ‘sockets’ of the outlet itself to make this work. My upper socket of the outlet is wired with the PID so as to ONLY have a power supply when the PID itself directs power to the heating element. My lower socket of the outlet is simply ‘powered on’ (constant) when I plug my smoker in.

I like some sort of visual indicator on control circuits like this. Sometimes the output LED on the PID controller is enough. It’s really helpful while tuning the PID to see whats going on and for troubleshooting problems.

Hope that helps. Just so you know, you do have to separate the two ‘sockets’ of the outlet itself to make this work. My upper socket of the outlet is wired with the PID so as to ONLY have a power supply when the PID itself directs power to the heating element. My lower socket of the outlet is simply ‘powered on’ (constant) when I plug my smoker in.

My masterbuilt draws 15 amps I think and the inkbird can only handle 10-12amps.
We made box that plugs into the outlet has one 120 receptical on the box, a 20amp rated relay attached to a 20amp rated cord with female plug. The the on/off relay connects to a cord and plug that attaches to the inkbird heating-cooling female plug.

The temp probe goes in the open door and sits very close to the heating element.
Once the smoker has warmed up (usually 130 to 140) I plug everything together. The pod will turn the element on and off every 1-2 mins as it sees the temp increasing rapidly. Since the element stays warm for a while after it looses power the temp falls slowly until the pid turns back on.
It works really well.

Oh, when I start I have the smoker directly connected to the wall and turned to about 140. When its warmed up I unplug it and plug everything together.

Temps from both wireless and wired probes show the temps stay close to program you just have to find the sweet spot for the temp prob. To close to the element and it does not get to the desired temp. To far and you get wide swings.

Wow, what a great thread. So much great knowledge and interesting builds! Plus all the wildlife etc.

Well, I spent all day reading about Sausages instead of making my snack sticks, just reading old threads and replying to a few… couldn’t let my attention wander too much and make sausage. This seems like a great place to explain why … NEW LAB PUPPY, HER FIRST DAY AT HOME!! Yep, spent the day puppy priofing house, cleaning up messes, bonding etc, and reading this great community!

Sounds like a great way to spend a day. Enjoy your pup.

Well, I spent all day reading about Sausages instead of making my snack sticks, just reading old threads and replying to a few… couldn’t let my attention wander too much and make sausage. This seems like a great place to explain why … NEW LAB PUPPY, HER FIRST DAY AT HOME!! Yep, spent the day puppy priofing house, cleaning up messes, bonding etc, and reading this great community!

Thanks… sometimes I do get lucky.