bpschuebel I have been using the pk 100 for 7 years now the best way I found to achieve temp control at the smoke cycle is to. Start your smoke at 1250 watts then when you have good smoke lower it back down to hold your smoke cycle also make sure you run a drying cycle for good smoke penetration I start at 100 for drying then up it to 150 for smoke with dampers at 2/3 on top and 1/4 on bottom also I found that dry sawdust works best if you want more moisture add a pan of water after the smoke cycle.

What type of casing did you use and how much liquid was added it looks like it was caused by to much liquid it expanded to fast

You can go straight to the smoker no wait time required.

Are you seeing any smoke leaking around the door seal the latches are adjustable you may have a small gap at the bottom the seal should be smashed down a good bit ,also I would check as to what temperature you have the controller set to is the light staying on.