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 will find the temp probe behind the tin plate at the back of the smoker what I would do first is pull the controller out and check for loose wires also how are you checking to find that it is off temp the temp will vary a lot in different areas.

I just thought of something else you may want to look at there is a metal cover over the temperature probe on the back wall make sure this did not get bent up against the probe I had this happen and it would shut off the heat thinking that it had reached temp just something to check.

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

jbird do you have the instructions for the controller if not if you want give me your email and I will send you a copy do you have a ohm meter you should see 1000 ohms at 25 °C on the probe.