Author Topic: Dual controllers?  (Read 14220 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Davey

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 7
Dual controllers?
« Reply #-1 on: July 16, 2013, 11:05:03 AM »
Ok so this will sound pretty crazy but is it possible to have both the Original controller and Savannah installed.

My situation is that the Savannah has too many knobs and buttons for my wife to want to work.  She loves the default one that comes on a Trager as she can understand that turn the knob to 250 and it is that.  (Dosnt do long smokes or worry about temp swings)

I would like to add in a Savannah by cutting a new hole on the side and then adding in the Savannah in to that.  Only one power cord would be attached at a time.  The other way would be to use a single power cord and put a latching relay system in so it would switch over and then after the power was removed it would fall back to the OEM one.  This way only one controller is connected at a time.  Only question would be what is the current draw of the igniter for the relays.

Davey

Offline Savannahsmoker

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3097
Re: Dual controllers?
« on: July 16, 2013, 12:55:34 PM »
  Only question would be what is the current draw of the igniter for the relays.

Davey
Which Pellet Grill?
The Traeger uses 300 watts on start up when the igniter (Hot Rod) is energized.
Art

Blaz'n Grill Works Grid Iron (Copper)
Royall RG 2000 (gone to live with nephew)
Weber Genesis E-330 (Copper)
The Big Easy
Weber Smokey Joe Gold for fun and vacation,

Offline Davey

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 7
Re: Dual controllers?
« Reply #1 on: July 16, 2013, 01:21:17 PM »
Lol sorry that would have helped for the grill model number :)

It is the 400.

Offline muebe

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 14918
  • Santa Clarita,Ca
Re: Dual controllers?
« Reply #2 on: July 16, 2013, 02:28:37 PM »
You would need a two-way toggle switch for the auger, hot rod, and fan (since the SSII controls the fan speed). Then you could simply move all three toggle switches up for example when using the standard controller and then down when using the SSII. Also a toggle switch for power to each controller. I think your wife could handle moving switches up.

The fan switch would be wired to direct power and SSII control depending on the position of the toggle switch.

The rest would be wired to each controller.
« Last Edit: July 16, 2013, 02:30:24 PM by muebe »
Member #22
2 TBEs(1 natural gas & 1 LP gas)
OBS(Auberins dual probe PID, 900w finned element & convection fan mods)
2011 Memphis Select Pellet Smoker
Traeger PTG with PID
PBC
BBQ Grillware vertical smoker(oven thermostat installed & converted to natural gas)
Uuni 2 Wood Fired Pizza Oven

Offline Savannah Stoker Controller

  • Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 111
Re: Dual controllers?
« Reply #3 on: July 18, 2013, 03:37:39 PM »
The second easiest thing to do is to buy a second Traeger. Everyone needs at least one Traeger, some of us have several.
The third easiest is to install transfer switches as Muebe suggested. Since the SSii doesn't use the same temp sensor that makes it easier.
But the easiest thing to do is to show your wife how to operate the SSii.

Prep the grill for cooking (add pellets, foil drip tray, ect.)
Plug in the grill.
Plug in the temp sensor; clip to the center bar of the food grate near the left side.
Press the power button to turn the controller on.
Use the up or down arrow keys to change the desired cooking temperature displayed in the lower display.
Retrieve the food and adult beverages from the kitchen, returning to the Traeger in 10-15 minutes.
Clean the grate with a brush.
Place food on grate and cook till done.
Serve. 
Yum!

 

Offline Savannahsmoker

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3097
Re: Dual controllers?
« Reply #4 on: July 18, 2013, 04:45:45 PM »
But the easiest thing to do is to show your wife how to operate the SSii.
 
+1
Art

Blaz'n Grill Works Grid Iron (Copper)
Royall RG 2000 (gone to live with nephew)
Weber Genesis E-330 (Copper)
The Big Easy
Weber Smokey Joe Gold for fun and vacation,

Offline Davey

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 7
Re: Dual controllers?
« Reply #5 on: July 18, 2013, 07:37:38 PM »
hhmm if the usage of the BBQ guru on the BGE is to tough i am not sure how i it will go for SS II.

I just took the old gasser out of our yard.  (only 8 * 16 feet).  In this space i have a trager 400 so not a grill not a smoker not much of anything but has a high WAF.  A BGE, MBS and then sometimes a volcano when needed.

part of the acceptance for the Trager was the dial as it is a replacement for the Gasser.  So cant remove that control.

Thinking of putting a small 5V powersupply a push button then making a series of elk relays latch on that way i can fully switch it over.

Offline muebe

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 14918
  • Santa Clarita,Ca
Re: Dual controllers?
« Reply #6 on: July 18, 2013, 08:20:12 PM »
Don't get me wrong I love modding things with electronics but it just sounds to me like your over-engineering the idea. Three toggle switches in the up or down position. They can be labeled "up for standard" and "down for SSII"

What if one of the relays malfunction? Or your wife accidentally pushes the button?

You can leave the toggle switches in the standard position when your done using it so the wife can just turn it on like normal and not need to even move any switches.
Member #22
2 TBEs(1 natural gas & 1 LP gas)
OBS(Auberins dual probe PID, 900w finned element & convection fan mods)
2011 Memphis Select Pellet Smoker
Traeger PTG with PID
PBC
BBQ Grillware vertical smoker(oven thermostat installed & converted to natural gas)
Uuni 2 Wood Fired Pizza Oven

Offline Davey

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 7
Re: Dual controllers?
« Reply #7 on: July 18, 2013, 08:22:43 PM »
Lol Muebe i guess you could be correct.

To many years playing around with electronics :)

if it is worth doing it is worth overdoing :) may not always apply to grills in very small city back yards.

Offline GrillGeek

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 280
    • www.pelletgrilloutfitters.com
Dual controllers?
« Reply #8 on: July 18, 2013, 08:40:36 PM »
Make a y adapter for each connector to the Traeger. Put a switch in front of the ss. Whatever is on will control the grill.
Owner of Simi Pellet Grills- The Pellet Grill Outfitters
www.pelletgrilloutfitters.com

805-285-2618

Offline Savannah Stoker Controller

  • Moderator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 111
Re: Dual controllers?
« Reply #9 on: July 19, 2013, 08:45:08 AM »
4 Toggle Switches SPDT  ON/OFF/ON will work.

1) toggles power between the controllers.
2) to the auger
3) to the fan
4) to the igniter

4 of the switches like we used on the original SS will work (NKK M2112JCFW01, Paddle switch with lighted tip)
Will also need an LED driver for the lights in the switches. (Red/Green)
If you want 4 and a driver let me know.
 
« Last Edit: July 19, 2013, 08:51:40 AM by Savannah Stoker Controller »