MAK 2 Star flame outs...

[rwalters]

Just curious...Is the 2 Star directly plugged in to an outlet? Or is it plugged in via extension cord? And the circuit that it is plugged into...Is it a shared or dedicated circuit?

Interesting you should ask. Bruce (Mr. BBQ) asked pretty much the same questions.  I am using an extension cord, about 12 foot in length. It’s just a basic cord. Bruce suggested replacing it w/ a 12 gauge. As far as dedicated or shared circuit... well, it’s the only outlet on our back patio, but I highly doubt that it is dedicated. Whatcha thinking? Please do educate me!

Just my 2 cents and no I don't own a MAK but I have found with my BEESR's (ele Big Easy's) that if you use a cord that's not a 10 gauge you can have issues OR if your on a circuit that's already pretty full (fridg-freezer etc..) you can get a drop in current if or when they kick on and possibly confusing the computer.

I know it's a stretch but it's possible..   My BEESR's would not heat up if using a cord less than the 10 gauge  cord  (found this on the prototype unit CharBroil sent me to play with)

Very interesting! Geez, now you’ve got me thinking. I will buy a 10 gauge cord for sure! But as far as what else is on the circuit... hmmm, I guess I’ll need to find and turn off the breaker and see which, if any, big appliances go off with it (hopefully none).

A 10 gauge maybe OVERKILL for a MAK because of the amps required to run it vs a BEESR but it is something to think about.  I would think a MAK controler would be a small amperage draw since it's just a CPU and not a heating element run off a controler

Well, Bruce recommended a 12 gauge, so maybe I’ll just stick with that. Not sure what gauge the cord I am currently using is... and now that I think about it, it sits in direct sun year-round and gets pulverized in the hot summer heat. Perhaps it’s just worn out.

[TMB]

Just curious...Is the 2 Star directly plugged in to an outlet? Or is it plugged in via extension cord? And the circuit that it is plugged into...Is it a shared or dedicated circuit?

Interesting you should ask. Bruce (Mr. BBQ) asked pretty much the same questions.  I am using an extension cord, about 12 foot in length. It’s just a basic cord. Bruce suggested replacing it w/ a 12 gauge. As far as dedicated or shared circuit... well, it’s the only outlet on our back patio, but I highly doubt that it is dedicated. Whatcha thinking? Please do educate me!

Just my 2 cents and no I don't own a MAK but I have found with my BEESR's (ele Big Easy's) that if you use a cord that's not a 10 gauge you can have issues OR if your on a circuit that's already pretty full (fridg-freezer etc..) you can get a drop in current if or when they kick on and possibly confusing the computer.

I know it's a stretch but it's possible..   My BEESR's would not heat up if using a cord less than the 10 gauge  cord  (found this on the prototype unit CharBroil sent me to play with)

Very interesting! Geez, now you’ve got me thinking. I will buy a 10 gauge cord for sure! But as far as what else is on the circuit... hmmm, I guess I’ll need to find and turn off the breaker and see which, if any, big appliances go off with it (hopefully none).

A 10 gauge maybe OVERKILL for a MAK because of the amps required to run it vs a BEESR but it is something to think about.  I would think a MAK controler would be a small amperage draw since it's just a CPU and not a heating element run off a controler

Well, Bruce recommended a 12 gauge, so maybe I’ll just stick with that. Not sure what gauge the cord I am currently using is... and now that I think about it, it sits in direct sun year-round and gets pulverized in the hot summer heat. Perhaps it’s just worn out.

That's possible or the wire maybe loose in the plug it's self.  I had a wire loose last month on a circuit that when I turned on my coffee pot it would stop working but when I turn the pot off it worked just fine.   I would turn power off and pull the plug out of the wall inspect it and replace if it even looks bad

[rwalters]

Just curious...Is the 2 Star directly plugged in to an outlet? Or is it plugged in via extension cord? And the circuit that it is plugged into...Is it a shared or dedicated circuit?

Interesting you should ask. Bruce (Mr. BBQ) asked pretty much the same questions.  I am using an extension cord, about 12 foot in length. It’s just a basic cord. Bruce suggested replacing it w/ a 12 gauge. As far as dedicated or shared circuit... well, it’s the only outlet on our back patio, but I highly doubt that it is dedicated. Whatcha thinking? Please do educate me!

Just my 2 cents and no I don't own a MAK but I have found with my BEESR's (ele Big Easy's) that if you use a cord that's not a 10 gauge you can have issues OR if your on a circuit that's already pretty full (fridg-freezer etc..) you can get a drop in current if or when they kick on and possibly confusing the computer.

I know it's a stretch but it's possible..   My BEESR's would not heat up if using a cord less than the 10 gauge  cord  (found this on the prototype unit CharBroil sent me to play with)

Very interesting! Geez, now you’ve got me thinking. I will buy a 10 gauge cord for sure! But as far as what else is on the circuit... hmmm, I guess I’ll need to find and turn off the breaker and see which, if any, big appliances go off with it (hopefully none).

A 10 gauge maybe OVERKILL for a MAK because of the amps required to run it vs a BEESR but it is something to think about.  I would think a MAK controler would be a small amperage draw since it's just a CPU and not a heating element run off a controler

Well, Bruce recommended a 12 gauge, so maybe I’ll just stick with that. Not sure what gauge the cord I am currently using is... and now that I think about it, it sits in direct sun year-round and gets pulverized in the hot summer heat. Perhaps it’s just worn out.

That's possible or the wire maybe loose in the plug it's self.  I had a wire loose last month on a circuit that when I turned on my coffee pot it would stop working but when I turn the pot off it worked just fine.   I would turn power off and pull the plug out of the wall inspect it and replace if it even looks bad

Thank you for the suggestions, I will take a look this week and see if anything looks suspect.

[teesquare]

Tommy hit on it...I am suspicioning that you are having line voltage drop. Think of the controller on your MAK in the same way you would a T.V. or stereo receiver. You want to ensure that the quality and quantity of electricity is sufficient to feed your MAK. While it may be a loose plug - it does sound like some form of inconsistency in electrical current.
This is not something specific to MAKs, or any pellet grill. It is even applicable to any type of electronic driven appliance.

[rwalters]

Tommy hit on it...I am suspicioning that you are having line voltage drop. Think of the controller on your MAK in the same way you would a T.V. or stereo receiver. You want to ensure that the quality and quantity of electricity is sufficient to feed your MAK. While it may be a loose plug - it does sound like some form of inconsistency in electrical current.
This is not something specific to MAKs, or any pellet grill. It is even applicable to any type of electronic driven appliance.

Do you believe that an inconsistent electrical current could intermittently shut off the fan on my MAK?

[TMB]

Tommy hit on it...I am suspicion that you are having line voltage drop. Think of the controller on your MAK in the same way you would a T.V. or stereo receiver. You want to ensure that the quality and quantity of electricity is sufficient to feed your MAK. While it may be a loose plug - it does sound like some form of inconsistency in electrical current.
This is not something specific to MAKs, or any pellet grill. It is even applicable to any type of electronic driven appliance.

Do you believe that an inconsistent electrical current could intermittently shut off the fan on my MAK?

I would think it is possible. Any fluctuation in power could cause an issue.   

I would see car's with alternator's going out and cause all kind of issues from  MIL lights to running issues because the ECU's would get voltage spikes or power interruptions.

[teesquare]

Remember that virtually every modern appliance we own now..*is a computer* that includes our cars, watches, phones...and pellet grills. If the power supply to them gets wonky...you can get a lot of weird things happening.

[rwalters]

Thanks guys... very much appreciate the help and suggestions.  Stay tuned