FYI i am using PID mode v0.5 which seems to be very stable with the 560. I cant take credit for that testing though as it came from Rex McCall. I had noticable bigger swings with the v3.0 which says its recommended.
jmj8355 Awesome, thanks for that tip! Will definitely try that out. Another trick we found is to run it at 150 for 30 minutes to an hour before bringing it up to your desired temp. We were able to get it to run for 7-8 hours (as long as we needed it, it would have gone longer) literally almost perfectly following the set-point line.
Hey mate! great video, super helpful and explained a lot of things i was confused about setting it up, the only thing im still confused about is do you need to physically power on the masterbuilt grill to get the fireboard to control it, or once you plugin the fireboard to the fan, the grill doesnt have to be powered on anymore to work? thanks so much!
Informative and to the point. Subscribed right after watching. If you have more videos with this quality, I'm a watcher. Thanks fite the info. Now to share this.
Definitely. Hadn't thought of one for beater heat diffusion but we might research that a bit and see what we can do. Michael is better at that type of thing (TJ typing here) and he will be releasing some videos soon so that might be a good one for him. My next mod is probably going to be the simple grate mod and then I'm planning to work on a mod to make the fan shut off again when I open any door while using the Fireboard Drive. Would love to hear other ideas for mods!
@@thebbqbrothers2720 use a meter and see how the switches work. If the switch opens when the lid is opened then you could probably just run them in line with the fan. So if a lid is opened it cuts power to the fan? I think a couple different tuning plates and or heat deflectors could be made to sit on the manifold itself and changed out for different applications ie grilling or smoking?
Great video I'm about to fabricate a cable can you elaborate on the polarity of the barrel connector or even better can you post a schematic diagram of the cable? Thanks for making the video!
Good video. Another video on the Masterbuilt & Fireboard claimed the Fireboard's max temp was 400 degrees Fahrenheit on the Masterbuilt 560. Did you test for max temp, & if so, what was it? Thanks
Thanks you, we appreciate the positive feedback. Look for two more pretty interesting videos being released tomorrow - one will show how efficient it is with burning charcoal and the other is a trick to get a really stable temperature hold for however long you cook. The videos show both with the stock controller and with the Fireboard and the results aren't much different. The main thing you gain with the Fireboard is a more accurate temperature reading and a much better app. I saw the video that you are referring to and there are actually two different max temps with the Fireboard Drive. Let me explain. The drive can either run off of the Fireboard's internal battery or it can be plugged directly into 12V via a power adapter that comes with it. If you don't use the power adapter and just let it use run off of the Fireboard's battery, the max fan speed that it will do is 50% which would presumably put it at about 1/2 of the smoker's maximum temp which is around 700. Making the max temp when you don't use 12V power somewhere between 350 and 400. However, if you do use 12V power, you will be able to get the full 700 degrees. I use a very large battery pack that has an A/C outlet on it and am able to cook with it for days without plugging anything in to an actual wall outlet. I hope that helps to clarify! Let me know if you have any other questions or anything else that you would like to see tested.
Most people, from what we have seen, it runs 20-30 hotter than the pit actually is. I have seen that differential vary though so it’s hard to adjust for the difference.
No, unfortunately. The only thing you could do is by a universal power adapter from Best Buy to get the barrel connector you need then splice that into your fan power cable. That would 100% void the warranty but it would work.
Thanks for the video. Do you think this would work the same for the Masterbuilt 1050 gravity as well (larger version of the 560)? I'm considering buying this larger model and if I do I'll implement this mod.
I haven’t tested it but, based on comments I’ve seen that it still shows in the app as the 560, I would say I’m 99.9% sure it will work. If you try it, let us know!
Love the video! quick question...I may have missed the answer, but where to you get the cable that you splice into the fireboard cable? I have the fireboard and probes, but if I buy a 560 (more like when!! LOL) I want to have everything I need to do this mod right away.
Russell Howard Glad you like it, thanks for the feedback! I didn’t mention where and I should have mentioned that the links for the items are all in the description. Let me know if you have any issues finding the items. Enjoy your 560 WHEN you get it! We will be adding lots more videos of stuff done on the 560, in the middle of shooting for 3 right now actually, so please subscribe if you want to be notified when they are published. Thank you!
Thanks for the great video! Just wondering how you are going to deal with the lid opening on the 560, obviously, we have a physical switch, is there any way of incorporating that? I know theres the auto setting in the app but it would be great to get ti to act like the original lid open cut off on the 560 controllers.
Nathan Porter Thanks for the feedback! My plan is to take a low voltage relay (may need a 3 way one) and set it up so that when the circuit is broken from the door opening it kills the circuit to the fan as well. I haven’t looked at where the wiring from the doors terminate but I’m assuming it’s accessible somewhere underneath. I also only mess with electrical components on a very basic level so there may be a flaw in this plan but that’s what I’m going to try. I would try to do it with adapters so that no wires have to be cut but may not have an option.
@@thebbqbrothers2720 thanks for the quick reply. I was wondering if there were any direct inputs into the fireboard (obviously there isn't) but this will work in theory. Just make sure the relay is the same either normally open or normally closed (haven't checked on mine) so the relay acts in the same way as the switch on the lid. The only question I have is if Fireboard has any way of knowing if the circuit is broken and for example give an error. If the power circuit to the fan is simple and the fireboard doesn't care if the circuit gets broken then there shouldn't be any issues. I gather you bothering with the door switches for the hopper if you are thinking about a 3 way relay. Also the wiring is accessible underneath.
@@natep87 Sure thing, thank you for the info! That is super helpful, sounds like you're definitely more knowledgeable on the subject of circuitry than I am. I can get relays working but always have to refresh my memory on what to hook up where. The Fireboard does have a direct input, a serial type port that the drive uses to connect but I have no idea if you could pull anything off with it, probably a rabbit hole. Good to know that the wires are accessible underneath. Yes, I definitely plan to hook it up to all 3 doors so that the functionality is the same. Optimally, I could use splitters of some sort so that they still work off of either controller. What would be killer would be a switch to switch from the Masterbuilt to the Fireboard controller so you can quickly choose which one is controlling the fan, that would be easy. I feel a killer mod coming on... To answer you question about the Fireboard - yes, it's a simple circuit and has no idea whether it actually connected to the fan or not so that is good - it won't shut off or throw an error if you break the circuit. Same goes for the Masterbuilt controller.
@@thebbqbrothers2720 I watching this channel closely with excitement. I am awaiting my fireboard but I have already started designing in CAD a mount to hopefully flush mount the fireboard into the masterbuilt controller gap. Its only a few screws to pull it out so I will try and get some prototypes done over the weekend. And once the fireboard is here see if I can 3d print the surround etc to make it look stock. The probes etc should all come out the back and the only cut out might be on the bracket in the back for the fan drive cable.
@@natep87 That's awesome but also ironic. I'm currently working on a 3D design for something else... I'm literally sitting at my laptop working on it as you responded. Let me know if you get the flush mount made, would love to print one for mine. Heck if you do and it's okay with you - I'll do a video on it, that would be a nice one.
FYI i am using PID mode v0.5 which seems to be very stable with the 560. I cant take credit for that testing though as it came from Rex McCall. I had noticable bigger swings with the v3.0 which says its recommended.
jmj8355 Awesome, thanks for that tip! Will definitely try that out.
Another trick we found is to run it at 150 for 30 minutes to an hour before bringing it up to your desired temp. We were able to get it to run for 7-8 hours (as long as we needed it, it would have gone longer) literally almost perfectly following the set-point line.
Hey mate! great video, super helpful and explained a lot of things i was confused about setting it up, the only thing im still confused about is do you need to physically power on the masterbuilt grill to get the fireboard to control it, or once you plugin the fireboard to the fan, the grill doesnt have to be powered on anymore to work? thanks so much!
Informative and to the point. Subscribed right after watching. If you have more videos with this quality, I'm a watcher. Thanks fite the info. Now to share this.
Thank you!!!!! Really appreciate that.
Nice video! Keep up the great work guys!
Thank you, appreciate that! We should trade a subscribe or two. :-)
Any other mods planned? Like tuning plates/diffuser to even out the heat better?
Definitely. Hadn't thought of one for beater heat diffusion but we might research that a bit and see what we can do. Michael is better at that type of thing (TJ typing here) and he will be releasing some videos soon so that might be a good one for him. My next mod is probably going to be the simple grate mod and then I'm planning to work on a mod to make the fan shut off again when I open any door while using the Fireboard Drive. Would love to hear other ideas for mods!
@@thebbqbrothers2720 use a meter and see how the switches work. If the switch opens when the lid is opened then you could probably just run them in line with the fan. So if a lid is opened it cuts power to the fan? I think a couple different tuning plates and or heat deflectors could be made to sit on the manifold itself and changed out for different applications ie grilling or smoking?
Great video I'm about to fabricate a cable can you elaborate on the polarity of the barrel connector or even better can you post a schematic diagram of the cable? Thanks for making the video!
How many and what was your placement of the ambient temp probes?
forgive a dumb question but will this work on the 1050? I'm assuming yes but just double-checking. great vid
Good video. Another video on the Masterbuilt & Fireboard claimed the Fireboard's max temp was 400 degrees Fahrenheit on the Masterbuilt 560. Did you test for max temp, & if so, what was it? Thanks
Thanks you, we appreciate the positive feedback. Look for two more pretty interesting videos being released tomorrow - one will show how efficient it is with burning charcoal and the other is a trick to get a really stable temperature hold for however long you cook. The videos show both with the stock controller and with the Fireboard and the results aren't much different. The main thing you gain with the Fireboard is a more accurate temperature reading and a much better app.
I saw the video that you are referring to and there are actually two different max temps with the Fireboard Drive. Let me explain. The drive can either run off of the Fireboard's internal battery or it can be plugged directly into 12V via a power adapter that comes with it. If you don't use the power adapter and just let it use run off of the Fireboard's battery, the max fan speed that it will do is 50% which would presumably put it at about 1/2 of the smoker's maximum temp which is around 700. Making the max temp when you don't use 12V power somewhere between 350 and 400. However, if you do use 12V power, you will be able to get the full 700 degrees. I use a very large battery pack that has an A/C outlet on it and am able to cook with it for days without plugging anything in to an actual wall outlet. I hope that helps to clarify! Let me know if you have any other questions or anything else that you would like to see tested.
my control board cuts off when i set the temperature. Have you encountered this?
FYI just so you know you have the wrong barrel connector link. the 2.1 connector will not fit the fan side its a 2.5 barrel connector
Thank you - I'll get that fixed!
How inaccurate is the Masterbuilt board? Is it consistently hot / cold, or does the temperature just less consistent?
Most people, from what we have seen, it runs 20-30 hotter than the pit actually is. I have seen that differential vary though so it’s hard to adjust for the difference.
Can you get a cable similar to the fireboard from best buy or frys. Found a used fireboard and would love to use it today
No, unfortunately. The only thing you could do is by a universal power adapter from Best Buy to get the barrel connector you need then splice that into your fan power cable. That would 100% void the warranty but it would work.
You would also need to get the Fireboard drive.
Thanks for the video. Do you think this would work the same for the Masterbuilt 1050 gravity as well (larger version of the 560)? I'm considering buying this larger model and if I do I'll implement this mod.
I should mention that the only place I've seen it for sale so far is bbqhq.com
I haven’t tested it but, based on comments I’ve seen that it still shows in the app as the 560, I would say I’m 99.9% sure it will work. If you try it, let us know!
Love the video! quick question...I may have missed the answer, but where to you get the cable that you splice into the fireboard cable? I have the fireboard and probes, but if I buy a 560 (more like when!! LOL) I want to have everything I need to do this mod right away.
Russell Howard Glad you like it, thanks for the feedback! I didn’t mention where and I should have mentioned that the links for the items are all in the description. Let me know if you have any issues finding the items.
Enjoy your 560 WHEN you get it! We will be adding lots more videos of stuff done on the 560, in the middle of shooting for 3 right now actually, so please subscribe if you want to be notified when they are published. Thank you!
Thanks for the great video! Just wondering how you are going to deal with the lid opening on the 560, obviously, we have a physical switch, is there any way of incorporating that? I know theres the auto setting in the app but it would be great to get ti to act like the original lid open cut off on the 560 controllers.
Nathan Porter Thanks for the feedback! My plan is to take a low voltage relay (may need a 3 way one) and set it up so that when the circuit is broken from the door opening it kills the circuit to the fan as well. I haven’t looked at where the wiring from the doors terminate but I’m assuming it’s accessible somewhere underneath. I also only mess with electrical components on a very basic level so there may be a flaw in this plan but that’s what I’m going to try. I would try to do it with adapters so that no wires have to be cut but may not have an option.
@@thebbqbrothers2720 thanks for the quick reply. I was wondering if there were any direct inputs into the fireboard (obviously there isn't) but this will work in theory. Just make sure the relay is the same either normally open or normally closed (haven't checked on mine) so the relay acts in the same way as the switch on the lid. The only question I have is if Fireboard has any way of knowing if the circuit is broken and for example give an error. If the power circuit to the fan is simple and the fireboard doesn't care if the circuit gets broken then there shouldn't be any issues. I gather you bothering with the door switches for the hopper if you are thinking about a 3 way relay. Also the wiring is accessible underneath.
@@natep87 Sure thing, thank you for the info! That is super helpful, sounds like you're definitely more knowledgeable on the subject of circuitry than I am. I can get relays working but always have to refresh my memory on what to hook up where.
The Fireboard does have a direct input, a serial type port that the drive uses to connect but I have no idea if you could pull anything off with it, probably a rabbit hole.
Good to know that the wires are accessible underneath. Yes, I definitely plan to hook it up to all 3 doors so that the functionality is the same. Optimally, I could use splitters of some sort so that they still work off of either controller. What would be killer would be a switch to switch from the Masterbuilt to the Fireboard controller so you can quickly choose which one is controlling the fan, that would be easy. I feel a killer mod coming on...
To answer you question about the Fireboard - yes, it's a simple circuit and has no idea whether it actually connected to the fan or not so that is good - it won't shut off or throw an error if you break the circuit. Same goes for the Masterbuilt controller.
@@thebbqbrothers2720 I watching this channel closely with excitement. I am awaiting my fireboard but I have already started designing in CAD a mount to hopefully flush mount the fireboard into the masterbuilt controller gap. Its only a few screws to pull it out so I will try and get some prototypes done over the weekend. And once the fireboard is here see if I can 3d print the surround etc to make it look stock. The probes etc should all come out the back and the only cut out might be on the bracket in the back for the fan drive cable.
@@natep87 That's awesome but also ironic. I'm currently working on a 3D design for something else... I'm literally sitting at my laptop working on it as you responded. Let me know if you get the flush mount made, would love to print one for mine. Heck if you do and it's okay with you - I'll do a video on it, that would be a nice one.