Fireboard 2 t-probe compatibility

[DaveD]

Hi folks, now that I've cooked several times with my new SnS kettle, especially when doing comparison experiments, I'm finding that I'm gonna need another temperature probe set/system. I currently have the SnS-500 wired set, with a base unit with four probes and a RF remote readout unit. One of the probe jacks in the base unit has failed, so now I have three ports. I also have a single Meater+ wireless probe. This has been fine up to now, but won't cut it with three cookers now in the mix.

Have read up on the Fireboard 2 system and I have seen that many here are firm Fireboard fans, so that seems like the way to go with its best-in-class six input ports, and its app gets very high marks as well for being able to keep track of all the data -- sounds perfect for a dork like me.

Question: does anybody happen to own both the SnS-500 and Fireboard, and can say whether the SnS probe jacks are compatible with the ports on the Fireboard? Totally not a determining factor, but if so that will save me some $ having to buy additional probes over the three that ship with the unit.

(I'm also mulling getting the Drive unit, which includes the controllable fan, but will ask about that in the SnS kettle channel.)

Thanks for your probing input...

[RiverJeff]

Didn't we just go over this? Let make it complete!

[DaveD]

If so, I didn't see it. Sorry for the duplication.

[RonB]

Not all probe jacks are compatible, but I can't answer your specific question. The Pro model uses Type K Thermocouples, but you can only use three. All type K connectors are compatible, so you can use any brand you want.

The fan is sold separately, but you can use other brands.

[DaveD]

Definitely don't need type K t/c for cooking IMO. And the six probes is a major selling point for me, so I wouldn't consider giving up three of them.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

If you get the Fireboard stick with the 2 Drive or the Pro, both have the drive unit built in. I got the Pro because my grill already used k-probes and k-probes are universal so I was able to give away all my old RCA jack type probes.

It's unlikely that the Fireboard and any other brand RCA type probes are compatible, but possible.

[Ghawtho]

The Fireboard 2 and drive units both use 3.5mm
audio plugs, the 100K & 10K thermistors. As long as other units are using the same type of thermistor with an 3.5mm plugs the probes should be compatible. Both units also accept RTD type Pt100 which are universal standard.
Our gas company uses RTD Pt100 for measuring natural gas temperatures. I know Fireboard offers extension cables for the probes but it’s best to stay away from running your cables too long. You can introduce cable resistance and a higher resistance can effect temperature accuracy.

[SmokeyGator]

You can always test the probes. Run the fireboard supplied probs on channel 1 - 3 and your SNS probes on channel 4-6. Put them all in your oven and set it to 250.

If they all read close enough, your good. If the SnS probes are off, they are not the right type.

[Ghawtho]

Here is a little trick for those that can get ahold of type K thermocouple wire. Cut the thermocouple wire to your desired length. Strip away the insulation on each end and on one end twist the wires tightly together and use heat shrink tubing to insulate the twisted wires. The other end attaches to your instrument. That will be good enough for an ambient temperature probe and is much cheaper than buying probes. You’ve got to be careful with type K thermocouple wires cause their is a negative & positive wire. Though type K thermocouple wire is really not wire as you know it, one lead is nickel and the other wire is iron.

[Richard Chrz]

Get the FireBoard 2, no matter what you will be happy.

[DaveD]

I ordered the FB2 [edit:] Drive and some additional probes last night. I'll skip the actual blower fan for now until such time as I reckon I need one, if ever. Better to be future-proof whenever possible. A little spendy, but I'm sure I won't regret it.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

you got the drive version? Either way, I'm sure you'll be overwhelmed with graphs and other capabilities in a few days

[DaveD]

Whoops, forgot to add that -- yes I did get the Drive model. Just added that in to the post.

[fzxdoc]

That will turn out to be one of the wisest BBQ purchases that you'll ever make, DaveD . When It comes time for a fan, give the Pit Viper a look-see.

Did you get a couple of those short skinny food probes? They're fantastic for ribs, chicken pieces, and fish. I even use them for steaks once in a while.

Kathryn

[DaveD]

It comes with one short and two long, and I ordered the "Extreme" pack of additional probes, which features two short and four long. So I'll have three and six, should be able to handle anything I can do with my three cookers. Don't know if the short ones are particularly skinny though...

[fzxdoc]

DaveD , the short stubby ones are of course the ambient probes. I bought the Extreme BBQ pack also, back in the day, which included 2 ambient and 4 regular food probes (long). I ordered the short skinny Competition probes separately.

Kathryn

[DaveD]

Ah, gotcha, didn't know there were such!