I’ve been using their 1st generation product and loved it, particularly the software. But now it no longer charges. To repair they quote $45-$70 plus postage and 1-2 weeks. . Disappointed that their support isn’t better. A new 2nd generation is $200 plus $25 for magnetic case. Never considered going to another brand but maybe time to look. Many new options since then. Any recommendations?
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How long have you had it? Might just be EOL, happens to everything eventually.
Do you use it only as a thermometer or a controller too? My two favorite 4-channel thermometers are the SnS-500 (or the earlier Maverick XR50, very similar) or the Smoke X4.
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I don't understand where your disappointment comes from. The product worked for years. It is now out of warranty and needs repairs. Repair techs need to be paid too. As for the new model, can you find something else that does all it does, has its history of quality, and costs less? Where is your problem?Comment
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It's out of warranty, the fact that they are willing to replace the battery in the previous gen unit for a cost less than the current unit is something to applaud. The time frame is equally reasonable.
Now it would be cool if they did like Amazon does with Kindles or Microsoft with Surfaces and provided a trade in program, but that's not the norm outside of the cell phone industry.Comment
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Buy yourself an inexpensive power bank from Amazon such as an Anker and use that as the battery by plugging it into the Fireboard power port. I do this to extend my old Fireboard cooking sessions way beyond the life of the onboard battery.Comment
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Actually their support is excellent. They are a small company and do try to take care of their customers. I had an issue with a couple of the probe ports about 2 years ago, also out of the warranty period. Although they did not repair the unit for free they did fix it in a timely manner. I also bought a refurbished first gen for a nicely discounted price.
I was very happy with their service.Comment
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It sucks when something I rely on stops working and fixing it seems to be impossible or not a good solution. It looks like a good opportunity to evaluate some new options for sure. It might be that another Fireboard (or getting it fixed) may be what you need. I have the Thermoworks Smoke and the XR. They both work very well. Either line would do great as a thermometer. Having a temperature control compatible device or cook tracking is something different. Good luck!Comment
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I dunno, the original Fireboard is at minimum... What, 3y old? I've been using mine for I think 7 years? I'd pay that to fix it. I think it's a great product, and they have always been responsive from my perspective. The probes are spendy, though. But I am a fan, and truly love my 2 Fireboards.Comment
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Thanks for the responses. Yes, perhaps my expectations were unreasonably high, but as one that's worked in many consumer product companies, as a matter of policy, we always went out of the way to satisfy an existing loyal customer. I would have been happy to have been offered a trade in or discount on a new/refurbished product, but spending an unknown amount that likely will be at least 50% of the original price was all they offered.
My use of the product was for temp monitoring only. But, I appreciate the comments and suggestions such as using a plug-in battery pack.Comment
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If your 5 year old car stopped working today, what do you think the dealership would say to you? I think your expectations are beyond unreasonable when it comes to a niche product. I'm not saying this as a fireboard fanboy or anything, name a single product in your house more than a year old without and extended warranty where a company would reasonably do what you are expecting here? By all means branch out and try something else, there's lots of things on the market now. -
But 2+ years from now when the battery dies in that, I expect you'll get an even less accommodating response from that manufacturer.
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Yes, I think I've seen a few posts on the Fireboard user group on FB commenting about some problems with the plug-in breaking or wearing out over time. To be fair, this isn't just a Fireboard issue - this particular plug type, what the FBX11 used was a micro USB - specifically I think a micro USB Type B. Unfortunately MANY commercial products used this connector for a number of years and we've found they weren't all that durable. Many many cell phones had problems with this connector becoming loose or breaking and not charging properly. Luckily newer devices (including the 2nd Gen Fireboards) all use USB-C, which is a bit more robust I think, and a LOT faster charging.
However, in YOUR case... if your FBX11 actually runs off a battery pack but won't HOLD a charge, that may not be a problem with the charging port but the internal battery itself! In fact, I'd almost bet on it! This is another problem that has cropped up with the FBX11's (as they get older) and is easily fixable yourself! The internal battery on these is an 18650 I think and you can get one on Amazon super cheap, although I'd do some research on how to get a GOOD one and not a cheap Chinese knockoff POS.
All you've got to do is open up your FBX11 and change out the internal rechargeable battery! I don't THINK these are soldered in, but I am not sure of that. I might even open mine up and film the process and publish a video, since mine is getting to that point. The battery doesn't last as long as it used to, and I have been debating doing this anyways. Hell, I think I've got some 18650s waiting to be used for some of my firearms lights. I bought some replacements a few years ago anticipating needing them. Just gotta FIND them... lol.
Hope this helps, but it might fix your problem, and you can probably do it yourself for a few bucks.
Or, you could send it to me and I could do it after I do my own - but... it would probably cost something like $45-70 plus shipping is my guess.
j/k man, I wouldn't charge you that much but I can see a company charging that. Probably the cost variability is their trying to hedge on whether you just need a new battery, or if you need a new micro USB port soldered in place.
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