DigiQ or PartyQ fan position on offset firebox

[jfmorris]

Ok, so, I am pondering adding a DigiQ or PartyQ to my smoking arsenal, and know how I can fit it to my Weber Performer now. But I am starting to think this might be the accessory to tame my offset. The firebox has a sliding damper with 4 holes about 1.5 inch in diameter. 4 holes in the sliding piece, and 4 holes in the firebox. The only issue I see is that the holes are just above the charcoal grate/wood grate, and not below it. Below the grate is all a stainless pull out ash tray. So my concern is stirring up ash. Seems it might be easy to use the PartyQ type adapter like for the Weber, mount it through one hole, and cover the other holes with metal tape. But the deflector would have to blow down into the ash tray, or up towards the lid of the firebox. Or sideways at the level of the charcoal I suppose.

The other option is to close the intake vents entirely and drill a hole for the fan well above the level of the charcoal.

Anyone use something like this on an offset and have any thoughts on it?

[Polarbear777]

With a fan you generally don’t want any other intakes open besides the fan and then make sure the exhaust is just sufficient to maintain good airflow. That way the pid has control.

So I would mount an intake hole where you need it. However the offset is probably designed to run a hotter fire and set up to naturally draw well, so it may or may not net better quality results with the controller.

[jfmorris]

Exactly, I would close down the other intakes.

[RonB]

I don't have a stickburner, but here are my thoughts. When used with a smoker that burns charcoal or lump, you have a fairly steady burn - the heat does not fluctuate with the addition of fresh wood that will soon start burning with increased heat. Now coals catch at a fairly steady rate too.
When you add a fresh log to a stickburner, the wood catches and puts out more heat. I don't know if a PartyQ would dampen the temperature fluxuations. I hope someone with experience will chime in.

[jfmorris]

I don’t burn splits or mini splits hardly ever, even though I have. I just don’t have time to sit by the fire for 12 hours adding wood. I tend to run the offset with charcoal and wood chunks. It’s got a fairly small firebox. My dad had one of his welders make it based on some sketches way back in the 80’s, from 304 stainless, and it was one of the first he made, the rest being gifts to customers. I think he improved the design as time went on. With this one I find myself constantly having to adjust the air intake dampers, and even crack open the ash tray at times to get more air into the firebox.

Temp management is a pain compared to my Weber Performer. I would love to replace it with a pellet smoker, but it would hurt my dad’s feelings if I get rid of this, and being made from heavy 304SS it’s gonna be with me for life. If I can make it more manageable I may be able to push off any further grill purchases for a while.

i may get the controller for the Performer, then experiment using it with the offset. Can’t hurt.

[Jerod Broussard]

I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE me some PID controllers. I use Aubers for my kettles and as a back up for the Pit Barrel when cooking overnight and temps tend to plummet.

If I got an offset vertical of some sort I would definitely get the firebox insulated so that I could load that dude down with some B & B Briquets and some wood chunks and let a PID do the cookin'.

I had already converted my offset to gas when I got the PID controllers.

[Danjohnston949]

Jerod Broussard, I Don't Know if This Would Work on a Vertical Smoker with a Firebox, Perhaps if the Fan Adapter Was Installed in the Side of the Firebox❓❓ The Fan (Pit Bull - 20 CFM) on My OK Joe Highland Horizontal Stick Burner❗️ The Location was Suggested by DidgiQ Dx-2, IslandBBQ.Com❗️ I Hope this and the
Pic's Will Be of Some Help‼️ From a Backyard Cremator in Fargo ND, Dan

[Huskee]

If you're using charcoal in it that would work, if the firebox seals well enough that the fan has total control. I caution folks about using fan controllers in offsets when they're using wood, it's just not practical for reasons RonB mentioned plus you can't add ten hours' of wood at once, thereby negating the SIFI aspect of the controller.

[Danjohnston949]

Huskee, RonB, Jerod Broussard, No Claims to Be an Expert from Me❗️ Other Than to Say You Fellers are Going Have To Learn How to Get Up in the Morning❗️ Jerod in Particular‼️ Aaron, I Agree You Need to Have a Well Sealed Firebox❗️ I am Still Trying to Do a Better Job of This on the OK Joe Highland❗️ The Thing I Know for A Fact Is the Self Adhesive Nomax or Other Sealing Tape Is Not The Answer‼️ As Far as Fire Control I Believe the DidiQ Dx-2 with the Pit Bull (20 CFM) Fan Does Help Stabalize the Fire Temps❗️
As You Stated You Are Not Going to Get a Long (8-10-12 Hr) Burn Without Monitoring and Stoking the Fire‼️ I Do Think You Get Better Smoke Distribution Accross the BBQ with the Controller and Fan‼️
IMHOP 🤗😇🤗
From a Backyard Cremator in Fargo ND, Dan

[jfmorris]

Hmmm. The issue with this firebox, which is a shame since it’s heavy duty 304SS, is that he made it too shallow. There is only about 2 inches under the fire grate, and it’s completely filled by a slide out ash catching pan. So I cannot mount the Pit Boss or other such fan below the level of the grate. The intakes are just above the grate, so that if I dump charcoal in there, the pile comes up against the air intakes somewhat.

My best option would probably be getting a local welder to fabricate a replacement firebox, or modify this one, with a lot more depth below the fire grate, and with intakes below rather than above the grate. I.e. drop the ash pan and bottom of the firebox 5-6 inches.

[jfmorris]

Danjohnston949 one of my Dad’s welders built this custom from 304 stainless using my dad’s drawings back in the 80’s. There is no manufacturer to contact.

[Danjohnston949]

That Does Shine a Different Light on the Problem❗️ If You Still Have His
Drawings or Can Gin Up a Duplicate, You Might Still Want to Contact Them for Suggestions❓ There May Be an Air Flow Splitter or Manifold
Available❓ Good Luck‼️ Dan

[jfmorris]

Danjohnston949 My dad retired this past summer and they moved from Georgia to Alabama to be near me. They also have not made one of these in 20 years. I may see if he brought any of those drawings home or left them with the company.