Cyberq weirdness

[SmokeyGator]

this isn’t a big deal, but I am wondering if this happens to anyone else.

I have a Primo XL with the cyberq. After some trial and mostly error I have learned to close the fan damper down to just over 1/3 open and where the top vents need to be for 225. I also keep manual control of the top and bottom vents (I put the pit probe in and power up, but I leave the fan out) until the temperature is steady at 200-215 then let the fan take over. So far so good, no more overshoots.

But looking at my cook graph I notice that the controller does an awesome job for hours at a time, then spikes to 250, then settles back to 225. I am including the most recent graph, done mostly overnight. The big drop spike was when I wrapped in foil and pulled the food probe out. The controller maintained 225 for 45 minutes - 1 hour, then spiked.

Im not too worried about short term anomalies, and on average the device works extremely well - but I can’t figure out why it would be stable for an hour or more then pump it up.

[EdF]

You might want to consider activating "ramp mode":


RAMP MODE
Activate the "Ramp Mode" feature and the CyberQ Cloud will detect when your food is approaching its "done" temperature. It will then slowly ramp down your pit temperature to help you achieve moist, tender and maximum flavor while minimizing the chances of overcooking.

[SmokeyGator]

I think I have ramp mode activated. Anyhow it isn't a "problem". I'm not cooking a soufflé or anything. I just find it puzzling that the controller holds a very stable temperature for so long, then abruptly cause a spike. I still feel confident letting the cyberq run the smoker all night for me.

[Attjack]

I've only used my controller once. I left it full open to hit 235. Should I not leave it fully open? Also to extinguish the fire is it ok to leave the fan in and close it's damper, or should I take it out when I'm done?

[SmokeyGator]

I close the damper sometimes, pull the fan and use the plug sometimes, or remove the adapter plate and clisecrge factory vent sometimes. I don’t think it really matters very much.

I close the damper to around 1/3 open because for a spare ribs cook I had the top butterfly vent more open than closed and the fan vent wide open. I figured the controller would just work. Then I left to go get some stuff at Home Depot. I returned to a grill at 270, 50 degrees above target. My best guess was even with the fan off too much air was being pulled in.

So I started closing the fan damper down. The fan is powerful enough to push in whatever is needed. I also leave the butterfly vents open only a little bit. Seems to work fine. Well except for the mystery spikes.

[Polarbear777]

Looks like it averages over the spikes well so is it wind or weather? It seems to be compensating fine.

[customtrim]

I adjust mine with the temp not the vents. I go to 180 or so then 200 and so on to see where it decides to settle in at

[Troutman]

As has been said, you’re average is rock solid so I think you’re overly concerned. When that happens to my Fireboard it could be wind, a piece of smoke wood that suddenly ignited or a number of issues within the cooker. All in all I call your cook a success!!

[SmokeyGator]

Could be a wood chunk that catches on fire. I'm not really concerned, more like curious. Last few long cooks were done overnight while I was asleep.

[dshaffes]

I’ve had similar spikes with my controller. They are using an algorithm which just isn’t always perfect when changes occur similar to those mentioned in the above posts.