First cook with PartyQ and I went through 2 sets of batteries in a 10 hour cook. At first I thought the batteries that came with were old but when I replaced with fresh ones it chewed through those too. I observed during the cook and it was operating as expected with intermittent on-off running and maintaining the temp. It did not seem to me as though it was running too frequently. However, it was 28 degrees outside. Could the outside temperature have effected battery life that much? I live in Wisconsin so I'm hoping not. I recall seeing a modification on The Pit changing a PartyQ to DC. Anyone out there with details? Thanks in advance.
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It could have been struggling with the cold temperature. I usually try to get the vent settings to where there is little outside air coming in, then let the PartyQ fine tune it as needed. When I get it right, the PartyQ barely runs at all once it gets to temp. I always use a fresh set of batteries after about two cooks, whether it actually needs it or not. -
A fresh set of batteries usually last me through the cook which could be 12 to 14 hours. However, I usually can’t get a second cook out of them. So, I use them when I am doing ribs. I now use rechargeable ones.Comment
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Thanks for the feedback. I just brought the PartyQ inside to test the probe accuracy and the low battery indicator was not on. Pretty certain it is temperature related but now I'm questioning the accuracy of the battery life indicator. At room temperature there appears to be nothing wrong with the batteries. I never did run until it just quit so I guess I am not certain whether it was the batteries or the indicator. I do not know enough about battery capacity relative to air temperature. You would think living in Wisconsin I should but my only history is with car batteries.
What should I have the top vent (I am using a Weber kettle) set at?Comment
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Storin batteries at cool/cold temps can improve their longevity, however, batteries are a chemical reaction, which is slowed, at lower ambient temps, same as ya have found with yer car batteries...
In general, they simply cain't/won't produce as much output, fer as long, as warm ones...
Top Weber vent? It would depend, largely, on how ya made yer fire, an how ya have th bottom vent(s) set, as well...
I usually try to run mine WFO, but there are plenty of others, smarter than me, who'll be along to provide better advice...
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I've been using rechargeable batteries for a while. I recharge before each cook. However, I have not had the batteries die during a cook. I use it on my PBC.Comment
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Try lithium AA batteries. They tolerate the cold better. Also look up how people insulate Weber kettles in the cold. I would think that the thin metal of a kettle would mean a great deal of heat loss, meaning the fan has to work harder. Even something that just blocks wind will help.Comment
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Battery life is directly affected by the temperature you are trying to hit. Higher temp means fan runs more and shortens battery life. Low temps will exacerbate the situation. My Q has never killed batteries even on long cooks. However, I rarely cook above 225 degrees.Comment
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In the summer it will go for 10-12 hours. In einter, more like 5-6. Since my coal load usually lasts about 6 hours in the kettle I need to clean ash, add coals and switch batteries anyway.
However, depending on how you mount it you could let in a small stream of fresh air to help the fan not run so often.
I run top vent about 1/3 open, bottom sweepers blocked and the fan through a 1†port. In the cold I’d probably try opening the bottom 1/4-1/3 to see if that uses the fan a little less.
Cold batteries are a problem contributing to this too.Comment
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I have a Weber Performer. I did a brisket on Christmas at around 25 degrees ambient air temp. The Q ran a lot until I insulated the lid. Finally settled down and made it through with same set of batteries I started with. You may be fighting numerous parameters causing it to run more than usual.Comment
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I’ve done 3-4 cooks with my PartyQ and think I got about 20 hours out of a set of batteries. My cooks have been in the 40’s or above, with the top vent half open on my Performer.
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