Any other issues with app control?

[RustyBikes]

EDIT 2: See post #9 below, long story short is "we can't support the old system (unexplained as to why) so now it just doesn't work"

So after years of loving and recommending MAK whole-heartedly to anyone who would listen, I'm just furious and disappointed with them.

The website control method is apparently gone, and now the app will not work. I log in, and the main page shows up (blank) for about 1.5 seconds then it shits the bed and goes back to the login page. Rinse and repeat until it finally crashes. Looking at the App Store reviews (iOS), I'm clearly not alone here.

I was excited to use the app, but it was so bad when it launched. The graph was useless (had a range of 0 to 800 degrees, which it's not even capable of reaching), the time axis stretched hours and hours past the actual cook time, so the individual points were impossible to select to track like you could on the website. The timer function was hilariously broken, they would reset if you switched away from the app. You couldn't look at past cooks, and I'm pretty sure you couldn't program it either. I couldn't believe they would ship something so fundamentally unsound. I had to factory reset my smoker so that I could go back to using the website. And now that avenue is just completely gone.

EDIT: I did email their support, will update as appropriate.

[Oak Smoke]

That’s terrible! Can you switch to another controller without trashing the whole thing.

[RustyBikes]

It still works manually, if it were completely useless I would have gone ballistic and not been nearly as civil lol.

A post two down shows that they are apparently working on a touchscreen controller. It's from January, but their main Facebook page doesn't show that video or any other mention of it. Judging by that picture from AllGonetotheDogs, the new Pellet Boss seems to be based on the app (I'm going to guess the controller is essentially a dedicated Android tablet. Maybe an Arduino or Raspberry Pi)... which does not seem promising.

[RonB]

Have you contacted Mak? Let us know what they say.

It seems odd that they would not let customers know if they are making significant changes.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

You'll have to contact MAK for connection issues if you screwed something up on the login.

Do note that even when it is working, the App leaves ALOT to be desired. The timers and graphs are beyond useless and often lose the data if you accidently close the app, there are no programs, and the temp select often glitches. Honestly just use it manually until they fix it, unless you don't have another wireless thermo and need to monitor overnight cooks.

The good news is the revised app is just around the corner, the bad news is that it got put on hold until they finish the new digital controller. Both are expected before the end of the year. The new controller can be updated over wifi, is easier to connect to wifi, and allegedy is night and day better than the current flameboss (which IMO, while rudimentary is pretty simple to use and very capable considering only 5 buttons for navigation)

[briano52]

I am a fan of MAK. My grill cooks very well smoking and direct grilling too. The now outdated Pellet Boss controller is in need of a refreshment. MAK has been working on the new touch screen controller for a while now. I can't wait to get it. In the meantime, I use the manual mode and do my temp control with Thermoworks probes. Works very well for me.

The MAK is one of the handful of pellet grills that gives you real smoke flavor, built like a tank of high-quality materials and can cook hot too. Especially, if you use Grill Grates, they can sear a steak and make the hatch marks beautiful.

[WI Bubba]

They would probably save a lot of headaches and make people happier sooner if they ditched their custom solution and used the Fireboard controller like LSG uses. The charting and programs are all done on the Fireboard app, and for the most part it works as advertised,

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

I agree, but they probably have so much invested in their proprietary controller that they are stuck in a suken cost fallacy. However if the new controller is as good as some of the people testing it have said, it will be a non issue

[Tony-Dandrea]

I live in Oregon and stopped by MAK today since I was about to purchase a new 2 Star General. Asked about the new digital controller. Dennis gave me a walk-through on the new controller. It looks good and navigation and controls are intuitive and similar to what you would have for an App vs. the keys on the current Pellet Boss. I am not sure when they plan to announce the new controller and have it as an option for new pellet smokers, but they told me to check back in two weeks since I was planning on waiting on the new controller before purchasing. There will be a price bump associated with the new controller. I will update once I have the new MAK and have a chance to do some testing with the new controller.

[RustyBikes]

They got back to me last week, here's what they said:


Thank you for reaching out to us. We understand your frustration, and we sincerely apologize for the issues you are experiencing with both the web control and the app. It's completely unacceptable that a feature you've enjoyed for years is no longer working as you expect.

We want to be completely transparent with you. The legacy web control and app were built on an older, third-party platform that we are no longer able to support. This is why you've found that the web control site has been taken down and the app is no longer functioning as it should.

We know this is a huge disappointment, and we want to assure you that we are not leaving our customers behind. Our team has been pouring its full attention into developing a completely new, modern, and reliable touchscreen controller. This new controller will provide a more stable internet connection and be the foundation for an entirely new app experience that we are currently building. It will enable features like over-the-internet firmware updates and a more robust platform.

We hear your frustration loud and clear. Your investment in a MAK Grill means the world to us, and we are committed to earning back your trust. We hope you will consider giving us a chance to show you that we are committed to building the best possible experience for our customers.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly with any other questions you may have. We're here to help.
Best,
Matt Tucker