The MAK touch screen controller

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

I didn't "need" this, but Iwas going to get it eventually. The old 1990s 4 arrows controlls were fine for me and the biggest headache, connecting to wifi wasn't a big deal for me since my MAK is on a dedicated network with a stupid simple password.

Anyway, took 3 minutes to swap out and the new controller uses 2 less screws so any future fuse issues will be even quicker to remedy. Though it would be cool if they could figure out a quick mount tool less option... but I only take the controller off once per year for a deep clean of the grill.

Old crusty (3 year old controller that hasnt been covered in 2 years)


Back of the boards for those who are into that sorta thing




I actually don't like the new wifi setup, I feel it's needlessly complex... you disconnect from your wifi on your phone or laptop, connect to the controllers wireless network, then you setup your wifi. For people with complex passwords I guess that is easier and I might drop my dedicated network and use my household strong password.

Then the usual bugbear hit (its a me thing, cars, computers, etc... I always have a bumpy start). The touch control would stop working after 1 command. I did a few cycles of unplugging it, waiting, and trying again. After about 4 attempts its working just fine, I suspect maybe it was checking for or applying a firmware update possibly.

I do really like that there are more data points available, and for those that want to tinker with settings in pro mode can see everything at once instead of having to scroll multiple screens for each setting. For those hard of hearing the animated ignition/ignited, auger on/off, and fan speed icons are quite nice.



But my favorite part? Instantly changing the temp smoke, grill, or single degree input. That will make this worth it to me more than anything else as I do change temps a lot during a good weekend session.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

Just realized this while cooking... the temp display is instant and exact vs the old delayed display, I really like this a lot.

[STEbbq]

For $450 smackaroos….it seems like it does the job! 😃

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

For what I have into my 2 star at this point I should have just got a 3 star

[yakima]

I have an older 2 Star, circa 2018. Am considering updating the controller. I can't seem to find info on it on MAK's website. Does the controller come with any K probes? I have the prior style.
Have just applied to join the Facebook group, which may have current info.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

It does not have the K Probes, and while the MAK ones are ok I think they are a bit overpriced. I have a mix of MAK (I've had one fail and MAK replaced it quickly), Fireboard (I've had 4 fail, I fixed 2 as it was loosely connected wires and they replaced 1 under warranty but wouldn't entertain replacing the other one a couple weeks out of warranty) and Themroworks. I like the Fireboard ones the best since they are a little thinner than the MAK ones.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

And I do think for the asking price they should include 1 probe at least, especially since the normal price is $500... and the point of selling this separately is to hope folks upgrade. In the end the new controller is cheaper for them if people switch to it because it has wifi firmware upgrade capability and they don't have to mail the firmware module to folks with return shipping every time someone wants to update.

[yakima]

I have never updated firmware. Have newer ignitor and flame zone parts, and extra old style probes. It all works fine for what I want to do. One concern is that if they close, I may want parts.

[Rusty1234]

Fireboard is now selling a retrofit pellet grill controller. I considered it as a retrofit for the four button Pellet Boss on my one-star, but it appears that wire splicing would be required. Plus the form factor doesn't fit the Mak without sheet metal work (or surface mount). This new Mak controller would be preferable if it resolves the app/cloud interface problems the I and many other seem to have.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

some people are reporting their issues are fixed with it and some are saying it isn't, it would probably be best to contact MAK directly and see if they've had issues with other folks with your type of system.

[Rusty1234]

I should elaborate -- my one star with the 4 (I guess 5) button controller (same one at top of thread) does connect (like It'sAllGoneTotheDogs, I created a separate wifi network just for the Mak with a simple password), and the app does work, but it disconnects and reconnects randomly, starting a new session each time. And the app is pretty rudimentary compared with the Fireboard app.