Savannah STOKER v3 - User Manual

SAVANNAH STOKER v3 INSTRUCTION MANUAL
2015.01 Copyright © Sound Solutions, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Find us on Facebook.com/SavannahStoker , Pelletheads.com and LetsTalkBBQ.com 1
SAVANNAH STOKER v3 TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER
FOR THE WOOD PELLET GRILL
Thank-you for purchasing the Savannah Stoker Pellet Grill Control
System. The Savannah Stoker is a PID based artificial intelligent
temperature controller that allows you to control your wood pellet grill or
smoker with “simplicity but infinite control”.
FEATURES
• Set the desired cooking/smoking temperature from 160°- 550°F
or the max temperature your grill can reach in 1° increments.
• Typical temperature swings are 5-10°F when cooking above
250°F and 10-15°F when smoking below 225°F.
• Hardwired permanent installed temperature sensor, compatible
with the OEM temperature sensor.
• Grill cool-down cycle. The fan runs until the grill temperature
drops below 130°F.
• 3 Speed Fan selectable by the user. High for cooking; Medium
for Smoking, and Extra Low for cold smoking.
• Auger Bypass. Press a button and the auger runs 100% to get
to grilling temperatures faster.
• Optional interface with the STOKER® Power Draft System from
Rocks Bar-B-Que. Add the features of the STOKER like remote
temperature control and monitoring from a computer or
Smartphone or graph the cook with StokerLog running on a PC.
Requires an optional cable. The STOKER is available from
http://www.rocksbarbque.com.
SPECIFICATIONS
The Savannah Stoker is a direct replacement temperature controller for
most Traeger Wood Pellet Grills but it will not fit in the Traeger Junior or the
PTG. It will also control most smokers made by Blaz’n Grills Works Wood
Pellet Grills, Royall Wood Pellet Grills (except the tailgater), Camp Chef
Pellet Grill & Smoker and Smoke Daddy Pellet Pro. The Savannah Stoker
maybe compatible with other wood pellet grills but may requiring
modifications to the grill or wiring connectors.
Input type
Compatable with the OEM RTD and with K-Type
Thermocouple hardwired to the back of the controller
Accuracy 0.75%Full scale or ±2.2 ºC for K-Type thermocouple
Response Time ≤ 1.0s (when FILt=0)
Display Resolution 1°F
Control Modes
Automatic Control using PID based algorithims
Manual Control
STOKER® Control (optional interconnect cable required)
Fan Output Zero crossing SSR, 85-240VAC/3A
Auger Output Zero crossing SSR, 100-240VAC/3A
Igniter Output Zero crossing SSR, 100-240VAC/10A
Power supply 100-240VAC 50-60Hz
Power consumption 300 Watts at startup, 60 Watts normal operation
Ambient temperature 0~50ºC, 32~122ºF
Fuse 5x20mm 4A 250V Cooper Bussmann #S500-4-R or equal
WARNING Electrical Shock Risk!
Electrical power is present to the controller
anytime the grill is connected to an AC Power
Source. Before attempting to remove or install
the controller the grill must be disconnected
from the AC Power Source. Failure to do so
could result in personal injury from electrical
shock and/or damage to the controller. When
not in use the grill should be disconnected from
the AC Power Source. The controller should be
protected from moisture at all times. It is highly
recommended the grill be connected to a GFCI
outlet or other protected circuit when in use.
WARRANTY
Sound Solutions, LLC, warrants to the original purchaser the controller
will be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use
for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase. The
temperature sensors and the STOKER® interface cable are warranted
for a period of ninety (90) days.
The warranty shall not apply: (i) to any controller subjected to accident,
misuse, neglect, water damage, alteration, acts of God, improper
handling, improper transport, improper storage, improper use or
application, improper installation, improper testing or unauthorized
repair; or (ii) to cosmetic problems or defects that result from normal
wear and tear under ordinary use and do not affect the performance or
use of the product. If the controller develops a covered defect during
the warranty period, Sound Solutions, LLC, will, at its option, either
repair or replace the controller, the temperature sensor or the STOKER
interface cable at no charge, provided that the controller and/or
temperature sensor are returned to Sound Solutions, LLC, during the
warranty period
To obtain warranty service contact Sound Solutions for an RMA # by
phone: 1-252-746-3367 or email: savannahstoker@suddenlink.net
Return the component(s) along with a copy of the sales receipt to:
Sound Solutions, LLC
4205 Holly Street
Ayden, NC 28513
THE ABOVE STATED WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND REPLACES
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED INCLUDING
THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. SOUND SOLUTIONS, LLC WILL NOT BE HELD LIABLE
FOR ANY OTHER DAMAGES OR LOSS INCLUDING INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES AND LOSS OF PROFITS OR
REVENUES FROM WHATEVER CAUSE, INCLUDING BREACH OF
WARRANTY OR NEGLIGENCE.

Summary

Installation Guide

Power Disconnection Safety

Emphasizes the critical safety step of unplugging the grill before controller work.

Controller Assembly and Wiring

Installing the Savannah Stoker Controller

Final steps for connecting the controller's wiring and securing it in place.

Quick Start Guide

Initial Start-Up Procedure

Guides the user through powering on the controller and starting the grill.

Setting the Desired Cooking Temperature

Explains how to adjust the target temperature (SV) for cooking.

Proper Shut Down Process

Understanding the Front Panel

Front Panel Controls and Displays

Identifies and explains the function of each button and display on the controller.

Basic Operations and Features

Turning the Controller On and Off

Instructions for powering the controller on and initiating the cool-down cycle.

Adjusting Cooking Temperature (SV)

Auger Bypass Feature Usage

Control Modes Explained

Automatic Control Mode

Describes the standard operational mode, PID control, and cycle time.

Manual Control Mode

STOKER Control Mode Setup

Details on connecting and configuring the controller with the STOKER system.

PID Control Parameter Details

Auto-Tune Process (AT)

PID Control Parameters: P, I, D

Detailed explanation of Proportional, Integral, and Derivative control parameters.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Savannah Stoker v3 is a PID-based artificial intelligent temperature controller designed for wood pellet grills and smokers, offering precise control over cooking temperatures. It serves as a direct replacement for most Traeger Wood Pellet Grills (excluding Junior and PTG models) and is compatible with various other pellet smokers, potentially requiring minor modifications for some.

Function Description

The core function of the Savannah Stoker v3 is to maintain a desired cooking or smoking temperature within a range of 160°F to 550°F, adjustable in 1° increments. It achieves this with typical temperature swings of 5-10°F during cooking above 250°F and 10-15°F during smoking below 225°F. The controller utilizes a hardwired, permanent temperature sensor, compatible with OEM sensors, to monitor the grill's internal temperature.

A key feature is the grill cool-down cycle, where the fan continues to run until the grill temperature drops below 130°F, ensuring safe shutdown. Users can select from three fan speeds: High for cooking, Medium for smoking, and Extra Low for cold smoking. The "Auger Bypass" feature allows the auger to run continuously at the press of a button, quickly raising the grill to grilling temperatures.

For enhanced functionality, the Savannah Stoker v3 offers an optional interface with the STOKER® Power Draft System from Rocks Bar-B-Que. This integration enables remote temperature control and monitoring via a computer or smartphone, and allows for graphing cook data with StokerLog software.

The controller operates in three distinct modes: Automatic, Manual, and STOKER Control.

• Automatic Mode is the standard operational mode, where the controller automatically maintains the desired temperature using PID control software. This software calculates the auger's runtime percentage based on the difference between the measured and target temperatures, ensuring a minimum auger run time to maintain the fire.
• Manual Mode allows users to manually adjust the auger runtime as a percentage of the cycle time. This provides direct control over the pellet feed.
• STOKER Control Mode integrates the Savannah Stoker with the STOKER® Power Draft System, allowing the STOKER to control the pellet grill's auger in a manner similar to how it controls a blower on wood/charcoal smokers. This unlocks remote temperature control and monitoring capabilities.

Usage Features

To start the controller, the grill must be plugged into a GFCI-protected AC outlet. The Stand-by indicator will illuminate red, signifying power is present. Pressing the Power KEY turns the controller on, displaying the current grill temperature (PV) and the desired setpoint temperature (SV). The AUG and IGN indicator lights will turn on during startup, with the IGN indicator turning off once the cooking chamber reaches 130°F+.

Setting the cooking/smoking temperature (SV) is straightforward: press the or ▲ KEY to make the decimal point on the lower right of the display flash. Then, use the or ▲ KEY to adjust the SV. The A/M KEY can be used to shift the flashing decimal point to change specific digits.

For shutdown, the user sets the temperature (SV) to 225°F or a desired startup temperature, then presses the POWER KEY. The controller initiates a "COOL DOWN" cycle, flashing "HOT" and blinking the FAN indicator until the grill temperature drops below 120°F. After cool-down, the controller powers off, and the Stand-by indicator illuminates red.

The controller features three Display Modes:

• Display Mode 1 (default): Shows the current grill temperature (PV) and the target temperature (SV).
• Display Mode 2: Accessed by pressing the SET KEY, this mode displays the grill temperature (PV) and the auger's output as a percentage of the cycle time (SV). Pressing the A/M KEY in this mode switches between Automatic and Manual Control.
• Display Mode 3: Accessed by pressing and holding the SET KEY for 2 seconds, this mode allows users to view and modify various operational parameters. The PV display shows the parameter name, and the SV display shows its current value.

The Auger Bypass feature is activated by pressing the AUG KEY, causing the auger to run continuously and the SV display to flash "ACC." Pressing it again returns to normal operation. This feature is useful for quickly reaching high grilling temperatures.

Fan speed can be adjusted in Display Mode 3 by navigating to the "FanS" parameter. Options include 3 (normal), 2 (medium), and 1 (slow). Medium speed is recommended for smoking below 225°F or with the STOKER below 250°F. Low fan speed is generally not recommended except for cold smoking due to an increased risk of losing fire.

Maintenance Features

The Savannah Stoker v3 includes several operational parameters that can be adjusted to optimize performance for different grills and cooking conditions. These parameters include:

• IGN (Ignitor OFF temp) and Hy (Hysteresis Band): Control the igniter's on/off temperatures, preventing rapid cycling. The igniter turns off when the grill temperature reaches IGN + HY and turns back on if it drops below IGN.
• At (Auto tuning): Initiates an auto-tune process to determine optimal PID control parameter values (P, I, D) for improved temperature stability. The preferred method involves setting the target temperature to 250°-275°F, stabilizing the grill, setting At=1, and then pressing the A/M KEY when the PV is above the target temperature but descending.
• P (Proportional Band), I (Integral time), and D (Derivative time): These PID parameters control how the controller responds to temperature differences, accumulation of past errors, and rate of temperature change. Adjusting these values can fine-tune temperature control, especially if auto-tune results are not satisfactory.
• t (Cycle time): Defines the time period (in seconds) the controller uses to calculate the auger's runtime. Default is 20 seconds.
• Sn (Sensor Input Selection): Used to define the type of input sensor (Pt for PT1000 RTD or K for K-Type thermocouple).
• Pb (Sensor Calibration Offset): Allows for input offset to compensate for sensor errors, calibrating the PV reading.
• OutL (Output low limit) and OutH (Output high limit): Define the minimum and maximum percentage of the cycle time the auger will run. OutL is crucial for maintaining the fire, while OutH helps reduce temperature overshoots.
• C-F (Temp Display): Switches the temperature display between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
• Fant (Fan off Temperature): Sets the temperature at which the fan will stop running during the cool-down cycle.

Before making any adjustments to PID parameters, it is recommended to run auto-tune and record current settings. After changes, allow the grill to stabilize for 30-45 minutes to evaluate results.

For safety, the manual emphasizes disconnecting the grill from the AC power source before any removal or installation of the controller. The controller should be protected from moisture, and connecting it to a GFCI outlet is highly recommended. When using Auger Bypass Mode, the cooking chamber, drip tray, and grease drain system must be clean to prevent grease fires, and the grill should never be left unattended.

Savannah STOKER v3 Specifications

General

Communication	Wi-Fi
Connectivity	Wi-Fi
Probe Compatibility	Thermocouple
Mobile App	Yes
Control Algorithm	PID
Input Types	Thermocouple
Display	LCD
Certifications	CE, FCC