PitBoss Copperhead7 Controller

[Denny O]

Well, a smoker I picked up used and was never turned on has died a second time in short of 3 years. First year the temp swings were +50 to -50 degrees. Replaced the controller and thermostat and it worked fine.

A few weeks back it threw a code and had quit working. I assumed there was a jam in the auger but honestly had no idea what was wrong. Yesterday I went out to the garage (heated) pulled off the cover and proceed to remove the pellet tank and clear out the auger and pot. Plugged it in and went to turn it on, The circuit breaker might have as well been turned to off cause that was all I got out of it. Nodda, zilch!

Question for all of you,
What will I need to gut the electronics and revamp it to a proper controller and thermo smoker so I don’t have these issues any more?

[calldoctoday]

Denny O This sounds like the perfect question for Paul processhead . He is really good with these sort of things. I used to be fairly on top of it, but not any more.

[processhead]

Denny O
Since it’s a pellet burner it uses pellets for both heat and smoke. The controls for these machines are more complicated than a simple electric smoker.

I am not aware of any aftermarket controls for pellet smokers, but someone out there may know of one.

If it were mine, I think I would be in touch with Pit Boss customer support and see if they could walk you through the troubleshooting steps to isolate what the issue is and recommend what you will need to get it working again.

Once you know what the problem is, you are in a better position to decide whether the cost and effort is worth it.

[johnsbrewhouse]

Denny O https://www.stanbroil.com/product/Stanbroil-BBQ-120V-60Hz-Square-Thermostat-Controller-Board-with-LCD-Display-Module-for-Pit-Boss-P9-Wood-Oven.html Check to see if there is a fuse on the control board. Most have fuses and if there happens to be a power surge it will blow the fuse. They are very small amperage.

[processhead]

https://pitboss-grills.com/assembly/assembly

[RON PARRISH]

Denny O The same thing happened to mine and fuse was blown. fuse was for the igniter which ended up being bad.I found all my parts on amazon

[Denny O]

RON PARRISH Thanks Ron, I found the manual and where the fuse is, I’ll look into it.

processhead Paul, I was so wishing there was another option for a better controller.

Problem
No Power Lights
On The Control
Board

Cause
Power Button Press the Power Button. Try another attempt and hold for two seconds to verify connection.
Not Connected To
Power Source, GFCI

SOLUTION
Outlet Has Tripped
Ensure smoker is plugged into a working power source. Reset breaker. Ensure GFCI is a
minimum 10 Amp service (see Electric Wire Diagram for access to electric components).
Ensure all wire connections are firmly connected and dry.
Fuse Blown On The
Control Board
Remove cooking components from the main smoke cabinet. Turn the unit onto its side, and
remove the screws on the rear side of the Control Board. Check the fuse for a broken wire or
if the wire has turned black. If yes, manually replace with a new fuse.
Faulty Control Board Control Board needs to be replaced. Contact Customer Service for a replacement part.

[Denny O]

I love my $200.00 GOSM (Great Outdoors Smoky Mountain Big Block) gasser that I’ve had since 2009 or 2010. Only thing I had to do to it was add a needle valve in the fuel line. It is rock steady for several hours.

[Bob Stehlik]

Denny O Sounds like you need a hot rod (igniter). They can short and kick your breaker or they can also open as well. Cheap fix.

[Denny O]

Bob Stehlik
Sounds like it popped the 5 amp quick blow fuse, BUT, I do not know yet. My electric circuit is fine.
What is this hot rod igniter?

[Denny O]

Bob Stehlik There are several of them, how do I know which to get if that is what is needed?

[processhead]

Denny O said in PitBoss Copperhead7 Controller:

Bob Stehlik
Sounds like it popped the 5 amp quick blow fuse, BUT, I do not know yet. My electric circuit is fine.
What is this hot rod igniter?

It’s just a heating element that starts the pellets burning and then shuts off when they are burning enough to create some heat.

[Bob Stehlik]

Denny O It’s the heat element that your pellets fall onto and then smolder. It’s usually located in the fire pot. If you’ve vacuumed out your pellet grill you’ve more than likely seen about 1/2 inch of it protruding into the fire pot.

[Denny O]

processhead So most likely the universal?

[processhead]

The igniter rod shorted out one time on my smoker and took out a fuse in the process. You can buy generic replacements on Amazon.

[processhead]

Denny O said in PitBoss Copperhead7 Controller:

processhead So most likely the universal?

Yep.

[processhead]

Usually its held in the firepot by a set screw,

[Denny O]

Bob Stehlik Ya I know how it works and where it is, I was concerned if there were different ones to choose from, meaning I don’t want to get the wrong part.

[processhead]

Denny O said in PitBoss Copperhead7 Controller:

Bob Stehlik Ya I know how it works and where it is, I was concerned if there were different ones to choose from, meaning I don’t want to get the wrong part.

Get the old one out and you can check the physical dimensions against the ones for sale on Amazon. Electrically, they all operate on 120 volts.

[Denny O]

processhead Thanks Paul.
Household and light commercial electric I’m all over it. Controls is a down fall for me.