What does the error message on my cook and hold control mean?

Service Bulletin SP2018-001.0

How do I install mobile rack pins and clips in my mobile gas rotisserie smoker?

What does "bfail" displaying on my smoker mean?

The bfail message indicates the burner failed to light after the burner went through all three tries for ignition. It could be due to a dirty igniter or a failing component. The burner ignition module usually will give you a fault code to help isolate the problem. 

Troubleshooting guide for the burner can be found here: https://www.southernpride.com/assets/bulletins/sp2017-006.0_burner_troubleshooting.pdf

How long does it take to cook ribs, chicken, pork, and brisket?

Until it reaches the desired internal temperature.

The lower the temperature setpoint, the longer it will take to reach the desired internal temperature.

Why is smoke coming out of my product doors?

This is usually caused by either a leak in the seal around the doors or an air pressure issue in the room with the smoker.

1. Check door gasket and sealing surfaces to ensure when the door is closed and against the door frame the sealing surfaces are without gaps. If the door gasket is torn replace the gasket if any part of the sealing surfaces are bent straighten out the surface.
2. Check for a plugged flue pipe or rain cap (must be of the open variety not one with small wire holes). They can become clogged with deposits and prevent proper venting.
3. The flue pipe must not be installed with elbows, it is important that it be straight with no angles.
4. The flue pipe must be 24 inches taller than any roofline that is within 10 ft of the rain cap.
5. The kitchen area must have slightly positive air pressure. If the kitchen air pressure is negative, it can pull the smoke out through the doors and/or draft diverter. Make sure the makeup air handlers are on. Also, check their belts and filters. If the building's AC system has economizers installed make sure the makeup outside air vents are open and operational.

How do I replace the old part number 1006 with the new part number 432001 digital style thermostat?

As of 01/16/07 the old part number 1006 thermostat is no longer be available, it has been replaced by part number 432001 digital temperature control. This change is being made to provide better temperature control and even better quality of product.

To make this change the control panel mounting plate must also be replaced. All switches and circuit breaker can be transferred to the new panel plate without modifications. This change can be completed in under one hour.

1. Unplug or turn off power to smoker.
2. Remove 6 screws holding control panel to smoker, pull panel out and down to expose wiring.
3. Now locate white, 15 pin molex plug in wiring harness, disconnect plug and remove control panel from smoker.
4. Place new and old control panel face down on a suitable work surface, locate white locking tab on each switch. Push tab toward panel about 1/8 inch and move tab to the right this will unlock switch block from actuator. Do this on all switches.
5. Cut the wire ties from the wires between the switches, unplug the wires from the circuit breaker, label these two wires, you will need to reinstall them later.
6. From the old thermostat remove the red and purple thermocuple wires, next remove the two wires from the relay mounted next to the transformer, one wire is a jumper to the L-1 terminal, mark the other relay wire N. O. this wire will be installed on the N.O. terminal of the new control.
7. Mark the L1 and L2 wires and remove from old thermostat.
8. Next separate the wiring and switches from the old panel, remove the switch actuators from old panel and reinstall into new panel. Make sure the white mark on the red power switch actuator lines up with the on and off marked on the front panel. A washer with a lock tab is installed under the retainer nut, make sure this tab is in the notch at the top of the hole.
9. Lay the switch and wiring assembly on the new panel, bend wires so the switches lay over their new location, plug the two provided wire extensions to the wires removed from the circuit breaker, connect the other ends to the circuit breaker.
10. Connect the wires removed from the old thermostat to the new temperature control as shown on wiring diagram. Make sure thermocouple wires are connected, RED to #3 TC- and YELLOW or PURPLE to #4 TC+ The black wire L1 with jumper wire from the old thermostat connects to the #10 L1, the other end of the jumper wire connects to #7 COM terminal. The white L2 wire connects to the #9 L2, the other wire from the relay of the old thermostat goes to the #6 N.O. terminal.
11. Next slide switch blocks of each switch onto their actuator and slide white lock tab to the left to lock. Test operation of each switch. Replace wire ties to wiring. Check to see that all wires are in place on the switch blocks.
12. Reinstall control panel making sure 15 pin molex plug is connected, and locked securely. Reinstall panel screws, connect power to smoker.
13. Turn power switch, set temperature, confirm smoker is operating properly.

How do I change from part number 433001 mechanical thermostat to part number 432001 digital thermostat?

Installing part number 432001 digital thermostat in place of part number 433001 mechanical will provide better temperature control and quality of product. This also eliminates the need for the thermometer.

To make this change, the control panel mounting plate must be replaced. The new plate will have the 432001 temperature control, the circuit breaker and panel sticker installed. All switches and wiring will need to be transferred to the new panel without any modifications.

1. Disconnect power from smoker.
2. Remove 6 panel mounting screws holding control panel to smoker then pull panel away and down to expose rear of panel and wiring. Remove thermometer and thermostat cap tubes from inside smoker.
3. Locate the inline 15 pin molex plug and disconnect, there is a lock tab that will need to be released to be able to separate the plug. Now carefully remove the panel assembly from the smoker.
4. Lay the old and new control panels face down on a suitable work surface and remove all switches from the old panel, it isn’t necessary to disconnect wires from switches.
5. Disconnect and label the two wires from the old circuit breaker, and the two from the old thermostat.
6. Transfer the switches and wiring over to the new panel some of the wire ties will need to be cut so wires and switches can be repositioned into their mounting holes.
7. Refer to wiring diagram provided for location of wires from old thermostat.
8. Locate wire from old thermostat to the white 15 pin molex plug. Cut the forked terminal off the wire, remove about 1/8” of insulation and with a wire terminal crimp tool, crimp on a female terminal. Next plug this wire onto the #6 terminal of the digital temp. control as shown on the wiring diagram.
9. Cut off terminal of other thermostat wire and install a piggy back, female terminal end on this wire as done in previous step. Now plug this wire onto the #10 terminal of the control.
10. Locate the short jumper wire included with this setup and plug one end onto the piggy back terminal installed in step 9, the other end connects to the #7 (common) terminal.
11. Next locate the white wire with the female spade terminal on one end. Connect this to the #9 terminal on the new control, the other end connects to # X1 terminal on the power switch.
12. Connect circuit breaker wires using two extension wires with one male and one female spade terminal on each wire.
13. Install the thermocouple through the same opening the old thermostat and thermometer came out of. Feed the new thermocouple into the bracket using the small holes nearest the door. Adjust the tip of the thermocouple even with the drip rail just above the top of the door opening make sure it doesn’t come in contact with any of the metal surfaces.
14. Seal the hole where the thermocouple passes into the smoker with sealer.
15. Next connect the yellow wire to the #4 (TC +) terminal and the red wire to the #3 (TC-) of the new control.
16. Make sure all wires are in the proper location and none have pulled out of the switches. If everything is in place reconnect the white 15 pin connector, remount the control panel, install the six screws and tighten, making sure there are no wires caught between the plate and mounting surface.
17. Restore power, turn on the smoker, set the temperature and make sure the smoker is working properly.

Why do I have smoke coming out of my draft diverter?

There are several things that can cause this.

1. Flue pipe must get hot to start the drafting process.
2. Check for a plugged flue pipe and make sure your rain cap is one of the open variety not one with small wire holes. They can become clogged with deposits and prevent proper venting.
3. The flue pipe must not be installed with angles. (no elbows, must be straight)
4. The flue pipe must be 24 inches taller than any roofline within a 10 foot area.
5. The kitchen must have slightly positive air pressure. If the kitchen air pressure is negative, smoke will be pulled through the product doors and draft diverter.
6. Make sure the makup air handlers are on, check their belts and filters.
7. If the buildings AC system has economizers installed make sure the makeup outside air vents are open and operational.

Why does the digital display on my smoker read DOOR when the door is closed?

This means that the door interlock switch is either stuck or faulty causing the smoker to think that the doors are open and preventing the cook cycle from starting.

1. Check the door interlock switch to see if the switch is sticking. (Door interlock switch is either located in the inside door frame above the left product door opening (on older models) or in the right side door frame on newer models. If stuck, clean actuator with WD 40 or other suitable product (listen for a clicking sound to tell if it is working). Replace the switch if cleaning does not free up the switch.
2. If the switch is not stuck (clicking sound is present), check the contacts on the back of the switch with a multi meter to ensure the normally open and normally closed contacts are functioning properly. - To do this remove the two screws from the switch bracket and pull the switch assembly out. (smoker must be turned on) CAUTION: the wires attached to the back of the switch will have live power. Attach one lead of the meter to a ground and the other to the normally open terminal on the switch - there should be no voltage shown - then attach lead to the normally closed terminal and it should also show 5V DC. Replace the switch if it is stuck in one position or the other.
3. On digital control units a multiamp circuit is completed when the NC contacts close when the door is opened. If the contacts are fused the contacts may not open when the door is opened. Remedy Replace the door switch. 
   
   Note: If the control circuit is completed and the controller reads door when the door is actually closed the smoker smoker will not cook. 
   
   Temporary fix till new switch can be installed. 
   
   Disconnect the common wire (labeled COM on the terminal) on the door switch and put tape on the terminal end to prevent a short circuit put the door switch back into place. You will be able to cook normally. The rotisserie, burner and convection fans will work normally. However when the door is opened the rotisserie, burner and convection fans will stay on. You will have to unplug unit or press Start/Stop button to remove product or pause the smoker. If you push the down arrow prior to opening the door the smoke extractor will open and evacuate the smoke prior to opening the door.

Why does my rotisserie continue to rotate when I open the product doors?

This is usually caused by a bad or sticking door interlock switch (it tells the controler when the doors are open). Other possibilites are a bad solid state relay on the control panel or a stuck foot switch.

My burner is igniting, then going out and then re-igniting?

This problem is called short cycling and can be solved by the following:

1. Check to see if there is an ash buildup aroung the igniter, if so remove the ash so the igniter can sense the flame.
2. The draft inducer fan air adjustment may be set too high, the shutter on the adjustment should be between half and three quarters closed.
3. Your igniter may not be sensing the flame, replace the igniter.

My burner won't light, what is wrong?

There are several things that can prevent the burner from lighting.

Make sure the gas supply to the smoker is turned on.

1. If so verify that the thermostat is turned up.
2. Verify the smoke extractor is turned off if equipped.
3. Make sure the product doors are closed.
4. Check tanks and ensure there is gas in the tanks.
5. Is the burner blower motor on?
6. Can you hear the ignitor sparking?

If you have a mobile smoker that uses LP Gas:

1. Check to ensure there is LP gas in the tanks.
2. If tanks have gas, then it's possible the gas regulator for the tanks has tripped and needs to be reset. Look at the dome shaped clear glass indicator on the top of the gas regulator. If you see the red line more than you see the green line that is a good indication the valve has tripped preventing the flow of gas to the smoker.
3. Reset regulator gas valve by turning off the tank valves and removing the pigtails hoses from the tanks at the same time (both hoses must be off in order to reset valve.) Put the pigtail hoses back on the tanks and slowly open the tank valves checking the clear dome shaped indicator on the regulator to verify you now see a green line. Turn on your smoker, set the thermostat. It may take several attempts to ignite burner before all the air is purged out of gas line.

If this is not the issue with your smoker refer to the burner trouble-shooting guide.

What is BBQ?

Barbecue or barbeque (common spelling variant)(with abbreviations BBQ & Bar-B-Q; Barbie, used chiefly in Australia and New Zealand; Braai used in South Africa) is a method and apparatus for cooking meat or poultry with the heat and hot smoke of a fire, smoking wood, or hot coals of charcoal, cooking gas or even electricity. It may include application of a marinade. spice rub or basting sauce to the meat or vegetables.

The term as a noun can refer to the meat, the cooking apparatus itself (the "Barbecue grilll" or simply "Barbecue") or to a party that includes such food or such preparation methods. The term as an adjective can refer to foods cooked by this method. The term is also used as a verb for the act of cooking food in this manner.

Barbecue is usually done in an outdoor environment by cooking and smoking the meat over wood or charcoal. Restaurant barbecue may be cooked in large brick or metal ovens specially designed for that purpose.

Barbecue has numerous regional variations in many parts of the world.

What does the error message on my cook and hold control mean?

Service Bulletin SP2018-001.0

How long does it take to cook ribs, chicken, pork, and brisket?

Until it reaches the desired internal temperature.

The lower the temperature setpoint, the longer it will take to reach the desired internal temperature.

How does the digital control on a DH-65 work?

The digital control system consists of a digital controller, a 120 to 24 volt, step-down transformer (to power the controller), a 40-amp (main heating element), a 25-amp (steam element), and two-10amp solid state relays (convection fan, smoker). To prevent over heating a 340- degree hi-limit thermostat and a contactor is also used in the circuit between the 40-amp solid state relay and the heating element.

120 volt current from the black and white wires of the terminal block is sent to the transformer, to the convection fan solid state relay, the smoke element solid state relay and the steam element solid state relay. 208/240 volts from the terminal block, black wire is sent to the contactor, and the red wire is connected directly to one wire of the main heating element.

Once the cooking menu has been selected and the START touch pad has been depressed, the digital control sends 5 volts DC to the convection fan, the heating element, the steam element, and the smoke element solid state relays. Also 120 volts from the # 1 terminal of the fan relay is sent thru the hi-limit thermostat to the contactor coil terminal. The purpose of the contactor is to prevent the smoker from over heating in the event the 40amp solid state relay fails to break the circuit, the hi-limit thermostat will open at 340 degrees cutting off current to the coil of the contactor this will open the contactor cutting off power to the main heating element.

How does a SC-200 work?

The Southern Pride, model SC-200 smoker is an all-electric unit, requiring a 120/208 or a 120/240-volt 4 wire single-phase 30-amp circuit. The unit consists of a 208 or 240-volt main heating element a 110/120-volt smoker element, a hi-limit thermostat, a contactor, and a 110/120-volt convection fan motor. There is also an option for a second smoker box and element.

The SC-200 has a digital control system. The digital control panel consists of six button touch pad to set a menu, select the desired cook temperature, cook time, hold time, and smoke ON or OFF.

DIGITAL CONTROL SYSTEM (on all current models)

The digital system consists of a digital controller, a 110/120 volt to 24 volt step-down transformer, two 10 amp and one 40 amp solid state relays. A menu can be programmed with a cook time, cook temp, a hold time and a hold temperature, or the hold can be turned off and the smoker can also be turned off or on. Once the smoker heats up to near set temperature the controller will pulse the current to the heating element to maintain the set temperature.

Once the time, temperature and hold on or off have been selected press Start/Stop, the control will ask for wood chips - press up button for smoke down button for no smoke. A 5- volt DC current is sent to the 40-amp relay, the smoker relay (if selected) and to the fan relay. The fan relay sends 110/120 volts to the fan motor and thru the hi-limit to the coil connection of the contactor. When the smoker heats up to within a few degrees of set temperature the controller will pulse the heating element current. The smoke element will stay on for four hours and shut off or shut off when the cook cycle ends if less than four hours. When the cook cycle is completed the smoker will shut off and sound an audible alarm or go into a hold cycle, depending on how the menu was programmed at the beginning of the cook cycle. With the technology of the digital controls the smoker will maintain the set point temperature to within a few degrees.

How does the DH-65 work?

The Southern Pride model DH-65 smoker is an all electric unit requiring a 208 or 220 volt, single phase 30-amp circuit. The smoker consists of a 208 or a 240- volt, 4500 Watt main heating element, a 110 volt 300 watt smoke element, a 110 volt 750 watt steam element, and a 110-volt convection fan motor. Cook times and temperature are controlled by digital control system.

DIGITAL CONTROL SYSTEM

The digital control system consists of a digital controller, a 110 to 24 volt step-down transformer, a 40-amp, a 25-amp, and two-10amp solid state relays. To prevent over heating a 340- degree hi-limit thermostat and a contactor is also used in the circuit between the 40-amp solid state relay and the heating element.

110 volt current from the black and white wires of the terminal block is sent to the transformer, to the fan solid state relay, the smoke element solid state relay and the steam element solid state relay. 208/240 volts from the terminal block black wire is sent to the contactor and the red wire is connected directly to the other wire of the main heating element.

Once the cooking menu has been selected and the START touch pad has been depressed, the digital control sends 5 volts DC to the convection fan, the heating element, the steam element, and the smoke element solid state relays. Also 110 volts from the # 1 terminal of the fan relay is sent thru the hi-limit thermostat to the contactor coil terminal.

In the event the smoker temperature exceeds the maximum limit of about 340 degrees, the hi-limit thermostat will open, this will cut off the 110 volts to the contactor coil breaking the current to the heating element until the smoker cools down.

How does a DH-65 smoker cook ribs?

The Southern Pride model DH-65 smoker smoker is an all- electric unit requiring a 120/208 or 120/220 volt, single phase 30-amp circuit. The smoker consists of a 208 or a 240- volt, 4500 Watt main heating element, a 120 volt 300 watt smoke element, a 120 volt 750 watt steam element, and a 120-volt convection fan motor. Cook times and temperature. are controlled by digital control system.

The DH-65 menu uses a two stage cooking cycle. In Stage 1 the main heating element, smoker, steamer and convection fan are all on. This creates a high heat and sear with smoke to lock in the flavor of the ribs. The control will maintain the set point temperature programmed in stage one for the time programmed. Then in stage 2 using the steamer, smoker, and convection fan, tenderizes the ribs by cooking them lower and slower and using steam to keep them moist an make them fall-off-the-bone tender when they are done. When the stage 2 menu is over the smoker sounds an audible alarm to let you know that the cycle is finished.

Why is my SC-200 overheating above 340 degrees no matter what temperature it is set at?

It is possible that the 40 amp solid state relay that controls the power to the main element is stuck in the closed position.

The 40 amp solid state relay is controlled by a 5 volt DC current from the digital controller to the # 3 and # 4 terminals on the relay. This 5 volt current closes the circuit between #1 and #2 terminals allowing current to flow to the main heating element. When the smoker heats up to near the temperature setting, the controller begins pulse the 5 volts to the relay. This also pulses the current thru #1 and # 2 to the element allowing the smoker to maintain a more even cooking temperature. If the relay fails in the closed position current cannot be cutoff to the element causing it to continue heating until the hi-limit opens at about 340 degrees cutting off coil voltage to the contactor. This will open the circuit to the heating element until the smoker cools down.