Rock's bbq thermometer and grill minder?

copperhead · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 21 Location: Murrieta, CA

Anybody have any experience with or thoughts on Rock's BBq Stoker?
www.rocksbarbque.com
I am considering one of these for keeping an eye on my temps of pit and several meats. The bbq guru pro com 4 is another unit I am considering.
Any personal experiences would be great.
Thanks,
Lloyd
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Boil what? I'm sorry, are you a communist?

BoilermakerFan · Posted: Dec 01 2006 Post subject:

I do not have experience with either one, but his price of $150 for the base Stoker controller is very competitive. The little two-line display in the unit is probably 20-30% of the cost of the unit alone.

Now if Rock could hack it to be WiFi to a PC, that would be cool!
_________________
My highly tweaked Char-Griller Smokin' Pro died many years ago... my Weber Kettle gave us 20 years of great food... Now i'm rocking an Oklahoma Joe's Bronco!

Hoochie-Que · Posted: Dec 02 2006 Post subject:

Copperhead -

I have one that I purchased last summer and I have been very pleased... I have used it with my BDS smokers to help stabilize the temps a little better... At a comp I was at late this past summer, we had a cold front blow in, and had some rain and a sudden temp drop... The Stoker kept my temps very steady, while other cooks were scrambling to get things stable with many of their smokers... The nice thing about The Stoker is that if you have more than 1 smoker, it can be used to control 2 smokers - and with an adaptation it can control even more smokers all with just 1 unit (I don't think the BBQ Guru can control multiple smokers from 1 unit.... On the other, the Guru DOES have a model that you can manage wirelessly and from a distance) ...

It isn't "picture perfect" (is anything??) - but it does a great job IMHO, and I am pleased with my purchase... John over there is a great guy to work with as well... Cool

_________________
Dr. Mike
Hoochie-Que BBQ Team / KCBS CBJ

"Jesus Loved Barbeque, Too" - Kinky Friedman

BoilermakerFan · Posted: Dec 02 2006 Post subject:

Thanks for the info Hoochie-Que, now my interest is peaked and I'm going to email him too. I just have a Char-Griller, but it will be nice for a New Year's Day goose if I can swing one in time...

I wonder what microprocessor he's using? Some can be piggy-backed with a Ethernet chip to get my WiFi. Plus the display can be swapped for other units... Wink

Gotta have a blue one.

This unit is about what I was going to design and build, but for $200, I'll just order one.
_________________
My highly tweaked Char-Griller Smokin' Pro died many years ago... my Weber Kettle gave us 20 years of great food... Now i'm rocking an Oklahoma Joe's Bronco!

copperhead · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 21 Location: Murrieta, CA

What I love about the Stoker is the fact you can plug an extension(s) to it and see the temps for an unlimited amount of food and locations on the pit. But, what I don't like about it is the fact that it does not have a wifi or wireless receiver. I think it just makes better sense to purchase a more adaptable system that will grow as you need it. where as the Guru only does two meats and 1 pit temp.
Lloyd
_________________
Boil what? I'm sorry, are you a communist?

BoilermakerFan · Posted: Dec 02 2006 Post subject:

Yes, but I'd be surprised if the processor couldn't be upgraded to one with embedded Ethernet or WiFi... I'm making an assumption about the particular brand of processor he's using, but I would be surprised if it's something different. Looks like I need to email him tonight.

He probably didn't think there would be a huge demand and designed around the lower cost chip.

My only concern is the temp range of the standard firebox thermocouple. I would definitely go with a high temp unit in a Char-Griller, WSM, or other small smoker, especially a wood burner like the Char-Griller. It's only $15 more so I will definitely add it. The 450degF standard will be good for zone monitoring the grill grates though.
_________________
My highly tweaked Char-Griller Smokin' Pro died many years ago... my Weber Kettle gave us 20 years of great food... Now i'm rocking an Oklahoma Joe's Bronco!

BoilermakerFan · Posted: Dec 02 2006 Post subject:

Wait a minute! I just went back to Rock's site and moved my cursor over the pic of the Stoker... It has an Ethernet jack right on the back of it!

Now, I've only seen WiFi adapters that plug into Ethernet ports at hotels, but I haven't looked for one either. Of course, I'm a geek, so I pulled Cat 5 out to my detached garage, so all I have to do is run a patch cord to my grill. Very Happy

This Stoker system is moving up my Must Have List very quickly!
_________________
My highly tweaked Char-Griller Smokin' Pro died many years ago... my Weber Kettle gave us 20 years of great food... Now i'm rocking an Oklahoma Joe's Bronco!

Hoochie-Que · Posted: Dec 02 2006 Post subject:

I'm sorry, Boilermaker... I knew it had an ethernet conection, and should have mentioned that... Just am not tech savvy enough to know how to tie that to a Wi-fi system of sorts... Knew I could connect my 'puter/network to it, provided I had the proper wiring run to where I do my smoking at my house (which I unfortunately don't)...
_________________
Dr. Mike
Hoochie-Que BBQ Team / KCBS CBJ

"Jesus Loved Barbeque, Too" - Kinky Friedman

BoilermakerFan · Posted: Dec 02 2006 Post subject:

Here you go guys, Linksys has an Ethernet to WiFi adapter bridge, WET54G. They aren't cheap though, but still available. I might grab one just to have before the go obsolete or get really expensive because of the USB-based adapters.

I've ordered a ton of PC stuff from NewEgg, it's one of the few online retailers I use for PC parts.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124015
_________________
My highly tweaked Char-Griller Smokin' Pro died many years ago... my Weber Kettle gave us 20 years of great food... Now i'm rocking an Oklahoma Joe's Bronco!

SmokinOkie · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 16 Aug 2005 Posts: 2078

And you guys give me a hard time using Pellets? Cool

Now you're wanting to ethernet your smoker...

Ah, boys and their toys. Maybe I'll post a pic of my new smoker.

Have fun, interested in how it works for you.

Smokin'

Jeff T · Posted: Dec 02 2006 Post subject:

Ain`t technology grand?
Not trying to give anyone a bad time here but... pellots made out of pressed wood and augered to an electric air pimped pot to burn up, computer controlled pits smart enuff to add air and fuel, processed injected pumped up meat etc etc ...
Don`t get me wrong i like the pellets and pc stuff is way cool but what ever happened to basic living???
Man kills meat...
Man builds fire...
Man cooks meat...
Man eats meat...
then plays "tickle me elmo" with caveman wifey and goes to sleep....
Ahhh... i long for the simpler days of a full belly and staisfied soul.

BoilermakerFan · Posted: Dec 03 2006 Post subject:

True.

But... There are advantages and enjoyment from both. Many people are pressed for time or have to do 10 things at once. I'm a geek, so I enjoy gagets and doing things just because it was a challenge.

In this case though, I really don't need the stoker's fan, I just want a device to monitor my temps and tell me when my pit needs more wood during a long smoke. I have a 14 month old son who is a wild man so I don't have time to just sit there and watch over the smoker. I don't want to end up with a BBQ Bob charred turkey either, so I want a little "geek" technology to keep an eye on the smoker while I keep an eye on my son.

This little product along with a geek's best friend, Ethernet, allows me to have my cake and eat it too!

Jeff T, your going to roll your eyes at one of my next planned mods for my Char-Griller! Laughing

That's all I'll say for now! Wink

_________________
My highly tweaked Char-Griller Smokin' Pro died many years ago... my Weber Kettle gave us 20 years of great food... Now i'm rocking an Oklahoma Joe's Bronco!

bigabyte · Posted: Dec 03 2006 Post subject:

Well, until they start putting ethernet ports in those pellets...
_________________
--Chris Baker
--Mad BBQ Scientist
--When my lab fills with smoke, that means it's working!

Jeff T · Posted: Dec 03 2006 Post subject:

Totally understand ya BoilermakerFan Very Happy

I`ve got two twin grand daughters on the way.
Just my silly obsevations i like techno stuff also not good with the stuff but am intreged. Good luck on your "challenge" Very Happy

POPPASPLATT · Newbie Joined: 03 Dec 2006 Posts: 72 Location: CONCORD,NC

man, now I need one of them

copperhead · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 21 Location: Murrieta, CA

I was thinking that a usb to rj45 converter would work, what do you think? My Airport has an ethernet connector for a printer. I bet I could hook-up my airport to the stoker and view it as another device through my wireless connection. Again what do you think?
Lloyd
_________________
Boil what? I'm sorry, are you a communist?

BoilermakerFan · Posted: Dec 03 2006 Post subject:

Lloyd

I think that would be a question for Rock. I suspect that the Airport's Ethernet port is setup just for a printer though and not just any Ethernet device. Basically the Airport has a print server built into it and that sends the print file data to the printer via the Ethernet cable as direct connection, although most print servers have USB or Parallel prts for the printer and the Ethernet port connects it to the LAN.

I think you would need the Linksys WiFi adapter to covert the Stoker's data to WiFI. Then the Linksys gateway talks to the Airport via WiFi and the Airport passes the Stoker's info on to your PC via WiFi or Ethernet depending on how you have your network configured. You would have to ask Rock what info is available, but from what I saw on the web, it will at least send logged data to a PC, but I'm sure alarms can also be set for max or minimum temps at all thermocouples (temp probes). I haven't had a chance to gather my thoughts or questions to email to Rock yet.

I pulled CAT5 throughout my entire house so all of my PCs are on a hardwired Ethernet network and I have wall jacks in every room except the bathrooms and kitchen (until it is remodeled).

I have a D-Link WiFi Router so my work laptop and my PocketPc phone can connect to my network via WiFi. So I could configure my cell phone to monitor the Stoker data via WiFi throughout my house or WiFi range while I do other things during the day like play street hockey with my daughter or chase my wild man son around the house...

EDIT - I didn't read the features page close enough. The Stoker has a built-in web server, so you would have to use the Linksys gateway to get it on your network and configure the Airport to allow it to access the internet or your LAN. Then you use a web browser to set the alarm points and monitor the data.

Here's a sample screen capture from their site:

So, in theory, you could take this to a comp (one with WiFi access on-site... Wink

) and hook into the network and run the Stoker's web server. Get the pit fired up and head for the tent, trailer, or hotel room to get some sleep. Just open your PC, laptop, or Internet capable cell phone and go to the Stoker's web page to monitor your temps and wait for alarms.

- BMF
_________________
My highly tweaked Char-Griller Smokin' Pro died many years ago... my Weber Kettle gave us 20 years of great food... Now i'm rocking an Oklahoma Joe's Bronco!

Big Tom · Posted: Dec 04 2006 Post subject:

I've seen other stuff on different forums about the stoker vs BBQ guru.

Overall the stoker seems more flexible and expandable. I think if I used one on my big smoker I would need more than a 5 cfm fan, perhaps a bank of several. Plus cheaper!

I like the ability to have several meat/pit temp probes in a single control unit.

I think I need to get my thoughts/questions together and contact Rock to find out how I can use one on my smoker
_________________
Big Tom
Pigs-R-Us Cooking Team
Owensboro, KY / Corinth, MS

BoilermakerFan · Posted: Dec 04 2006 Post subject:

Big Tom

I don't see why he couldn't upgrade the unit up to about 45cfm or more, but it will be really loud. It appears to be a PC-type fan so there is a very wide range of cfm and noise. Besides that, I would think much more than 5-15 cfm and the pressure would be high enough to knock ash free where it would be carried into the cooking chamber.

Maybe you just need a little NO2 fogger in front of the fan to boost the performance of the Stoker! Laughing

_________________
My highly tweaked Char-Griller Smokin' Pro died many years ago... my Weber Kettle gave us 20 years of great food... Now i'm rocking an Oklahoma Joe's Bronco!

Bigjim4x · Posted: Dec 04 2006 Post subject:

I have been using the stoker for about 3 months now and I Love It!!!! Tom they now make a 25 cfm fan that would work great on your pits. Message me if you need info. I'm a distributor for Rocks and can give you any info you need.