Fec iq4-iq5

I would guess there are very few people who have upgraded an existing IQ4 to an IQ5. It's not as simple as a board swap from what I understand, and it's expensive. If they still have them in stock you can get an IQ4 board which works normally in cold weather. Contact Bill at CS and he can let you know if those are available.

The IQ5 is a different type of program for temperature control. It's more of a true Pid control. My experience has been less overshoot but slower coming up or returning to temp. Smoke production etc and cook quality is similar. The programmable buttons are a nice touch and are nice when you do many similar cooks ie restaurant use or competition cooks. Its nice to get to a comp and at the appointed time press 1 and the program runs. By program I mean the IQ5 can have 3 different set temperatures... so for example I could set it to run 2 horus at 180 then 4 hours at 250 and 5 hours at 275. Three stages... This compares to the IQ4 which had only two stages and no memory for programs.

IQ5 is also upgradable via flash drive which is nice if there ever is a change that is needed to be made.

IQ5 can also data log pit and meat temps to the USB drive as well.

Hope this helps
Nordy

quote:

Originally posted by vesteroid:
I am interested in what the differences are between the controllers. I am considering upgrading as my primary concern was the buttons not working in cold weather.

15-20 seconds with a hair dryer will fix that. I've only needed to do it twice when the outside temps were sub-zero.

I have to do it every time it's maybe 20 degrees

Anyway, thanks but I don't think I am going to spend 1728.00 for the small set of features it offers over my current one. I would be better off selling mine and buying a new one.

Instead of a hair dryer, I just hit start and then go back 15 minutes later and all of the buttons work. Never had to try it @ 20 degrees though!

Hmmm... Just fired up the FEC last night to cook a brisket. Was zero outside, the buttons and display were a little sluggish, but worked just fine.

I purchased the New FEC100 and gave my son the old one. I really like the IQ5 The probe works great and Smoke and cook are an nice addition. It beats setting your cook time to 1 or two hours for smoke and going into hold at a higher temp.
Certainly recommend the IQ5.