UPDATE:
I ended up sending both control modules back to CookShack for testing. One came up bad, but the other tested fine. They mailed back the one that tested fine +a new wire harness to try out.
The control module and wire harness were replaced, but still no dice. Similar problem as before.
I called up Tony and he scheduled a truck to pickup and return the smoker. Once the smoker was picked up, I received a e-mail confirming a replacement was on the way.
NEW SMOKER:
The new smoker arrived after an extended layover in Texas due to weather. I setup the smoker and set out to start the break-in procedure using a fatty pork shoulder. Temp set to 225* and probe to 190*. The smoker heated up to 224-225 and stayed steady. The next morning the smoker was still going. Operating as it should.
Today I thought I would see how a timed smoke worked out. I marinated some wings, set the temp to 225* and the time to 1:30. This time the temp was never really at 225*. Unfortunately I was not watching the whole time, but one hour into the smoke the temp was only 204-205. 1:15 it was 213-214. 5 minutes before the time was up it reached 229-230, dropping back to 225* at the very last minute.
QUESTION:
What is the deal with this? Am I wrong to expect the smoker to reach it set temp fairly quickly and stay steady on it?
This may be blasphemes in the CookShack forum... but that $200 automatic electric smoker down at Lowes is starting to not look too bad for the price.... Especially considering how much the Amerique costs and all of the problems I have had.... Yes, I know cook shack has great customer service.... But honestly, I would rather have a 100% reliable product with crap customer service than a lemon with a friendly helpful voice on the end of the phone... I did not pay for the conversations. I paid for some precision smoking!