After reading the post below by Trucky I'm still not clear on an answer.
Has anyone with an IQ 4 controller had any problems with the freezing temps?
Thanks
Briggsy
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I know a lot of folks that cook in sub freezing and have no problems,although not a specific answer.
I had a bit of trouble when the temp was about 25 degrees. The controller would not respond to programming. 3 minutes with a hair dryer fixed the problem. I hope this helps.
The display of the IQ4 uses an LCD. These devices typically have an operating range of 32 degrees to 140 degrees fahrenheit with a storage temperature range of 20 degrees to 150 degrees fahrenheit. At 68 degrees, the LCD response time is approximately 200 ms with maximum contrast change and at 0 degrees it can be as much as 3 seconds with a minimal contrast change. Storing and/or operating these type of displays in sub-zero weather can damage them to the point of requiring replacement as the name LCD means LIQUID Crystal Display and the liquid portion can change state, expand and break the glass sandwich or have permanent state change.
These numbers can change up and down based on the type of LCD unit selected. This information is not available on the Cookshack web site so I would use the typical numbers to be safe. Having designed and maintained units that had these types of displays in cold weather, we installed thermal heaters in the cabinets to prevent freezing. I learned the hard way on my lap top computer that the LCD slows down and ceases to function in extreme cold weather (Mankato, MN in January).
These numbers can change up and down based on the type of LCD unit selected. This information is not available on the Cookshack web site so I would use the typical numbers to be safe. Having designed and maintained units that had these types of displays in cold weather, we installed thermal heaters in the cabinets to prevent freezing. I learned the hard way on my lap top computer that the LCD slows down and ceases to function in extreme cold weather (Mankato, MN in January).
My question is - who the heck BBQ's in sub zero weather? You gotta be nuts. Especially if there's a good heated BBQ joint nearby.
This is good information to know. I received my FEC100 Feb '08 and didn't have any problem with the display. I smoked thru out this winter and have noticed my display wasn't working very well. I have been keeping my smoker outside and will move it into the garage. The weather was 42 degrees last Friday and supposed to stay that way thru the weekend so I invited friends over for ribs....I no sooner got the ribs into the my FEC100 than it started to blizzard. I was 28 degrees and the display was hardly readable but the ribs turned out great...just hope my LCD isn't shot.
Some other advice I have read on the forum involved using a hair dryer to heat up the LCD. I would question the sanity of this advice as the thermal shock to an electrical device can cause a failure. If you must warm it up, use some type of enclosure and bring the temp up slowly. (ie. heating up the car you forgot to plug in at night) A cardboard box with a clear plastic opening and 40 watt light bulb would work to keep it warm. Just remember, the box can catch on fire if it comes in contact with the bulb.
I spoke with Bill at Cookshack who recommended using a hair dryer and in an earlier thread regarding the same issue Ed from Cookshack also recommended using a hair dryer. It would be nice to get a solid answer on this since there certaily are conflicting opinions.