Something got into my FEC100 and there are wires disconnected and frayed. I can't tell what goes where and have no Idea how to read a schematic. Does anybody know of a service that can re-wire a FEC100?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I noticed there's an IQ5 conversion available for $1800. Is that upgrade worth it?
I ran into a similar issue a few years ago. A thunderstorm fried the board of my IQ4. Cookshack had no replacement boards left as they had already moved on to the IQ5. I live in New Jersey, so I couldn’t expect to get on site help from Cookshack. I was faced with the choice of upgrading to an IQ5 or wheeling the FEC100 to the curb for trash collection.
I have zero electrical skills, can’t read a schematic, can’t even solder. Luckily I have a friend who was well equipped for the job. I was able to bribe him with the prospects of good meals when the mission was accomplished. I have to be honest, its very doable but its a bitch. You aren’t replacing the board, you are replacing the entire controller section of the FEC100. Its awkward and the instructions are terrible. If I recall there was a schematic that my friend referred to for help. There were many phone calls to a very patient Bill Vice. Lots of cursing out loud by my friend. By the time it was all over I got Bill to agree with me that a how-to video on the Cookshack youtube channel would be a good idea (I don’t believe there was any follow through on this).
When the dust settled the igniter rod didn’t work and I wasn’t asking my friend to crack the unit open to find out why. I use a MAPP torch to ignite the pellets and frankly I like it better. Minor issue.
The good news is that the IQ5 is a better controller overall. It offers three stages - smoke, cook, and hold. Its much more stable and precise. I rarely see more than a 1 or 2 degree deviation from my set temperature. I think I turn out even better ‘cue.
So unless you live near the factory or have access to someone with electrical skills I wouldn’t attempt it.
If my IQ5 gets fried I’m putting Bill on a plane and flying him in from Oklahoma!