Fireboard - Version 2.0

HeavyG

I see the Fireboard folks have released a new version of their excellent thermometer/pit controller. It's available in three different "trim levels". One version offers the use of type K thermocouple probes (just 3 probes rather than the 6 of the other models) which is nice, especially if you do a lot of high temp cooks or need some sort of specialized probe (I'm quite fond of my surface temp probe I use with an old Thermoworks model).

The most noticeable change is a screen that I no longer need my reading glasses to see:

The new models are also weather resistant and no longer need a separate enclosure to protect from the elements.

Read all about it - https://www.fireboard.com/two

Photo Egg

Looks great, bump

Dondgc

I really like the new screens on these and on the new BBQ Guru Ultra.  But with phone apps now I wonder how much of a difference a nicer screen makes in use? I just did an overnight with my smobot (tiny screen) but I never even looked at the device controller. I did everything through my phone. 

That said, the Fireboard apparently has Alexa connectivity which could be really nice. The BBQ Guru does not. 

speed51133

I have the original fire board and love it. 

butt_juice

I have the original as well. Pretty fond of it. 

HeavyG

Dondgc said:

I really like the new screens on these and on the new BBQ Guru Ultra.  But with phone apps now I wonder how much of a difference a nicer screen makes in use? I just did an overnight with my smobot (tiny screen) but I never even looked at the device controller. I did everything through my phone. 

That said, the Fireboard apparently has Alexa connectivity which could be really nice. The BBQ Guru does not. 

I'm pretty sure I can't be the only person left on the planet that doesn't have their mobile permanently attached to them.

I get what you're saying but I prefer to be able to do/see things directly on a gizmo like this and not have to be limited to doing it all via a phone. It's also why the Joule sous vide unit has no appeal to me.

One question I do have is that if I setup a session and rename the various channels in the app/web do those names appear on the thermometer display itself? Would be nice to see the various probes appear on the Fireboard screen as ambient temp, grate temp, butt 1, butt 2, etc. rather than just as channel 1, channel 2, channel 3, etc.

Dondgc

HeavyG said:

One question I do have is that if I setup a session and rename the various channels in the app/web do those names appear on the thermometer display itself? Would be nice to see the various probes appear on the Fireboard screen as ambient temp, grate temp, butt 1, butt 2, etc. rather than just as channel 1, channel 2, channel 3, etc.

Interesting question. I sent it to them. Will let you know if/what I hear back. 

butt_juice

HeavyG said:

One question I do have is that if I setup a session and rename the various channels in the app/web do those names appear on the thermometer display itself? Would be nice to see the various probes appear on the Fireboard screen as ambient temp, grate temp, butt 1, butt 2, etc. rather than just as channel 1, channel 2, channel 3, etc.

Not sure on 2.0. On the original, the LCD screen is much more basic, it auto toggles between the connected channels but does not have custom names like it does in the app. I'm eager to see what @Dondgc learns on 2.0

Dondgc

From fire board:

Great question, Don! The name will display on the unit itself as well as the app. I've attached an example image that shows "Channel 1" has been changed to "Food Temp".

Dondgc

 @HeavyG@butt_juice Here is the photo Fireboard sent. 

HeavyG

Dondgc said:

From fire board:

Great question, Don! The name will display on the unit itself as well as the app. I've attached an example image that shows "Channel 1" has been changed to "Food Temp".

That's good to hear that it does interact with their server that way.

That might be another reason to prompt me to upgrade from v1.

Thanks for asking them!

caliking

The FireBoard seems to have done pretty in its first run. If my FlameBoss does, that may be the one I get. 

Does it only have the rechargeable battery for power, or can it be plugged in to AC?

6baluts

It can be plugged into AC.

HeavyG

6baluts said:

It can be plugged into AC.

I always run mine off an external USB battery pack just in case it needs a little more run time than the internal battery may have left.

6baluts

@HeavyG
- What battery pack you use? 
- When I have used a battery pack with my Fireboard or Smobot I have used the Rav Power 16750 mAh battery with good results. Dont run the Fireboard much on battery power though. Smobot is such a power mizer the battery pack is my go to method.
- Lastly are you the gent in Va Beach? If so did you notice in the bargain room back by the meats at the Oceana Comissary they had 30lb bags of Jealous Devil at $8.99. I scored 5 bags.

HeavyG

6baluts said:

@HeavyG
- What battery pack you use? 
- When I have used a battery pack with my Fireboard or Smobot I have used the Rav Power 16750 mAh battery with good results. Dont run the Fireboard much on battery power though. Smobot is such a power mizer the battery pack is my go to method.
- Lastly are you the gent in Va Beach? If so did you notice in the bargain room back by the meats at the Oceana Comissary they had 30lb bags of Jealous Devil at $8.99. I scored 5 bags.

I use whatever battery pack is handy (and charged!). Most of mine are Anker brand.

I split my time between VB and Richmond but I haven't been in the Oceana commissary in probably 50 years (my dad was career (30+ years) Navy and I'd occasionally go to help my mom). That is a helluva deal on that charcoal. I don't think I would have stopped at just 5 bags!