Was the Flameboss server down today?

dstearn

I had lost my cloud connection this afternoon. It is now back up. Had anyone else lost their connection? My internet and WiFi have not had any issues.

Photo Egg

I’m sure it wasn’t on purpose.
It happens. 

PigBeanUs

Serious question:

Can you use it w/o their server?

dstearn

PigBeanUs said:

Serious question:

Can you use it w/o their server?

Of course, you can use it via direct connection but you cannot see the history of the cook nor can you view the cook remote.

Photo Egg

dstearn said:

PigBeanUs said:

Serious question:

Can you use it w/o their server?

Of course, you can use it via direct connection but you cannot see the history of the cook nor can you view the cook remote.

 But it keeps on cooking and the food is still perfectly cooked. So the failsafe of unit contining to do it job, despite any WiFi or server issues, for the win.

stlcharcoal

And you can always direct connect to it through the wifi.....no internet needed, just the app ahead of time.

dstearn

Photo Egg said:

dstearn said:

PigBeanUs said:

Serious question:

Can you use it w/o their server?

Of course, you can use it via direct connection but you cannot see the history of the cook nor can you view the cook remote.

 But it keeps on cooking and the food is still perfectly cooked. So the failsafe of unit contining to do it job, despite any WiFi or server issues, for the win.

Correct, however the FB consistently overshoots the initial target temp every time I have used it. Having to set the target temp 25 degrees below the desired temp is not acceptable. I will be ordering an UltraQ to replace it.

Photo Egg

dstearn said:

Photo Egg said:

dstearn said:

PigBeanUs said:

Serious question:

Can you use it w/o their server?

Of course, you can use it via direct connection but you cannot see the history of the cook nor can you view the cook remote.

 But it keeps on cooking and the food is still perfectly cooked. So the failsafe of unit contining to do it job, despite any WiFi or server issues, for the win.

Correct, however the FB consistently overshoots the initial target temp every time I have used it. Having to set the target temp 25 degrees below the desired temp is not acceptable. I will be ordering an UltraQ to replace it.

I don’t put my food on the Egg till it’s stabilized. But even it overshoots by a mere 25 degrees, even with food on the cooking grate, who in the real world would ever know the difference. I’m just not that OCD.
Put a probe in you your home oven and read the hi-lo temps. Consistent over under during entire cook.
My FB units have always given me great results. Certainly as good as my Guru with much better customer service when I need help.
But it obvious you’re not happy, it’s ok, just go back to Guru. It’s great to have choices.  No disrespect intended. But my FB learned the curve after a couple cooks and works perfectly on my XL now.

ColtsFan

I don’t have any issues with my FB 300. 

bradleya123

I have zero issues with my FB200...it never over shoots the target temp!  

6baluts

- I have multiple temp contollers. Have kids that just don't know when to quit. My Flameboss is the most finicky of the bunch. Flameboss tech support is quite responsive. However I would not say it is anymore responsive or better than the others (Fireboard, Smobot or Guru). Even though the Flameboss is finicky most issues have been related to MY placement of the pit probe (too close to guest of honor). 
- Last thing about the Flameboss it just does not like my Primo XL at all. Have had 5 runaway fires. FB tech has been great but still have not figured out why. Yes they have thrown new fans and probes at it. Solution was easy with the Primo use a different controller.

OhioEgger

I think the only big issue is that their server is not robust enough. I've had it go out on me twice (both times on big holidays), and others have reported the same. It doesn't affect the cook, only the reason for buying the gadget.

The overshooting thing is annoying, but you get used to it. A little hard to understand why they haven't tweaked their algorithms to fix that, after this many years, but it's certainly not a deal breaker.

stlcharcoal

OhioEgger said:

The overshooting thing is annoying, but you get used to it. A little hard to understand why they haven't tweaked their algorithms to fix that, after this many years, but it's certainly not a deal breaker.

Because it would have account for the size of kamado, outside air temp, weight of meat, type of charcoal, lighting method, etc.  There are a million factors.

None of these units are designed for startup.  They are meant to maintain temps within certain spreads.  Yes, they can be used to ramp up and down for greater spreads like startup, and they might work, but thats not really what they are supposed to do.  Nothing you strap to a kamado is going to do that perfectly.  

dstearn

stlcharcoal said:

OhioEgger said:

The overshooting thing is annoying, but you get used to it. A little hard to understand why they haven't tweaked their algorithms to fix that, after this many years, but it's certainly not a deal breaker.

Because it would have account for the size of kamado, outside air temp, weight of meat, type of charcoal, lighting method, etc.  There are a million factors.

None of these units are designed for startup.  They are meant to maintain temps within certain spreads.  Yes, they can be used to ramp up and down for greater spreads like startup, and they might work, but thats not really what they are supposed to do.  Nothing you strap to a kamado is going to do that perfectly.  

I have used the FB 300 for 2 1/2 years. The overshoot has been a consistent problem. I can understand a 5-10 degree variance at start up but not 25 degrees or more. There appears to be an issue with the algorithm or lack of fan damper or both. When I used my original DigiQ DX2 and the CyberQ as long as I set the damper to 1/4 open I could easily ramp up and maintain grate temps at 225. Not so with the FB 300. The FB used to have an advantage with ease of setup for remote use which is why I bought it. It no longer has that advantage. So for me I plan on moving to another controller. 

OhioEgger

I just have the FB 200, so it may have a less sophisticated algorithm than newer models, but what I've noticed is that it just keeps the fan blowing until it gets right up very close to the set temperature. So naturally there is considerable overshoot. That's simply poor planning IMO.

Don't get me wrong; I still like the FB, it's just that this is a bug that should have been fixed by now IMHO.