Trossen Robotics just had a project contest and the winners were all great. The second place Computer Controlled BBQ Smoker is my favorite out of the lineup! It uses the same logic that I use, anything can be improved with automation and electronics.

“Details:
I/O: Phidgets 8/8/8
Inputs: Standard Meat Probe Thermistor
Outputs: Phidgets Servo controller, Futaba Servo
Software: Custom VB.NET application

Software Process:
Thermistor generates resistance with temperature change. Temperature change is converted into voltage drop. Voltage drop is converted to temperature (via a calibrated lookup table in a database). Temperature is bounced off of a PID loop every seconds which makes needed adjustments to the servo position. In addition to controlling the smoker, I also capture data points every 20 seconds so as to chart the accuracy of a long smoke (see the attached image; one of my original tests, that does have some large variations in temperature).”

Thanks Alex.