Just Ordered the Ortech TR-100 for my Traeger 075

[tadowdaddy]

Just ordered the Ortech TR-100 for my older Traeger 075 Texas Grill. Anyone have experience with this particular digital thermostat? After using my new to me Traeger 2x, I felt it was too cumbersome to keep switching between smoke and medium to keep the temp between 225 and 250.

[Squirrel]

Be curious to see how this works out for ya. Good luck.

[Fishawn]

I'm ears also on this (Buddy has a Traeger)

[tadowdaddy]

I already know I'm going to have to drill some holes as my model (2007 version) is before the drip pan (with the drip spout) and has the round hopper that doesn't leave room to run the probe wire. Also, no pre-drilled holes for the temp. probe. I've seen a couple examples online of people putting them in sideways as opposed to up and down, so that's what I'm gonna try. Should be interesting. I'll post pics etc. of the install and let you all know my thoughts.

[tadowdaddy]

Got the Ortech installed on the Traeger. I had to manipulate it a bit to get the thermometer probe inside the grill since I have the older version of the Texas Grill and there is no space between the pellet box and the smoker box. I couldn't put it where they suggest to put it and it's not running up and down, but it's running side to side. I'll post pics soon. One thing I noticed during the test run, the digital thermometer on the Ortech is about 15-20 degrees high. It says 225-230, and the grill is really around 210. It may be because of the 45 degree temps outside right now. I did mess with the P setting which seemed to even this out a bit. I'm just happy I'll be able to regulate my temps now and won't be constantly switching between High, Medium, and Smoke.

[tadowdaddy]

Probe installation, note Sideways instead of up and down:


Ran the probe wire through the inside of the pellet box:


Digital thermometer:

[JRD]

I have one on my Treager 075 and I love it. It works great!

John

[TJohnson]

I've got one too, and it's worth the $$$
You can really smoke on the smoke setting

Todd

[Savannahsmoker]

I and a NC friend of mine conducted test for Ortech on their TR-100.

Picture conducting bench test.


My Conclusions:

Picture of it mounted in the Traeger:


My conclusions:
After about 20 hours of smoking, roasting, grilling and testing the Ortech TR-100 my opinions are formed.

If I had an older controller and wanted to upgrade I would purchase the Ortech TR-100 controller.
If I had a nonfunctional controller, I would purchase the Ortech TR-100 controller to replace it.
If I had a functional latest model Traeger controller (BAC 227 or BAC 233) I would not purchase the TR-100 to replace it. To me there is not enough benefit to warrant the cost.
Now for my reasons why:

1. During start up in Smoke Mode the Smoke Setting (P-Setting) is displayed for three seconds and I find it beneficial to know the setting without fiddling with the P-Setting itself.

2. During start up the auger only runs for two minutes and runs according to the Smoke or Cook Modes programs. In Smoke Mode or Cook Mode this, along with the Smoke and Cook Mode auger run programs, results in a nice steady climb in temperature without the excessive overshoot.

3. Smoke Mode:
Operation in Smoke Mode is very stable and controllable.

4. Cook Mode 180:
To improve stability, which it does, the auger is programed to run in a 50% duty cycle when temperature is below set point and until 180 is reach. The duty cycle is, auger run15 seconds and auger off seconds off.

5. When set to Cook Mode High and 450 is reach, instead of reverting to Smoke Setting (P-setting) it runs in a 50% duty cycle of auger run 15 seconds and auger off 15 seconds which helps maintain higher temperatures.