Yoder YS640 Review - U20 Firmware

[Wingman]

Hi all, I just got done with the install and testing of the Yoder U20 firmware for the Yoder YS640. It's cool to see a manufacturer that keeps improving its product and sending out the updates. Other companies sell you a new controller. Below is a test with the pit set to 240 burning BBQr's Delight Hickory. The temp outside was 44 degrees. The duration of the test was about 7 hours. Outside of this test I cooked Thanksgiving Day Turkey and 16 Chicken breasts and in both cases the quality of the food was excellent with great smoke penetration. In fact, I believe the U20 produces more smoke then the last several firmware revisions. It looks like Yoder has got this thing really dialed in.

Here's the chart from my test. The test was performed using a BBQ Guru II.

[TJohnson]

Very Cool Rob!
How's the upgrade work?
Do you need a computer to do it?


Todd

[Richtee]

Man...that is impressive. Up to temp in 30 mins is cool too. Set and forget defined there.

Might wanna adjust your pict size tho..it's a bit big.

[Fishawn]

I want one... I've been pretty good Santa... At least better than AXL this year.

[DDave]

Man...that is impressive. Up to temp in 30 mins is cool too. Set and forget defined there.

And only 10° overshoot.

Pretty impressive.

Dave

[Wingman]

Very Cool Rob!
How's the upgrade work?
Do you need a computer to do it?


Todd

Todd, This video demostrates the entire process. The upgrade takes about 20 minutes.

Rich, I reduced the size of the pic. :-)

[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1dV3eW7dyc[/yt]

[DDave]

Todd, This video demostrates the entire process. The upgrade takes about 20 minutes.

Great video, Rob.

But as to the process . . . YIKES!!

I get the feeling that Yoder doesn't want the average backyard BBQ guy to do these upgrades on their own? Do they normally have to be taken to a dealer to be upgraded?

I'm a tech guy so the process seems okay, but they certainly could make it easier by doing a couple of things:

--Provide the 6 pin connector accessible on the outside of the unit with a rubber plug or cover to keep dirt/dust out.
--Make a 6 pin connector that ONLY GOES ON ONE WAY so that folks don't accidentally turn their controller into a paperweight.

Just thinking out loud.

Dave

[Crewdawg52]

Great video, Rob.

But as to the process . . . YIKES!!

I get the feeling that Yoder doesn't want the average backyard BBQ guy to do these upgrades on their own? Do they normally have to be taken to a dealer to be upgraded?

I'm a tech guy so the process seems okay, but they certainly could make it easier by doing a couple of things:

--Provide the 6 pin connector accessible on the outside of the unit with a rubber plug or cover to keep dirt/dust out.
--Make a 6 pin connector that ONLY GOES ON ONE WAY so that folks don't accidentally turn their controller into a paperweight.

Just thinking out loud.

Dave

Started thinking its time for another smoker (got my BDS and Kettle), and I'm playing with the idea of the YS 640. I watched the video of the installation and had a few questions, but Dave asked the exact questions I had. But I got one more.

-- If you get a new YS, does the most recent software come installed?

[barkonbutts]

I got my YS 640 on Monday. Current firmware is U21. Heat up temps were pretty quick. It was 40 degrees out so it was cool to start out and got to 400 in about 30 minutes, got as low as 375 and then as high as 415 but that was at the start. Once running held 400 within a few degrees. Cooked a little bacon at 240 toady and a few ABTs today to season a little more. Marathon cook coming on Friday! Butts, fatties, chicken, and a mess of ABTs. Will keep you all posted.

Brian

[Wingman]

-- If you get a new YS, does the most recent software come installed?

Yes, they ship with the latest firmware. They have also been sending out the updat device to flash the controller and update to the latest firmware for those who wish to run the latest and greatest.

I'm cooking 4 butt's on mine tonight in 29 degree temps. The cooker was frost covered and the thing was at 240 degrees temp in 30 minutes. It also has a quick recovery after the door is opened.

I'm really pleased with the latest firmware rev. U20 I have not received U21 yet.