Billows Set Up: RFX GATEWAY™

Before You Start

Supplemental power is needed to operate Billows. A 12-volt AC adapter (included with Billows or purchased separately here) or a Billows® 12V Battery Bank is required.

 

A wireless meat thermometer setup next to a grill, with a probe inserted into meat and a display unit connected to a power source.

Adding Billows to Your Smoker

Inlet Vents

Begin by closing all inlet vents not used by the fan. Use the included flue tape to seal any unwanted inlet openings. The fan will provide the oxygen needed to properly control the fire.

Exhaust Vent

Start with the exhaust vent ⅛ of the way open. This can be adjusted later if necessary.

Installing Billows on Your Smoker

1. Begin by pinching Billows’ spring arms and inserting them through the vent hole. Be sure to place the fan intake and USB-C port facing down. This prevents liquid from getting into the fan and electronics (which would cause damage).

2. Remove the yellow silicone fan plug before use.

3. Plug one end of the USB-C cable into Billows and the other end into the fan port on the fan adapter.

4. Plug the 12V AC power adapter into the power port on the fan adapter

Important: AC power supplied by the ThermoWorks 12V power adapter or a Billows® 12V Battery Bank is required to run Billows.

5. Plug the fan adapter into your RFX GATEWAY.

Important: Avoid the side of your smoker when running the USB-C cables. The heat can melt them.

6. Plug your Pro-Series® High Temp Air Probe into your RFX GATEWAY probe port.

Important: Billows will not operate without a probe plugged into the probe port on RFX GATEWAY.

7. Place the air probe in your smoker. For best results, install the control air probe in the grate clip and attach them approximately 1” away from your food, while keeping it near the center of the cooker.

8. Once connected, RFX GATEWAY will automatically change the display in the ThermoWorks app to indicate that Billows is connected and that your RFX GATEWAY is in fan mode. Billows is preset to establish and maintain a  250°F cooking temperature in your smoker/cooker and will start blowing immediately. You may adjust the Set Temperature at will in the ThermoWorks app.

NOTE: Many smokers are actually optimized for minimal airflow and fuel supply.  Kamado-style smokers, for example, are so efficient that once they are up and running, they require very little oxygen and fuel to stay at a stable temperature.  If you find that your temperatures continue to rise above your set temperature, you may consider using less fuel and even adding a Billows® Damper to your Billows fan. Additionally, if it tends to be windy where you are smoking, the Billows Damper can also help prevent unneeded air from entering your smoker.

Adjusting Set Temperature

1. To adjust your set temperature on your RFX GATEWAY, open the ThermoWorks app and click on your RFX GATEWAY

2. Once in the RFX GATEWAY screen, tap on the current temperature to adjust your target temperature in the Fan Set Temp field. NOTE: You can also rename this channel to help identify which smoker you are connected to. You can also use probe rings to identify which smoker you are monitoring.  Just be sure to leave these settings “enabled” at the top of the page when making any changes

3. Hit “Save” to save the changes you made.

4. RFX GATEWAY automatically sets High and Low alarms to ±25°F of the Set Temp. They cannot be adjusted or disabled in fan mode. They will automatically reset accordingly if the set temperature is adjusted.

Tips for Controlling Your Fire

For best results, stack your fuel in a mound with a plateau at the top where the lit fuel will be added.

1. Fully light ½ -¾ of a chimney’s worth of fuel (depending on how hot you plan on cooking) and place the lit coals at the top of your unlit mound. Starting with less fully lit fuel will allow Billows to get the fire to temperature instead of beginning with a fire that is too big. Replace the grates, defuser plates, etc., and ensure that the air probe is in the position it will be when you begin adding food to the smoker. Close the lid/fuel door.

2. Let Billows run for 15-30 minutes to preheat your smoker/cooker and to stabilize your fire. Depending on your smoker/cooker, you may need to adjust your exhaust vent to be a little more open or closed. Once you find the optimized opening of your vent, you shouldn’t need to make any more adjustments. Billows will do the rest.

3. If you have a large smoker and find one Billows fan is not enough to hold temperatures steady, you can purchase a Billows Expansion Kit, which will allow you to add another Billows fan to your setup.

Alarms

In fan mode, RFX Gateway automatically sets High and Low alarms at ±25°F of the Set Temp. These are calculated in the software. They cannot be adjusted in fan mode. For example, if your Set Temp is 225°F, your Low alarm will automatically be set to 200°F, and your High alarm will automatically be set to 250°F.

If the Low alarm sounds, check to see if you need to open your exhaust vent a little or if the smoker/cooker is running out of fuel.

If the High alarm is triggered, adjust the exhaust vent to a more closed position or ensure all other inlet vents are closed.

NOTE: Alarms will be active as long as you have enabled the Fan Set Temp. If you disable that temperature or unplug the supplemental power supply or probe, the fan will stop blowing.

 

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