SmokeFire EX6 & Weber Connect (Updated and Questions!)

[bbq4ever]

Ok, I got my SmokeFire EX6 running it is the European version. So the one with the GBS grate. It has been quite a journey to get everything sorted before I decided to start my first cook. Steps that I took:

1. Park it on the location I would like to have it. Mine came pre assambled as part of the early bird introduction in The Netherlands. The new hopper ramp was already installed and just that you all know it, he/she came with an Auger - Rev D.
2. So the next step I did was updating the software version to 1.2_1394 using my Samsung S8 (Android). This dit not go well took hours but at the end i pulled the plug. Turned of the SF EX6. Uninstalled the Weber Connect App from my adroid.
3. Second attamp. Did a factory reset (link). Took my iphone (work phone) installed the Weber Connect app and performed the upgrade. No glitch èverything went smoothly without problems. I was happy could go to bed .
4. Next day, I learned of the new app version 0.9.4 for android. It becomes now a bid geeky . Installed it, dit a factory reset and installed everything again. So first you need to do the software update to come to version 1.2_1394 then you can connect to the SF EX6 over Bluetooth and need to wait 15 minutes so the Firmware 04008 is pushed to your SF. All of this went as described by Weber using a android device.
5. After that I did the mandatory burn-in and this went smoothly took me about 20 minute to come to 600 (315) degrees. Dit a 60 minutes burn-in shutdown the SF EX6 cleaned it and went to again to bed.
6. So today I'm doing my first cook (3x USA ST. LOUIS STYLE RIBS) with a dry rub and using the 3-2-1 method. Currently a I'm typing this I'm about to start with the last bit unwrapping them and putting them on the gril for another 60 minutes.

I will update my post later today or early tomorrow (Took a few days ) to share the result but also to share some findings. topics will be:

• To me it is not clear how the Bluetooth/Wifi connection is/should function. Do not understand the logic?Questions that I have are:
  • how can you make sure that the SF EX6 stays connected to the WIFI. everytime I come near the SF EX6 it switches to bluetooth or just stays with bluetooth and never connects to WIFI. (yes there is full wifi coverage)
  • When I'm not at home, read connected to the same network as the SF EX6, I can't see any data in my App. I was/am under the impression that I could go away and keep an eye on my cook
  • Where can you find information, more detailed information about the weber conect app.
• The Iphone app and Android app are not the same. Functionality is different.
  • Toggle button for Android app to change the presantation of the temparature between Farenheit and Celcius does not work. it only show tempature in Fahrenheit. Note is was working in the previous version.
  • When having a timer active on the SF EX6 this is not shown on the android app. But is is shown on the IOS app.

My SF EX6 with GBS, after first cook.

My SF EX6 with GBS and SEAR Grate (Weber(NL) Spring Action when registering the Grill)

My SF EX6 with GBS and Poultry Roaster (Weber(NL) Spring Action when registering the Grill)

Result of my first cook

 

[Jcnbmoore]

I don’t fully understand the WiFi / Bluetooth functions either. What confused me was that the firmware will only update via Bluetooth. That’s a problem for automatic uploads, because I’m always connected to WiFi. The WiFi is a nice feature because we can monitor (and eventually control) temperatures remotely when away from home.
The App is evolving, so it should be much improved over the next few months.
Good luck with the ribs!!!

 

[johanns]

Looks good, so I'm correct that the app does not work outside of the network the Smokefire is connected to?

In my case I have mesh wifi and if I move inside my house to another node on my mesh network the app is not connected to the grill any longer, same applies if I go outside my house on 4G or another wifi. Find this interesting as my inkbird wifi thermo a €70 device works better than my €1500 weber grill on wifi.

 

[dudemcnally]

Looks good, so I'm correct that the app does not work outside of the network the Smokefire is connected to?

In my case I have mesh wifi and if I move inside my house to another node on my mesh network the app is not connected to the grill any longer, same applies if I go outside my house on 4G or another wifi. Find this interesting as my inkbird wifi thermo a €70 device works better than my €1500 weber grill on wifi.

If yours doesn't work outside of the network it's connected on, it's due to a problem on your network, or elsewhere.
I can report that mine works outside of my wifi network, and has since I bought it in late February.

 

[Brad S]

Looks good, so I'm correct that the app does not work outside of the network the Smokefire is connected to?

In my case I have mesh wifi and if I move inside my house to another node on my mesh network the app is not connected to the grill any longer, same applies if I go outside my house on 4G or another wifi. Find this interesting as my inkbird wifi thermo a €70 device works better than my €1500 weber grill on wifi.

Same here. I can change temps when outside my

If yours doesn't work outside of the network it's connected on, it's due to a problem on your network, or elsewhere.
I can report that mine works outside of my wifi network, and has since I bought it in late February.

Same here. Mine works outside my wifi network. Was able to change temps while riding bike miles away from home.

 

[abmet]

Mine also connects when my phone is outside of my WiFi network. I haven’t changed temps but I’ve been able to monitor temps.

 

[johanns]

Thanks guys I have raised a ticket with Weber as my grill connects to WiFi and I can see it on my network. However nothing works unless I’m connected via Bluetooth.

 

[KevinD]

I cannot load the new Firmware but no problem with the Software?? I even entered the recovery mode twice plus uninstalled and re-installed the app too many times to count. For those with Android 9.8 came out this week. Any thoughts?

 

[AHoneyman]

It is a two step process. After the Jun OS updates, pair the grill and your phone. Leave the phone on the grill for about thirty minutes, do a shutdown procedure, and turn your grill back on. The new firmware should load, indicated by flashing lights on the controller. After it is loaded, you can check version either on your phone or the controller.

 

[bbqking]

Ribs look great! Good job on your first cook. I love my EX6. Grill away….