Yoder Smokers Community Forum

Hi All,

I just put together an inverter/battery setup for my YS640 for competitions. I went cheap as my budget is pretty tapped out at this point and got an Everstart Deep Cycle battery and a 410 watt inverter from Wally World. I'll upgrade as budget allows.

Unless, of course, Herb just wants to trade me straight up for his (I'll make the drive, no worries.)

I've read on here that the YS640 draws 200w during start up, then 20w thereafter. I was wondering if there's a way to bypass the startup so the battery doesn't have to heat up the glow rod and hopefully will last longer.

What happens if I manually light the pellets, then turn the unit on? Also, is there a procedure written up somewhere to manually light the pellets?

Thanks much,

There is nothing wrong with disconnecting the igniter at the wire connecter and starting it manually. I would do the same at a comp. Put a handful of pellets in a clean burn grate in the cooker, turn the cooker on as you normally would, set your temp and then light the pellets. Most people use a small torch. Once the pellets are burning and you have established a small flame, reassemble the cooker and use as you normally would. The procedure is in the owners manual.

Thanks Kirby. I didn't get the manual with my smoker, but I saw today that it's on the web site. I've downloaded it now. Thanks very much for the response and the information.

I have started using Everstart batteries in all my stuff. I keep the receipt in my glove box. If they fail you can find a Wal-Mart close to anywhere. So far I have had good luck with them.