Stoker Extension Cable Question

[Pipin' Pig]

I need an extension cable for my blower fan. I purchased one of the 20 foot (only length they had) 1/4 in stereo extension cables from Radio shack as I had heard that would work. Unfortunately when it is plugged in and then connected to the fan the Stoker does not find any probes or blowers. When I unplug it it is fine. I know the fan gets power as when it is connected and turned on for the first time the fan starts to blow just as it does when I first turn it on without the extension.

Any ideas? I was thinking a shorter length (I only need about 5 feet) but this was all radio shack had.

BTW - I posted this on the VWB forum as well.

[BBQchef33]

I have the same problem, and did some research a while back. I dont remember where I found the write up(maybe the TVWB), but it specifically stated that standard RCA cables dont always work and its hit or miss depending on quality. I will say that music cables are designed with less strict specs/tolerances than data cables so you will need a high quality cable to compensate.

I looked and couldnt find the article and will keep digging. i did find this one that says it should work. http://tvwbb.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a...3/m/1260070305

[smokinbadger]

I had the same problem with my 25 CFM blower not working with a standard extension cable. I ended up cutting the cable between the plug and the blower (which is only two wires at that point) and splicing in some Monster speaker cable. This worked OK, and I was able to extend the length by about 15 feet. The Stoker seems to have a general problem with pushing against higher impedences, so the best way I have found is to use really low resistance cables. I also had some success using a 14 gauge three wire electrical extension cord--I cut the ends off and soldered to RCA headphone jacks. This works with every thing but the 25CFM blower, which just seems to draw too much current.

[Pipin' Pig]

Hmm. I have the 10CFM blower. I wonder if this also draws too much. I wonder if I can find a good 6ft. cable. Perhaps at Best Buy or something.

[Sawdustguy]

All you need to do is splice in a length of standard 16 awg 2 conductor lamp or zip cord. The conductors in the RCA cable are very small and limit the current to the fan.

[Sledneck]

Originally Posted by Sawdustguy

All you need to do is splice in a length of standard 16 awg 2 conductor lamp or zip cord. The conductors in the RCA cable are very small and limit the current to the fan.

Where is that commonly sold?

[Pipin' Pig]

Originally Posted by Sawdustguy

All you need to do is splice in a length of standard 16 awg 2 conductor lamp or zip cord. The conductors in the RCA cable are very small and limit the current to the fan.

I am a novice here but willing to risk the attempt. Can you provide some visual aids?

[BBQchef33]

Originally Posted by Sledneck

Where is that commonly sold?

thats plain ole 16 gauge wire. Get it anywhere.. an old extension cord will do. lamp cord is available in bulk at ace or HD.

[jrb03]

Ive been through this with my Stoker as well. The first cables I bought were cheapies off ebay. They worked ok for one temp probe, but could not add a splitter to them or put the fan on it. I learned that the cable needs to be stereo to work. I then went to Radio Shack and bought the Gold Series headphone extension cord #42-2556

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...tId=2103867&cp

These Radio Shack cables work great for me. I have a few splitters, and run 3 temp probes and the fan off of one extenstion cable. I started getting some weird readings in the StokerLog app sometimes....when the fan would kick on the temp probes would jump up about 5 degrees. I bought another Radio Shack cord, and run the fan alone on one cable, an the 3 temp probes on the other, works great now. I have both the 25cfm and 10 cfm fans working ok with this cable.

Might be a stupid question, but have you tried using different plugs in the Stoker? I have one plug in the back that does not like extension cables being plugged into it. The 3 front ones work fine.