FireBoard drive DRF11 User manual

You will need:
FireBoard Thermometer, a 12V Fan, a smart phone or tablet, the free FireBoard App
In the box:
FireBoard Drive
Fan Cable
12V Power
Adapter
Model DRF11
Uses standard FireBoard Aux Port
Drives most 12V fans with 2.5mm barrel plug
Powered by internal FireBoard battery
Efficiently drives fans from 0 - 100% power
Connect external power source for larger fans
Charge your FireBoard using the 12V power adapter
Run FireBoard DriveTM Programs from the FireBoard App

Getting Started with FireBoard DriveTM
The FireBoard DriveTM Fan Control Cable is easy to use - designed to work with your FireBoard
thermometer by plugging in to the auxiliary port. Fans are most effective when a stable fire has been
established and vents adjusted accordingly. Every smoker is different, learning how to achieve a steady
temperature by controlling your vents will make your fan more efficient.
Setup Your Fan
Your fan should be the primary source
of air for your fire. A secure and air-tight
installation is best. There are likely fans and
adapters built for your smoker to get the
ideal fit - most 12V fans with 2.5mm plugs
work with FireBoard DriveTM Fan Cable. For
more details, go to fireboard.com/drive.
Connect the Fan
Your fan will plug into the Fan Cable on the
port marked FAN. The FireBoard’s battery is
fully capable of driving your fan - for longer
cooks we recommend using the 12V power
adapter, this will also keep your FireBoard’s
battery charged!
Setup your Cook in the FireBoard App
The Dashboard will now have the FireBoard
DriveTM controls. Select a channel you want
to monitor the pit temperature (“Control
Channel”) - you can use any of the 6
available channels. The app will display
the current pit temperature once a probe
is plugged in. Press the “Setpoint” button
to enter the desired pit temperature. For
best results, start with a fairly stable pit
temperature and allow FireBoard DriveTM to
slowly increase the fan speed or wait until
the temperature falls below the setpoint.
For more control and customization, use the
Programs tab. Programs give you the ability
to create their own step-by-step programs
that lets you change your setpoint over
time. Learn more about Programs at our
knowledge base at docs.fireboard.io.
The graph above shows a 3 Step
Program. Step 1 is hold setpoint of
225˚F for 20 minutes. Step 2 is to hold
a setpoint at 325˚until target temp
reaches 165˚. Step 3 is hold setpoint at
180˚, which is the default hold step that
is added at the end of programs.
Example of a
FireBoard DriveTM Program
3

Helpful Tips and Suggestions
Here are some helpful tips and suggestions to help you get the best results from the Fan Control
Cable
Make sure your fire has an abundant fuel supply
Don’t skimp on the wood or charcoal. You’ll get more consistent results if your fan has more fuel
to work with.
Learn how your vents work
For most smokers, closing off all lower vents and opening the exhaust vent slightly provides the
most controllable environment for your fan. Your mileage may vary, but closing down your intake
and slightly opening the exhaust is a great place to start!
Take control of your fire
Establishing a fire with a slightly falling temperature profile will let FireBoard DriveTM jump into
action once the temperature approaches your setpoint. The fan’s speed will adapt to keep your
temperatures in the zone!
Mastering Drive Programs
FireBoard DriveTM Programs are saved in your App in the Programs tab, allowing you to fine tune
your program until you are satisfied with your cook. Once mastered, you will be able to run your
programs and let your FireBoard handle all of your temperature control needs.
Advanced Fan Settings
The FireBoard app has advanced settings for your Fan Control Cable, including: LID Detection
on/off, PID Control Modes, Fan Size Settings, and Max Fan Speed %. for complete information on
advanced settings, please refer to our knowledge base at docs.fireboard.io.
Visit fireboard.com/drive for additional information, videos, and more!
Voltage In ~3.4V - 4.2V
Max Voltage Out 12V
Max Power 3.5 Watts
Fan Cable Technical Specifications
On Battery Power
Voltage In 12V
Max Voltage Out 12V
Max Load Current 1.5A
Max Power 18 Watts
On 12V Power
L x W x H 1.5” L x 1.5” W x 0.67” H
(37 x 37 x 17 mm)
Cable Length 12” (305 mm)
Fan Plug 2.5 mm barrel
Power Plug 2.1 mm barrel
Connector Type Mini-DIN-8
Physical Dimensions

FireBoard DriveTM Mobile App Quick Guide:
When the Fan Control Cable is plugged into your
FireBoard, the Drive Control settings will appear on
your Dashboard.
Choose a Control Channel
Select a channel on your FireBoard to be used as the control
channel - FireBoard Drive will adjust to keep this channel at the
setpoint.
Enter a Setpoint or Run Program
Click the setpoint button to enter the desired temperature of
your smoker or run a Drive Program and have multiple setpoints
over time. These temperatures will be visible on the chart to help
you see how FireBoard Drive is performing.
Take Control
Click the fan speed button to override FireBoard Drive and
take control in manual mode. A little extra air can help get your
charcoal going. When you’re done, click the setpoint button to
give control back to FireBoard Drive. FireBoard Labs
Kansas City, MO
[email protected]
816-945-2232
www.fireboard.com
FireBoard is a trademark of FireBoard Labs, LLC and is registered
in the U.S. Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone and iPod touch are
trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. The Bluetooth word mark
and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc.
FireBoard®TM and ©2019 FireBoard Labs, LLC.
All rights reserved.
Download the official FireBoard App:
DRF11-RG-193107
* See fireboard.com/support
for device compatibility
Online Dashboard at fireboard.io
Monitor your temperatures, set alerts, view session history
all online.
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