keno wrote:I always wondered why he didn't do this with the funnel long before. My biggest complaint about the Huky is that you have to have to remove the exhaust tube to charge it which is a PITA when you're also trying to record your charge temp in Artisan.

Bummer that the upgrade kit requires cutting the exhaust tube. Don't think I will bother with this because of that and the cost.

Technically you don't have to cut it...You can buy the new front plate for $74

Thanks! That's good to know. So we're looking at about $210 plus shipping for the upgrade?

Exactly Keno

You still have to clean the screen, which I do between every roast. And I also tilt the roaster when charging and dropping a roast. Nice improvement, but not necessary for older machines.

johnny4lsu wrote:Technically you don't have to cut it...You can buy the new front plate for $74

I'd opt for that if I wasn't comfortable with cutting it with a angle grinder/zip wheel. I wonder if he took a further look into fixing the bean issue in the exhaust tube. My Huky has the "fix" with the angled plate yet I'll still do the tilt maneuver and still retain beans.

That T section will help those who want to use a cyclone chaff collector too.

I'm looking forward to using the new configuration to put the cyclone back into operation.

Looks like the collar is height adjustable as well, since I see what looks like a thumb screw that keeps the collar in place. Years ago, I had do add a set screw myself and request that to Mr. Li that the collar not be spot welded in place. Nice to see this incorporated into the upgrade.

I went ahead and ordered the upgrade...Added a perf drum and shutter as well...It's just money

After reading many of the posts here I've decided to sell my HT and purchase the new Huky 500T. I received a reply from Mr. Li and it had quite a few options; most of which were easy decisions but some not so easy. I'm thinking of getting the perforated drum and slower motor based on what I've read here. I'm unsure if I should get the Center thermometer, offered by Mr. Li, or go the Phidget route. I would like to be able to continue to use Artisan and also measure MET, BT and ET. It looks to me like the probes have connectors that plug right into the Center 304 but I'd have to strip those off to work with the Phidget. I plan to get the propane stove. Is that what most of you have gotten or did you buy something else? I read something about cyclones but I haven't any idea what that is? I'm open for any advice anyone has to offer.

Thanks,

Wayne G

I started out with the original 500, went with the T upgrade, and ended up going back to the original J configuration.
There are pros and cons to both.
I started with a cyclone and ....went back to the original vent bowl exhaust.
There are pros and cons to both.
And I have never regretted going with the perforated drum and slow motor configuration, although there are more participants in the fora (forums?) who have the solid drum/fast motor configuration, so there is more guidance if you make that choice. And once again....
There are pros and cons to both.

Susan