Installing Digital Thermostat Cat Probe in VC Encore 2040 (2012 UK Model)

[fleetinghendrik]

Hello from the UK!

As per the recommendations in the VC owners thread, I'm looking to install a digital CAT probe in my 2012 VC Encore 2040.

The 2012 user manual doesn't provide any details on this, I've only been able to find references in newer manuals. Is installing a CAT probe in this stove build possible? I suspect so as I believe I've located the hold plug (see uploaded attachment).

I was wondering once the probe has been inserted, what stops smoke leaking out from the back of the stove (I assume the probe isn't a 100% airtight fit), perhaps the official mounting bracket prevents this?

In terms of choosing a digital probe, I see that the Auber AT100 is highly recommended on this forum. It appears to be an American product which makes the shipping / import duty costs pretty daunting (so far I've only been able to find on the official auberins website). Is there a similar product I can obtain in the UK?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Eman85]

On my older Encore I removed that small metal plug and inserted the probe through there. I bought the thermocouple from Auber and used my digital temperature meter that I already had. When I bought the thermocouple I ordered it with a mini plug which plugs right into my meter.

 

[Kevin Weis]

On the the Encore 2040 I had around three or four years ago I just put the Auber where the factory cat probe went. Believe I may have had to enlarge the hole some with a drill as the Auber probe diameter was slightly larger than the factory probe. Also fabricated a sheet metal bracket to fasten to the heat shield to hold it in place.

 

[Turbo89]

Bump, do you remember what thermocouple you purchased (size /type)? I have a 2013 encore I’d like to add a CAT thermocouple / Auber gauge too.

Also, did you need to “drill” the ceramic when you removed the plug?

Thanks!

 

[Eman85]

https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20_3&products_id=22
This is the probe I used, I think I used an 1/8" bit and turned it by hand to go through the refractory and then just pushed the probe in. I had the cat out and observed where the probe was to set the depth.

 

[Turbo89]

https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20_3&products_id=22
This is the probe I used, I think I used an 1/8" bit and turned it by hand to go through the refractory and then just pushed the probe in. I had the cat out and observed where the probe was to set the depth.

Great, thanks! How was the fit on the probe, pretty snug, and did you have to seal around it at all?

Also, were you were just checking to see if it was 3” into the chamber? I assume you used the 6” probe?

Thanks again!

 

[Eman85]

My cat comes out through the back so I removed the back panel and inserted the probe until the tip was in the center of the cat chamber. Yes it's a 6" probe.

 

[Turbo89]

My cat comes out through the back so I removed the back panel and inserted the probe until the tip was in the center of the cat chamber. Yes it's a 6" probe.

Thank you again! I’ll try to take some pictures when I install it, and maybe make a thread on it for future reference.

 

[Turbo89]

Replying back with a few pictures for others:

After plug was removed, I spun a drill bit by hand (5/32” bit):

I made a bracket using a spare Simpson strong tie angle bracket I had. I bent it in my vice with a hammer, note that the bracket nail holes were the perfect size for the thermocouple: