Drive - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a Drive cable for the Fireboard 2 models?

As with the FBX11 model, the FireBoard 2 unit (FBX2) will require a Drive Cable to operate a fan. The FireBoard 2 Drive (FBX2D) and FireBoard 2 Pro (FBX2K) have an integrated 2.5mm barrel plug for a fan to plug directly into the unit, no Drive Cable required.

Can you attach a Drive cable and the S1G Antenna at the same time?

While it’s a tight fit, you can use both at the same time! We have many customers who use a blower and the S1G Antenna at the same time.

Do you need to have the Drive cable plugged in to power to run a fan?

The Drive Cable will pull power from your FireBoard to run your fan. However, the FireBoard’s runtime will be reduced when operating a fan due to more power being used to run both the fan and the FireBoard. Make sure to check on the battery if not plugged into power.

Additionally, the fan may not reach full speed on battery power alone.

When you have your Drive Cable plugged into power, it will power your fan and charge your FireBoard.

Will the Fireboard Drive Blower work with my grill/smoker?

The FireBoard Drive Blower comes with two adapter plates that should allow installation on a variety of grills and smokers. We also have ball valve and nozzle adapters available.

There are numerous grills and smokers on the market, and sometimes fan installation takes a bit of measuring and trial and error. Measure the vent on your grill/smoker and look at the FireBoard Drive Blower specifications to determine if it will fit. We also continue to update our FireBoard Drive Blower Compatibility chart.

Can I use the fan I already have?

Probably. The FireBoards were designed to be compatible with most fans. If your fan has a 2.5mm barrel plug and runs on 12V, it will likely work with a FireBoard.

Can I run two fans on one FireBoard?

While some users have found success with a y-splitter to run two fans on one FireBoard, the Drive Program will only recognize one fan at a time. If you need to run two fans on different settings, you can operate two FireBoard on the App, each with its own fan and Drive Program.

Why isn’t my fan running?

First, check to make sure which control channel your fan is monitoring. If your FireBoard is using the incorrect channel for control rather than an ambient probe, the fan will operate based on those temperatures.

The FireBoard controls the fan in real time: depending on the current temperature, it may be pulling back if the temperature is rising. The data shown in the app lags behind by about 15 seconds; it’s possible the fan can be running for a moment when the app says it’s not, and vice versa.

Sometimes the FireBoard battery level drops low enough that it cannot power the fan; in this case, try plugging your FireBoard in to the charger. See Powering Your Fan for more information.

You may need to disable the Lid Detect feature: if you FireBoard detects a rapid drop in temperature, it will assume the lid has been opened and stop running the fan for a bit.

If you’re using a large fan, you may need to change the fan mode

What can I do if my FireBoard won’t turn on after charging?

Ensure that when plugged in, both lights are illuminated to indicate the charger is working. If not, try using a different USB charger to rule out any cord issues. If the issue still persists, contact support at info@fireboard.com.

How do I get my fan speed to 100%?

Try plugging the FireBoard in to a 12 volt power source to reach 100% fan speed.

How do I see the fan speed on my chart?

Tap “Drive” in the top right corner to toggle Drive views in the FireBoard App.

What steps can I take to prevent temperature spikes/overshooting when using the FireBoard blower?

To maintain stable temperatures without overshooting, follow these steps:

By following the above steps, you can stabilize temperatures within a couple of degrees for extended cooks (12-16 hours). Limit the time the lid stays open when spritzing or wrapping meat to help the blower recover faster to the set temperature.

I’m having trouble controlling temperatures with my MasterBuilt/CharGriller gravity smoker.

Our FireBoard 2 Drive allows for a connection to any fan that has a 2.5mm barrel plug and measures 12 volts. The cable used to connect the Masterbuilt to the FireBoard is created by one of our FireBoard dealers, The BBQ HQ in California.

The Masterbuilt/CharGriller fan is a larger fan, drawing more current than our standard 20CFM Drive fan. Because of the heavy current draw, a few considerations must be given to optimize the operation of the fan:

Please note that the FireBoard should remain plugged in via USB using a power supply which is PD capable. The standard FireBoard USB power brick which ships with the FireBoard 2 Drive or Pro is a PD enabled power brick.

Contact Support

For further questions or assistance, please contact FireBoard support at info@fireboard.com.

← Drive - Blower Specifications
Updated January 17th 2025