How to Use Billows® with RFX GATEWAY

Summary: RFX GATEWAY can control the Billows® BBQ Fan to automatically regulate your smoker's temperature. This setup requires a 12V Power Adapter (not the standard USB charger) and a wired Air Probe to function.

Critical Power Requirements

⚠️ Do Not Use the Standard USB Charger

Billows requires 12V power to run the fan. The standard 5V USB adapter included with the RFX GATEWAY is not strong enough. 

You Must Use:

• The 12V AC Adapter (included with Billows).
• OR a Billows® 12V Battery Bank.

Step 1: Prepare Your Smoker

Billows works by controlling the air flow. If your smoker has leaks, Billows cannot control the fire effectively.

• Inlet Vents: Close ALL inlet vents (dampers) on the bottom of your smoker. Use the included flue tape to seal leaks if necessary. The only air entering the firebox should come through the Billows fan.
• Exhaust Vent: Open the top exhaust vent to ⅛ open. (You can adjust this later if needed).

Step 2: Hardware Installation

1. Mount Billows: Pinch the spring arms and insert them into the smoker's intake vent.
   • Orientation: Ensure the USB-C port and Fan Intake are facing DOWN to prevent rain/grease damage.
   • Remove Plug: Take out the yellow silicone plug from the fan opening.
2. Connect Cables:
   • Plug the USB-C cable into Billows.
   • Plug the other end into the Fan Adapter.
   • Plug the 12V Power Adapter into the Fan Adapter.
   • Plug the Fan Adapter into the RFX GATEWAY.
3. Install Air Probe (Required):
   • Plug the wired Pro-Series® High Temp Air Probe into the RFX GATEWAY port.
   • Clip the probe to your grate, about 1 inch away from the food, near the center.
   • Note: Billows will NOT run unless this probe is plugged in.

Step 3: App Control & Settings

Once connected, RFX GATEWAY detects the extra power and switches to Fan Mode automatically.

• Default Setting: Billows defaults to maintaining 250°F.
• Adjusting Temp: Tap the Gateway in the App, then tap the current temperature to change the "Fan Set Temp". Hit Save.
• Automatic Alarms:
  • The system automatically sets High/Low alarms at ±25°F from your target temp.
  • Example: If set to 225°F, alarms act at 200°F and 250°F.
  • Note: These cannot be manually changed or disabled while in Fan Mode.

Tips for Fire Management

• Lighting the Fire: Do not light all the charcoal at once. Light only ½ to ¾ of a chimney and place it on top of unlit fuel. This prevents the fire from starting too hot.
• Stabilization: Let Billows run for 15–30 minutes before adding food.
• Overshoot Issues? If the temp keeps rising above your target:
  • Your exhaust vent might be too open (close it slightly).
  • Air might be leaking into the firebox (seal leaks).
  • You may need the Billows Damper (sold separately) to restrict airflow on efficient cookers like Kamados.