M55 with Skytech 5301p wireless Tstat and recommended magnahelic gauge

So I know that after a couple of weeks of running my new pellet stove, that I'll want a tstat. Otherwise I'm really going to go through some pellets. The enviro dealer offered the own, but I don't think it's Enviro brand. I cant' find anything online. Anyone know?

From doing research, I like the Skytech 5301p. I read a few threads, and it seems like it works just fine. Any comments on it? I assume sliding the stove out with service rails is easy enough, but I'll have to look into that.

I also figure, while I'm doing all of this, I should recheck my damper settings. My burn might be dirty, as fater only a day or so, I have black soot all over the glass. Definitely on the right side, but black, not brown, and it accumulates quickly. So I thought I'd check air settings on the damper. What magnahelic gauge is recommended? I googled them, but got all different types and ranges, and wasn't sure what I really needed. It looks like something that goes up to 0.50" is good, but wanted to be sure as this is new to me.

Any advice on both points is appreciated.

Digital huh? I liked the analog one the installer's had...you find it's good?

Any secrets to sliding this thing out too? Doesn't seem like it. Just unclip, and pull (once you remove the ash drawer and sides). When it goes back, as long as you can easily reclip the clasps in place, is it safe to assume the exhaust port has made proper connection with the frame port?

Thanks. So there's nothing special about getting the one enviro mentions in their literature (which is almost impossible to find a picture of!), meaning, it doesn't integrate any better than the skytech ones?

Thanks Bill. When you slide it back, there's no magic to making sure the exhaust port lines up and seals right? If it slides in, and you can easily clamp the clips, you're good right?

And If the skytechs are plug and play, seems like the way to go.

Lastly, to adjust draft, does the stove's apron need to be removed, or just the cast side panel on the left side? Not sure where the adjustment is. I need to look at the manual. Removing the apron would be a bit of a pain.

Correct. Well, correct in that I only have about 12" in front of the stove, but I still need to get the rail kit, or make my own. I can't find them for sale easily.

It's only $117 on amazon (I hope I didn't just break any rules). Seems worth it.

Thanks. I bought direct from Amazon, not another seller for only $5 more for piece of mind. I am a Prime member too, so if something is wrong, Amazon covers the return shipping. And I'll have it Thursday.

Thanks, appreciate the feedback.

Now I just need to determine if I should/need to check my damper settings with a gauge or not. I feel like the soot on my glass is more black then brown...

Do folks feel like a manometer is as good as an analog gauge?

So you had too much air right? I see you're in NH too. Cool.

Do you mind linking to the mag you bought? I was leaning towards a manometer, but they are more expensive for sure. This is something I won't use very often. I'm pretty sure though, for the insert, I have to have the apron/skirt off when testing, so I can get to the level for the air damper. Can anyone confirm? I don't think you can access it with just the cast sides off.

I think the installers rushed mine, as I know for a fact it didn't run on 5 for 1 hr before they tested. More like 10 minutes only, so I bet mine is off.

Sounds like what happened to me. Thanks for the info! You too velvetfoot.

Interesting. I'm learning a lot. This is a gauge I've never needed till now. So looking at the enviro manual, it talks about negative pressure between 0.15" and 0.17". I see on the side of the guage, there are two ports, one neg and one pos. I assume you use the neg, and the gauge is swiniging left? Maybe it doesn't matter, as long as you check for the right value (meaning you could connect to the pos side, and the gauge would swing right of center). ??