Had an initial issue with a bad connection in the power. The unit turned off a few times until I figured that out (I think).

I think that led to an issue with having too many pellets in the hopper as it turned off and on a few times, I assume feeding pellets each time.

Then I got it started and it was humming along acceptably when the temp started inexplicably dropping from the 225 target to 140. I caught it and powered it down, then restarted. Unfortunately I think it again got too many pellets in the system. Loads of brown smoke came out, then a small explosion. No damage obvious to anything, but yes, something went boom. I assumed too much fuel, or too many gases had collected, and let it ride. Over the next 15-20 minutes the temp gauge (set again at a 225 target) went up to over 450. I again set it manually at 225, then it started dropping, and got to 225 again. I figured maybe this was all new stuff working itself out, or excess fuel burning off (such that this would be a one-time issue) but now again, 60 or so minutes later, the temp has dropped to 125. I hear what I assume is the auger motor, and there’s blue smoke coming out (which I assume is normal). But the temp is way low.

I’m calling it quits unless someone can help me realize what noob error I’m committing and that I’m just doing it wrong.