Bluetooth vs. S1G: What’s the Difference?

The FireBoard Pulse represents a significant advancement in wireless temperature probe technology as the world’s first dual-band probe, offering both Bluetooth and S1G (sub-1GHz) connectivity. Let’s cut straight to the point and discuss what that means for your grilling experience! In this post, we’ll briefly explore the science behind Bluetooth vs. S1G connectivity and share the practical advantages of dual-band capability in various cooking scenarios.

Quick Overview on Bluetooth and S1G Connectivity

Before we start, let’s quickly go over the scientific differences between the two connectivity types.

Bluetooth Technology

Bluetooth operates in the 2.4GHz frequency band, characterized by:

• Wavelength: Approximately 12.5 cm
• Data rate: Up to 2 Mbps (Bluetooth 5.0)
• Power consumption: Relatively low

These high-frequency waves allow for rapid data transmission but have limited range and obstacle penetration.

S1G (Sub-1GHz) Technology

S1G operates at frequencies below 1GHz, typically around 902-928MHz in the USA. Key features include:

• Wavelength: Approximately 33 cm
• Data rate: Lower than Bluetooth, but sufficient for temperature data
• Power consumption: Very low

The longer wavelengths of S1G signals enable greater range and superior obstacle penetration.

Practical Applications in Grilling Scenarios

Now, let’s look at how the FireBoard Pulse‘s dual-band capability applies to different cooking scenarios, focusing on the specific device connections available to users.

Backyard BBQ

In a typical backyard setting, the dual-band connectivity of the FireBoard Pulse ensures consistent monitoring whether you’re at the grill or inside the house. When you’re near the grill, you can use Bluetooth to connect the Pulse directly to your smartphone (iOS or Android) for quick temperature checks. This is particularly useful when you’re actively managing the grill, allowing you to make real-time adjustments based on the temperature readings.

Additionally, if you have a Yoder smoker, your Pulse can connect to it directly over Bluetooth thanks to the specialized FireBoard technology used by the smoker brand. When taking the Pulse off its charger in the vicinity of a Yoder connected to your FireBoard account, they will immediately begin talking to each other without any extra steps required. Our guiding principle when designing the Pulse’s connection behavior was “it should just work“, so we made sure that’s what it does.

For extended monitoring, you can connect the Pulse to a FireBoard 2, FireBoard 2 Drive, or FireBoard 2 Pro using S1G, provided you have the S1G antenna plugged into your respective FireBoard model. These antennas extend the range of your monitoring capabilities, allowing you to maintain a stable connection throughout your property, even when you’re inside preparing sides or chatting with guests.

It’s no secret that Bluetooth has difficulty penetrating metal grill hoods at longer distances, so S1G is our next-gen response to an industry-wide issue, without removing the practical functionality of Bluetooth connectivity. When designing the Pulse, we wanted to create a jack-of-all-trades wireless probe capable of adapting to a wider range of use cases.

Overnight Smoking

For long cooking processes like smoking a brisket overnight, the Pulse really shines. Using S1G connectivity, connect the Pulse to a FireBoard 2, FireBoard 2 Drive, or FireBoard 2 Pro (with S1G Antenna) placed near your smoker. This setup allows for reliable overnight monitoring from anywhere in your house, even from an upstairs bedroom. The extended range of S1G means you can get a good night’s sleep without worrying about losing connection to your probe.

In the morning, as you approach the final stages of your cook, you can switch to a Bluetooth connection with your smartphone or a FireBoard Spark for more hands-on management. This allows for precise temperature checks and adjustments as you prepare to wrap or remove your brisket from the smoker.

Competition BBQ

In a competition environment with multiple cooking stations, the dual-band capability of the FireBoard Pulse becomes a game-changer. Using S1G, connect multiple Pulse probes to a centralized FireBoard 2 Pro equipped with the S1G Antenna. This setup enables you to monitor all your cooking units from a single location, even with obstacles present between you and your various smokers and grills. The extended range and superior obstacle penetration of S1G ensure you maintain a connection to all your probes throughout the competition area.

For close-up work and final touches, use Bluetooth to connect the Pulse directly to a FireBoard Spark or your smartphone. This provides the flexibility to do precise temperature checks during critical moments, such as when you’re preparing to turn in your competition box.

Additionally, if you’re working with a team, different members can connect to the probes using various devices. For example, one team member could monitor overall progress via the FireBoard 2 Pro’s S1G connection, while another uses a smartphone’s Bluetooth connection for up-close work on a specific cut of meat.

When the Pulse launches, all six colors will be available. We’ve designed them so that the color is actually coded into the probe itself, so when it connects to the FireBoard mobile app it will be clear which Pulse is which (in a scenario where you are using more than one – otherwise, it should be pretty obvious!) You can always update the name of each device in the app after connecting, in case you want more freedom to customize your experience.

Remote Monitoring for Restaurant or Catering Operations

The FireBoard Pulse’s dual-band capability also has applications beyond personal grilling. In a restaurant or catering setting, you can set up a FireBoard 2 Pro with the S1G Antenna in the kitchen or near the cooking area. This allows chefs and kitchen staff to monitor multiple smokers or grills from a central location using S1G connectivity.

For food trucks or off-site catering events, the Bluetooth capability comes in handy. Staff can use their smartphones or a portable FireBoard Spark to connect to the Pulse probes when they need to check temperatures in various locations around the event site.

In all of these scenarios, the FireBoard Pulse’s ability to switch between S1G and Bluetooth connections gives you the ultimate flexibility to cook how you want to cook. Whether you’re connecting to a FireBoard 2 series device for extended range monitoring, using a FireBoard Spark for on-the-go temping, or whipping out your smartphone for quick checks, the Pulse ensures you’re always connected to your cooks, regardless of the setting or distance involved.