> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.themeatstick.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.themeatstick.com/blow/set-up.md).

# Set it up

**Set up your Forge Hub first, then the Blow.** The Blow runs through your V Forge WiFi Hub, so the app can't find the Blow until the Hub is set up and connected to your account.

## 1. Set up your V Forge Set (Blow Forge sets only)

New to MeatStick? Open the MeatStick App, tap **V Forge**, and follow the in-app setup. It walks you through charging, creating your account, connecting the Hub to WiFi and registering your Stick.

{% content-ref url="<https://docs.themeatstick.com/v-forge-set/v-forge/set-up>" %}
<https://docs.themeatstick.com/v-forge-set/v-forge/set-up>
{% endcontent-ref %}

> **Got a Blow Forge set? The Wired Ambient Probe goes in the Blow, not the Hub.** The V Forge setup tells you to plug the probe into the Hub. If you're setting up the Blow straight after, you can skip that step: the probe moves to the Blow in step 3 below.

Already own a V Forge Set? Make sure your Forge Hub is connected to WiFi in the app, then start at step 2.

## 2. Mount the Blow on your cooker

Fit the spring clip and mount the Blow on your cooker's bottom air intake, then seal the other vents. Full steps for each cooker:

* [Mounting on a kamado](https://docs.themeatstick.com/blow/mount-kamado) (no drilling)
* [Mounting on a kettle, bullet or drum smoker](https://docs.themeatstick.com/blow/mount-kettle-bullet-drum) (an accessible opening, or one 1¼" hole)

<figure><img src="https://480337956-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Mg4Jg9fo_8jMW0As7z7%2Fuploads%2FKimsn39xFITw1RCOAs1U%2Fblow-mount-kamado.png?alt=media" alt="The Blow mounted on a kamado"><figcaption><p>Kamado shown. 1: the plate over the bottom draft door. 2: open the damper.</p></figcaption></figure>

## 3. Connect the probe, the Hub and power

1. **Open the damper.** It arrives closed. Closing it after a cook is what shuts off air to your fire, so you'll open it before every cook.
2. **Plug the Wired Ambient Probe into the Blow's probe port.** If it's in your Forge Hub, take it out of the Hub first.
3. **Clip the probe tip at grate level, over indirect heat:** in the part of the cooker where your food sits, not above the coals. Keep the tip off metal and out of the Blow's airflow. [Why placement matters](https://docs.themeatstick.com/blow/running-the-blow#where-to-put-the-wired-ambient-probe).
4. **Connect the Blow to your Forge Hub** with the hub cable: the small end into the Hub's ambient port (the small square port on the Hub's long top edge, where the probe used to go), the other end into the Blow's hub port.
5. **Power the Blow** from a USB charger or power bank (5 V / 2 A or higher recommended) with the included USB-C to USB-A cable.
6. **Keep the Forge Hub powered too.** The Hub and the Blow are powered separately. For long cooks, plug both in.

<figure><img src="https://480337956-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Mg4Jg9fo_8jMW0As7z7%2Fuploads%2FL20PeueCUAPrU2pkLXrj%2Fblow-connect-probe.png?alt=media" alt="Wired Ambient Probe into the Blow"><figcaption><p>1: the Wired Ambient Probe into the Blow's probe port.</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://480337956-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Mg4Jg9fo_8jMW0As7z7%2Fuploads%2Fc0IzUsVvqrStj210p17r%2Fblow-connect-hub.png?alt=media" alt="Hub cable from the Blow to the Forge Hub"><figcaption><p>2: the hub cable, from the Blow's hub port to the small square port on the Forge Hub.</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://480337956-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Mg4Jg9fo_8jMW0As7z7%2Fuploads%2FoDBMgkb8fvDulgKEwvcc%2Fblow-connect-power.png?alt=media" alt="USB power to the Blow"><figcaption><p>3: USB power to the Blow.</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://480337956-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Mg4Jg9fo_8jMW0As7z7%2Fuploads%2FdzYdjwaZnNSc8oHF1poX%2Fblow-probe-placement.png?alt=media" alt="Probe tip at grate level beside the coals"><figcaption><p>Probe tip at grate level, to the side of the coals, not above them.</p></figcaption></figure>

> **A USB-C to USB-C cable between the Blow and the Hub won't work.** The Hub's USB-C port is for power only. The hub cable is the only link between them.

## 4. Finish in the app

Open the MeatStick App. With the hub cable connected, your Forge Hub picks up the Blow; there's no pairing step. Follow the Blow setup in the app to choose your cooker type and set your target pit temperature.

Then light a **small** amount of charcoal, close the lid, and let the Blow bring the cooker up to your target and hold it there. The Blow holds the fire, it doesn't light it: get your coals going first.

Next: [Running a cook with the Blow](https://docs.themeatstick.com/blow/running-the-blow)

## App doesn't find your Blow?

* Check the hub cable is pushed all the way in at both ends.
* Check the Blow has power and the Forge Hub is online in the app.
* **Bought the Blow on its own?** Your Forge Hub needs its latest firmware to run the Blow. See [How do I update the firmware?](https://docs.themeatstick.com/troubleshooting/troubleshooting/firmware-updates)

More fixes: [Troubleshooting](https://docs.themeatstick.com/blow/troubleshooting)