I ended up buying a smartfire controller. I've used it a few times and so far I'm really pleased. I did a test run with it because I wanted to see how long I could run the smoker at 225 with one basket of charcoal. At 30 hours I shut it off. Once it reached temp, it never got more than 7 degrees off temp. I was really happy.
Today I smoked a chicken. I'm not sure why I ever did beer can chicken, but I doubt I go back. I think I'll spatchcock moving forward.