Question for Helix users?

[BoidKeeper]

What does it mean when the green ligth next to "output power" is on?
Thanks,
Trevor

[Cruciform]

Mine just has two little red lights on it.

The one on the right indicates that it's providing power to stabilize the heat, and the one on the left means that it's getting current from the optional timer, and has kicked into night mode.

Dunno if that's any use to you though.

[BoidKeeper]

Mine is the DBS-1000. It's not set up with any night mod feature that I'm aware off.
Thanks,
Trevor

[Stockwell]

Trev, I just got 4 of them, and already dissected one! LOL You know I couldn't build that circuit for $128US
...Fantastic little units for the price.!
That light is across the output and means the output triac is on.
It will change in brilliance as the unit phases the output up and down. These units work sorta like dimmers, only in steps, based on the temperature.
As the temp detected at the probe gets close to your set value the output cuts off in steps.(like a fixed level dimmer)
When the temperature reaches a point over the set value, that light should go off completely.
You can check that with your hand by holding the probe.
If you push the test button, you'll see the setpoint value. You simply hold the button down to change it. It only goes up, then loops back around...

[Vengeance]

How many probes does a Helix system have? Can it controll move then one cage or is that a special system that you need to have wired?

[Stockwell]

One probe, but a 500 watt output capacity.. I use one per rack. and each rack has 18 trays. Not every tray will be the exact same temp, as the upper trays in racks will usually be hotter, but you can put the probe about half way up, and split the difference. You basically use them to set your hot end anyway, so a degree or so difference is not big deal
I use open back racks with flexwatt under the backs of sliding trays, for gravid boids. I simply adust the heat tape so that it is further back and not as close to the tray on the top ones.. this is an easy way to adjust for the upper trays being a bit hotter.
Here's a product link...
http://www.helixcontrols.com/

[BoidKeeper]

Thanks Roy. So basically if the light is on the heat is on? Just like the circuit you sent my for my other incubator?
I have to say though if you like the helix I think you'll love the Habitat Control Syetem. (http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=119)
Cheers,
Trevor

[mykee]

Trevor, yup. When the green light is on, the system is getting up to the temp. that you have set. When it goes off, the temp has been reached. I have 4 Helix DBS-1000's in use right now, and they are just wonderful. Enjoy it.

[Jeff_Favelle]

Green light means go. Or in this case, it means electrons are-a-flowin'!!

[Stockwell]

Um, Yup, providing you remembered to plug your flexwatt in...LOL
The green light means the output is on.. It doesn't necessarily mean you have heat unless your heat tape is properly hooked up and plugged in.

[jjnnbns]

Can you buy direct from Helix? The website isn't very specific and doesn't state any prices? Anyone know?

[mykee]

Helixs', available at www.helixcontrols.com is a weird site. They do sell their product directly, but I've always bought from one of the larger american reptile supply sites. If you click on "Products" and then "Price List" you'll get a page with every item Helix has for sale, and a corresponding price.

[Ixidor]

mykee, what would one of those larger american sites be?