multi-probe rheostat/thermostat

[munchy]

im in the process of building new enclosures for all my snakes and im kinda getting sick of dimmers and such so im going to get new thermostat systems for all of them. there will be eight enclosures all together. if at all possible id really like to just get one thermostat with multiple probes. im looking for names, links, prices, etc. im considering helix but does anyone know if they make any models with multiple probes?

[BoidKeeper]

People use helix with one probe to heat an entire freedom breeder rack. Just place the probe in the center cage. There will be some difference but it will work.
Cheers,
Trevor

[Vengeance]

I'm using this

http://www.**************/gcsreptiles/

Works good thus far.

replace the ************* with kingsnake .com

[munchy]

Originally posted by Vengeance
I'm using this

http://www.**************/gcsreptiles/

Works good thus far.

replace the ************* with kingsnake .com
this is exactly what im talking about but the site says they only ship within the US. how did you get yours?

[Invictus]

What a terrible webpage. No pictures of the HCS, no detailed feature list, no price even. Maybe it's because I'm a professional web designer, but I seriously wonder if some people give ANY thought to the image they are conveying on the web. If I'm going to spend my money, I want DETAILS. Oh well. I guess I'll keep looking into the Helix systems, even though the MINIMAL info they give you on this site does look good.

[Showboat]

I use Ranco with muti probe average.One thermostat with 4 probes

[bistrobob85]

What should i be expecting to pay for a good thermostat to heat up to 4 cages?!?!? You guys have any suggestions on what kind i should get?

phil.

[Vengeance]

Yea, I think the guy just changed his policy on shipping right after he shipped mine. Not the brigest bulb in the bunch, everytime he tried to ship to Canada, he shipped with no declared value and shipped it as a gift, so it would get refused at the border and sent back. I told him how to get around it but he wouldn't listen, but the item works great I'll tell you that much. Anyway, after my item got bounced back he said he didn't want to ship to Canada so I had him ship it to my buddy in North Carolina and then he shipped it too me.

*edit*

Grant VG used to sell these items, and he's located in Canada, last time I checked with him he wasn't selling them anymore. But you can check with him mabye he changed his mind, he still has them listed in the Classifieds under Habitat Controll Systems.

[Ron]

Grant VG was the Canadian distributer for these controls:

Habitat Control Systems (http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=119)

I don't know if he is still doing it but I would check with him first.

[munchy]

i fired him an email a few days ago but no reply so far. i really want to get something like this ASAP. if anyone else knows of anything similar please let me know. and yes i realize they will be ridiculously priced but i do not care.:) anyone have any suggestions?

[jadegrasse]

I use a Helix for one rack. Very good quality and I like it a lot but it is a little pricey.
I converted a programmable thermostat for reptile use. Gives me night drop temp features and was very easy to do. At $60 it was a steal. I'm thinking of writing a how-to building project for it.

Alain

[rwg]

Are you talking about a standard household furnace thermostat? I was drewling over all the features and the low cost of these at Rona with no clue on how to wire one up to drive a heating pad. Instructions would be super cool.

rg

[jadegrasse]

Yes... A household thermostat is what I used but you have to pick one with the features. The most important features are the following:
- 120 volt compatible
- go up to 85 F or 90F degrees
- Handle at least 3 amps
- Hold settings in a power outage.
The first two are the clinchers. Most cheap programmable thermostats are for a 24v central heating system and will only work if you build a triac or relay circuit for them (pain in the A** and way too complicated). The other problem is that herpers want at least 90 F.

There are a bunch of thermostats that will do with some very great features not found in herp thermostats. The Aube TH115 has a remote temperature probe included with it and can be programmed to 115F as well has an adaptive intelligent processor (P.I.A.) that varies pulses the heat to the elements to maintain a heat setting at a given temperature unlike any of the present reptile thermostats. It can also be wired to a GFI plug to eliminate any shock potential. I’m not sure of the price

I used the Aube TH104D. It is on sale at Canadian tire for under $50 but it only goes to 80 F. Aube sells the TH109 that goes to 85 F. I modified Aube TH104D to go to 95F. I found a few programmable units in the US for about $30 US that can be programmed to 99F and seem to do the trick. If there is enough interest I will do a construction article with detailed pics and steps. At the moment I don’t need another but would be glad to share the info.

[Vengeance]

*raises hand*

I'm Interestead!!

[rwg]

Absolutely. I would LOVE to see how this is done

rg

[RazzleMcDazzle]

I would love it.... not a minute too soon. I am heading to HomeDepot this weekend. I have 5 Aquariums that are driving me nuts with lamps and dimmers..... BTW, I can't belive PetSmart was charging $30 for the rig (rhetostat), I got mine from Zellers for 4.49 for the dimmer and 2.39 for 3m 3 outletted cord.

[jadegrasse]

What temprature range are you guys looking for? I put a mini switch on the one I am using with a 10k resistor on it ($10 for parts) so I can flick the switch so the thermostat reads the real temprature on one setting and subtracts 10F on the other setting. This allows me to use it to to 90F. Maybe Jim or Trevor needs another remote probe thermostat and will cover the parts or maybe I'll make another one for myself. I'll try and start this week.

Alain

[Vengeance]

I'd need something that could get to 95oF to be effective for me, but I'm sure other people might only need lower requirments.

[jadegrasse]

Ok, I started the construction project. Hope to have it done next week. Is there a project section on this site I can post it too?

Alain

[Vengeance]

I know there are links in a How two sticky thread in this forum that are very helpful, I'm sure if you post it here and ask one of the mods they will include it in the sticky thread.

[munchy]

sticky icky

[munchy]

thanx all but i have not yet been able to find a multi probe thermostat so i think ill get a couple helix systems.

[munchy]

im looking to get one within the next couple days. does anyone know of any canadian helix distributors? possibly in bc?

thanx
kris

[RazzleMcDazzle]

OK, I opted to buy some ESU units for now, but the home thermostat idea should be real easy. My question is, where do you put the actual unit. The thermometer is inside the programming unit and I don't think it optimal to place it inside the enclosure. Being able to create an extension for it so it is like a probe and keeping the unit outside the enclosure on the rack is what I would like to do. Any ideas on mods or specific models?