DIY Digital Thermostat: temp controller

Jpham33 · 03-10-17, 03:30 AM

I figured i'd post this on here since I haven't really seen anybody talk about this for reptiles.

For those who like DIYs and are a little handy, this is for you. I found a temperature controller online for as little as $10, and coming from an electrical background, it amazed me how cheap you can build a thermostat from scratch. With a little bit of time (2.5 hrs but could be done sooner) you can build a DIGITAL thermostat for around $20-30.

For a digital thermostat from what i've seen, that's a lot of savings. All you really need is a dremel and some electrical tools (screwdriver, wire strippers, cutters). The small things (wires, zip ties, etc.) are cheap.

I don't have a step by step right now as i've just finished building my first one, but if you go on youtube and search " STC-1000" project or project box, you'll find a bunch of people who have built the same thing for homebrewing and aquariums.

I will be building 2 more for my other tanks once the controllers come in the mail so if anybody would like me to do a guide i'm open to it as long as the demand is there.

Jpham33 · 03-10-17, 03:32 AM

If anybody is wondering, there are 2 receptacles in the back where the wires come out to plug in your heat source.

I forgot to snap a pic of that.

Scubadiver59 · 03-10-17, 04:19 AM

Thanks for the information!

Despite having my Herpstat-6, which I love for all the controls and settings it provides, and despite the cost, I might just give this do-it-yourself a try for the heck of it.

However, if you feel froggy and want to start that guide, I'd be willing to compare notes once I get mine done.

Klinger · 03-10-17, 07:45 AM

I would be interested in a walk through, sound fun and economical!

eminart · 03-10-17, 08:01 AM

I have one of these I built a couple of years ago. It works great. But, if I'm honest, it's just a simple on/off thermostat, which can be bought for $20 on amazon. The one I built is probably a little better quality than the $20 amazon t-stats, and I wired it to have two temp controlled outlets, and two that are powered full time. So, it's better, but not really any cost savings.

chairman · 03-10-17, 05:41 PM

I also built a couple of these for some racks. (Mine aren't as pretty.) I followed an example set by another user on here to place a dimmer on the output so that, in theory, you could dial the dimmer in to the right temperature and the t-stat wouldn't turn on/off as much (it'd be constantly on, never hitting the shut-off temp). They do work well.