temperature controllers

[retic]

i have an electronics genius buddy of mine who wants to market some new products, i suggested temp. controllers like (helix or gcs) for the herp related world here in canada. who here would be interested? and who can suggest other options we could add to it? i like what gcs reptiles has done with there 4-8 cage multi prob system. he plans on getting it csa approved, so if anybody has any ideas on adding features to a contoller or if you think its a bad or good idea PLEASE give input cause we really need something more afforable here in canada for protecting our herps. he also wants to come up with a product name to go along with Proportional Temperature Control so any ideas would be great. thanks

[chas*e]

good idea...we need more and cheaper herp products in canada for sure

[crazyboy]

he should make soe with light controllers and/or night drop

[Lisa]

The problem with marketing temp controlers is that they have to be CSA approved in order to hook them up to our 110v power grid, and that part is the expensive bit.

[Edwin]

There are not many multi-cage thermostats available, more to choose from would definitely be good.

Features-wise, I would like for it to have:
1) a clear readout that can be easily seen from afar (eg Helix DBS-1000)
2) night drop
3) modular - can add/remove features in the future.. also makes replacement parts a snap

[Jeff Hathaway]

Features I'd like to see:

-Night-time drop with programmable time settings for each channel, instead of the single photocell style of the GCS.

-Ability to heat or cool as required to maintain temp. setpoint (2 relays required)

-Submersible temp. probes (already available commercially)

-Audible alarm which can be disabled, and flashing LED alarm

-Data logging capability

-Humidity control as an option

-Light control as an option

-Ideally, multiple relays which are assignable to a function, i.e. 8 relays which could be used for 8 heat controls, or 4 heat and 4 light circuits, or 4 heat, 2 light, and 2 humidity

That's all I can think of right now. I'm no electronics genius, but I do have extensive experience with similar control systems for commercial swimming pool chemical feeds. I might be able to help you out a bit if you need it.

Jeff Hathaway
Sciensational Sssnakes!!

[retic]

Jeff you have some great ideas, i would like to see 2 LED readouts 1 for temp and 1 for humidity with 4-8 cage design. we should get together and come up with other ideas. how does the name Herptronics sound? just an idea. thanks for everybodys input