temperature control AGAIN, sorry

bcbob · 02-21-05, 03:00 PM

Earlier I asked some questions about temp control and got great answers. Thanks.

Through testing of the varying ambient room temps and internal cage temps in my intended herp room, I've decided that I need a rheostat that is automated, not manual as is a dimmer. I want to use flexwatt for obvious reasons. But when I started searching for these products, it has been suggested by some sellers that on/off types of rheostats, as opposed to dimmers and proportional, are NOT recommended for use with flexwatt. I assume this is because of potential electrical fault. I don't know. I'm an ignoramus with this lol!

Any insight out there? There is a HUGE difference in price. I'm willing to pay it but want to know what others think first.

Thanks again in advance,

Bob

Slannesh · 02-23-05, 10:00 AM

I think you're a little off in what you understand a rheostat to be... A rheostat is basically the same thing as a dimmer. you manually adjust a knob or slider that regulates the amount of current it allows to pass through.

the other option for heating control is a Thermostat. There are two types; Proportional and non proportional or on/off

The difference between the two is that a proportional thermostat will adjust the level of current in a similar way to a rheostat, meaning that it's not always at full power when the heating element is on.

an on/off thermostat does exactly that.. it's either on or off full power or no power.

For heating a rack i'm fairly sure either type of thermostat is perfectly suitable as minor temp fluctuations won't hurt your herps. Personally i'm now using a proportional thermostat in my rack and couldn't be happier with it.

Most people around here swear by the Helix DBS-1000 although I decided to save a few bucks and went with a Herpstat Proportional and i'm very happy with it.

bcbob · 02-23-05, 11:16 AM

Thanks, Slannesh, for your response. I actually DO recognize the differences but failed to word myself correctly, which I often do.

I'd planned on using an off/on THERMOSTAT (there you go, did I get it right? lol) until I read in the bean farm site that they don't recommend them for use with flexwatt- but instead recommend a PROPORTIONAL thermostat OR a simple dimmer, which as you stated, IS a RHEOSTAT.

So I was wondering why, if anyone knew, that bean farm would feel this way. So you think they say this for NO reason that is electrical, just heat level concern? I thought maybe it was because the unit was constantly turning on and off and this breaks down the flexwatt or something? Maybe I should just call them and ask.

I, too, have considered the herpstat as a purchase. It's certainly much less expensive than the helix, isn't it? Thanks for the review.

I just want to do it all the right way, y'know?