Thermostat choices

[robert7107]

Looking to get another thermostat. Looking at the vivarium ve 100 or 200 or the herpstat 1 basic. Currently have a helix DSP 1000 nothing wrong with it but would like to make it a back up since it's had a good 6 yrs of use.

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[Stewart_Reptiles]

I have had some of my herpstat running for 10 years now, so herpstat has my vote Herpstat one and I think the security feature is well worth the extra $25 compare to the herpstat one basic.

[robert7107]

So the 1 basic as opposed to the intro and intro + ?

Did you buy from spyder robotics directly?
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[AKA Dave]

So the 1 basic as opposed to the intro and intro + ?

Did you buy from spyder robotics directly?
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That's where I got mine. Looking at upgrading to one of the 4 or 6 zone models now. No regrets on the one I purchased, but the collection has grown and I'd like to run it off one unit.

Dave

[robert7107]

My helix DSP 1000 is good but if it gos down iam screwed since I owned I haven't had any problems used it for 6 yrs then got out of reptiles it was kept in a zip lock bag under my bed for the last 8 yrs and it has been fine since starting to use in may

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[OhhWatALoser]

So the 1 basic as opposed to the intro and intro + ?

Did you buy from spyder robotics directly?
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Intro + has the mechanical relay also, intro compared to the one is rated for half the wattage and doesn't get the lighting or humidity controls. However it does gain sexy recessed mounting, if you can incorporate it.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

So the 1 basic as opposed to the intro and intro + ?

Did you buy from spyder robotics directly?
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No the herpstat 1 as opposed to herpstat 1 basic

And yes I buy everything directly from Spyder Robotics

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[chrid16371]

Between the Herpstat 1 basic and intro plus I would go with intro plus bc of safety relay but it's well worth to pay the extra money for the Herpstat 1 for the added features, wattage, and it looking better sitting on top of a cage, rack, etc. I have a Herpstat 6 and an old Herpstat Pro and neither have let me down yet, I also have a few VE thermostats and they have not let me down either. If you do go with a VE don't get the VE-100, it would be a downgrade from the helix bc it's on/off and Helix, Herpstat, and VE-200 and higher models are all proportional. Also if you are running light emitting heat sources you must get a dimming proportional bc pulse will have the light constantly flickering. If your running non light heat sources then any stat will work. I believe all if not then most Herpstats have a setting for on/off, pulse, or dimming...I run mine on dimming even for non light emitting. I bought the Herpstat 6 right from spyder robotics and the Pro I found used cheap. A lot of times you can find Herpstats on Craigslist and fauna classifieds used so you could save some money.

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[robert7107]

Difference between pulse and dimming? Leaning towards ve 200 because of its simplicity.

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[OhhWatALoser]

Difference between pulse and dimming? Leaning towards ve 200 because of its simplicity.

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TL;DR: both are proportional, thats what you want

You will only notice the difference with limit immiting sources. Both are propertional type. Dimming reduces the voltage to control the output (if you use a heat lamp you want this), pulse turns the power on and off at a rapid rate to have an average ouput that will simulate dimming. However giving the right situtation it can be a headache to look at with light sources, but even with that it will be fine most of the time. As far as IR (ceramic heaters, radient heater) and resistive heat (heat tape, heat mats, heat cable) either works just fine without issue.

don't think herpstats are complicated, if you don't want to play with the options, just plug them in and set your temp. It will work and be a great reliable thermostat. Options are there if you want them, thats all. I've never played with VE at all and know a lot of people like them, I always respected herpstat as their updates are always directly from customer suggestions. They build what the hobby wants.