Helix or Herpstat

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Originally Posted by ThyTempest

I plan on buying either a Herpstat II or a Herpstat Pro when I am comfortable spending that much dough on a thermo. Right now our collection is very small and doing well on dimmers, but I really do want to expand and breed, so a rack is in my future....just not on the top of the life priorities list.

Anyway, about the controlling multiple racks part. Here is something that has been eating me away for a while.

First, something that could potentially be a big hassle or nothing at all, and hopefully something to never worry about. Helix states that the probe can be replaced by the user if it is faulty or breaks. As far as I know, this is not true with Herpstat. In this case, you would have to get a replacement tstat or have your serviced....but luckily, as stated above, Spyder Robotics(Herpstat) has great customer service. Can anyone verify that I got this part right?

The second, and probably more widespread issue. Maximum total wattage. Helix can control up to 500 watts, and only has one output.

Herpstat, what I would call the most similar to the Helix, also has a 500 watt max and one output.

The Herpstat ND is the next step up, with additional features but still only one output, but has a 600 watt max.

Next up is the Herpstat II, with the upgraded features of the ND and another output, with 700 watt max per output, for a total wattage capacity of 1400 watts.

The Herpstat top dog, the Herpstat Pro, has 4 outputs rated for a maximum of 400 watts per output for a total of 1600 watts for the entire unit.

So....now that all the info is there and easy to find, are there any situations where the extra 300 watts of the Herpstat II vs the Herpstat Pro on one output would be a significant help, or does the extra total wattage of the pro outweigh the lower wattage per output, but would force the user to perhaps run some funky wiring to supply power evenly.

Also, just some random info I would like if people are willing is some pics of some racks heated by flexwatt (back or belly, just let us know), and let me know what the wattage of the entire rack is, as well as what you use to control it. Incubators, etc. apply too....anything that someone might end up controlling with their tstat.

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I think very few racks have wattages over 400 watts... I use a Pro on 3 cages and my 18"x12" RHP uses ~60watts...

Yes, Spyder Robotics has fantastic customer service, and you plug their probes in so they're easily removable... if one breaks you can buy replacement for $10, unless it falls under warranty and they'll give you one for free.

From what I understand Helix and Herpstat are the top of the tops but I got my herpstat and never looked back. So I voted herpstat.

I use Johnson's controls thermostat. It's an on/off type but it gets the job done, is easy to program, and works great.

I am building a Incubator and a rack, ordered 2 Helix's for them....I will let ya know.

Spyder Robotics... Their thermostats are Great! im not sure about the helix, but spyder robotics herpstats come in many different levels in which a variety of people can afford for whatever they need. In my opinion from seeing a lot of people use each of them, i would say both are great! They both get the job at hand done in a very high tech manner, that is also very simple to use. Whatever you end up going with you'll be fine. Im using a herpstat for my baby rack, a herpstat nd for my breeders rack, and a herpstat for my incubator..

ThyTempest:

Just a quick reply.. I would say 99% of the racks, incubators, and enclosures run 360 watts or less in my experience. So just about any setup can work great with a Herpstat Pro's 400 watt single output. The Herpstat II's 700 watt per output is the workhorse if you have a tall rack with additional levels so this falls under the more custom use section however the Herpstat II is still less expensive than two single units. The other great thing about the Herpstat ND/II/Pro is that they have resettable fuses. No other reptile thermostat has them. That means when someone overloads the device you can unplug it for ten minutes and plug back up and use it. The original Herpstat has a standard fuse like the other brands. Hope that helps! :D

Also wanted to say thanks to those who have been supporting our products! :gj: We really appreciate our customers and for those on the fence with questions you can always get a hold of me at sales@spyderrobotics.com. Were just a handful of guys building these for the community and friends. Herpstats started out in the hands of the reptile community and we built them together with the help of everyones input. :)

Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics

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Originally Posted by spyderrobotics

The other great thing about the Herpstat ND/II/Pro is that they have resettable fuses. No other reptile thermostat has them. That means when someone overloads the device you can unplug it for ten minutes and plug back up and use it. The original Herpstat has a standard fuse like the other brands. Hope that helps! :D

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I got to learn all about that when my mother plugged her vacuum cleaner into my regular Herpstat!!

Dion said it was the first vacuum cleaner; usually they have radiant heaters and once they had an irion... FIRST!!

Well anyway, I'm shipping the Herpstat back to him and all I have to pay for is shipping... he will even buy the new fuse for me.

Customer service? I think, yes.

I am just starting out and I went with a herpstsat II so I could use one unit
for different flexwatt types and eventually control both my rack and my incubator. For me it was just a much better deal to only need o e thermostat for all my needs. When I need a second that I know I can dedicate to a rack
or just an incubator I may try a helix. But for now the herpstat is where it's at
for me.

I bought the Herpstat ND because of the Night Drop being built in and not needing an accessory

Herpstat--both Herpstat and Helix have a great reputation, and are reliable thermostats. Both can do the same tasks.

Herpstat is just a bit cheaper. That's pretty much the selling point for me--when all else is equal, why pay more? I have only Herpstats at the moment, and they're great.