Vivarium Electronics thermostat aesthetics

I've been using a VE-200 now for over 6 months and I love it. I think it's an improvement over a Helix DBS-1000 in every way (especially the user interface).

However I think the VE unit would look a lot cooler if there was a option for a different color LCD, like a blue LCD with white letters/numbers, and maybe matching blue or white text on the front panel.

I'd pay a little more for that option. What do you guys think?

I also have a VE-200 and I love it. If other options were available I wouldn't pay for them if they weren't needed. I prefer to get something basic that has solid performance, which is exactly what VE does for me. I personally think they look better than all other thermostats as is, but maybe additional features would bring more customers.

I have one that is ready to pair with my new rack, when the rack gets here.

Adding a color changing panel would likely raise the price, and that is really not worth it. That may be fine if you need one or two, but not so much if buying several.

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Originally Posted by jinx667

Adding a color changing panel would likely raise the price, and that is really not worth it.

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What I am saying is adding the option of paying more if you want a different color LCD, and if not just paying less for the regular default colors.

What I'm asking in this post is if there was the option of paying a little more for your preferred color of LCD (and maybe the rest of the test on the front to match) would you?

I understand many people only care about paying the least amount possible for the model they want, and there is nothing wrong with that. Personally though I would pay a little more for colors I find more aesthetically pleasing. I'm wondering if I am the only one.

I think the idea is OK for those who may want it, but I am not sure if it is viable for Rich to stock extra colors that may or may not get ordered.

Best bet would be to call or email him with the idea.

You mean like the Herpstat pro and Herpstat 4?

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Originally Posted by Adam Chandler

What I am saying is adding the option of paying more if you want a different color LCD, and if not just paying less for the regular default colors.

What I'm asking in this post is if there was the option of paying a little more for your preferred color of LCD (and maybe the rest of the test on the front to match) would you?

I understand many people only care about paying the least amount possible for the model they want, and there is nothing wrong with that. Personally though I would pay a little more for colors I find more aesthetically pleasing. I'm wondering if I am the only one.

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you're certainly not the only one. I've never used Vivarium Electronics, but I paid a little more to have the blue LCD on each of my Herpstats. I'd do the same if I decided to switch brands (and will probably be replacing my two Helix thermostats at some point down the road). quality and dependability are paramount, but not always exclusive, in my considerations.

I use the VE 300 and to tell you the truth I really don't care what color it is as long as it gets the job done. VE works great

I can't understand wanting something with a little more pizazz in a showroom type atmosphere. I use Helixes on all the racks in my personal office, but I went with the Herpstat in our library show cages for that very reason.

I personally love my VE200s and dont care about the price with or without flashy colors.
I rather know a unit "WORKS" over looks any day.
Also as stated, I could only see this working out for Rich IF he did a special order/special build system.;)

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

You mean like the Herpstat pro and Herpstat 4?

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Yup, with the Herpstat Pro and Herpstat ND you can pay (and I have paid) a few extra dollars to get a blue LCD instead of the standard green one. I'd love to see this option with the VE's.

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Originally Posted by wwmjkd

I've never used Vivarium Electronics, but I paid a little more to have the blue LCD on each of my Herpstats. I'd do the same if I decided to switch brands (and will probably be replacing my two Helix thermostats at some point down the road). quality and dependability are paramount, but not always exclusive, in my considerations.

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Exactly, little stuff like LCD color definitely shouldn't be as much as a priority as the quality and dependability, but it certainly is a consideration. If you are putting so much money into a quality thermostat I personally think you should be able to throw in a few dollars more to make it a little more aesthetically pleasing.

Honestly I think that the VE thermostats look terrible. But then again I am hard to please. I think that the Herpstats look the best, especially the Herpstat 4 but as others have said a dependable thermostat is more important than a good looking one.

We love the blue lcd and 99% of our customers choose the blue over the green lcds at this point. We have new Herpstat models coming soon and have already released pics:

http://www.spyderrobotics.com/home/developement.html

And here is a link to a page I just created last night with comparisons:

http://www.spyderrobotics.com/home/p...omparison.html

No exact release dates yet but its going to happen sometime in February.

Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics

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Originally Posted by spyderrobotics

We love the blue lcd and 99% of our customers choose the blue over the green lcds at this point. We have new Herpstat models coming soon and have already released pics:

http://www.spyderrobotics.com/home/developement.html

And here is a link to a page I just created last night with comparisons:

http://www.spyderrobotics.com/home/p...omparison.html

No exact release dates yet but its going to happen sometime in February.

Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics

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Dion,

how do you expect these to compare price wise with your current models?

Dylan,

If you take a look at the second link with all the comparisons it shows the MSRP at the top.

George

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Originally Posted by dreese88

Dion,

how do you expect these to compare price wise with your current models?

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We are adding alot of value with these new models.

The Herpstat Intro is great for embedding into a custom incubator for that clean look since it has the flanged sides. It can just as easily set on the top of a cage or incubator. Its meant to get people a quality proportional thermostat without breaking the bank.

The Herpstat 1 Basic adds a few more options over the Intro like higher wattage and grounded outlets so that it can be used with rack systems. It gives up the safety relay and real time clock to keep costs down. It does have a software based clock so one can still get the benefits of the night drop and ramping features.

With the Herpstat 1 and Herpstat 2 lines we have bigger lcds, grounded outlets as standard. Alot of the new tech from the Herpstat 4 has been implemented such as the exceptional new heat algorithm that the Herpstat 4 brought to the table. We have also added a pulse proportional control. So you can use the extremely fine control of our normal dimming style or if you have a metal rack that exhibits electrical hum you can switch the option to pulse proportional and in our testing it eliminates the hum. Only thing is our pulse proportional control feature has varied time lengths so its still what I consider "proportional". Other "pulse proportional" controls I've seen are either full on, full off, or on half the time and off half the time. I'll be honest. I don't consider that proportional. With ours the on/off time period is adjusted in single percent amounts from 0-100% which provides great results. Just another reason why the Herpstats lead the way in thermostat tech.

We have also focused on safety with these. Now audible alerts are standard on all models. Our Herpstat 1 and Herpstat 2 models come standard with the mechanical relay that can cut power if there is a solid state failure. High and low alarms are still in there. There is a timeout that can be set so that power can be turned off if the temperature doesn't make it to the low alarm setting within a certain amount of time. Also the Herpstat 1 and Herpstat 2 work with our optional humidity sensor becoming the first single and dual output proportional thermostats with humidity capability. These new Herpstat models will really take things to the next level.

Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics

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Originally Posted by spyderrobotics

We are adding alot of value with these new models.

The Herpstat Intro is great for embedding into a custom incubator for that clean look since it has the flanged sides. It can just as easily set on the top of a cage or incubator. Its meant to get people a quality proportional thermostat without breaking the bank.

The Herpstat 1 Basic adds a few more options over the Intro like higher wattage and grounded outlets so that it can be used with rack systems. It gives up the safety relay and real time clock to keep costs down. It does have a software based clock so one can still get the benefits of the night drop and ramping features.

With the Herpstat 1 and Herpstat 2 lines we have bigger lcds, grounded outlets as standard. Alot of the new tech from the Herpstat 4 has been implemented such as the exceptional new heat algorithm that the Herpstat 4 brought to the table. We have also added a pulse proportional control. So you can use the extremely fine control of our normal dimming style or if you have a metal rack that exhibits electrical hum you can switch the option to pulse proportional and in our testing it eliminates the hum. Only thing is our pulse proportional control feature has varied time lengths so its still what I consider "proportional". Other "pulse proportional" controls I've seen are either full on, full off, or on half the time and off half the time. I'll be honest. I don't consider that proportional. With ours the on/off time period is adjusted in single percent amounts from 0-100% which provides great results. Just another reason why the Herpstats lead the way in thermostat tech.

We have also focused on safety with these. Now audible alerts are standard on all models. Our Herpstat 1 and Herpstat 2 models come standard with the mechanical relay that can cut power if there is a solid state failure. High and low alarms are still in there. There is a timeout that can be set so that power can be turned off if the temperature doesn't make it to the low alarm setting within a certain amount of time. Also the Herpstat 1 and Herpstat 2 work with our optional humidity sensor becoming the first single and dual output proportional thermostats with humidity capability. These new Herpstat models will really take things to the next level.

Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics

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Very interesting. When these new models become available will the currently line (Herpstat, Herpstat ND, Herpstat Pro) be completely discontinued?

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Originally Posted by Adam Chandler

Very interesting. When these new models become available will the currently line (Herpstat, Herpstat ND, Herpstat Pro) be completely discontinued?

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Yes. If we still have stock of components for the current models then we will most likely discount them at some point. Its interesting to look back at the Herpstat, Herpstat ND, Herpstat II, and Pro and you can see every advancement and all the reptile communities suggestions that made it into those models making each release a better product. We have always been greatful for the community support on these devices and personally it will be tough to see them go. On the other side these new models are just the next chapter along with the Herpstat 4 and its exciting to see all the new features and control options that wouldn't have been possible when I first designed the original Herpstat.

Again, I personally thank everyone for their support and look forward to providing quality thermostats for the years to come.

-Dion

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Originally Posted by spyderrobotics

Yes. If we still have stock of components for the current models then we will most likely discount them at some point. Its interesting to look back at the Herpstat, Herpstat ND, Herpstat II, and Pro and you can see every advancement and all the reptile communities suggestions that made it into those models making each release a better product. We have always been greatful for the community support on these devices and personally it will be tough to see them go. On the other side these new models are just the next chapter along with the Herpstat 4 and its exciting to see all the new features and control options that wouldn't have been possible when I first designed the original Herpstat.

Again, I personally thank everyone for their support and look forward to providing quality thermostats for the years to come.

-Dion

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I recently bought a Herpstat 4 and I have got to say it is a great product. I recommend it every time anyone asks about thermostats. :gj:

I think I could be convinced to pay a little more for custom colors. It would probably depend on my mood and bank account at the time of ordering. :)

I use the VE-300 X2, and I wouldnt mind paying a little more for a blue LCD. :)

I have several VE thermostats (100's, 200's and 300's). I also have Herpstat and Helix thermostats. I can read the screen on all of them without them being blue. Not sure what a blue readout would add to the reptile room myself.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by spyderrobotics

Its interesting to look back at the Herpstat, Herpstat ND, Herpstat II, and Pro and you can see every advancement and all the reptile communities suggestions that made it into those models making each release a better product. We have always been greatful for the community support on these devices and personally it will be tough to see them go. On the other side these new models are just the next chapter along with the Herpstat 4 and its exciting to see all the new features and control options that wouldn't have been possible when I first designed the original Herpstat.

Again, I personally thank everyone for their support and look forward to providing quality thermostats for the years to come.

-Dion

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Dion,

It's great to see that Syder Robotics is taking input from the community and is constantly improving and adding new features to their thermostats. I have a few Herpstats and the support I've gotten for them has been outstanding. I'm looking forward to trying out one of these new thermostats.