Rack / Herpstat help!

Can someone please help me with my temps. I have a Herpstat 1 set up with my 2 shelf 41qt rack. The Herpstat is set for 93.5*, to get my ideal Hotspot inside the tubs. I have tried relocating the probe to both the top and bottom heat tapes. My top tape currently is 97* at the hottest spot, my bottom tape is at 99* degrees. The top tape will vary 8* to 10* less than the bottom tape. Did I set something up wrong? Bad heat tape? Bad probe?

Thanks,

Steve

The different levels in the rack on mine are never the same temp . It can vary by as much as 10 degrees I've found . I just try to find the medium so all the levels are up to par .


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dustinf860@gmail.com

Thanks Dustin, but do I need to be concerned that my herpstat is set for 93.5* but the temp gun has read as high as 99* (that is the hottest spot on the tape)?

How do you have the probe secured to the tape? If it's coming up at all it could be causing the issues you're seeing with temps.

You do have to give the thermostat time to cycle through. However with those tub temps, i would lower my setting on the herpstat until the tub temp was 90f. Just remember to give it a few hours to really cycle through.

Top

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...pserqik8x8.jpg

Bottom
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps0iuunshu.jpg

I got my rack from Herpstatic, they have a probe groove machined in to both heat tapes so it almost sits center of the heat tape, it is tight against the tape and the tape holds the probe in a solid location. The thermostat has been set this way for two weeks, besides me adjusting the temp ever so little (+1* or -1*) to see the temp changes.

I have Acu-Rite with the outdoor probe inside the tub directly above the heat tape.

Top (inside tub Acu-Rite) = 93*
Top (heat gun) = 90* (directly next to probe), 91.1* (hottest spot in tub near heat tape)

Bottom (inside tub Acu-Rite) = 99*
Bottom (heat gun) = 95* (directly next to probe), 98.3* (hottest spot in tub near heat tape)

10 degree differences between levels of a 2 level rack is definitely not normal. Even on my first rack I built many years ago, when using an inferior thermostat to Herpstat, I had only a 8-9 degree split between the top and bottom shelves of a 10 level rack. There should be only a couple degree difference between your two levels. Flexwatt is notorious for having uneven heating, and depending on how the rack was wired that can complicate issues as well.

I agree with others that the temp should be turned down to avoid overheating the top tub. A 90 degree hot spot isnt even necessary. If there is still variation between top and bottom temps, maybe try to get the lower level in the mid 80s, and then hopefully the upper level will be no more than low 90s.

I have a herptastic rack as well ... Just sayin ... I've definitely heard mixed reviews since I got mine


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Im wondering if there might be some kind of deficit in the wiring. Were the connections soldered or clipped? Sometimes clips can become loose and you lose significant heating capacity in one level.

I turned down the temps and going to monitor it. Just strange that my hot tub is the bottom tub. Herptastic is sending me a new heat tape, not sure which to replace? Or do I just order all new stuff? What does everyone recommend? I just want to get this rack running smoothly.

Thanks again for everyones input.

I would try moving the probe to another location than the pre set location on a trial basis and monitor the temps from there. Make sure to only put tape over the probe wire and not the probe itself though. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Albert Clark

I would try moving the probe to another location than the pre set location on a trial basis and monitor the temps from there. Make sure to only put tape over the probe wire and not the probe itself though. :)

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I'm sorry, what do you mean the probe wire only, and not the probe?

Thanks

The probe sensor is the end and larger part of the wire. You shouldn't be putting tape over the sensor part. Tape behind the sensor but make sure that the sensor is flush and less than one quarter inch away from your heat tape.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stearns84

I'm sorry, what do you mean the probe wire only, and not the probe?

Thanks

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My mistake, i meant to say sensor. Don't tape over the sensor. Sorry.

Can you show us a photo of your thermostat's probe location?

Thanks

Brian

I'll snap a few pictures tonight when I get off of work for you guys.

Thanks again for all your help with everything!