Eco Zone controller

[kitedemon]

That is what I thought but the bloody thing is grounded!

[EcoZoneTon]

Hi there kitedemon,

My name is Tony, I am the designer/creator of the EcoZone Vivarium Controller.

Sorry I don't get around to the message boards very often, but am always happy to answer questions about the EcoZone controller.
You can always email me at tony@ecozonevivarium.com, or call 408 960-1069.

I created the EcoZone Controller to advance the hobby in providing a more natural environment for herps, with seasonal settings, advanced dimming and proportional control, and added web/internet access for remote monitoring, control, and email alerts. One unique feature of the EcoZone Controller is that the day/nite temperature set points can be programmed to slowly ramp up/down rather than jump to the new setting, as well as lighting outtput levels, etc. for a much more natural environment. There is so much more, like 12 mo seasonal settings, etc. that is unique to the hobby, hard to point it out here, but there is some great info on our website, and very detailed user guides, FAQ, etc. that give a better picture. I realize that all of this functionality may not be necessary for Ball Pythons, but cool stuff nontheless :>)

You can actually remotely connect to one of my test/demo units and play with it over the web if you like (there are no animals in that enclosure, so no harm):
Just go to this link in a browser window and you can play around with the GUI interface:

http://www.myecozone.com

Also on the functionality and construction side of things, each unit has 4 dimmable proportional grounded outlets (as you noted), the unit is heavy ruggged steel construction, includes heavy duty 15A power cords, large bright LCD display, and sturdy temperature probes. A bonus is the I/O input and output contacts, alllowing for alarm triggers, and control of DC acessories (like DC fans) without taking up an AC outlet.

Also I would like to point out that Herpstat controllers are also very high quality, and an excellent value. Dion takes as much pride in supporting his customers and products as I do, and either of us will bend over backward for a satisfied customer. So either way, you get a quality product designed and built in the USA, by hobbyists and for hobbyists, with passionate support! So you can't go wrong, your choice just depends what you are looking for in terms of functionality and features!

Hope this helps,

Regards
Tony, EcoZone Vivarium

[eracer]

I gotta say...that's one damn cool (and thoughtfully designed) piece of work. Definitely for the completist, but I must say this - as a guy who owns a grand total of one (1) Ball Python, and who believed that anything less that a Herpstat Pro wasn't good enough, I commend you for your design.

I know lots of snakes get along quite well with a tub, some flexheat strips, and a Johnson thermostat. But to me, simulating the snake's natural environment as closely as possible can only enhance the animal's welfare.

[EcoZoneTon]

Thanks for the props, Eracer!
I take a lot of pride in my work and the prodcut.

You are absolutely right, most snakes are very forgiving.
As kids we kept Kingsnakes in plastic tubs, with absolutely no supplemental lighting or heat, and they did just fine :>)

I have a customer attempting to breed Latin American Gopher Snakes (from mountains of Costa Rica), that have not been bred yet in captivity, as far as we know. He is using the EcoZone controller to replicate the natural environment and seasons with lighting and temperature variation as part of that breeding project. Hope he is sucessful! Others use the controller for large tree snake display cages in living room or office, with dimable lighting, lunar, the works, and also for piece of mind when away from home (with the web and email monitoring).

The nice thing about the herp hobby is it can be fun an interesting from beginner to advanced, and it doesn't take much to get started....a simple tub or aquarium can do! I surely started that way!

Best regards,
Tony

[spyderrobotics]

Also I would like to point out that Herpstat controllers are also very high quality, and an excellent value. Dion takes as much pride in supporting his customers and products as I do, and either of us will bend over backward for a satisfied customer. So either way, you get a quality product designed and built in the USA, by hobbyists and for hobbyists, with passionate support! So you can't go wrong, your choice just depends what you are looking for in terms of functionality and features!

Hope this helps,

Regards
Tony, EcoZone Vivarium

Thanks Tony! I am glad you feel that way. I've seen your controller and think its a pretty solid device. Actually, I was/am in the process of a new model Herpstat Pro style device that is grounded and had written in some features that I thought would be new only to come across your device which had some of them. Small world. I've got a few other tricks though so stay tuned.

About the modified sine wave issue. Some of the modified sinewave inverters I've looked at don't drop completely to zero volts or reverse polarity too quickly. This can cause problems in the zero crossing detection in some circuits. For your mosfet control you might still get proportional out of it although it would be a different output than normal since you would be outputing the full voltage in the beginning of the cycle. Good luck with your testing. Always neat to experiment!

Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics

[eracer]

Pretty cool to see competitors sharing notes. Proves that the reptile community is indeed blessed with forward-thinking individuals.