and i say tape it down cause your probe is even elevated off the flexwatt, that explains why you have to dial it back... its getting the radiant heat in the air rather than the direct heat off the actual flex watt
yea I agree, tried to set it so it touches the heat tape without taping but it doesn't seem to work. I heard it was not safe to tape with foil tape and some people having no problem with it, will give it a try and see.