rheostat vs thermostats

[marcus6363]

How effective are zoomed rheostat compared to their thermometers. Is a thermostat neccesary or can I use a rheostat and just alter/ watch it when its hot in the summer or cool in the winter?

[dr del]

Hi,

Well if you want a rheostat to be as effective as a thermostat you need to adjust it everytime the ambient temperatures change - depending on your house etc that could be from once a year to once every ten minutes.

Thermostats are more expensive but the difference in performance is probably well worth it if your ambient temps aren't al that stable and even if they are I'd still say it was my first choice.

If you look around the site zoomed kit doesn't seem to have the best reputation with some members compared to ranco/jhonstone controls (sp?) or helix.


dr del

[nebby3103]

In the interest of saving money, I started with a homemade rheostat. It cost $7. It worked, but required frequent adjusting. So, I bought a Zoo Med thermostat for $25. It worked too, but the innacuracy bothered me (+/-3*) so I did away with that too. Then I bought a Ranco. They're awesome!! They cost under $100, are reliable and accurate. But then I decided it was time to go proportional. I bought a Herpstat for $110. I've been using that and the Ranco ever since and am very happy with both.

In the end, I spent $200+. I could have spent $110 off the bat and been done with it. Go big, it'll be worth in the end. My

[marcus6363]

In the interest of saving money, I started with a homemade rheostat. It cost $7. It worked, but required frequent adjusting. So, I bought a Zoo Med thermostat for $25. It worked too, but the innacuracy bothered me (+/-3*) so I did away with that too. Then I bought a Ranco. They're awesome!! They cost under $100, are reliable and accurate. But then I decided it was time to go proportional. I bought a Herpstat for $110. I've been using that and the Ranco ever since and am very happy with both.

In the end, I spent $200+. I could have spent $110 off the bat and been done with it. Go big, it'll be worth in the end. My

How can you make rheostats is there a sight and how hard is it? I am not an electrician by any means but could do some wire work.

[nebby3103]

This is where I learned back when I started learning about corns:

http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19168.

I always thought I would kill myself if I ever touched electricity again (I electrocuted myself a few times building a lamp as a kid), but it is extrememly easy. Just make sure you thank the fellow for his AMAZING directions. He makes it so easy your grandma could do it.

[tmlowe5704]

or just take the easy way out and buy a lamp dimmer already wired for the same price

[KIBPLOVER]

Herpstat 2 is expensive but real good...

http://www.spyderrobotics.com/


Herpstat II
Dual Output Digital Propotional Thermostat




Dual output proportional heating constantly monitors and adjusts amount of heat necessary to maintain a target temperature (Usable range from 50°F to 110°F or 10°C to
45°C). Can also be used in non-proportional (on / off) mode.


Second output configurable for Heating / Cooling / or Lighting with simulated sunrise / sunset and Moonlite feature.


Sensor Matching allows the user to digitally calibrate the sensor output to match other equipment.


Power Matching allows the user to increase / decrease the proportional power output curve to match the enclosures efficiency.


Coil Warming feature for enclosures using heating coils to increase accuracy.


Night Drop feature built in with real time clock allows individual night drop settings for each output.


Cooling function allows control of basic cooling devices.


High / Low temperature tracking helps monitor heating system and enclosure efficiency.


Individually selectable High / Low temperature threshold alarms.


Precision sensors with internal resolution of .1125 °F and is accurate to ± .9 °F


Display and setting in tenths of a degree.


Alarm Clock feature great for daily reminders.


All settings are retained in memory even if power is lost.


Power Outage detection / tracking.


Temperature can be set / displayed in Fahrenheit or Celsius.


Easy to read backlit LCD display.


Removable sensors allow for easy replacement if necessary.


Resettable fuses never require replacement.


Each output is fused separately keeping an outage on one output from affecting the other.


Audible alarm system


Internal error detection shuts off heat if sensor fails or is disconnected.


Internal temperature sensor monitors heat and controls internal fan. Also shuts down outputs if overheated for safety. Restarts automatically once cooled.


Device firmware is user upgradeable with optional USB cable.


Device status is viewable online with emergency e-mail and vtext alerts (USB cable and software required).


700 Watt rating for each output (1400 watts total output) sufficient for most incubators, rack systems, enclosures, and vivariums.


1 year limited warranty

[dr del]

WOWZERS!


Now that's a feature list and a half - do they make that in uk (240) voltage?


dr del

[Kagez28]

yea i started with a dimmer but had to adjust it every 20 mins. so i bought the zoomed and it works good for what i wanted. i just used a glue gun and attached a probe thermometer so i knew the temps that it would shut off and them back on. now i just won a lot of 2 johnson controls and 1 ranco thermostats off ebay which i will use for my rack and my boa tank. and i guess i'll be throwing the zoomeds up on ebay. you can private message me and maybe i can sell you one cheap.

the way i see it if your are not incubating eggs, there really isn't a need for a propotional thermostat. on the JC and the Ranco you can set the temp to say 93 and a 1 degree difference, so when it drops to 92 it'll kick back on. so you're temps will stay between 93.-92 easily.

[marcus6363]

I will probably just get a ranco to start out with and just save up the cash