DIY thermostat, calling all nerds....

[PiranhasaurusRex]

Wasn't sure where to post this since it isn't exactly a how to yet. Since I will be using this for my boa if I do it, the post landed here.

Has anyone tried this? I don't see why it wouldn't work. The electronics guru in our maintenance department thought it was a Frickin-A idea. The cost for the parts is cheaper than what you can buy most thermostats for and it would include a night drop or incremental temperature changes throughout the day. Not only that, you wouldn't have to be there daily to change the temp like one would with a dimmer switch. Heck, with the right programmable thermostat, you could change the weather everyday, sans the rain. Anyway, feedback is much appreciated.

[SoberGuy]

I really like the idea, and it's something I would do myself, if only you could get a nice lead on the thermostat instead of having it in cage. It doesn't sound all that bad to have it in cage, but the humidity for some species will be much higher than normal, and I'm curious how a regular thermostat would hold up to an environment with constant high humidity.

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[SambaMan]

Although i don't understand anything in that pic, it sounds interesting...

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[brianb1998]

thast will definitely work im planning on doing the same thing......just curious how did you figure that out?

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[PiranhasaurusRex]

Originally Posted by brianb1998

thast will definitely work im planning on doing the same thing......just curious how did you figure that out?

It's not that hard really. Some have a hard time with electrial concepts because it is something they can see or touch. You can think of it kind of like a water hose.

Voltage = Pressure How hard is the water/electricity going to hit you
Amps = Flow rate How fast the water/electricity is being used

A transformer simply changes the 120V that comes out of your outlet into 24V for the thermostat as this is the proper voltage for most thermostats.

The thermostat is pretty self explainatory.

The relay is simply an automated light switch. When it receives a signal from the thermostat, the relay switches the power on to the heater. This particular relay uses 24V for the activation of the switch (coil) to match the thermostat, but is rated for 120V for the heater passing through.

Originally Posted by brianb1998

thast will definitely work im planning on doing the same thing......just curious how did you figure that out?

I'm a dork.





And I started my college career in electrical engineering before I switched to industrial. Once I was in the industrial engineering program I still had to take some circuits courses. I'll dig this thead up and let everyone know how it turns out. I will be out of town the next two weeks on business, so it might be a month. If anyone else is interested but isn't exactly the how-to or electrical type, I'll take step by step pictures and help as much as I can if you decided to do this.

[PiranhasaurusRex]

Also, I plan on using a dimmer for a desired temp gradient across the cage. Even though the thermostat will have to be near the heat source, the gradient should be fairly consistent and I could program the thermostat to kick on when the cool end reaches a certain temp.

This isn't anything new really, I'm sure those that have experience with thermostats already know or do this.

[brianb1998]

Yeah i was just wondering cause i graduated college as an electronics engineer. most people wouldnt know how to do that. if youre really good get a cheap controller and write a program for it. im not too good with programming....and i dont know what thermostat you are using but im sure you could remove the sensor and add some wire to so you dont have to put the whole thing in the cage!...just a thought

[brianb1998]

http://redtailboa.net/forums/caging-...cage-pics.htmlPost some pics of your cage too....if you dont mind you can see the one im building if you want heres the link

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[PiranhasaurusRex]

I built the DIY thermostat. EXTREMELY EASY!

Write up in How to section.

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[natas]

next chance I get (when I get some cash) I am going to go buy the parts and hook up with my future father inlaw to help me build this.

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[amercnwmn]

Ryan made me one for my IG cage. He comes across the materials all the time and has excess, so he just collects it..LOL

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[PiranhasaurusRex]

Brianb, here is the tank. 22" x 22" x 72" Not quite finished, but you get the idea.

Natas. Since I purchased the thermostat, I have found some with all the buttons under a flip up cover. Had I bought one of those, I wouldn't bother buying a housing and might have saved myself $20 or so. Most of my buttons are under a flip up cover, but not the two that make it easiest to change the temp.

	Shane The Man, The Myth, The Mystery that is RTB!!!

[brianb1998]

sweet! so have you tried it out? Does it work?

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[brianb1998]

oh and did you get the thermostat the fine tunes the heat source (ie dimming) or the kind that just turns it on and off

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[PiranhasaurusRex]

I have tried it out with a light bulb and it works fine. The only thing I haven't tried is programming the thermostat and seeing if it kicks on and off like it is supposed to, but if that doesn't work then I bought a defective thermostat. Nothing on my part can change that.

This will only turn the heat source on and off at whatever temps I choose. However, I have the ability to add a night drop. Actually, I can change temps 4 times a day if I want. I still can and will add a dimmer to this set up for a few bucks extra. IMO, the dimmer is just the icing on the cake.

	In My Opinon IMO = In My Opinion and IMHO = In My Honest Opinion

[brianb1998]

yeah im actually looking at doing the smaething but with a line voltage thermostat. i need to redd up on them but i believe the will dim the heat source rather than shut it off!......where did you get the parts?

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[PiranhasaurusRex]

Originally Posted by brianb1998

yeah im actually looking at doing the smaething but with a line voltage thermostat. i need to redd up on them but i believe the will dim the heat source rather than shut it off!......where did you get the parts?

I could have got all the parts at Lowe's except the relay, and maybe you can get those at some other Lowe's or Home Depots. I had to get the relay at a lighting/electrial place, but someone in Lowe's electrical department or a local HVAC shop should be able to tell you where to buy one locally. If you have access to a Grainger account you can get everything at Grainger Industrial Supply and they have the cheapest prices I have found.

Another alternative you might look into is a two stage thermostat and use two smaller heaters instead of one big heater.

[brianb1998]

hmmm 2 stage huh that sounds perfect..... have you looked into extending the heat sensor on the thermostat so it doesnt have to go into the cage

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[deftonecfh]

im in the hvac/r field and thats prety much what i work w daily

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[brianb1998]

right on i found a compact version of what you made for 40$ check it out....its not digital but they make other ones tooColumbus Electric KT-121AH Thermostat