Buggered Heaters

[Zafgak]

I notice a fair number of the cheapo heaters going bang lately - A winter phenomenon :idea::idea:

So I just want to check something out. I have designed (but not built, yet) an electronic controller to replace the crappy bi-metallic contacts in the cheapo heaters. The unit will be a small external box with a knob to set temperature from about 20 - 30 degrees (range is easily changed). From the box there will be a thin lead going to a temperature sensor that sits in the tank, and there will be two terminals that you attach your existing heater leads to.. Then the box is plugged into mains via the mains lead.

The electronics is designed to control at approx +- 0.5 degrees and will fail safe (ie. off) In effect it will be an add-on box for any heater.

I would retail it at about R50-00. Is there any interest ??? :idea::idea:

[brentnorm]

Could you make on to take two heaters ?

[veegal]

Now that makes sense brentnorm seeing as most of us use two heaters in our tanks at a time....so Gavin.....can you??

PS - I'm VERY sure he can :)

[Zafgak]

The initial design caters for 5 Amps that is 1250 WATTS, so as long as the heaters are both in the same tank and as long as both heaters together are not more than 1250W then it will do it yes...

Something I did not point out is that all those OLD heaters you have lying around that stay ON all the time can be put on the unit.. As well as any NEW or WORKING heaters..

Just dont put it on an Eheim or Electronic heater as that would be silly :)

[brentnorm]

Two jaeger 300w will be ok then ?

[Zafgak]

No - the Jaegers are electronic already, and have the above facilities built in.. It is really to replace the Cheapo control contacts.

BTW you DO NOT haveto get into the workings of the old heater at all, just set it to maximum heat and let the add-on controller do the work....

[small_fry]

i am def interested. nice one!

[Zafgak]

Cool SmallFry - I think I will build the proto this weekend and do some serious testing.....

[brentnorm]

No - the Jaegers are electronic already, and have the above facilities built in.. It is really to replace the Cheapo control contacts.

BTW you DO NOT haveto get into the workings of the old heater at all, just set it to maximum heat and let the add-on controller do the work....

So you saying the Jaegers cant cook your tank ?

[Dolphin]

Jaeger;s are perfect and would not need such a device IMO

[Zafgak]

Generally the price you pay for a Jaeger means that the chances of a cooked tank are minimal .. The electronically control the heater and if your water level drops will also switch off to protect the heater - The joys of electronics...

[Zoom]

You can book one out for me too

[Carping]

I think any serious hobbyist will be in the market for one of those gadgets. Very good idea that Zafgak

[Zafgak]

Thanx guys - I will concentrate on the project this weekend - but only "After Henk's Fishroom is done" :p

This design was actually for my water change fill-up tanks, thus the 1250W rating. It was going to run a Geyser heater..

[veegal]

Thanx guys - I will concentrate on the project this weekend - but only "After Henk's Fishroom is done" :p



And Dale's Sump.......
And collecting the new tank.....
And moving the existing tanks....
And water changes.....
and....
and...
and...

Hahahaha :bigsmile:

[JaguarCichlid]

cool idea, count me in......

[Fish Fantasy]

Hi Guys! Sorry this might be off topic abit but someone on the site said turn your heater abit to the side why? I read that you must keep your heater up straight because that's the way it was deisgned. Help! Now i'm worried that my 300w will go up in smoke!

[brentnorm]

Mine stand up vertically but I don't see a problem with them tilted either. My one heater in my marine tank is in my sump and I could only mount it horizontally. No problems with it.

[Zafgak]

Fish Fantasy best to mount horizontally - see above

[rogerrabbit]

Hi Z

I actually have a commercial unit like that, work very well, but can only deal with 300W. Seeing that the common phenomenon is that tanks usually breed and multiply faster then the fish in them I would also definitely be interested.

[rogerrabbit]

Hi Zafgak
Don't mean to nag you, think that is Veegal's job(:blink1::bigsmile::confused::sad2::embarrest:) , but how far are you with the heater controller units?

[theosmit]

Very good idea. I would also be interested when production starts.

[veegal]

Rogerrabbit - I nag REALLY well when I have to! hahaha

Seriously though - Gavin is at the moment given lectures for the rest of this week and doing the notes etc in the evenings. BUT we are on leave next week so I'm sure he'll sort it out by then (hint hint Zafgak) :)

[SauRoN]

Isn't it Jager?

[Carping]

Isn't it Jager?
Isn't it Jager what?

[SauRoN]

Jager instead of Jaeger?

I'm just trying to figure if we are talking about two different brands here or the same thing?

[Carping]

Same thing Dauron