Buggered Heaters

Discussion in 'General Equipment discussion' started by Zafgak, Jun 9, 2009.

  1. Zafgak

    Zafgak Old fart

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    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:
     
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  3. brentnorm

    brentnorm

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    Could you make on to take two heaters ?
     
  4. veegal

    veegal

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    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 :)
     
  5. OP
    Zafgak

    Zafgak Old fart

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    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 :)
     
  6. brentnorm

    brentnorm

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    Two jaeger 300w will be ok then ?
     
  7. OP
    Zafgak

    Zafgak Old fart

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    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....
     
  8. small_fry

    small_fry Fish King

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    i am def interested. nice one!
     
  9. OP
    Zafgak

    Zafgak Old fart

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

    brentnorm

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    So you saying the Jaegers cant cook your tank ?
     
  11. Dolphin

    Dolphin

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    Jaeger;s are perfect and would not need such a device IMO
     
  12. OP
    Zafgak

    Zafgak Old fart

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    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...
     
  13. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

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    You can book one out for me too
     
  14. Carping

    Carping MTS Victim

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

    Zafgak Old fart

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    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..
     
  16. veegal

    veegal

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

    Hahahaha :bigsmile:
     
  17. JaguarCichlid

    JaguarCichlid Jaguar Cichlid

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    cool idea, count me in......
     
  18. Fish Fantasy

    Fish Fantasy

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    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!
     
  19. brentnorm

    brentnorm

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    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.
     
  20. OP
    Zafgak

    Zafgak Old fart

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    Fish Fantasy best to mount horizontally - see above
     
  21. rogerrabbit

    rogerrabbit

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    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.
     

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