What's new in this Herpstat?
The Herpstat line of thermostats has a reputation as the most reliable and user customizable thermostats
geared directly towards the reptile industry. Here are some of the great features:
A new revolutionary way of controlling the temperature has been implemented. Most thermostats apply full
power when plugged up. However, this is not always ideal. For example, if your power goes out and you have
eggs in a incubator. When the power comes back on, the heat element (typically at the bottom of the
incubator) turns full on and the eggs on bottom can be subjected to the immediate heat. The Herpstat 4 now
has a "soft power" state that will slowly advance the power a single percent around every second or so. If the
temp seems to be rising too quickly (a tenth of a degree per loop) it will stop or back off a percent. There is
also a completely new routine that will figure out the best power output curve in the last two degrees before the
target temp. This allows the Herpstat 4 much better control for some of the weaker heating devices as well as
overpowering ones. This is all automatic and requires no settings to enable.
User's now have two proportional control modes both with 100 steps of resolution. Smooth dimming
proportional mode which is used for most applications and now also pulse proportional mode specifically for
metal rack systems. On some metal rack systems dimming style proportional can generate a audible hum in
the rack. Pulse style proportional can help eliminate the hum while still providing varied power to the heating
device.
Larger more efficient heatsinks allow quiet fanless operation.
Temperature ramping has been added. The Herpstat 4 can slowly ramp up and down between the day and
night time temperature settings. The amount of time is user selectable up to 10 hours.
Lighting control ramping was also added. Using this feature can more closely mimic natural lighting. We also
added a fully user adjustable nighttime power setting which can be used to mimic moonlight.
Safety has been enhanced by adding a mechanical relay to the power circuit. If enabled by the user, this relay
can remove power to all four outputs during an error or High/Low condition. Adding this to the audible alarms,
cooling fan, resettable fuses, and error detection code makes this unit very safe.
Humidity control is now available. Two of the outputs can be used to connect foggers, misting pumps, and
other humidity devices. The Herpstat 4 can work with these in a time-based fashion right out of the box.
Optional humidity sensors can be purchased to allow full control with humidity sensing capabilities.
An external input jack was added. This jack can be used to trigger different events such as turning off a mist
pump when the water supply has been depleted.
The High/Low temperature tracking now keeps track of the time and date when it was recorded. This helps
identify when the peaks are happening and can help fine tune the environment.
LCD backlight dimming has been added. The brightness is adjustable in the menu system.
An updated menu design makes it even easier to adjust the settings.
Grounded outlets (3-prong plugs) were added to accommodate more types of heating devices.
Basking assist feature added supports basking lights as a heat source. Typically a proportional thermostat
reduces power when the temperature is close to the target temp and turns off when the target temperature is
breached. This causes a strobing effect when using basking lights. Basking assist will provide a small amount
of power during regulation up to a degree above the target temp to prevent this.
Hardware Installation
WARNING – FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK MAY RESULT FROM MISUSE. FOR INDOOR USE ONLY!
Do not
exceed 400 watts per output.
1.
Each AC receptacle on the Herpstat 4 has a corresponding probe jack under it. For heating or
cooling use attach a temperature probe. For humidity control an optional humidity sensor can be
connected (#3 and #4 probe jacks only). For lighting control or for a disabled output the probe jack
can be left empty.
2.
Attach the Herpstat 4 power plug to a standard wall outlet.
3.
After setting the correct mode of operation in the menu attach the appropriate devices to the AC
outlet receptacles. These devices may include heat tape, heat coils, mats or other resistive load
heating devices. Not recommended for use with rock heating devices or other devices that come in
direct contact with the animal. In cooling mode the outlets can be used for emergency fans. For
controlled lighting incandescent lamps and some transformerless LED lamps can be used. Misting
pumps and foggers can be used for humidity control. Do not connect oil-filled heaters, space
heaters.
4.
The external input jack is used to connect an optional cable and switch. This can be used to trigger
events and alarms such as disabling a misting pump to prevent operation when the water supply is
depleted. This is used only for a non-powered switch. Any power input though this connection can
cause damage to the unit. Any 3.5mm mono audio plug and cable can be used with a switch for this
function and can be obtained from your local electronics store. The switch can be normally open or
normally closed. The setup of the external input function can be changed to accommodate it.
Available Modes:
Output #1 & #2
Output #3 & #4
Disabled
Includes all functions of #1 and #2
PLUS
Heat (Dimming Mode)
Humidity Scheduled
Heat (Pulse Mode)
Humidity Sensed (optional humidity sensor needed)
Non-Proportional (Cooling)
Humidity Hybrid (optional humidity sensor needed)
Lighting (ON/OFF style for fluorescents)
Lighting (Dimming style for incandescent and some transformerless LED lights)
Installation Tips:
Do not use aluminum tape on the probe tip.
This will cause false readings and poor regulation.
If possible route the probe wires so that they are not in direct contact with the 120vac cables going to the
heating devices. Preferably leave at least a few inches between the probe wires and the AC lines to avoid cross
talk/electrical interference issues.
Do not block the vents or impede airflow to the bottom of the Herpstat 4. Vent holes on the bottom of the
device provide proper cooling.
When choosing the type of switch to use with the external input keep in mind that the default state of the
external input jack is "Open" if no cord is attached. This may be important for your setup should the cable ever
be accidentally unplugged.
