Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm in the market for a new controller with a night-time drop. Currently, I use Helix but after two years, the unit quit working - night-time drop no longer works. Helix so far will not return my emails so I'm considering other options.

BIG A_P_P_L_E has

THE HERP POWER PROPORTIONAL THERMOSTAT WITH BUILT-IN NIGHTDROP FEATURE

Any input on this?
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Jay A. Martin

I'm using Helix DPS-1000's. I had a problem twice with one of my controllers and after the second time Helix replaced the unit free of charge. They even made me custom controllers with added heavy duty 3-prong cords for a small added fee.

I am not sure which Helix unit you are using, but I know the DPS-1000's come with a 1-year warranty, this is clearly stated in the docs that come with the controller.

Your controller died after 2-years of use, and know your not going to use Helix ever again?!

>>I am not sure which Helix unit you are using, but I know the DPS-1000's come with a 1-year warranty, this is clearly stated in the docs that come with the controller.
>Your controller died after 2-years of use, and know your not going to use Helix ever again?!
>
I purchased a Helix Basic System with night-time drop from you on 05/23/2001 (Sale #268). My night-time drop no longer seems to be working. I replaced the "V" phone line adapter and it still does not work. Is there anything else I can check? I have 24hour heat.

Thanks!

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Jay A. Martin

I never said I would not buy Helix again. I have a Basic system with night-time drop that runs a small 6 tray rack with 3" flexwatt. For $170, I expect it to last longer than 2 years. I sent an email to request help, not a replacement. My email was sent July 17 with no reply.
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Jay A. Martin

I run a big apple to my incubator... I'm very happy with it so far.
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-Ross Payan - www.LeosAnonymous.com

Leos Anonymous

Ball Pythons, Red Striped Leos, and Screaming Fat-Tails

I have used Helix for about 4 years now, and love all my thermostats from them. I once blew the fuse in the DBS-1000 and I called and they helped my find it and replace it. I would definatly try calling though, as I sent an e-mail once and never got a reply either. anyway, any product can have flaws, but over the past 4 years, I have only had one problem, and it was my fault. I think Helix are the best thermostats on the market, and the most reliable. I also have a Big Apple Thermostat, it works fine, but I really like the digital display on the helix.
Jason

If you go to their website http://helixcontrols.com/default.htm
to get their contact number if you don't already have it and give them a call you may get a quicker response. I purchased a Helix DBS-1000 (no night drop though) and out of the package it wouldn't come off a test setting. I called them (no response by e-mail after a couple days) and they called me right back. After trying to trouble shoot the problem, they told me to ship it back to them on their Fed Ex account and shipped a new one out same day. You are past the warrantee period, but in the name of quality, they may want to find out what went wrong.
Just a thought...
Lora