Reptile & Amphibian Forums

my helix dbs 1000 has malfunctioned on me(good thing i caught it on time)...the led screen doesnt turn on and its not turning the heat on...has anyone else had any problems with them...im hoping that its just a blown fuse or something simple like that...any ideas?...im going to send an email to the people at helix and see if they have any idea...thanks

-mat rivera

doesn anyone know the name the helix website or maybe an email addy?..thanks

www.helixcontrol.com

1035 East Vista Way
Suite #150
Vista, CA 92084

Ph(760) 726-4464

thanks for the info gilbert....i just got done opening up the helix to get a closer look, and bam theres a clear cut example of a burt out fuse...so im going to buy a new fuse tommorow and see if it brings it back to life...im thinking about getting the herpstat pro t-stat since ive been hearing some negative things about the life of the helix...

That was my dad on the last post.
I had one blow a few weeks ago, caught within 3hrs. However, it gave me a scare with the 7 boas I have in the rack. I had a back up thermostat which is still on it until the fuses arrive that my parents sent up. I hope that it works afterword. Let me know how things go for you, just in case you get yours fixed before I do.

The time I mentioned I had to replace a fuse in one of my Helix thermostats was the only time....up until now, knock on wood! But, the same unit hasn't blown a fuse since, so I think things will be fine once you have the new fuse in. Regardless though, a back up is always a good idea. Take care

Paul

Guess it happened to someone else as well. I'm not sure I want to buy Helix anymore. If the fuses work, when they get here, I'll buy some extra when I am home to keep in case it happens again.

Chris, I think they all have problems, just like any device. I have a Ranco that just stopped working the other day. Nothing changed other than the heat tape wasn't working. I unplugged it attempting to reset it, nothing happened. I took it apart to look for anything blown...found nothing. Put it back together and it worked. I never moved the probe, didn't reset the GFI....took out 4 screws, put them back in. Atleast with the Helix the problem was obvious. So, I could fix the Helix. The Ranco is junk now IMO. I have no idea why it stopped or why it started to work again. Definitely can't trust it now! Didn't someone lose some valuable boas using a Herpstat also? If someone is prepared they'll have a back up such as a rheostat in line with the thermostat. If they want to go above and beyond, you can get units that will call/page you if your temps. go above or below set temps. I think Helix has this available??? Take care

Paul

Helix does have the call alert function. Haven't looked much into that though.
I'm still steadfast on digital proportional so right now I have the choice of either the herpstat series or helix.
I use both now, and there are things I like about each. Oh well, maybe I'll just get one of each for my racks (two thermostats).

I have used the same units for almost 7 years, about 6 of them (DBS-1000) and I havent had any problems. I sent one back to be worked on and had a new probe put in (25bucks!for a new probe) and the software updated, but other then that no problems.
Also, unless you have the whole bottom of your cage , or a very small cage, I dont see how a thermostat failure can harm your snakes, unless maybe left unattended for days.
The heat tape in all of my cages is at one end, and could probally go full blast, like some I know do, and not harm the snake. The snake would not stay on the spot if it were too hot.
I have heard of folks snakes being "cooked" from thermostat failure etc, but I really dont worry about it.
I like Helix, if I had one complaint it would be, to lower your temps by a degree or so, you have to hold that button and wait for it to go all the way around to your desired temp.
The Helix is really a well built piece of equipment.
Good luck

Mike Combs

I also have several units, a dozen of them acquired over the last 5 years. None have failed me so far and I keep a spare one on hand just in case one does fail. As I understand it, the helix is programed to shut down on failure. The two recently posted failures were both blown fuses. Worst case with a blown fuse is no heat until you notice it. If just fed, could cause a regurge. In my snake room, would just be a bit cooler than normal as it's so warm in there all the time. The affected cage(s) would only cool down to room ambient.

All thermostats, no matter how sophisticated, can fail. It's up to the user to monitor the well being of their snakes. Thermostats are great for allowing us to maintain temps fairly accurately with less monitoring. The problems come when we rely solely on them. I myself monitor temps in cages and place most of my stats where I can see them and know they are working.

And yeah, that temp adjustment only going up is a pain.

>>I have used the same units for almost 7 years, about 6 of them (DBS-1000) and I havent had any problems. I sent one back to be worked on and had a new probe put in (25bucks!for a new probe) and the software updated, but other then that no problems.
>>Also, unless you have the whole bottom of your cage , or a very small cage, I dont see how a thermostat failure can harm your snakes, unless maybe left unattended for days.
>>The heat tape in all of my cages is at one end, and could probally go full blast, like some I know do, and not harm the snake. The snake would not stay on the spot if it were too hot.
>>I have heard of folks snakes being "cooked" from thermostat failure etc, but I really dont worry about it.
>>I like Helix, if I had one complaint it would be, to lower your temps by a degree or so, you have to hold that button and wait for it to go all the way around to your desired temp.
>>The Helix is really a well built piece of equipment.
>>Good luck
>>
>>Mike Combs
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Thanks,

Dave Colling

www.rainbows-r-us-reptiles.com

0.1 Wife (WC)
0.2 kids (CBB, selectively bred from good stock)

LOL, to many snakes to list, last count:
12.24 BRB
11.13 BCI
And those are only the breeders

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats