Reptile & Amphibian Forums

what to do. it still reads pre-set temps of 95 but the red light is on. I tried to unplug and replug but the red light is still on and read E3. Any ideas
-----
billy jean king
BugBusters

Ive got the same problem with mine. I think you can go to the Helix website and find out what the error message means. I tried the fix but it didnt work so i just left it alone. Its worked fine for months with that message.

Let me know if you fix yours!

it seems to be working just fine. Don't know
-----
billy jean king
BugBusters

E3 means you have an invalid day or not temp. You will need to reset your temps

??
-----
billy jean king
BugBusters

Here is the E-mail that Jeff Washburn sent me when I had my Helix's show the same error.

There are 8 different error codes, most will reset after you see them, two will require a little more to reset them. E-2 and E-3. E-2 is telling you that an electrical anomaly has occurred and caused the unit to think it needs to have the Day temperature reset. To reset the E-2 error: press the button and hold until the display rolls around past the 110/65 degree mark and anywhere you let up will be the new Day temperature, it will flash the new setting twice and then display current temperature.
The E-3 error is saying an electrical anomaly has occurred and the night drop temperature needs to be reset. reset the night the same as the Day reset, just put the DBS-1000 into night mode , then press and hold the button until the display scrolls past the 110/65 degree point and let up when it reaches the new night drop set point.
If you don't have a night drop trigger device available for long enough to reset the E-3 error, we can send a temporary device called a shunt to put the unit into night mode while you perform the reset operation.
Some things to know,
One I-3 will not effect day temperature setting or regulation, at all, ever.
Two, when a memory is corrupted the DBS-1000 will default the temperature setting to 85 degrees (a safe temp), and turn on an error light until the appropriate temperature setting is re-established.
Three, the DBS-1000 has a double surge protected power supply and should not be plugged into a surge protection strip or computer safe strip. Use plain plug strips or wall sockets, adapters, etc...
Hope this helps, Jeff Washburn, Helix Controls, Inc.

Jeff,
Do you guys have a phone number? I have tried the one in Reptiles Mag and it goes to a fax sounding thing? I am having similar issues with mine as well, and was wondering if you could walk me through some steps over the phone. Feel free to send me an e-mail.
Thanks,
Jason

Hello,

I once had this error message too. I called Helix and they determined that the error had something to do with the night drop system. Even though I had never used this system in night drop mode the thermostat still displayed this error. I am trying to remember but, I believe I had to use the night drop chord and reset the night temperature to a certain level and the problem vanished. Hope this helps some.....

good luck!
Jason

i had mine read e3 before and its a default code when your temperature rises or falls above/below its preset temp within a 24 hour period..its basically to tell you your room temperature is working against you (in my opinion).... its happend to me a few times when the seasons change... what to do, i usually hold the check button for about 3-4 seconds until the LED blinks then it resets the code....problem gone in my case

my problem is due to keeping my animals in the basement and using ambient heat... as a result when theres a temperature jump (thanks wisconsin) the temps are thrown out of whack. The error message could be due to several factors depending on your situation and set up...hope this was somewhat helpful and not confusing lol
-----
we're here because a hobby became an obsession

some days you're the dog, some days you're the hydrant...don't know who started this saying but it's the truth

E2 or E3 denote Invalid day and night temperatures respectively. Both temperatures can only be between 65 and 110. If a memory setting is corrupted, the controller will detect it and reset itself , or safely default to 85, and the red trouble light will stay on until appropriate setting has been reset.

The text above came from the Helix paperwork that was in my box when I purchased it. Hope this helps. Thanks David
-----
www.Snakebstr.com -- Remember the Name it's in the Game!!! the Ball game that is

www.Snakebstr.com

WRONG !!!
WRONG... The only time I was WRONG is when I thought I was WRONG but I was really RIGHT.....LOL...LOL...LOL

They told me to hook up the night drop to a timer and let it kick of the system and it worked. It happened a couple of times to me with two of them from power outages.
-----
Tim Rash
www.nocturnal-creations.com