Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm considering upgrading to Helix or Johnson stats.
Just would like to hear some comments and feedback from those that are using these.
How reliable?
Power out issues such as setting is lost?
Setup issues like power cord is too short, probe cable is too short, etc.
Thanks in advance.
John Q

Helix is proportional and Johnson uses an "on off" type of controller.

Eventually an on off controller will wear down and lock up in either the fully on or fully off position.

If it locks in the on position, heat sources tend to get really hot.

It has been my experience that Helix is the safest way to go.

I don't have any experience with Johnson Controls, but I would definitely recommend the Herpstat over the Helix. We are using several Herpstat II's and Herpstat Pro's. The features on these are far better than the Helix.

The first thermostat we bought was a Helix, the second was a Herpstat II. The Helix blew the internal fuse, which I have yet to be able to find a replacement. Now, all of our cages are on Herpstats. Herpstats have a high and low temp alarm, power matching, sensor matching and night drop built in and Dion at Spyder Robotics is great to work with. When we got our first Herpstat Pro it wasn't maintaining temps at all. We contacted Spyder Robotics, the maker of the Herpstats, and sent ours in. They had it fixed and back in our hands within a week. This is the only problem we have had.
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Randy and Michelle
Art In Scales
(719) 439-4199
info@artinscales.com

I haven't played around with the Helix controls but have kept all my enclosures on Herpstats. I haven't had a single problem in over 3 years, not to mention all the other options with herpstats.
Nate

I know you didn't ask but I've had the double Rancos and have liked them and not had any problems. got them because I'm a litle paranoid. I do own a Herpstat and like it. On their site they even suggest if you are concerned about a failure you can plug an inexpensive T-stat in the wall and have it set as a failsafe. I have never had a problem with my Herpstat.

I also have the double rancos (Actually quad rancos), and I like the redundancy. I went crazy with redundancy, 2 heat tapes, 2 double thermostats, and no worries. Life is good.