• Responding to email notices you receive.
    **************************************************
    In short, DON'T! Email notices are to ONLY alert you of a reply to your private message or your ad on this site. Replying to the email just wastes your time as it goes NOWHERE, and probably pisses off the person you thought you replied to when they think you just ignored them. So instead of complaining to me about your messages not being replied to from this site via email, please READ that email notice that plainly states what you need to do in order to reply to who you are trying to converse with.

  • IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ!! About the Google Adsense ads being displayed

    =====================
    Posted 08/15/2025
    =====================


    Yeah, I know. They are a pain in the butt. But they pay the bills to keep my server running. Just a fact of life, I am afraid.

    Want to get rid of them? Simple. Just become a Contributor level member or above and they will be gone. -> Please click HERE."

    Is that too much for me to ask of you to keep this site running? Well, sorry about that. I too wish I could get everything for free. But alas.....

    =====================
    Addendum: 01/10/2026
    =====================


    Google Adsense ad revenue for December, 2025 was just $30 over the cost of the lease for the server running this site. So, in effect, the money providing the incentive for me to continue running this site is coming SOLELY from the paid memberships and sponsorships here. Which honestly ain't much....

Herpstat Problem ?

Mike P.

Mike P.

New member
Joined
May 14, 2006
Messages
280
Reaction score
1
Points
0
Age
60
Location
Arvada, CO
I've been running 1 RBI sweaterbox rack off of an original herpstat since last summer with no problems - today I received another duplicate rack "same heat setup - same rack", however when I plug it into my herpstat i receive error code 4, and the temps drop.

When I unplug it from the thermostat, the thermo works fine - with the old or new rack plugged in.

I've tried disconnecting power to the thermostat, disconnecting the sensor probe, and re-arranging the plugs from the racks into the thermostat, however it simply will not work with 2 racks plugged in ?

The racks are only pulling 40-60 watts a piece from my understanding, and the thermo is supposed to handle 500 watts.

Anyone else encounter this problem and/or a solution ?

Thanks

Mike
 
Are you sure that you are using the original herpstat?

Mine only has error codes up to #3

The herpstat ND has 5 error codes, and I am not sure about the pro models.

Here is there site. They have online manuals in PDF files. Just click on the model on the left side of the page, then scroll to the bottom of the model page for the link to the PDF. Hope this helps.

Spyder Robotics
 
garweft said:
Are you sure that you are using the original herpstat?

Mine only has error codes up to #3

The herpstat ND has 5 error codes, and I am not sure about the pro models.

Here is there site. They have online manuals in PDF files. Just click on the model on the left side of the page, then scroll to the bottom of the model page for the link to the PDF. Hope this helps.

Spyder Robotics
Click to expand...

Older Herpstat's had error codes up to 6.

The higher error codes essentially indicated the same as error # 3 on the current Herpstat's.


Mike:

Are you using proportional or on/off mode?

Did you move the probe to the new rack?
 
Scott Ashton said:
Older Herpstat's had error codes up to 6.

The higher error codes essentially indicated the same as error # 3 on the current Herpstat's.


Mike:

Are you using proportional or on/off mode?

Did you move the probe to the new rack?
Click to expand...

I am using it in proportional mode, and the probe has not been moved from the original rack - theoretically the same amount of power should be sent to both racks, so I see no need to move the probe - Of course I was going to test the temps overnight in the new rack before I moved the snakes from their tubs to the rack.

I can plug either the older rack, or the new identical rack in one at a time, and get no error codes from the thermo - once I plug in a 2nd rack into the thermo, I start receiving the error codes, and it shuts down and drops the temps :shrug01:

Mike
 
Teiidae said:
I am using it in proportional mode, and the probe has not been moved from the original rack - theoretically the same amount of power should be sent to both racks, so I see no need to move the probe - Of course I was going to test the temps overnight in the new rack before I moved the snakes from their tubs to the rack.

I can plug either the older rack, or the new identical rack in one at a time, and get no error codes from the thermo - once I plug in a 2nd rack into the thermo, I start receiving the error codes, and it shuts down and drops the temps :shrug01:

Mike
Click to expand...

As long as both racks are equivalent in terms of wattage - you are correct - the Herpstat should control both of them.

I had my Herpstat set-up to run two 150 Watt heat lamps providing heat to two identical enclosures with no problems at all.

Your unit is an older model. Not sure if any of the specs. changed from the earlier models.

Error code 4 is for an invalid sensor reading.

You should contact Dion from Spyder Robotics at: [email protected]

He's always gotten back to me quickly and has been more than happy to help out.
 
Last edited:
Teiidae said:
I am using it in proportional mode, and the probe has not been moved from the original rack - theoretically the same amount of power should be sent to both racks, so I see no need to move the probe - Of course I was going to test the temps overnight in the new rack before I moved the snakes from their tubs to the rack.

I can plug either the older rack, or the new identical rack in one at a time, and get no error codes from the thermo - once I plug in a 2nd rack into the thermo, I start receiving the error codes, and it shuts down and drops the temps :shrug01:

Mike
Click to expand...


dion is a good guy and repaired my herpstat promptly, when i had a problem.

it does seem strange that the problem only comes into play when you plug in a second rack?? are you plugging the 2nd rack directly into the cord on the herpstat? there may be a problem with the cord on the herpstat receptacle end? try plugging in a 2-3 way adapter in one of the receptacles on the herpstat. if that works ok, try to plug the 2nd rack into the same 2-3 way adapter, NOT the herpstat cord. just trying to see if the problem is in the herpstat cord. :shrug01:


vaughn
 
try plugging in a 2-3 way adapter in one of the receptacles on the herpstat. if that works ok, try to plug the 2nd rack into the same 2-3 way adapter, NOT the herpstat cord. just trying to see if the problem is in the herpstat cord.
Click to expand...
Also try plugging in an apliance with higher wattage than the 1 rack and see if the error code appears, not too high of wattage, a 150watt light bulb should be about right.
Can you identify the heatsource in the RBI racks? Perhaps it draws more wattage than you suspect?
 
v2rherp said:
dion is a good guy and repaired my herpstat promptly, when i had a problem.

it does seem strange that the problem only comes into play when you plug in a second rack?? are you plugging the 2nd rack directly into the cord on the herpstat? there may be a problem with the cord on the herpstat receptacle end? try plugging in a 2-3 way adapter in one of the receptacles on the herpstat. if that works ok, try to plug the 2nd rack into the same 2-3 way adapter, NOT the herpstat cord. just trying to see if the problem is in the herpstat cord. :shrug01:


vaughn
Click to expand...

Vaughn - I tried as you suggested - when I plug a 3 way directly into the herpstat receptacle, the thermo still works fine - Than when I plug the other rack in, I get the error code - This is true of either rack, so it seems that when I try to pull power from the thermo to more than one device, the error code comes into play.

I've e-mailed Dion last night, but have not heard back yet - unfortunately I do not have my receipt or anything, so I hope he has me in his system if it needs to go in for warranty work.

Worse case I have a few of them cheap ESU on/off thermostats I can hook up for a few days till I get another thermo in :rolleyes:
 
Casey Hulse said:
Also try plugging in an apliance with higher wattage than the 1 rack and see if the error code appears, not too high of wattage, a 150watt light bulb should be about right.
Can you identify the heatsource in the RBI racks? Perhaps it draws more wattage than you suspect?
Click to expand...

Casey - both racks are using 11" flexwatt for backheat - about 2' per rack - the paperwork that comes with the rack states that each rack uses 40-60 watts of heat tape, and a 500 watt thermo can handle up to 8 racks - I'm only trying to run 2 racks :shrug01:
 
Teiidae said:
Casey - both racks are using 11" flexwatt for backheat - about 2' per rack - the paperwork that comes with the rack states that each rack uses 40-60 watts of heat tape, and a 500 watt thermo can handle up to 8 racks - I'm only trying to run 2 racks :shrug01:
Click to expand...

One foot of 11" Flexwatt is 20 Watts.

So your total draw should be 80 Watts.
 
Mike,

I have responded to both your emails with suggestions on the same day you sent them. I am not sure if you are getting my responses or if they are getting filtered by your email software.

The issue you are experiencing is not a wattage issue. An overload of wattage will not give an error on the probe. Instead this sounds like a RFI problem. The sensor in the Herpstat is a digital sensor and sends a signal back to the Herpstat. I was able to create an RFI problem in house by keeping the probe wire tied close to the AC lines. It would cause the occasional error in the sensor. Depending on line voltage clarity and type of heating device the RFI could be enough to cause a repeat issue. Since you added a new rack I am wondering if your probe wire is run close to the ac lines and the extra rack/cord is causing additional RFI. The test would be to completely separate the probe wire from the AC lines as far as possible and see if that resolves the issue. In my testing typically a two inch distance or greater was all that was necessary but for your test try to isolate it as far as possible away. :D

A few months ago a code change in all Herpstats was added to overcome RFI problems. In the event of a sensor error or bad signal it rechecks the sensor up to 5 times before reporting an error (doing this all within a couple of seconds). If the error remains it takes action and shuts down the output. RFI errors typically only cause a single read error and therefore are weeded out.

Try the above steps. If they don't help then we'll get your device in for warranty service. Please report your results to me at [email protected]

Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics
 
Doh!

Sorry folks. My buddy George (owner of GLK Herp) was here picking up thermostats and was still logged in to fauna on my computer. :rolleyes:
The above post should have been from my account.

Sorry George!
 
Nothing but Herpstat

I use nothing but Herpstat products myself,and have had no problems with my own.And everytime i order from SpyderRobotics,it goes out that same day.I also appreciate the concern of the company when there is a problem,such as this thread and the customer care that they exhibit to correct the problem. :thumbsup:


on a side note:
is that the same knaack , from Cary?
 
glkherp said:
Mike,

I have responded to both your emails with suggestions on the same day you sent them. I am not sure if you are getting my responses or if they are getting filtered by your email software.

The issue you are experiencing is not a wattage issue. An overload of wattage will not give an error on the probe. Instead this sounds like a RFI problem. The sensor in the Herpstat is a digital sensor and sends a signal back to the Herpstat. I was able to create an RFI problem in house by keeping the probe wire tied close to the AC lines. It would cause the occasional error in the sensor. Depending on line voltage clarity and type of heating device the RFI could be enough to cause a repeat issue. Since you added a new rack I am wondering if your probe wire is run close to the ac lines and the extra rack/cord is causing additional RFI. The test would be to completely separate the probe wire from the AC lines as far as possible and see if that resolves the issue. In my testing typically a two inch distance or greater was all that was necessary but for your test try to isolate it as far as possible away. :D

A few months ago a code change in all Herpstats was added to overcome RFI problems. In the event of a sensor error or bad signal it rechecks the sensor up to 5 times before reporting an error (doing this all within a couple of seconds). If the error remains it takes action and shuts down the output. RFI errors typically only cause a single read error and therefore are weeded out.

Try the above steps. If they don't help then we'll get your device in for warranty service. Please report your results to me at [email protected]

Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics
Click to expand...

Thanks Dion - or George lol - For whatever reason I did not get your replies in my e-mail :shrug01: - I'll try as you suggest and let you know what happens - I'll shoot you a pm on here as well if the e-mail thingy aint working.

Mike
 
Sounds good. I look forward to your results.

-Dion

...Maybe I should check if george logged on to paypal on this pc. hee hee.

Actually George was the one who initially got me curious on the RFI issue. He has a ton of the Herpstats installed in his breeding facility. He mentioned once a month he would hear a single beep coming from his H2. Of course we figured it was his imagination that comes with old age (oh I am gonna get it). By accident I recreated it when I had a probe wire twisted around in a bunch ac wires and got the beep. Mine was a worst case scenario and his wire was also wrapped next to the ac. Hopefully that is your issue as thats the only square peg to fit the square hole. :D
 
Good job Dion trying to ruin my good rep... I better check my bank account balance next... LOL... Just kidding, sorry I forgot to log out. Thanks for the thermostats and I will talk to you later... and hey you better watch the old age stuff you aren't that far behind me...

George
 
Just wanted to say that I sent the hepstat into Dion, he found and corrected the problem, sent it back the same day, and it is now working fine :thumbsup:
 
Back
Top