Multi-Thermostat System for Heat Tape?

Projects General Guidance
1

Hello Arduino Users!

I am new to this whole eco-system, so bare with me.

Summary
I am trying to make a system that will allow me to regulate multiple sets of heat tape, this can either be proportional (varying voltages and such to achieve the result) or simply by turning on or off the heat tape. The heating will be used for Terrariums for reptiles. I have done some research, I believe I am pretty close to achieving this. I just want some advice on what I am doing - especially because it's dealing with higher voltage/wattage electrical!

Proposed Products (not purchased)

Needed Products

  • A method to turn on or off the Heat Tape
  • OR a method to regulate input voltage/wattage for proportional heating
  • A relay system that isn't expensive that is expandable and allow multi-independent controls. Wireless not needed

Final Thoughts
As I mentioned I am new to this hardware realm, but I do know how to code. Mainly in Python, but I believe the native language is C++ with the Arduino - that's fine. I just need to get a setup that is SAFE and will allow me to expand and monitor everything with ease. Any feedback is helpful! Thanks!

2

That heat tape is a problem because it uses 110V/AC power. If you can find some other type of heating device -- something that runs on ~12-24VDC power -- it would be much simpler to implement and much safer. Unfortunately I know pretty much zero about reptile terrariums so I wouldn't even know what to recommend.

3

Chagrin:
That heat tape is a problem because it uses 110V/AC power. If you can find some other type of heating device -- something that runs on ~12-24VDC power -- it would be much simpler to implement and much safer. Unfortunately I know pretty much zero about reptile terrariums so I wouldn't even know what to recommend.

I was trying to find info about the voltage and such, where did you find that out of curiosity?

EDIT: You mean the standard 110V power, like an outlet. Mybad.

4

To control your heat tape you could use a VO2223 opto coupler. It's good for 1 amp (120w) with a 10amp surge. I've used these for all types of low power 120vac control. Use a fuse for safety and be careful. Suppose you could stick with a relay too.

Since you are using a temp sensor just turn on a pin based on the temperature you read from the sensor. You may need to experiment with the sensor position to get good results.

5

Ray_Beebe:
To control your heat tape you could use a VO2223 opto coupler. It's good for 1 amp (120w) with a 10amp surge. I've used these for all types of low power 120vac control. Use a fuse for safety and be careful. Suppose you could stick with a relay too.

Since you are using a temp sensor just turn on a pin based on the temperature you read from the sensor. You may need to experiment with the sensor position to get good results.

So many options, researching couplers now. Thanks for suggestion.

If I go the Relay route, would this work?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-Channel-5V-Relay-Shield-Module-Board-Optocoupler-module-For-Arduino-ARM-AVR-EK-/222403638837?hash=item33c84a3635:g:h8MAAOSwFqJWi4oB

6

That's a lot of relays each one draws 75ma when active. Relays will work but you may want a separate power supply for them.

7

Ray_Beebe:
That's a lot of relays each one draws 75ma when active. Relays will work but you may want a separate power supply for them.

How the heck do I supply more power, starting to become pretty crazy

8

Use a 5v 1amp supply for the relays and/or UNO. I think the relay board has a jumper you can move to power the relays from a separate supply if you want. Each output from an UNO will supply 3ma or so to drive the optos on the board.

9

One last thing, make sure you comply with all electrical codes and have your work inspected by a qualified electrical. Don't want to burn down the house, kill your lizards or your family.