Controller Question

[Epod]

Hi all

A question on how good is the temp reading for a fan controller as I see it is always different from the room temp 25.5c gauge/Rh and the controller is set to 28c so what is right ? I just got the controller a few days ago so I am not to sure what is right both are in the same place temp probe and temp gauge Thanks

 

[Cartel530]

This is a common problem with meters especially cheaper ones. 5 meters in the same room will show 5 different temps add them and take the mean or the more expensive unit will usually have a more accurate sensor hence the price difference in Thermometers

 

[Epod]

ok thanks

 

[r2k]

Measuring temp is tricky. You need to start by getting two or three meters and put them in a quiet place on your kitchen counter or table and let them sit for 20 or 30 minutes. They should all be within a degree Fahrenheit (about 1/2 degree Centigrade) of each other. It take time for them to stabilize, so be patient. If the meters are all close, you have good meters.

Once you have a meter to trust, you can take them to the grow box. Put the probes at plant canopy height. You need to put them in some kind of light shield so that radiation from the bulb doesn't hit it. Stick them in something like a short piece of toilet paper tubing so you get light blocked but still good air flow. You also need to guard the controller sensor so it is in a shadow.

You need to put the sensor for the controller close to the sensor for the meter. Small boxes can have different temperatures at different spots. If you want the controller and thermometer to match, the sensors need to measure at the same spot.

You might get better response from your sensors if you can remove any extra mass from them. I bought some digital thermometers once that had a plastic cover over the sensor. It was useful if you wanted to stick the probe onto something outside, but I didn't want that. Removing the extra plastic cover to just leave the sensor by itself made the probe much more responsive. It is also a bit more delicate because there is nothing protecting it, so be careful. Thermometers are only about $8 each, so it isn't a big loss if you destroy one.


-r2k

 

[Epod]

Thanks r2k for all the info I will move the sensor I have it 2" from the ceiling it's a 9" high grow room