Heated Base Components

[bear58]

I know alot of you have built your own heated bases for your star sizers and was wondering if you could share links to where you got your components (elements, controllers, etc.) Also, does anyone have some drawings or plans for ones that they have built that has worked well for them. Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

[alfloyd]

eBay.

Cartridge heater and a fish tank heater controller.
Put heater cartridge into an aluminum plate and the controller probe next to it.

Lafaun

[bear58]

Thanks Lafaun. Didn't realize ebay had all the stuff needed. Haven't been on it for awhile.

[bear58]

Anyone know what watt heater to get. If I run a PID controller, does it really matter what I get, within reason? This is my first lube sizer (Phelps), first heated base and I'm not an electrical genius, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[Dave Bob]

I used a 200 watt heater on a 4" x 6" 3/4" thick aluminum plate with a PID control, it heats fast and holds within 1 degree F. 100-200 should be fine, 50 to 75 would probably be OK if you use a smaller piece of aluminum.

Dave

[alfloyd]

I used a 100 watt 220 volt heater and run it on 110 volt.
That makes it a 50 watt heater. Works great with the fish tank controller as is.
I also used a 200 watt heater and it heats up very fast and cycles about +- 3 degrees.

Lafaun

[bear58]

That is exactly the info that I was looking for. Thanks Dave and Lafaun for your input and time.

[A pause for the COZ]

This is not on my star, but there is no reason it would not work.
Put this together for about 7 bucks.
Aluminum plate from the junk yard.
used 200 watt magnetic oil pan heater.
new old stock light dimmer.
Some old computer power cables.
Couple of plastic outlet boxes and one outlet.
White covers. ( wife did not like them any way)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d66/Kelly2215/100_8852_zps4038dc58.jpg

Here is whats on the Star.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d66/Kelly2215/100_8725_zps61cbef78.jpg

Oh does any one know where to buy those thermometer strips??

[VHoward]

At a pet store in the aquarium section.