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Does anyone use something like this. The control in my humidifier just doesn't work. I'm constantly having to manually cycle my humidifier on and off based on my Abbeon hair hygrometer. It's a real pain. This doesn't need to accurate just repeatable/predictable. I'll use my hygrometer for the actual reading and set it with that.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

I’m using the Dayton humidistat. It holds its setting when the power goes off and on. The displayed humidity isn’t true, but it can be calibrated against an accurate hygrometer. It keeps the actual humidity within a couple of percent of desired once you get it set.

I went the cheapest way possible and got a DIYMore SHT 2000 and built it into a plywood case. Since I already had the receptacle and the plywood the thing cost about $20 to build. As with Bob's device the displayed humidity isn't true but when a setpoint is found that gives the desired humidity mine keeps it at +/- 1 unit. The humidistat is available from Amazon, Ebay or the DIYMore website. The back of the controller has all the connections for power and wiring up the receptacle. Both of the 120 v outlets are controlled by the controller. The controller can be set to run either a humidifier or a dehumidifier.

Thanks Guys, it sounds like these have potential.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

A link that might be of use (no affiliation):

http://www.burgessviolins.com/products.html

I just realized my humidifier needs to be reset when power's cut to operate , so it looks like these won't work for me.
What are you guys using for humidifiers? Did you make one?
Thanks.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

Yes, if you’re using a humidistat controller, you’ll need a dehumidifier with a “continuous run” feature. I found this in an inexpensive Danby brand unit at Costco. It has been operating in my 11x14 wood/bracing room for 5 years now and is more than adequate. (The previous unit was a reclaimed Delonghi, but also had continuous run). It is run from a home-built controller that also manages a humidifier — also equipped with continuous run, so humidity management is pretty simple.


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Oops — just noticed you’re talking “humidifiers”, not dehum. Same feature required. Mine is quite old, but they’re simple devices, so I’m sure you can hotwire to bypass the controller, if necessary.


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That's definitely an option.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

I use one -- the humidity reading isn't accurate but it has precision (consistent). In Florida, I only have to worry about the dehumidifying. My constantly will kick on when the humidity reaches 48% - then the dehumidifier will drop my RH to the low 40's before it shuts off. I couldn't live without mine -- I'm using this one but I didn't spend much time researching alternatives:

https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Controls-H ... 030&sr=8-1

For a humidifier, I’m using a Vicks steam unit from the drug store. No mold, no particles in the air. Only thing wrong with it is its small capacity. I have to refill it twice a day in the winter.

I'm using a Vicks warm mist humidifier Model V745A from Amazon. It holds a gallon of water and here in Virginia I only fill it once a day to maintain a 40% humidity. Then again, I'm only humidifying a 12 x 10 room.

Jim,

I like this Willhi: https://tinyurl.com/pw2zk67j that hasn't missed a beat in the five years I've used it. It's always within 1 or 2 points of my old Abbeon hygrometer. It can be set up for humidifying or dehumidifying. I haven't needed to mess with it since I got it.

edit: got a short url

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

Hey Pat

Just want to thank you for the tip about the RH controller.

My dehumidifier has one built in but never really worked to any standard. I put it on a timer and just ran it for 3 hours twice a day and it worked but not efficiently at all.

Followed your advice and got it a couple days ago. A little bit of a programming learning curve I'm sure was a translation issue.

But once figured out it has been working great. No more guessing or monitoring and I can leave for a couple days and not worry about it. And you can set the range pretty close. Just what I needed.

Thanks much for another great tip.

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Brian R, Wood Mechanic
N8ZED

Brian, I'm glad it works for you. I picked that one out of the blue just because it looked all-business, no gimmicks. I may get their temperature controller too.

I have it controlling a Honeywell HWM705B humidifier, which keeps my 200 sq ft insulated, moisture-tight shop right where I want it. The humidifier doesn't need a reset after power to it is cut by the controller, though a reset is needed if it runs dry.

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com