Inkbird controller

[jaws7777]

Actually, to correct comments I made earlier, I believe that only one mode will operate at a time, so you would still have to use a splitter on the 306. You would just have to operate it in single mode setting (if it has that) and leave the second mode unused.

Wait this doesnt make sense to me.. not being a wise guy lol

Why would there be a need for a splitter ?

 

[Fish Tank Travis]

The 306 has two outlets but each is connected to a separate heat mode (if I understand it correctly). That way one of them operates during one mode and the other operates during the other mode. Therefore, neither is on at the same time. I could be wrong on this but I read a description earlier that states they operate like this. It doesn't make sense to design it that way, but I've seen a lot of stuff designed and sold that doesn't make sense before so...

 

[Vancouver_98683]

If you buy the 306 and set both the "day" mode and the "night" mode to identical settings, then both outlets should operate exactly the same. Then you could plug two heaters into it, with one in each outlet and avoid the splitter.

I really think you guys are placing too much emphasis on not using a splitter cable. They are cheap and rated for way more power that the InkBird is capable of supplying. However, if you really don't want to use one, you can use the 306 to have two heating outlets.

I agree. Too much emphasis on the splitter cable. It handles loads up to 10 amps up to 1000w-1200w depending on model #. Which is quite a bit. A complete system with lights, pump system is even under 10 amps.

2x 300w heaters ÷ 120v = 5 amps

 

[DN328]

Ok, I'm going to try to break down the different models the best I understand them:

306 and 306T
These models appear exactly the same to me and are the same price. They have a day and night setting so each outlet is in control of one of the settings. This is for use with incubation periods that require different temperatures between day and night. However, if used with both set up identically, it should turn on both outlets at the same time, and then be able to turn on both heaters, if one is plugged into each outlet. It is rated for a max of 10A, which comes out to be 1200W at 120V.

308 and 308S
These models are also exactly the same except the 308T comes with the longer probe. I believe that the longer probe can be used if you don't want to fully submerge the smaller probe. These units are true temperature controllers in that they have heating and cooling capabilities, and will keep the temperature steady, no matter if it's getting too warm or to cool. The probes on these units are removable and replaceable with a simple headphone jack style plug. These are also rated for 10A, which is 1200W at 120V.

310T
This unit operates the same as the 308, but has 6 period settings that allow you to program it to keep certain temperatures during certain periods. For instance, if you're brewing and need to have the temp at one setting for a few hours, then lower for a few days, and then higher for a few more days. This controller can handle up to six of those periods. It is not really useful for our aquarium use, unless you want to use it to induce breeding.

So, that's the breakdown, as I understand it. Lol

Btw, these units are actually rated for amperage, not watts. They are rated for 10A and power (watts) is calculated by amperage times voltage. So, at 240V (which this controller can handle) it can output 2400W.

I think the longer probes are for those brewing and dip in barrows?

 

[jaws7777]

I agree. Too much emphasis on the splitter cable. It handles loads up to 10 amps up to 1000w-1200w depending on model #. Which is quite a bit. A complete system with lights, pump system is even under 10 amps.

2x 300w heaters ÷ 120v = 5 amps

Right but that complete system is not being plugged into the one outlet on the inkbird.

Has nothing to do with the total load going into the the breaker. Again probably fine but not for me. Im not putting too much emphasis on this one aspect but for me if i buy a product for this purpose and it has two outlets i would want to use both outlets just personal preference

 

[jaws7777]

Im new to controllers so may be missing something but whats the purpose of a controller wether it be inkbird or ranco having two outlets ?

 

[jaws7777]

I have the 306, 6 months and no issues.

As mentioned seems more sense to me as never going to need a chiller, only heating lol

Hey man since your using the 306 can you tell is how its currently set up ? Are you using a splitter or utilizing both outlets ?

 

[Fish Tank Travis]

Im new to controllers so may be missing something but whats the purpose of a controller wether it be inkbird or ranco having two outlets ?

Honestly, the only difference between a unit that already has two outlet wired in versus one outlet that requires a splitter is that the splitter is built into the unit for you already. Other than that I see no difference other than aesthetics. I'll admit, I would prefer to not have to use the splitter cable and be able to plug two or three heaters directly into the controller. They probably manufacture these units with only one outlet because they figure most people will only be using a single larger unit as opposed to two or three smaller units. I mean, you could just buy a single large 1000W heater for your tank and then you wouldn't need a splitter. Lol.

I honestly like the idea of having the unused chiller feature because you never know where you might go in the hobby. You might end up wanting a native tank, or some jelleys, that require the use of a chiller. It would be expensive to buy a chiller but you would have that option if you ever needed it. The chances are low, but it would be possible.

 

[Fish Tank Travis]

Hey man since your using the 306 can you tell is how its currently set up ? Are you using a splitter or utilizing both outlets ?

I would like to know this also.

 

[Woefulrelic]

The rancos have the be set to heat or cool, I think you can get dual stages that will do both, for twice the price. I assume the ink bird would be a single stage set up with a hot and cold or two hots. It might not be able to do heating and cooling at the same time, so on units with both you could only use one side. If it has two heating out puts you should be able to plug in heaters to both and calibrate them the same. I can't imagine you would be able to draw more power out of it, these units weren't designed to run heating and cooling at once so I doubt the outputs are designed to take on more wattage than originally intended.

Im new to controllers so may be missing something but whats the purpose of a controller wether it be inkbird or ranco having two outlets ?

These electronic heat controllers were designed for general purpose use. This includes deep freezer chests, boiling brewing setups and everywhere in between. Having two outputs on a single stage keeps them from having to pander to one specific crowd, and in turn make a bulk of units available for all purposes. For dual stage you could setup ac and a space heater in your room set to 75 with a temp differential of 5. At 80 the AC kicks on bring it down to 75. Year round temp control, that you set once and forget.

I'm just trying to give you an idea of how they can work, I'd imagine some hobbies make more use of it than others. For me these things have a long history of reliability across hundreds of different intentions. I can't help but look at the ink bird as an aquarium pandering little brother, even though I know it's not the case. Whenever I get around to setting up a breeder or two I'll pick up that inkbird without the cooling output.

Do they offer dual stage inkbird?