Like tcmtech said your making this way to complicated. Your dimmer will not control the temperature. If the room temp varies so will the "box". A thermostat is needed, reading the internal temp of the 'box'. Just one of many of the thermostats that work with 120V - https://www.infraredheaters.com/apt2.html Is bare kanthal wire even a good idea for the heat source? The heat tape is made for this, or along with the thermostat a thrift store heating pad or water bed heater would work. The water bed heater even has it's own built in thermostat.

 

..... or you could simply use an off-the-shelf aquarium heater. It's thermostat maintains a similar temperature to what you want.

Well... if the point is to simply heat the thing and breed the critters .... I can't argue with that ... but if the point is to have some fun and learn something new ...

 

Is my circuit correct? I'll take care of the tempature control with a microcontroller and an LMT86.

 

Mhhhh... your circuit should work. Although I think the 500K pot value is a bit too large. Your circuit seems to be more suited for 110VAC instead of 220VAC.
See this example:

​

 

And this other one, from an Arduino forum:

​

 

Maybe this is a BINGO moment? .... I found this circuit that claims to avoid the snap-on phenomenon associated with most dimmer circuits:

It seems like very good design, at least to me... you should check it out.

 

Mhhhh... your circuit should work. Although I think the 500K pot value is a bit too large. Your circuit seems to be more suited for 110VAC instead of 220VAC.
See this example:

View attachment 112343​

Only the dryer down in the basement uses 220 (240VAC). I don't live in the basement, I'm on the third floor, there's only 120VAC up here.


I don't understand Potentiometers in the circuit you've listed. (TRIAC Dimmer Avoids Snap-ON)

I don't understand how the Potentiometer is connected. I understand that the two terminals on the far left, and far right are like a resistor leads. But does the middle terminal on the potentiometer, is that the one that's Voltage Adjust terminal?

 

Yes, the middle pin of your pot, is the same as the middle terminal shown in the diagram using an arrow symbol.

 

Yes, the middle pin of your pot, is the same as the middle terminal shown in the diagram using an arrow symbol.

This is correct then..?

 

This is correct then..?
View attachment 112356

Yes, that's it... Word of advice, something tells me you're not too experienced in this sort of thing. Be very careful when handling this components. After assembling it, wrap some electrical tape around the terminals, to minimize the risk of shock.

 

Yes, that's it... Word of advice, something tells me you're not too experienced in this sort of thing. Be very careful when handling this components. After assembling it, wrap some electrical tape around the terminals, to minimize the risk of shock.

I've ran 12/2, installed 120vac Receptacles, 240vac receptacles, and Installed and installed breakers. I've also made a DC - AC SSR Outlet, that I can control with an Arduino.



I simply asked a question about the pot. What does that have to do with electrocuting myself? As long as I know how everything is wired and soldered together, i shouldn't have any problems. It's common sense not to plug it in when I'm working on it. If anything goes wrong, it's not going to be my fault.

Why do you think I ask questions?
Should I trust the information I get from online resources & experienced people?
Does the people I'm asking for help know what they're talking about?

As long as the people I put my faith in on forums, and the information I get online is correct, it's common sense to not plug stuff in, or hook things up wrong.

But thank you for your concern, I'll be sure to take extra precaution when working with electricity, especially mains voltage.

 

I've ran 12/2, installed 120vac Receptacles, 240vac receptacles, and Installed and installed breakers. I've also made a DC - AC SSR Outlet, that I can control with an Arduino.

View attachment 112364

I simply asked a question about the pot. What does that have to do with electrocuting myself? As long as I know how everything is wired and soldered together, i shouldn't have any problems. It's common sense not to plug it in when I'm working on it. If anything goes wrong, it's not going to be my fault.

Why do you think I ask questions?
Should I trust the information I get from online resources & experienced people?
Does the people I'm asking for help know what they're talking about?

As long as the people I put my faith in on forums, and the information I get online is correct, it's common sense to not plug stuff in, or hook things up wrong.

But thank you for your concern, I'll be sure to take extra precaution when working with electricity, especially mains voltage.

Like you've just said, was merely concerned. I never meant to make you feel like you were being patronized or anything. That's what's bad about the written word, sometimes it "sounds" differently from the intended original message.

But let's move on ... It would be nice if you later reported your results in this thread.... let us know how things went.

Good luck!

 

Like you've just said, was merely concerned. I never meant to make you feel like you were being patronized or anything. That's what's bad about the written word, sometimes it "sounds" differently from the intended original message.

But let's move on ... It would be nice if you later reported your results in this thread.... let us know how things went.

Good luck!

Yes, your totally right.
I totally understand what you're saying, and yes, I miss interpreted. I apologize If I sounded rude, or offensive.

Yeah, I'll be sure to post or whatever if I do choose to build it. I'm a procrastinator with most of the stuff I like to do, but never do. I like to learn, but I totally understand that getting a hands on learning experience would be in my best interest.

Thanks for the help (everyone) !!