Zilla Dig Thermo/Hygro gauge "tolerances"

[Drago]

So on the recommendations from many, both here and another source, I purchased (4) of these Zilla Digital Terrarium Thermometer-Hygrometer. All from Amazon, all within 2 weeks of one another.

Here is a link so those that don't know exactly what model I'm talking about:
http://www.zilla-rules.com/products/specialty-equipment/terrarium-hygrometer-thermometer.htm

They are all not exactly the same, meaning they appear to be different versions or models. Some have a sliding "lock" button on the back, some do not. Some of the hygro probes are different from the others. OK, not a huge deal although I would like to think I got all the same AND all the latest model, but I digress.

I reset all four by pulling the battery out of each unit, replace batteries and lay them all side by side. Put all four temp probes in one spot, the hygro probes in another. Of course, they all read differently but my question is:

How much of a "spread" from highest to lowest would you deem acceptable for both the temp and the humidity?

I won’t say just yet what mine were for fear of skewing honest answers.

 

[SpartyTessy]

I also bought mine from Amazon so now you got me curious. I am going to check both to make sure they are exactly the same. According to Amazon they are suppose to be model 11577. Maybe the seller was a bad one and mixed up his stash that he sold you. I ordered the ones directly from Amazon that got the free shipping. Later today when I get home I will test mine and see how far apart the readings are. I know I did not answer your question but you got me curious and I will report back how far apart mine are.

 

[Drago]

I know I did not answer your question but you got me curious and I will report back how far apart mine are.

Fair enough I would be curious how far off your's are from one another as well.

Also, I would be curious to know if you have the sliding lock on the back.

One more question...one of my units, the two probes "look" exactly the same. The other three units, the hygro probe is obviously bigger (longer) than the temp probe.

For what it's worth "I" don't think mine are all that far off from one another, that said, I'm new to all of this and I simply do not know what is considered acceptable.

 

[Wykd]

i prefer to use dial/analog gauges digital are iffy if accurate. I have seen various brands as far off as 20% side by side.

I can buy a 10.00 turtle hygrometer and calibrate it and it do better than anything short of a scientific use hygrometer.

calibrating a hygrometer

even if you cant calibrate your digital you can test it via the steps at the link above and note how far yours are off.

 

[Drago]

calibrating a hygrometer

Oooh! NICE!

Thank you so much!!

 

[SpartyTessy]

So I put the probes right next to each other and they both read exactly the same. I have kept them together for about 2 hours now. Both of them the temp and humidity probe are exactly the same. Also neither one has a sliding lock on the back but pas a piece that pops out so you can keep it upright. I will probably get a couple more of them as I really like them.

 

[Drago]

So I put the probes right next to each other and they both read exactly the same. I have kept them together for about 2 hours now. Both of them the temp and humidity probe are exactly the same. Also neither one has a sliding lock on the back but pas a piece that pops out so you can keep it upright. I will probably get a couple more of them as I really like them.

Hahah, that's weird. The only one out of the four units I have with the sliding lock is the one the the identical looking probes.

All of mine have that "T" bar that swings out so you can stand them up.

Thanks for the results! I sent an email to Zilla asking what is acceptable to them.

 

[SpartyTessy]

Let me know what they say when they respond. I am curious

 

[Drago]

Let me know what they say when they respond. I am curious

Yea - I'll post. Their website says it takes 3-4 for a response so it may take a few days.

I just started the Hygro calibration test Wykt posted. I won't be able to adjust mine but I'll know how far off they are.

I feel all Dr. Science now

 

[SpartyTessy]

Yea - I'll post. Their website says it takes 3-4 for a response so it may take a few days.

I just started the Hygro calibration test Wykt posted. I won't be able to adjust mine but I'll know how far off they are.

I feel all Dr. Science now

Did they ever respond back to you? Also how did the calibration go on yours?

 

[Drago]

Let me know what they say when they respond. I am curious

Just an update - Still have not gotten a response from Zilla.

 

[Drago]

Did they ever respond back to you? Also how did the calibration go on yours?

No response from Zilla. Dissapointed with that, maybe they didn't want to answer

The hydration calibration wasn't bad, at least I didn't think so. I had all four in a gallon ziploc bag with the salt/water cup, left it overnight. The next morning this is what I got.

#1 - 73% & 80.2*
#2 - 72% & 79.8*
#3 - 75% & 80.2*
#4 - 73% & 79.2*

 

[Wykd]

yeah the hygrometers didnt read to broad a range so thats good, the temp isn't bad you were not over 1 point variance.

 

[Drago]

yeah the hygrometers didnt read to broad a range so thats good, the temp isn't bad you were not over 1 point variance.

Yea, once I had them all in a bit more of a contained/controlled environment they seemed line up with one another "ok".

 

[SpartyTessy]

yeah those are some pretty good results. I ordered two more and when I get them I will calibrate all 4 of mine to see how they fare.

 

[Drago]

Yea - I'm satisfied with them. I was a little bummed when I first put them all side by side, they varied a lot more than that! But the baggie test was a better test.

 

[Wykd]

that baggy also allows them to all settle in over night in a controlled environment, so when you put them in they will adjust to their ranges and you FEEL more comfortable when you see the readings after a bit.

 

[Drago]

that baggy also allows them to all settle in over night in a controlled environment, so when you put them in they will adjust to their ranges and you FEEL more comfortable when you see the readings after a bit.

Yea - Thanks again for the great tip (the salt/water/baggie trick)!!