The Learner
Deranged Scientist,
King of Shit

I prefer the Vicks WarmMist vaporizer. Its non metal carbon based elements run longest without cleaning (150 hours) and the unit has a safety feature (automatic shut off if the water runs out)...

I can consider this type of project pretty low on the difficulty totem pole. Give it a try without adding a dimmer switch or modifying the power cord on the steamer unit. Just buy a cooler, the Vicks WarmMist, cut a hole in the cooler foam for the Vicks steam nozzle unit to fit through and steam Hay and Steam Wood Bark.... save compost for when you do get around to modifying the power.

National Semiconductor provides a lot of temperature sensors and DACs, application notes, and all sorts of goodies for the electronically inclined shroomerite to put together a temperature controlled AC power switch. Just like your oven, turns on when temperature is below X and turns off when temperature goes above Y, but works in the lower temp ranges with the accuracy we need to work with.

Of course you can do the brain dead old school technique of just running the steam through xyz length of copper tubing to conduct away a lot of the temperature before piping it into the styrofoam cooler.

The Learner
Too god damn busy,
to do shit for a while.

[This message has been edited by The Learner (edited May 03, 2000).]

Edited by MNmyc on 03/31/01 03:52 AM.

Edited by Humidity on 03/31/01 02:12 PM.

Edited by MNmyc on 04/01/01 11:36 PM.