Garden Thermometer

Does anyone know of a source for a good electronic garden thermometer, which measures both internal and external temperatures. I bought one last year made by Oregon. Which worked well at the time, but the remote sensor has since got wet and become damaged. My only complaint about the Oregon one was that it had 4 buttons on the front that you never used. The only button that was used every day was the one that reset the maximum and minimum temperatures. But this was located inside the battery compartment at the back and was not easy to use.

 

I'd be interested in finding a good one as well Peter, been thinking about getting one for quite a while.
Surely the Oregon remote sensor should be waterproof, have you been in contact with them about the problem?

 

It was the battery section of the remote sensor that rusted. My fault really - I had it on the ground and left it all year. Whilst I would have prefered a fully waterproof design, I should have known better. Oregon is American and I am sure would tell me to piss off.

I bought it from Jungle Seeds http://www.jungleseeds.co.uk/HardwareOrders/enter.html , which I have since googled. I see they sell a replacement remote monitor for �£9.99. But I have a serious dislike of the minute button in the back. It is so tiny and you have to press so hard that it hurts, and it often does not seem to work.

I am tempted to go for the first item, which is non wireless. I would prefer the flexibility of a wireless external probe. But a probe on a wire is actually far more practical. It can't be affected by the weather, and will use less battery power. It seems to have a clearer display, but more important a 'clear memory' button on the front. Their prices are cheaper than the only other site I have looked at. I don't want to pay too much because these are very new, and you are paying a premium. You can buy the domestic ones (without the external probe) for about �£2 now.

 

Have you had words with Jungle Seeds, I bet they would like to hear your findings, after all its not their fault but I bet they would at least like the feedback.

 

You are right Pete - companies don't know how good or bad their products are without constructive criticism.

 

i Just bought some fantastic ones from http://www.thermometersdirect.co.uk/

there are some cheap ones there but for a little more you can get really nice ones

highly recomended and very fast delivery http://www.thermometersdirect.co.uk/

 

I will have to pick your brains Pete on greenhouse heating as just about to get one.

does the different glass make any difference?


I am hoping to harnass heat from stable wall - well I no longer harness a horse there!

 

Thanks njoyit2, I'll have a long look at that later when i have more time.

How do you mean "different glass" Waco.
Are you refering to the fact that some have polycabonate these days.
think some also have toughened glass, but thats more a safety thing.

 

Yes thats it pete - polycarbonate, I am not worried about safety glass ( appart from cows from next door) what worries me is that the "apron" a concrete base infront of stable where we are going to put green house is South facing and baking hot, so I am worried about intensity of heat.

I am quite excited about it all though - just want to get it right for my over wintering begonia evansii

 

Waco - I don't have a greenhouse or even any special knowledge except for some physics. I don't think that the kind of glass will make any differance to the retention of heat. There are specialist silvered glasses that will do that but you won't get them with a greenhouse! To retain heat in winter you must do the same as you would do in a house. Stop all the draughts, and then double glaze. Bubble wrap or even plain polythene will do that. You also need some ventillation to prevent botrytis- but that will lose heat - its a compromise. The other compromise is that the double glazing will reduce the light available.

In summer traditionally greenhouse glass was coated with whitewash (or something similar) to reduce overheating in the sun. Plus of course ventilation.

Njoyit2 - that looks a good site - but its too late to do it justice tonight - thanks.

 

Cling film makes a good self-sealing 'double-glazing'. I remember from student days that it keep a surprising amount of heat in, and lasts well.