[pmrid (Peter)]

UPDATE: Cheap TEC results.
I've just done a 30 minute run with Unit #2 - the one with the Chine (EBay) TEC. Bleahh!

After 30 minutes with the camera in place but no switched on, temperature dropped only 6.7C and by that time, the graph was getting pretty flat.

The only difference between this unit and Unit #1 (see my posting earlier today for those results) are:

1. the different TEC; and
2. Different camera (but this is neither here nor there); and
3. this box is unlined inside whereas Unit 1 is fully lined.

I've let it run and plan leaving it to run overnight - a torture test - and see where it lands but my guess is that I won't see much more that 7 or 8 below ambient. Pretty disappointing.

I'll try lining the box on the inside and run the test again before I pronounce the Chinese TC a waste of money.

Here's an update. I just checked again - an hour later and only another 3.5C so a total of 10 C in 90minutes. What a dud.

Still, I'll line the chamber tomorrow and run it again but I think I know where this is going to end up.

The US TEC costs US$83. plus post but it seems to be worth it.


Peter