coldframe opener

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6 Comments

Comment by Tamra on April 23, 2009 at 2:25pm

Every penny. I have had that one for 8 years.

Comment by Diana on April 23, 2009 at 10:08am

Nice gadget. do you find it worth the cost? ($52 on your link site). I would love to have this.

Comment by Tamra on December 14, 2008 at 8:01pm

I have both kinds, but like this one best, and yes to does disconnect so the lid can be completely open. I got it here

http://www.charleysgreenhouse.com/index.cfm?page=_productdetails&productid=3515&cid1=842&cid2=200&cid3=-99

Comment by Eric M on December 14, 2008 at 7:04pm

What brand of vent opener is that? I've been looking at one for my cold frame, but it has to be one that can be disconnected so the lid can be opened all the way. The only one I can find is called a Univent, which looks very similar to yours.

Comment by Tamra on December 10, 2008 at 4:37pm

No digital witchcraft, just the heat. I can adjust the temp at which it opens and closes by turning the cylinder which pushes the piston further in (or out). This is not exact like if it were digital. When I first set it up in the fall, I go out when I think the lid should be open and turn until it opens as much as I want. Then I make sure that the lid closes enough once the sun starts to set. It takes a little tweaking for a day or to, but then I don't have to think about it.

Here in Tennessee it can be in the lower 20's(-6c) at night and by 10am on a sunny day go up to 70(21c). That can cause the temps inside the frame to be over 100(38c). Young plants can burn and die. On many occasions I have left home when it was cloudy, only to have the sun come out, and burn everything. Without these, I think a cold frame would been too much work.

I only have 1 arm on each frame. This is just enough ventilation to prevent overheating. In late spring and early fall, I often prop the other lids open as well. But timing is not nearly as important when I have one lid out of 4 open automatically.

Comment by Snowshiva on December 10, 2008 at 4:22pm

So the heat causes the liquid inside the piston to expand? or is there digital witchcraft at work here?