Welcome to Gradiant History: Gradiant Controls, Inc., was formed in 1980 to produce a simple, easy to use electronic control for alternative energy setups. A configurable thermostat type control allowed handeling of heat flow for solar, CHP, and biomass heating and cooling. Remote sensors, which could be set to activate at certain temperatures, fed AND/OR logic. Output relay contacts then activated pumps, fans, baffles, or other devices. At the time it looked as though the world would enter a new era of alternative and home based energy systems, which would need such controls. Units were advertised all over the world in major publications. It was not to be. The 1970's energy crisis was at a close, and soon government incentives were removed. Thousands of small businesses, based on energy conservation and self sufficiency, ceased to be. Gradiant Controls, Inc. was among them. Personnel moved on to other pursuits, other businesses. An entire generation passed without knowledge of how it should have been. The world returned to massive energy consumption and many of the technologies developed were "forgotten" only to be "discovered" again recently! (We had: hybrid cars, biofuel, energy saving lights, solar power, wind power... all back then!) It was hoped that the short lived 2007-8 energy crisis ($4 gasoline and correspondingly high home heating fuel) would rekindle interest. This also was not to be. Oil traded as low as $32 per barrel by late 2008. Will yet another generation forget? Time will tell. Support: Each control unit was provided with complete schematic diagrams so repair, if needed, could be done by anyone proficient in electronics. The sensors were produced by a company no longer in business. A small stock is available, as are most other parts. Contact: tom_ibm at hotmail.com for inquires. Be sure to put "Gradiant Controls" as the subject line. Update: 28 Jan 2009 |