Didn’t do a search, but figured it’s been discussed here before. Responses with links are appreciated, or the name of a manufacturer.
Thanks
Didn’t do a search, but figured it’s been discussed here before. Responses with links are appreciated, or the name of a manufacturer.
Thanks
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Replies
I've seen this model on a couple of web sites, controlled by telephone:
http://www.thermostatshop.com/
Bob
Great link, thanks.
I use an elk m-1 gold alarm system to control an occupied and away mode off my thermostats via telephone. It can also be done via the web if you have a high speed connection. The system has a lot of flexibility.
You can control everything from anywhere nowadays.
Have ge relays in own house per link. Back before internet. Not sure if the link below shows internet link stuff, first hit.
Did mine back before internet, had to hand build lotsa controls.
The company facilities folk can turn lights/hvac/processes/etc on and off for any of literally thousands of different buildings worldwide from their laptops and even phone codes.
http://www.geindustrial.com/products/applications/tlc/tlclvrc.pdf
http://download.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/sb/intelrremotemanagementmodule_tps_rev_10.pdf
http://www.smarthome.com/30532/IP-Thermostat-with-Remote-Sensor-Capability-2-Port-Power-Adapter/p.aspx
I have a FreezeAlarm, but it's only the intermediate model, which I can't use to boost the heat by phone. I understand their Deluxe or SuperDuper or whatever model does let you turn up the heat remotely, however.
X10.com has reasonably priced systems that will control the thermostat over the internet, along with lights, etc.
web site is kind of hokey, have you used their stuff?
web site is kind of hokey, have you used their stuff?
yes, I have used their products for years. They work great, much less than competing products, and often are the same products relabelled.
OK Thanks
>>>web site is kind of hokey, have you used their stuff?Hokey is an understatement. Whatever you do, don't give them your email address; you'll be spammed ad infinitum.X10 is ancient technology, developed in Scotland the 1970s. It works, but is subject to all kinds of RF interference that today's electronics generate on household wiring (back then they didn't have millions of wall warts, solid state TVs, computers, laser printers, etc....). You'll probably need to install various filters, and a bridge to repeat signals between the two legs (phases) of your house's wiring.I have various X10 devices, but not their thermostat. Their pricing is attractive, but the devices are noisier than competing products, and they seem to be somewhat cheaply made. If you can afford it, I'd consider other manufacturers that use more robust, digital technologies that are resistant to today's interference. In summary, I think the X10 products are a "bargain basement" brand that is nearing the end of it's useful life. Watch for digital products to leapfrog it in the next few years.If you have Internet service at the remote site you might find something that is IP based.Scott.
Edited 11/11/2009 1:01 pm by Scott
X10 is ancient technology, developed in Scotland the 1970s. It works, but is subject to all kinds of RF interference that today's electronics generate on household wiring (back then they didn't have millions of wall warts, solid state TVs, computers, laser printers, etc....).
As an electonics engineer and user of X10 products, I have to disagree. One of the primary advantages of X10 technology is that it is "bulletproof" - it's essentially immune to noise and interference. The only "filter" needed is the whole house surge suppressor we all should have to protect electronics in our homes. Even without the surge suppressor, X10 products are pretty immune to transients.
X10 technology transmits signals over the power line rather than through the air. The benefit is the immunity to noise and interference - but the cost is that there has to be a signal connection between the sender and receiver. As a result, the two phases of the power system do need a bridge to allow the signal to pass between them - but only if you need to operate devices on both phases.
X10 technology has been renamed and repackaged as "newer digital technogies" but remains the basis for most home automation products. X10 brand products are sold under other names (e.g. RCA, GE) but they are the same products inside.
X10 offers various products to do just about anything, including controlling your home over the internet, alarm systems, and surveillance. They are the only company that offers a complete, integrated system that can be assembled from components. You can piece together much of what they offer from other brands, but you won't get the level of integration they offer.
Edited 11/11/2009 1:20 pm ET by woodturner9
>>>Even without the surge suppressor, X10 products are pretty immune to transients.My experience is completely opposite. I have had to install receptacle filters, and a bus-to-bus bridge. Nothing works otherwise.There are various credible websites that speak to the limitations of X10. I think it's a useful technology, and it's remarkable that it's survived all these years. I'll admit to being fond of the "nerd appeal" that it has. But if I were to do it all again I'd probably go with the Insteon or Z-Wave products.Other competitors are UPB, Lonworks, Zigbee, and Homeplug.Scott.
Other competitors are UPB, Lonworks, Zigbee, and Homeplug.
The Lonworks powerline communication technology is similar to and derived from X10 and is also a technology from the 1980's, like X10. Zigbee uses RF communication and has the interference issues associated with OTA transmission. The others are powerline communication and would have the same inherent limitations as X10, such as the need to provide a path between phases. In addition, I reviewed the specifications and these appear to be communication protocols rather then physical layer technologies - so they should be compatible with the X10 physical layer technology.