| Author |
|
nadler
Super User
Joined: February 25 2006
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 354
|
| Posted: November 21 2006 at 08:43 | IP Logged
|
|
|
This caught my eye at Smarthome. I was wondering whether it would work with PowerHome.
IP Thermostat
I couldn't find any manuals although there seems to be limited info available at the manufacturer's web site.
Seems neat as it is can be controlled from the web and you can add various sensors to the unit.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
cmhardwick
Senior Member
Joined: July 08 2006
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 290
|
| Posted: November 21 2006 at 11:35 | IP Logged
|
|
|
YEOUCH ... expensive 
Also, web control is through a dedicated website, not directly to the unit Dang it! Unless you can configure the router for passthrough (virtual servers) and go direct.
However, could work for me in my condo because there's no way to run a new wire to the thermostat from say an ELK unit, but I could do this with a wireless bridge for the ethernet. have to check for plug location in the closet behind the unit where I could mount the bridge and POE unit. If my normal luck holds, there won't be an outlet 
Edited by cmhardwick - November 21 2006 at 11:46
__________________
Cicero, Enjoying automation!
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
dhoward
Admin Group
Joined: June 29 2001
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4447
|
| Posted: November 21 2006 at 13:39 | IP Logged
|
|
|
Noel,
I actually looked at buying a couple of these for my own use. As Cicero exemplifies though, expensive.
You should have no problem using it within PowerHome though since it has a standard HTTP interface. You could use the ph_geturl type functions to send and retrieve values from it. However, I never actually tried it though but it was my plan.
I was swayed away from this and talked into using RS-485 controllable thermostats via an ELK (I havent gotten these either so cant comment yet). They're cheaper and supposedly more reliable.
If you get one of these, please let us know how it goes or if you need any help working out the controls using the ph_geturl functions. I might be tempted back .
Dave.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
nadler
Super User
Joined: February 25 2006
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 354
|
| Posted: November 21 2006 at 13:45 | IP Logged
|
|
|
They are expensive, but I don't have an Elk and I really haven't looked into getting one since I don't need the security aspect and thought it would be overkill for me. But I will check it out with the RS-485 and see if it makes more sense than this. I think what made this interesting to me was both the ability to add other and different types of sensors and also the Cat5 aspect. I now have Cat5 all over my house so I won't need much more wire.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
cmhardwick
Senior Member
Joined: July 08 2006
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 290
|
| Posted: November 21 2006 at 14:03 | IP Logged
|
|
|
With my condo, running new cable all the way over isn't an option due to each unit being completely firewalled around, above, and below. This type of unit, with a wireless ethernet bridge in the closet behind it, would be really great. It's in Florida so I don't want to run the HVAC constantly when away, but it would be great to remote in before getting there and adjust it so it's nice and comfortable when we arrive.
If you don't need remote sensors, there's a version that doesn't support them that's a little cheaper. You can get it with the 2 port POE adapter for less than the price of the other unit. It's here.
On a side note, anyone know of a wireless extender for RS-485 I could use instead? I plan on getting an ELK for security there.
Edited by cmhardwick - November 21 2006 at 16:26
__________________
Cicero, Enjoying automation!
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Active Topics 
Memberlist 
Search 
Help
Register 
Login
PowerHome Messageboard : PowerHome General
Topic: IP Thermostat with sensors
