P
[email protected]
- Jan 1, 1970
- 0
Anyone out there have any tips for switching devices that can be
controlled over the internet? I need to remotely detect via the
internet when my heating boiler (Munchkin propane boiler) goes into
fault mode (disabling the heat in the house) and then remotely activate
a reset button on the boiler to re-boot the system. I spend weeks away
from home at a time and live in a very cold climate. Failed heating
means frozen, broken water pipes and flood damage so I really need to
come up with a fix. These boilers are known to have this finicky
tendency despite multiple service visits by the installers. The
manufacturer and/or the installer have no solutions for this issue.
Technical details:
Detection of problem: I can detect the fault code in 2 ways:
a) the fault codes are digitally displayed on control panel when the
device fails . I can use a webcam to monitor this over the internet.
Cost approx $300-$400.
b) The boiler controller activates a 120 volt "alarm" line when it goes
into fault mode. Is there a way to detect this voltage and then be
alerted via internet of the fault situation? Cost??
Resetting / Rebooting system: A simple momentary push button on the
controller resets the system and restarts the boiler. Is there some way
to activate a switch over the internet so I could "push the button"
remotely? I have seen remote switching devices on the internet but they
seem to have multiple channels and appear to cost in the $1000's of
dollars. All I need is one low voltage momentary switch which I can
control remotely.
Although I'm no engineer, I'm handy with electronic components and a
soldering iron, and would prefer to come up with a homebrew, low cost
solution. The house has an always on broadband connection and a
computer, but I'd prefer to leave the computer off and out of the loop
if that's possible. If someone has a solution that requires the
computer to stay on though, I'd be glad to hear it. Any advice would
be greatly appreciated. Many, many thanks for your assistance.
Best regards, Pete
controlled over the internet? I need to remotely detect via the
internet when my heating boiler (Munchkin propane boiler) goes into
fault mode (disabling the heat in the house) and then remotely activate
a reset button on the boiler to re-boot the system. I spend weeks away
from home at a time and live in a very cold climate. Failed heating
means frozen, broken water pipes and flood damage so I really need to
come up with a fix. These boilers are known to have this finicky
tendency despite multiple service visits by the installers. The
manufacturer and/or the installer have no solutions for this issue.
Technical details:
Detection of problem: I can detect the fault code in 2 ways:
a) the fault codes are digitally displayed on control panel when the
device fails . I can use a webcam to monitor this over the internet.
Cost approx $300-$400.
b) The boiler controller activates a 120 volt "alarm" line when it goes
into fault mode. Is there a way to detect this voltage and then be
alerted via internet of the fault situation? Cost??
Resetting / Rebooting system: A simple momentary push button on the
controller resets the system and restarts the boiler. Is there some way
to activate a switch over the internet so I could "push the button"
remotely? I have seen remote switching devices on the internet but they
seem to have multiple channels and appear to cost in the $1000's of
dollars. All I need is one low voltage momentary switch which I can
control remotely.
Although I'm no engineer, I'm handy with electronic components and a
soldering iron, and would prefer to come up with a homebrew, low cost
solution. The house has an always on broadband connection and a
computer, but I'd prefer to leave the computer off and out of the loop
if that's possible. If someone has a solution that requires the
computer to stay on though, I'd be glad to hear it. Any advice would
be greatly appreciated. Many, many thanks for your assistance.
Best regards, Pete