Re: Power Consumption & Temperature Monitoring

[Kevin Hawkins <lists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Andy,

I think from what you're saying you haven't got any HA control
software yet so you could achieve what you want by adding a standard
tank second thermostat to your Dragons Lair and using that to switch the
heated mat.  If you carefully adjust the second thermostat such that it
only comes on should the main heat lamp fail all will be well and you
have feweer intermediary steps in ensuring your friend remains warm and
cosy which is always a good thing for HA, particularly where animals are
involved.

Yes there is a xAP conduit for Justins TOM10 too and as it supports
BSC (basic status and control) you could link the temp sensor output
directly to an X10 module uisng the free 'BSC mapper' software to
achieve this . It will mean you need your PC running 24/7 though and if
your new friend had a choice I'm sure he would go for the 'no
automation' solution above as its more robust. He's heard X10 and PC's
sometimes don't work quite as expected.


Kevin


Frank Mc Alinden wrote:

>Hi Andy
>            xPL has a TOM10 plugin and most likely the xAP guys have as
well
>
>HTH
>Frank
>
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Andy Laurence" <andy@xxxxxxx>
>To: <ukha_d@xxxxxxx>
>Sent: Monday, April 25, 2005 2:27 AM
>Subject: RE: [ukha_d] Power Consumption & Temperature Monitoring
>
>
>
>Phil Harris wrote:
>
>
>>http://www.gadgetjunkie.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=17
>>
>>
>
>Ahhh, that looks like a good solution.  So, I need one of these (around
£40)
>and a sensor (looks like around £5 at RS).  £50 to make sure Bob stays
warm
>is a good investment!  However, what software is available to monitor
it?
>The article mentions future developments for AutoM8it and HomeSeer
(neither
>of which I own), and a monitoring application.  Nothing seems to be
>available for download, though.  I'm not really good enough to write my
own
>application (not that it'll stop me trying).
>
>Cheers,
>Andy
>
>