What wireless temperature monitoring systems should I look into?

Question

I'd like to monitor and log temperature on few locations in my home. Wireless monitoring with normal consumer batteries etc would be preferable for the sensors. I have an Mac OSX server running at my home where I could log the temperatures and browse the data. I live in Finland, so something that's too specific for the US will not work.

Do you have any good suggestions or experiences on what wireless temperature sensors and system to use? I'd prefer something cheap but not too DIY as this thing is just a novelty for me.

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Jun 08 '11 at 13:31

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One option is using Arduino based microcontroller. I recommend JeeNode for integrated wireless.

For basic one "server" plus one remote sensor you need two JeeNodes, USB adapter, temperature sensor and battery, all for around 55 €. You need to know how to solder electronic components and program in C. Each additional sensor would cost about 20 €.

Here is example project for temperature sensor using Arduino (will work on JeeNode as well). You have to add wireless code as well, starting with this skeleton.

So, not so cheap and certainly pretty advanced DIY. ;-)

answered Jun 08 '11 at 13:31

SinkovecJ

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Heh, thanks. I think it's a bit too much DIY for now. – Mikko Tapionlinna Oct 10 '12 at 11:24
As this answer seems to be the most valued by users, I'm going to accept it now. Thanks. – Mikko Tapionlinna Nov 09 '13 at 10:54

score 1 · Answer 2 · edited Jun 08 '11 at 17:04

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The documentation for the logging software thermd contains extensive notes about the supported devices, as well as a comparison in terms of cost and functionality.

edited Jun 08 '11 at 17:04

Vebjorn Ljosa

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answered Jun 08 '11 at 16:58

Philip L

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score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Oct 10 '12 at 11:36

This is a solution I found after I asked the question myself. I have not yet tested it, but it looks promising. I will not accept this as an answer unless I actually find this one to work. I just wanted to add it here for it might give ideas for someone else wondering the same question.

Basicly the plan goes like this:

Get an radio tranceiver (transmitter and receiver) from: http://www.telldus.com/products/tellstick_duo
Get a wireless temperature sensor (or maybe even multiple) something like this: http://www.clasohlson.com/fi/Lis%C3%A4anturi/Pr361797000 (check from the telldus forums that it works)

If anyone else has experience with this approach, I'd love to hear about it.

score 0 · Answer 4 · edited Oct 14 '13 at 02:43

I found a product called ElertUs for about $200, which uses a WiFi sensor + a smartphone app or website. It is available for purchase on either the manufacturer's website or on Amazon (note seller feedback).

ElertUs allows you to monitor temperature, humidity plus a bunch of other conditions. From the manufacturer:

A simple to use monitoring solution that gives people the capability to know what's happening to their important things at anytime and from anywhere!

The Elertus Sensor monitors and receive changes in:
Door opens and closes
Movement
Temperature Levels
Humidity Levels
Light Levels

score 0 · Answer 5 · answered Oct 13 '13 at 20:06

I was considering doing just this with some XRF modules and something like a Raspberry Pi

Ciseco sell modules for this (inclding USB XRF receivers that I expect would be usable in a Mac).

There are probably many many other vendors.

Alternatively I imagine Oregon Scientific or similar makers have wireless weather-stations with multiple remote wireless temperature sensors.

score -1 · Answer 6 · answered Feb 10 '12 at 08:48

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There is a "How to" to develop your own low-cost temperature monitoring at the blogspot - http://lowcostsystem.blogspot.com

answered Feb 10 '12 at 08:48

lowcostsystem

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What wireless temperature monitoring systems should I look into?

6 Answers6