Re: Internet remote monitoring/switching

HJ... you mentioned a local system. Something that pushes the reset
every 30 minutes when the temperature falls until it returns to normal.
You also mentioned that it could notify me of the problem. Do you know
if such a system is available? Many, many thanks, Pete

p.rauert@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
Thanks gentleman; great suggestions. Yes, HJS, the propane boiler is a
Munchkin. John, I found the website and the internet relay switches are
very reasonably priced. Sounds like an inexpensive way to reset the
system via internet. I isolated and soldered wires across the momentary
low voltage reset switch and pulled them out to the outside of the case
for access. This in no way compromises the high voltage side of things
or the gas (propane) circuitry. I could hook a relay to these wires to
"press the reset." Just have to figure out the internet-relay
connection side of things.

As far as detectecting the fault situation, H.J.Simpson's idea is a
good one.....temperature alarms activate a phone dialer at a preset
temperature and call pre-programmed numbers to alert me that there is a
problem. These can be had for about $120. The only problem there is
that it will not differentiate between a boiler fault and a power
outage, and I am often travelling away from home weeks at a time in
northern New Hampshire where cell phone and pager coverage is iffy to
non-existent. I have a call into the Utah company that produces the
relays. I wonder if they have a device that detects the "alarm" 120
voltage that is activated when there is a fault in the boiler and makes
it possible to be notified via internet. If so, this is probably the
next cheapest way out. Lastly, would be the webcam option at $300-400.
I work at hospitals and so have easy access to the internet daily.

So worst case scenario would be a detect fault/reset function costing
$500-$600. HJ, you mentioned neighbors.... yes I have them but this
tends to happen frequently in repeat episodes and I'd be afraid of
imposing on them so many times in the winter. My house is somewhat
isolated on a dirt road making access difficult without 4wd and studded
snow tires. Ahh, the charm of living in rustic New Hampshire <grin>.
Thanks for the help guys and please let me know if you have any other
ideas! Best regards, Pete

John wrote:
On 19 Oct 2006 18:48:10 -0700, p.rauert@xxxxxxxxx wrote:

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

Would a $100 solution work?

A web-controlled device with relay output and an opto-coupler input:
http://www.controlbyweb.com/webrelay/index.html
It needs 5 volts DC at 500ma to run it.

You would probably need a router with DMZ capability and either a
fixed IP address on your broadband connection or something like DYNDNS
to allow associating a a URL with your broadband connection.

.

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