My inexpensive approach to temperature monitoring...

[pconroy]

Well, relatively inexpensive. 

I bought two of these devices: http://cgi.ebay.com/PC-Notebook-Laptop-USB-Thermometer-Temperature-Recorder-/250388256032?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a4c4d9520#ht_3619wt_910


One USB based and one that has a USB/RS232 chip embedded in it: http://www.pcsensor.com/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=28


I found the RS232 device incredibly easy to program; the USB device required a little Googling to get it running on Linux.   

I've got one monitoring a room temp on the first floor, pretty conventional usage.


The other one, I think I got a little creative with -- I used a USB extension cord and ran it up to some HVAC ductwork that passed right by my server room.  I just wedged the sensor into the ductwork and have it check the temps every 2 mins.  This is the way I'm watching my furnace (in the winter, central A/C in the summer) cycle.

I write all the readings to a database and have been using them to guesstimate the effectiveness of some of the lifestyle changes we're putting in place.


Just thought I'd pass that along!

[Brian H]

Thanks for sharing your find and how you are using it. 

[HA Dave]

I bought two of these devices: http://cgi.ebay.com/PC-Notebook-Laptop-USB-Thermometer-Temperature-Recorder-/250388256032?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a4c4d9520#ht_3619wt_910

Very cool. I didn't even known there was such devices! 

[Oldtimer]

Nice gadget!  Thanks for sharing.

[Charles Sullivan]

pconroy:
If you like, you can feed the temperature data into Heyu with the emulation module type ORE_TEMU.

[pconroy]

Charles..

Cool - I didn't know that?!?!?

Thanks!

[Charles Sullivan]

Charles..

Cool - I didn't know that?!?!?

Thanks!

See section OREGON SENSOR EMULATION in man page x10oregon(5) for details.

Why not repost your message on the heyu_users forum (perhaps with some details about configuring the USB device).  I'm sure the folks there will appreciate it.

[jlp]

With visual basic 2008 express it is possible to send signals X10 based temperature setpoints. I am currently designing an application to control my air conditioner.

[oeginc]

Just a suggestion, make sure the USB extension is a plenum cable or you could run into trouble.  Non-plenum cables are not intended to run in any space designed for breathable air-flow (Ie: HVAC duct work, return air vents, etc).

[pconroy]

Good advice!

In my case, the sensor is on the outside of the duct and is never in the airstream but that's an important warning!

[kameron]

Very CooL!!. Thankz For Info!!

[Mellowmark]

The plenum rating is for safty if there is a fire, it will not produce harmfull smoke.

[shake]

How did you run the first sensor? How long was the USB run? I have my server in my office but would like sensors like this in more appropriate spots. I'm worried that using multiple extension cables will cause too much resistance. Thanks.