A low-cost solution for controlling heating via text message – which modules should you choose?

A warm welcome to


I would be very grateful for any help from anyone familiar with this topic

I’m not sure if this is the right section, so if not, I’d ask the moderator to move this to the appropriate place.


I’d like to be able to control my heating via text messages, so I’m looking for an affordable solution.

I have a distribution board that controls several heating circuits. I’d like to be able to activate one or more of these circuits by sending a text message or by calling a phone number (landline or mobile). I know there are modules available which, when connected to a mobile phone or a landline, allow you to carry out such operations, but I’m not entirely sure what sort of device I need. Above all, I’m looking for a balance between price and functionality. I don’t want to spend a lot of money on this, but I’d like to be able to use a device that would allow me to carry out basic operations.

Could any of you forum members suggest anything???

Many thanks in advance for any information

Best regards


Grzegorz_n

I’d recommend the GSM Expander 5.1 module from Megaelektronik. I think they’ve stopped producing this model now, but they were still available on tme.pl not long ago. It’s a very simple solution. One of the outputs can be controlled for free using CLIP, whilst the rest are controlled via SMS. The inputs and outputs are configured using a simple configuration programme.

And, from the more recent models, the Satel GPRS-T2. It costs around 450–500 PLN plus a SIM card.

Hello again

First of all, many thanks for your replies


I’ve read a bit about the modules you suggested and, generally speaking, they ‘do the job’ I need them to do. In fact, they do quite a lot more than that. The problem is that I don’t actually need quite that much, but I’d still have to pay for it. That’s why I’d like to ask if anyone knows of a simpler, more basic device that meets only my requirements and is also much cheaper.

Of course, many thanks in advance


Grzegorz

The Elmes GSM2 module has 4 inputs and outputs; the CLIP SMS control allows you to specify the operating time via text message, and it’s the cheapest option here – I’ve got one myself for my heating and gate. You configure it using a standard mini-USB cable; for the Satel, you’ll need to buy a special one. I paid 260 zł for it, so it’s the cheapest of the lot. Add to that a PLAY Fresh SIM card valid for one year, and the system is ready to go.

Invest in equipment that has a phone integrated into the module and doesn’t require an external phone such as a Nokia 5110 to be connected, because I’ve got a whole bucketful of such modules – the phone’s power supply in them fails and they break down, and those that require a battery installed in the phone to work properly fail even faster, because the battery swells [e.g. Expert GSM].

If you decide to buy one, go for a module with a built-in industrial phone only... From what I’ve skimmed through, Elmes offers more features than Satel and is cheaper, though the matter would require a more detailed comparison

Miwhoo wrote:

Invest in equipment that has a phone integrated into the module and doesn’t require an external phone such as a Nokia 5110 to be connected, because I’ve got a whole bucketful of those modules The phone’s power supply in these modules fails and they break down, whilst those that require a battery installed in the phone to function properly fail even faster because the battery swells [e.g. Expert GSM].

If you decide to buy one, go for a module with a built-in industrial phone only... From what I’ve skimmed through, Elmes offers more features than Satel and is cheaper, though the matter would require a more detailed comparison

Well, I can’t see any other option but to take 0.75l (of the usual drink) and meet up to discuss it. I’d almost forgotten – I’ll have to bring the drivers, although the discussion would probably go better without them.

You have a very wide choice: Satel, Elmes, Gorke, Ropam and other manufacturers. You can browse the manufacturers’ websites yourself and compare specifications and prices against your needs, budget and installation options. Will you be controlling just one device or several? each transmitter differs slightly; some have their own buffer power supply which charges the battery and continues to operate in the event of a power cut, though this may be of little use to you if the device you wish to control lacks this power supply. Some of these modules act as a pseudo-control centre, and you may be able to connect a motion sensor or similar. I also suspect you want to control a higher-power device, so you’ll need to use relays or contactors. If you describe the task in more detail, we’ll be able to come up with a solution.

I’ve set mine up using the Vidiaq module. It cost less than 200 zł. Four relays and four outputs controllable via SMS and CLIP do the job. Just as mentioned above. Have a look online and you’re sure to find something that suits you.

Hello again

I’m going to revive an old thread.

Can anyone offer any advice on controlling various devices, but this time via the internet? I’m looking for PC modules with similar functionality to those that allow control via text messages. One such (in my opinion) brilliant module is the EXPANDER module from Megaelektronik , so we can at least use this as a model and look for something similar that can be operated via a PC and the internet.

I would be very grateful for any suggestions

Best regards
Grzegorz

Hello everyone. I’d like to join in on this thread. I’ve bought this MEGAEL GSM Integral+ Expander... but I simply can’t make head or tail of the manual that came with the kit. I bought the whole set, including the BINGO detectors, the siren, the transformer and the keypad. Unfortunately, there’s no circuit diagram, just descriptions of the inputs, outputs and ‘OUT 1’. I can’t make head nor tail of it – I thought it would be simpler. If anyone would like to help me, I’ll be grateful. Please help – thanks.

Cheers for the tip. I’ve just arranged to meet someone on Saturday who says he’s installed SAT systems before, but he’s not sure if he’ll be able to sort this one out. If anyone’d like to help me out, I can send over a description – maybe someone will be able to figure it out. Thanks.