FAQ
TL;DR: Need budget monitoring for four rooms at 22–32°C? "Wifi and web applications are out of the question." Use GSM calling with per‑room thresholds so the phone rings “alarm1–alarm4” on drops. [Elektroda, robokop, post #20905365]
Why it matters: Power cuts or blower faults can crash temperature fast; voice calls wake staff when SMS might be missed.
Quick Facts
- Satel GPRS-A supports up to 8 1‑Wire temperature sensors and can place calls and send SMS. [Elektroda, panzewsi, post #20905443]
- Typical 1‑Wire bus reach is about 100 m from the module. [Elektroda, panzewsi, post #20906201]
- Battery backup: 12 V, 7–18 Ah keeps systems alive for at least a couple of hours. [Elektroda, panzewsi, post #20906201]
- Workaround for labeled ringing: send an SMS with the alarm number, then perform a CLIP call. [Elektroda, TvWidget, post #20905758]
- Ultra‑budget path: four mechanical thermostats (COM/NC/NO) plus a Ropam GSM module. [Elektroda, jimasek, post #20906949]
What’s a budget-friendly setup to get phone-call temperature alarms for four rooms?
Use four simple mechanical thermostats with COM/NC/NO contacts, one per room, feeding a Ropam GSM module. This minimizes cost and wiring complexity while still delivering phone-call alerts when a thermostat drops below its setpoint. You avoid apps and Wi‑Fi entirely. [Elektroda, jimasek, post #20906949]
Can one GSM device monitor all four rooms and place calls and SMS?
Yes. Satel GPRS‑A handles up to eight 1‑Wire sensors, has four outputs, and “sends text messages and makes calls.” One unit covers four rooms and leaves headroom to expand. This consolidates alerts and simplifies power backup planning. [Elektroda, panzewsi, post #20905443]
How do I make the phone ring and label alerts without apps or internet?
Use the SMS + CLIP method:
- Assign a unique alarm number per room (e.g., alarm1–alarm4).
- On threshold breach, send an SMS containing that room’s alarm number.
- Immediately place a CLIP call so the phone rings until noticed.
This achieves labeled ringing without apps. [Elektroda, TvWidget, post #20905758]
How far can I run 1‑Wire temperature sensors?
Approximate reach is 100 m from the module, and the detectors power from the module itself. That is typically sufficient for a single 20 m hall split into rooms, with proper cabling practices. Keep wiring clean to reduce noise. [Elektroda, panzewsi, post #20906201]
Will mains-only GSM modules fail during power cuts?
Yes. If the GSM notifier runs only from mains, a blackout stops alerts entirely. In that case, you must add a UPS or choose hardware designed for battery backup to keep calls and SMS working. “Mains-only” is a critical limitation here. [Elektroda, robokop, post #20905437]
How long will a battery-backed module run after a blackout?
Alarm panels and GPRS modules commonly use 12 V, 7–18 Ah batteries. Expect at least a couple of hours of operation, depending on load and signal conditions. This window covers generator start or swapping in a spare blower. [Elektroda, panzewsi, post #20906201]
What alert delay should I expect from battery-powered loggers?
Battery devices often sleep and sample periodically, for example every 15 minutes. “Putting the device to sleep means that the temperature is measured periodically.” Expect some delay between breach and notification in such designs. Plan thresholds accordingly. [Elektroda, TvWidget, post #20906260]
What threshold and hysteresis should I set for the blowers?
Set the alarm threshold near 25°C if maintaining 22–32°C, given blower hysteresis around 4–5°C. The site reports fast temperature loss due to poor insulation and humidity, so tighter thresholds reduce risk. Ensure thresholds remain adjustable per room. [Elektroda, robokop, post #20906161]
Do I need four SIM cards for this?
If you use four separate GSM loggers, plan on four SIM cards. Each unit needs its own cellular connectivity for independent alarms. A multi‑channel device avoids this, but discrete loggers mean discrete SIMs and plans. [Elektroda, marcin94531, post #20905391]
Can I use a standard alarm control panel instead of a GSM logger?
Yes. A control panel with a SIM, like Satel Perfecta, plus thermostats wired to detector inputs can trigger alarms. Configure it to place calls and send SMS on events, matching your no‑app requirement. This offers flexible expansion. [Elektroda, panzewsi, post #20905443]
Is Satel Micra with capillary thermostats a workable option?
Yes. Satel Micra combined with mechanical capillary thermostats provides a simple, robust temperature trip and GSM notification path. It suits environments where digital sensors are impractical and wiring must stay minimal. [Elektroda, kmarkot, post #20905526]
What do Ropam NeoGSM‑IP‑64 or NeoLTE‑IP‑64 add?
They support TSR‑1 temperature sensors and can call with up to four recorded voice messages. You can also send SMS or email on threshold breaches, improving clarity and redundancy without relying on data apps. [Elektroda, ropam, post #20915898]
Can GPRS‑A scale beyond four rooms?
Yes. It supports eight 1‑Wire sensors and has four outputs. Start with four probes now and add more if chambers increase, or map outputs to local buzzers or relays. [Elektroda, panzewsi, post #20905443]
How fast can temperature drop here, and why the urgency?
“The temperature in the room changes very quickly” due to poor insulation and high humidity. Although 80 kW blowers heat fast, failures demand rapid action with a spare blower or generator start. Immediate phone calls are essential. [Elektroda, robokop, post #20906161]
