remote temperature monitoring

[squirtthecat]

This has absolutely noting to do with smoking, but we seem to have a nice mix here of folks from the various tech trades..

A coworker of mine has an insulated office, in the back of an outdoor shed (mostly insulated).  He's just had plumbing run out there for a bathroom/etc, so he added an electric baseboard heater.   During the winter, he probably won't be out there much, but he'd like to keep an eye on the temps to make sure the pipes don't freeze, or the heater freak out and turn it into a sauna.   It's well over 100' from his house, but he does have conduit buried with tons of CAT-5 running to and from.

Does anyone know if a remote temperature monitor (probe, etc.) that could be wired in to the CAT-5 cable on one end, and the receiving unit wired to it in his house?

I thought about a house thermostat w/ a "thermistor" that could be removed/relocated, but I think the 100' of cable would add additional resistance, and throw off the reading.

A wireless remote is out of the question - we tried it and it dropped the signal the moment he shut his shed doors.

Any ideas?   This doesn't need to be elaborate, just a way to do a quick check of the office temps.

TIA!

[pensrock]

I do not know of anything off hand but there has to be something out there. I would check out home security/fire detection systems. They may have something simple for checking temps and running through CAT5.

[Habanero Smoker]

There are some fairly inexpensive wireless indoor/outdoor thermometers that are rated for 300', that may work.

[squirtthecat]

I do not know of anything off hand but there has to be something out there. I would check out home security/fire detection systems. They may have something simple for checking temps and running through CAT5.

Thanks pens.  That's what we are trying to find.  They make systems like that, but they are huge expensive things w/ control panels and stuff.    

I told him to get a Maverick like mine, duct tape the receiver to the garage door window, and use a rifle scope to check the temps from his kitchen window.  :D   Didn't fly.

[squirtthecat]

There are some fairly inexpensive wireless indoor/outdoor thermometers that are rated for 300', that may work.

He tried an Oregon Scientific one, but the metal shed doors and multiple walls blocked the signal.

Maybe I need to sniff around some home brewing websites...   Surely that requires some kind of simple temperature monitoring.

[ArnieM]

You might try taking a look here:  http://www.davisnet.com/WEATHER/PRODUCTS/index.asp

I have a complete system:  Wireless outside unit and indoor console.  It's worked great for years and I found their service to be top notch.

The systems are kinda pricey.  But, they also have pieces and parts.  Maybe you can find something there squirt.

[squirtthecat]

Thanks Arnie, I'll take a look.

[HawkeyeSmokes]

Here's one that might work for you Squirt.

http://www.prothermostats.com/product.php?p=robertshaw_9700i&product=101017

It is battery operated and has a remote sensor available that is hard wired using a 2 conductor twisted pair wire that can be up to 300 ft long.

[squirtthecat]

Here's one that might work for you Squirt.

http://www.prothermostats.com/product.php?p=robertshaw_9700i&product=101017

It is battery operated and has a remote sensor available that is hard wired using a 2 conductor twisted pair wire that can be up to 300 ft long.

Hey, cool..   Thanks!!!   I'll pass that along on Monday.

[HawkeyeSmokes]

No problem Squirt, thought I could find a cheaper and easier way but this was the best I could do. Keep us posted on it!  ;D

[squirtthecat]

No problem Squirt, thought I could find a cheaper and easier way but this was the best I could do. Keep us posted on it!  ;D

Thanks for the legwork!

[squirtthecat]

Poking around that website, I found this thermostat:

http://www.prothermostats.com/product.php?p=braeburn_5300&product=172305

And this wired remote:

http://www.prothermostats.com/product.php?product=172300

For about 117 bucks, including shipping.   

I don't think he'll find anything cheaper and as accurate as that combo.
Thanks again HS!