Positive: Temperature monitor for pets

DSurette · 09-07-2016, 05:19 PM

There is a new product on the market called Temp Stick from a company called Idealsciences.com. If you're worried about temporarily leaving your pets and a problem causes the temperature to rise in your RV, this may be the answer. It requires an internet connection and we use ours
with our Verizon hot spot. It will alert you with a text message or email if the temperature goes above (or below) a preset point. Battery operated so it still works if a power failure. One time cost of $149 and no monthly charges. Check it out at Idealsciences.com.
I have no connection with this company. I just think it is a good product that fills a need of pet owners.

Mrs Evans · 09-07-2016, 05:31 PM

I like that there is no subscription.

cgotto1204 · 09-07-2016, 05:47 PM

Currently, I'm using an ACU-Link with three temperature and humidity sensors to monitor the interior and exterior temperatures of my fifth wheel. I also purchased a small ups unit if I lost power. The ACU-Link also requires an internet connection and I'm using my AT&T Unite mobile hotspot.

Mrs Evans · 09-07-2016, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgotto1204

Currently, I'm using an ACU-Link with three temperature and humidity sensors to monitor the interior and exterior temperatures of my fifth wheel. I also purchased a small ups unit if I lost power. The ACU-Link also requires an internet connection and I'm using my AT&T Unite mobile hotspot.

Do you have a link where I could check out this option?

cgotto1204 · 09-07-2016, 07:19 PM

I purchased my ACU-Link through Amazon.com, but here is a link to the manufacture's website:
https://www.acurite.com/environment-...ity-01059.html

The ACU-link requires an Ethernet connection. You could use a Ethernet to USB adapter if your internet device has a tethering mode. Alas, my mobile hotspot does not support tethering and I had to purchase a Ethernet to WIFI adapter:
https://www.netgear.com/home/product.../WNCE2001.aspx

Total cost for me was $177 + tax
$99.98 for the ACU-Link and three sensors
$76.99 for the Ethernet to WIFI adapter

No subscription fees

Attached is a screen shot of my sensors

Mrs Evans · 09-08-2016, 06:59 AM

@cgotto1204, thanks so much for the links and suggestions! :thumbup:

cgotto1204 · 09-08-2016, 07:23 AM

I wanted to post an apology to the original poster, I just wanted to mention what I was currently using.
I was looking for something liken to the temp stick that DSurette reviewed, but couldn't locate any information online. Got the idea for my system while walking through Lowes.

Mrs Evans · 09-08-2016, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgotto1204

I wanted to post an apology to the original poster, I just wanted to mention what I was currently using.
I was looking for something liken to the temp stick that DSurette reviewed, but couldn't locate any information online. Got the idea for my system while walking through Lowes.

I appreciate both of your suggestions, I like having more than one option to review

Jlreeves · 09-08-2016, 07:38 AM

We have used a product called TempAlert for awhile. Found them when I had to set up remote monitoring of unattended data centers and communications rooms. They have several options for communications and a wide variety if sensors. We use the cell service and haven't had anywhere in the US that it didn't work yet. There is a subscription service but you can put the account to sleep if you don't use it. I recommend them highly.

Remote Temperature Monitoring & Alerting | TempAlert

DDC · 09-08-2016, 07:43 AM

If it requires an internet connection then when the power goes out so does the net router so how does it then let you know of the problem, loosing power while I'm out is the biggest fear when leaving the dog in the trailer.

polishdon · 09-08-2016, 08:10 AM

Very cool, was looking for something like this. I could see using mine or the wife's phone as a hot spot. That should solve the question of what happens if you lose power. But, not so helpful if you're in an area with no cell service.

JCCarr · 09-08-2016, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDC

If it requires an internet connection then when the power goes out so does the net router so how does it then let you know of the problem, loosing power while I'm out is the biggest fear when leaving the dog in the trailer.

Mine too. So I use an old iPhone and my T-Mobile Mi-Fi hotspot. The hotspot has a battery. As long as the tower is up and broadcasting the MiFi will stay on for 8 hours without power. I plug in a 120volt light into a regular socket. I shine the light (led bulb, no heat) on a thermometer. I use Alfred, a free surveillance camera app to connect from my active on a cellular plan phone to connect to the old not paying a dime for smart phone with camera connected to the mifi and check the temp. If the light is off, the power is out. If the temp is going up, the A/C isn't working. If the camera is on the floor, the dog is not getting a treat when I get back.

Since I already have the MiFi, the used camera capable smart phone, and an old desk lamp, the only thing I bought was a $2 thermometer from the Hardware store.

I'd like to take credit for the idea and finding the products. But I found it on Youtube on the RVing with Tito channel. Check it out:

Reuse Your Old Smartphone as an RV Surveillance Camera | rvwithtito

Mrs Evans · 09-08-2016, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCCarr

Mine too. So I use an old iPhone and my T-Mobile Mi-Fi hotspot. The hotspot has a battery. As long as the tower is up and broadcasting the MiFi will stay on for 8 hours without power. I plug in a 120volt light into a regular socket. I shine the light (led bulb, no heat) on a thermometer. I use Alfred, a free surveillance camera app to connect from my active on a cellular plan phone to connect to the old not paying a dime for smart phone with camera connected to the mifi and check the temp. If the light is off, the power is out. If the temp is going up, the A/C isn't working. If the camera is on the floor, the dog is not getting a treat when I get back.

Since I already have the MiFi, the used camera capable smart phone, and an old desk lamp, the only thing I bought was a $2 thermometer from the Hardware store.

I'd like to take credit for the idea and finding the products. But I found it on Youtube on the RVing with Tito channel. Check it out:

Reuse Your Old Smartphone as an RV Surveillance Camera | rvwithtito

Very interesting option! Thank you for sharing

cgotto1204 · 09-08-2016, 08:57 AM

My AT&T Mobile Hotspot has a 10 hour battery life when not on the charger. For my ACU-Link and WIFI Adapter, I purchased a small UPS system through Amazon.com.
https://www.amazon.com/APC-BGE50ML-B...E50ML+Back-UPS

After installing the system, I disconnected the shore power to the RV to verify operations and temperature alarms.

gectisme · 09-08-2016, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgotto1204

Currently, I'm using an ACU-Link with three temperature and humidity sensors to monitor the interior and exterior temperatures of my fifth wheel. I also purchased a small ups unit if I lost power. The ACU-Link also requires an internet connection and I'm using my AT&T Unite mobile hotspot.

cgotto,
This seems like a pretty good option, $$/function, especially since you get 3 sensors. You can monitor the outside temp too, which will give you a decent idea of how long it will be before the trailer gets uncomfortable for your pet. 120vac power loss won't be an issue for me. Since it will be in the trailer, I can use a small inverter to power it. I have a couple of them laying around so won't need to buy a UPS.
Can you set the App to warn you if the temp goes out of range or do you have remember to check it? That is my biggest issue with my current setup, an IP Camera, connected to a hotspot, pointing at thermometer. I don’t remember to check it enough so a warning alarm on the phone App would be great.

Thanks to all for posting these great options!

cgotto1204 · 09-08-2016, 10:02 AM

I have my third sensor mounted the refrigerator. After installing the sensors, you will need to set up a free account through ACU-Link: https://www.acu-link.com/login
There you can set your alarm points and notifications. Currently my alarm point is set to 80 degrees inside temperature.

DSurette · 09-08-2016, 10:49 AM

If you use a hot spot like the Verizon you can keep it powered with the USB charger connected to AC. If power is lost the hot spot will run on batteries for several hours. The temperature sensor itself is advertised as having a one year battery life.
We have camped all over the United States and I can't remember a time when our Verizon hot spot was not connecting, even in Yosemite.

Witch Doctor · 09-08-2016, 11:03 AM

I use a jet pack so that isn't a power problem for me. My son who is smarter then me sent me a charger pack that you charge up and tether

your jet pack to that and it should work for over 24 hrs that way, but most people are only gone for a few hours at a time, so the jet pack alone would handle a power outage....

PS: what ever happened to our member that was in the development stage of a pet monitor?

Jlreeves · 09-08-2016, 11:23 AM

The temp alert I mentioned above requires no internet, only cell. While they have options for wifi, we specifically chose the more ubiquitous cell option. Believe it uses Verizon. Never had it not connect.

JCCarr · 09-08-2016, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jlreeves

The temp alert I mentioned above requires no internet, only cell. While they have options for wifi, we specifically chose the more ubiquitous cell option. Believe it uses Verizon. Never had it not connect.

How much is the monthly cost for that then? You're paying for a data plan in some way through the service provider and all you're getting is the monitoring of that device. The MiFi solution at least gives you data each month that you can use for email, web surfing, etc.

Its the reason I've never like the WiFi enabled cars. You're just paying for a dedicated data plan inside the car. Why not just get the data plan on a tethering smart phone or MiFi?

Is there an advantage to the standalone that I'm missing?

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