Pond Boss
Posted By: RobA Remote temperature monitoring - 01/28/15 09:14 PM
Does anyone know an easy way to monitor the water temperature in a pond? A wireless thermometer with a probe would be perfect but the house is too far away for the ones I have tried. I have a Davis weather station but not the model that allows you to add sensors. I don't need to record the data, just read the current temperature from the house.
Posted By: JKB Re: Remote temperature monitoring - 01/28/15 11:18 PM
Can't think of anything cheap at the moment.
Posted By: RobA Re: Remote temperature monitoring - 01/28/15 11:28 PM
I should have pointed out the distance from the pond to the house is about 500 feet.
Posted By: JKB Re: Remote temperature monitoring - 01/29/15 12:12 AM
Originally Posted By: RobA
I should have pointed out the distance from the pond to the house is about 500 feet.


Still can't think of anything cheap. The 500' makes it a bit more difficult.

Posted By: Bill D. Re: Remote temperature monitoring - 01/29/15 12:41 AM
You might be able to buy a signal booster for the wireless thermometer you have now if you know its operating frequency. I know they make them for computer wifi and cell phones.
Posted By: JKB Re: Remote temperature monitoring - 01/29/15 01:03 PM
Which ones have you tried already?

What would be an estimated budget?

Do you have WiFi? Some wireless routers will handle the distance, as long as it is line of sight.

Bill mentioned a repeater. If one is available, that may work.

Posted By: RobA Re: Remote temperature monitoring - 01/29/15 02:27 PM
I have WiFi. It's only a 4G hotspot but it may cover the area.

I tried a La Crosse thermometer. The range is supposedly up to 330 feet but it wouldn't work at that distance. And I need something that will work at 500-600 feet.
http://www.amazon.com/Crosse-Technology-...osse+technology

I have seen Arduino devices online that have a 1/2 mile range but have no idea how to work with that stuff.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/flu...lf-mile-1km-ran

There are plenty of inexpensive temperature probes out there that work with Arduino devices:
http://www.tempsensing.com/sensors/1wire...jvxIaAkRO8P8HAQ

Budget? Not sure, maybe up to $100?
Posted By: JKB Re: Remote temperature monitoring - 01/31/15 01:14 AM
The stuff I know that works and is reliable is a fair chunk over 100 bucks for the hardware, then you may need someone to set it up.

Sorry I couldn't help.
Posted By: RobA Re: Remote temperature monitoring - 01/31/15 12:50 PM
Originally Posted By: JKB
Sorry I couldn't help.

Thanks for the look.
Posted By: DanL Re: Remote temperature monitoring - 03/07/15 12:59 AM
You can DIY "hard wired" but it will be a bit of a science project.

You will need a 4–20 mA temperature transmitter, a compatible sensor and a display module. A "current loop" setup like that is immune to line resistance out to the sensor, so it is good for the distance you're talking about, (Within reason: you still have to size up the wires a little as distance increases or the transmitter won't be able to shove 20 mA thru them.)

If you are feeling your inner geek and want to try it, these people can supply you with what you need and give you tech support.
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