RV Temp Monitor System

[knotdonne]

The SensorPush very easy to set up. But, the Rav battery isn't powering the Gateway. I got the 22000 because didn't see the 2300 on Amazon. Did I get the wrong battery?

[VTSmitty]

Originally Posted by knotdonne

The SensorPush very easy to set up. But, the Rav battery isn't powering the Gateway. I got the 22000 because didn't see the 2300 on Amazon. Did I get the wrong battery?

knotdonne,

Either of the RavPower backups should work in theory since they provide the 5V/2A that the gateway requires, but it's possible that the 22000 is not compatible. The 23000 has the USB ports, but also a line-out plug for fixed DC voltage; the 22000 only outputs through the USB ports, and uses "iSmart technology" which varies the voltage and amps based on device need. It may be that the gateway does not like the variable power source of the 22000. If you're not sure I'd check with SensorPush to see if it's compatible first, as applying the wrong power to it could damage the gateway.

Dan

[knotdonne]

Thank you. I sent your post to Sensor Push to ask them if that's why it's not working.

[Wayne&Sam]

Here's a new device to monitor the ambient temp for your dog.

[VTSmitty]

Originally Posted by knotdonne

Thank you. I sent your post to Sensor Push to ask them if that's why it's not working.

It could be that you just had the wrong cable. I've done more testing with the SensorPush gateway, and it works fine "off the grid". While it's built to take its power through the supplied 120V AC wall plug and DC connector, it can also be powered through the USB port on the side. The best ways to power it when you don't have hookups are:

1) Run it from a 12V DC cigarette lighter plug. To do this, you need a car charger/USB adaptor (like the "AUKEY CC-S1 Car Charger" you can find on Amazon) and a USB male-to-male cable (like the "C2G 54170 USB 3.0 A Male to A Male Cable", also Amazon). The specific cable should be chosen based on your length needs (3 foot, 6 foot, etc.), and while I didn't test it I don't see any reason that a USB 2.0 cable wouldn't work as well.

2) Run it from a portable charger such as the RavPower. In this case, all you need is the charger and the same USB male-to-male cable above. If you have a portable charger with a choice of USB outputs (1 amp or 2 amp), use the 2 amp output. In my test I found that the gateway uses very little power; running off my RavPower 23000 mAh charger I got 24 hours of power and still had over 50% charge left.

With these setups, as long as you have a Wifi signal (either someone else's or your own hotspot) you can remotely monitor the internal temperature regardless of whether you have hookups or not.

Dan

[knotdonne]

The new battery came this week and I'll try it this weekend.

[VaTravelers]

I have not been successful in getting an off grid power source to work with my Gateway 1. I have not tried the USB port, but it seems to me that is for supply power from the Gateway not to it.

[VTSmitty]

Originally Posted by VaTravelers

I have not been successful in getting an off grid power source to work with my Gateway 1. I have not tried the USB port, but it seems to me that is for supply power from the Gateway not to it.

Assuming that you're talking the SensorPush gateway, the USB port is the way to go. Any input that supplies standard USB power (5V/2A) will do the trick. My earlier post listed all the ways I've tried it; anything beyond that you're your own test pilot. According to SensorPush the USB port was included for "future functionality", but it also works as a power alternative.

Dan

[VaTravelers]

Dan, I plugged my phone into the USB on the Gateway 1 and it started charging. Did you actually power the Gateway 1 by plugging a RavPower 23000 into the USB port with a male to male cable?

[VTSmitty]

Originally Posted by VaTravelers

Dan, I plugged my phone into the USB on the Gateway 1 and it started charging. Did you actually power the Gateway 1 by plugging a RavPower 23000 into the USB port with a male to male cable?

Yes, and the RavPower kept the gateway running for 24 hours and still had 50% charge. Important: don't have both the standard DC power plug and power to the USB connected at the same time; it has to be one or the other. Otherwise you may toast the gateway.

Dan

[VaTravelers]

Success!!!! I plugged my Gateway 1 into my RavPower USB 2 and had 24 hours of solid connectivity with my SensorPush sensor. I used my Verizon Jetpack for internet. I am only looking for maybe 3-4 hours of battery power so I'm very pleased with the set-up.

[Zybane]

Since I full time with two pets and am a big tech guru, I've done considerable research on this.

If you are relying on ANY type of WiFi connection/internet for sensor and alerting, you are asking for trouble. Any Wifi based system always has multiple points of failure. You never want any Wifi is your chain of communications for critical systems.

IMO Marcell is the only way to go. Zero wifi-nonsense. Extremely strong transmitter/receiver to reach even the most distant cell phone towers. Internal battery backup. Let's you know when temp/humidity hits thresholds, when the power goes out, when the power comes on, all via text, phone call and email.

The best solutions are always the simplest solutions.

[VTSmitty]

Originally Posted by VaTravelers

Success!!!! I plugged my Gateway 1 into my RavPower USB 2 and had 24 hours of solid connectivity with my SensorPush sensor. I used my Verizon Jetpack for internet. I am only looking for maybe 3-4 hours of battery power so I'm very pleased with the set-up.

Glad to hear it! Sometimes this silly IT stuff actually works... If you get a chance, let the SensorPush folks know; they're interested in feedback, good or bad.

Dan

[VTSmitty]

Originally Posted by Zybane

The best solutions are always the simplest solutions.

Zybane,

No argument from me, Occam had it right. And the more links in the chain, the more chance one of them will break. The issue I had with the Marcell was that while it was a complete solution it didn't allow the flexibility that I wanted. I'm also not wild about monthly subscriptions, the cost can add up fast. But it comes down to personal choice; as with all things pet related, each of us will chose the solution that gives us the most confidence that our pets are covered.

Dan

[Zybane]

I too don't like recurring payments. But the Marcell is such a brilliant simple and reliable solution, I figure a measly $8 a month (when you buy a year at a time) is well worth it.

[damonbeals]

We bought a Nimbel temp monitor from http://rvpetsafety.com

It was shipped quick, got it in 2 days. We used it on a weekend trip and where happy with the results, we set it to alarm us when the temp hit 75, and it did! The iphone app is easy to use and it is super easy to change the temp settings.

It uses Verizon IoT service, and you buy the cell service from them, either by the month or by the year.

They just updated the iphone app so it will alarm if the unit looses cell service, or goes on battery power (ie you lose power). We have yet to try those.

So far we are happy. I would check them out if lookin for a temp sensor.

Damon
#4827

[Zybane]

Yes that one uses direct connection to cellular too, another good option (although about twice as expensive annually as the Marcell).

[damonbeals]

Originally Posted by Zybane

Yes that one uses direct connection to cellular too, another good option (although about twice as expensive annually as the Marcell).

The Nimble is $179 for US only, or $199 for US/Mexico/Canada model. And the Verizon service was $150 for the year (even though the website says $200).

I do wonder if they are going to be around in a few years, as they sure look like a startup, but we took the chance.

Damon
#4827

[paiceman]

Heat sensing option- nothing is perfect.

https://www.acek9.com/index.php?p=ca...parent=34&pg=1

[patriciahawk]

Originally Posted by VTSmitty

It could be that you just had the wrong cable. I've done more testing with the SensorPush gateway, and it works fine "off the grid". While it's built to take its power through the supplied 120V AC wall plug and DC connector, it can also be powered through the USB port on the side. The best ways to power it when you don't have hookups are:



1) Run it from a 12V DC cigarette lighter plug. To do this, you need a car charger/USB adaptor (like the "AUKEY CC-S1 Car Charger" you can find on Amazon) and a USB male-to-male cable (like the "C2G 54170 USB 3.0 A Male to A Male Cable", also Amazon). The specific cable should be chosen based on your length needs (3 foot, 6 foot, etc.), and while I didn't test it I don't see any reason that a USB 2.0 cable wouldn't work as well.



2) Run it from a portable charger such as the RavPower. In this case, all you need is the charger and the same USB male-to-male cable above. If you have a portable charger with a choice of USB outputs (1 amp or 2 amp), use the 2 amp output. In my test I found that the gateway uses very little power; running off my RavPower 23000 mAh charger I got 24 hours of power and still had over 50% charge left.



With these setups, as long as you have a Wifi signal (either someone else's or your own hotspot) you can remotely monitor the internal temperature regardless of whether you have hookups or not.



Dan

Are you still happy with this device?