Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 05-05-2011, 09:50 PM   #1
steel/aluminum fabricator
 
2004 22' International CCD
Penticton , British Columbia
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 133
Wireless indoor/outdoor thermometer, nope

So i bought 5 wireless thermometers, i started with 1, it would communicate with the outside transmitter at first but then after a few hours it would quit. I returned it, well long story short this is #5 of 3 different brands and exact same story. It will communicate at first then stop communicating. All had brand new batteries. Whats weird is there will be communication for 6 hours + - then nothing. Its evident that the double aluminum shell is responsible but why work for a while. It should either work or not at all. I wonder if the frequency of the near by solar charge controller is scrambling the wireless frequency of the thermo.
The frequency is 433 mhz for anyone who is interested.
Very strange......
Any input appreciated.
zedex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-05-2011, 11:25 PM   #2
4 Rivet Member
 
1985 31' Excella
Fresno , Texas
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 307
Images: 1
Could be several things Solar flares, interference, transmitter or receiver overheating even antenna polarized wrong. Is your solar charger transmitting a signal to a remote indicator? You are dealing with a line of sight signal. It probably is having trouble with the double wall aluminum. It could even be a heat problem from the shell working on the signal also. Garage door openers are also in this same frequency range. They could affect it from a few hundred feet away.
Is it happening always during the day or anytime?
Have you tried it just going directly through a window. It should be able to transmit at least 50'.
Start out with the units close together and see how they function, then move them farther apart inside. See if it will transmit from one of the trailer to the other. If so try going through the window.
Wsmith is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-05-2011, 11:46 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
ROBERTSUNRUS's Avatar

 
2005 25' Safari
Salem , Oregon
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,369
Images: 18
Blog Entries: 55
Hi, we bought a cheap thermometer from Wal-Mart for about $10.00 and it has worked well for a few years now. We put the outside sensor on our steps or on the tongue frame near the battery box. [I don't have a solar system] We try to put it where it will be in the shade all day.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	2741.JPG
Views:	285
Size:	317.6 KB
ID:	129159  
Attached Images
 
__________________
Bob 2005 Safari 25-B
"Le Petit Chateau Argent" Small Silver Castle
2000 Navigator / 2014 F-150 Eco-Boost / Equal-i-zer / P-3
YAMAHA 2400 / AIR #12144
ROBERTSUNRUS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2011, 04:39 AM   #4
Rivet Master
 
Wayne&Sam's Avatar
 
2014 25' Flying Cloud
Cuddebackville , New York
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4,333
Images: 21
The sensors are not waterproof on the ones I've found and I don't want to take it in and put it back out all the time, so I just sue a wired one that is permanently installed.
Wayne&Sam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2011, 07:57 AM   #5
steel/aluminum fabricator
 
2004 22' International CCD
Penticton , British Columbia
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 133
Right now i am trying the unit in the house with trans about 25' away around the corner of the house.Works perfectly. When in the AS the trans was only about 2 feet away and would operate initially but after a while outside trans will not communicate with inside reciever. I am going to forget about the wireless and find a hard wired unit.
zedex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2011, 08:02 AM   #6
Rivet Master
 
DaveFL's Avatar
 
2000 31' Land Yacht
Central , Florida
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,489
Images: 15
For my refrigerator I used a wired one, would the wireless thermometer work thru the walls of refrigerator?
DaveFL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2011, 08:11 AM   #7
Moderator
 
jcanavera's Avatar

 
2004 30' Classic Slideout
Fenton , Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 10,403
Images: 143
Send a message via AIM to jcanavera Send a message via Skype™ to jcanavera
I do know that multiple wireless thermometers can cause these units to get messed up. I once took my outdoor unit down to replace the battery and found the indoor unit was still reporting outdoor temperatures but no humidity. After some checking I realized it was picking up my neighbors unit. Once I got the outdoor unit back into service, I turned the indoor unit off and on and it resynced with my outdoor unit.

Also note that some indoor units have the ability to sync with multiple sensors. I've sometimes seen my outdoor temp and humidity settings go away only to note that the indoor unit display got changed to display the second sensor data, rather than the first sensor data.

I use an wireless unit in the Airstream. I typically place the outdoor sensor on top of the wheel lock that sits between the tandem wheels. This keeps it shaded and out of any direct weather. It works great for me.

Jack
__________________
Jack Canavera
STL Mo.
AIR #56 S/OS#15
'04 Classic 30' S.O.,'03 GMC Savana 2500
jcanavera is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2011, 08:12 AM   #8
Moderator
 
jcanavera's Avatar

 
2004 30' Classic Slideout
Fenton , Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 10,403
Images: 143
Send a message via AIM to jcanavera Send a message via Skype™ to jcanavera
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveFL View Post
For my refrigerator I used a wired one, would the wireless thermometer work thru the walls of refrigerator?
Mine does.

Jack
__________________
Jack Canavera
STL Mo.
AIR #56 S/OS#15
'04 Classic 30' S.O.,'03 GMC Savana 2500
jcanavera is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2011, 08:27 AM   #9
Rivet Master
 
aftermath's Avatar
 
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Spokane , Washington
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,848
I have to think that it has something to do with your solar set up.

I had an inexpensive set that I used on our old trailer. When we got the Airstream it continued to work very well until I ran over the sending unit. I placed it on top of one of the tires to keep it out of the sun and.......well you can imagine.

When I placed the main unit on my basement workbench, it automatically picked up the sending unit at home which is a different brand all together. Now when I am in the basement, I can check the outside temperature.

Picked up a very cheap set and it works just fine. If I were you I would check into mounting a wired unit. Friends make fun of me but I do like to know how cold it got during the night. Just returned from a fishing trip where it was 31 during the night.
aftermath is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2011, 09:28 AM   #10
Contributing Member
 
Pahaska's Avatar
 
2018 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Austin (Hays County) , Texas
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,164
Images: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveFL View Post
For my refrigerator I used a wired one, would the wireless thermometer work thru the walls of refrigerator?
Yes, I have used one for years.
__________________
John W. Irwin
2018 Interstate GT, "Sabre-Dog V"
WBCCI #9632
Pahaska is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2011, 09:32 AM   #11
Contributing Member
 
Pahaska's Avatar
 
2018 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Austin (Hays County) , Texas
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,164
Images: 4
A friend parked next to me at a rally was mystified by the readings he was getting from the sender he had placed on his step. We finally figured out that he was reading my refrigerator temperature. Even inside my fridge, my signal was stronger than his from the step.
__________________
John W. Irwin
2018 Interstate GT, "Sabre-Dog V"
WBCCI #9632
Pahaska is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2011, 09:34 AM   #12
3 Rivet Member
 
Chasmorgan's Avatar
 
1999 23' Safari
Austin , Texas
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 230
Images: 7
I too use the Accurite from Walmart. I put the outside unit in a small mesh bag I bought at REI and placed it on the hold down rod between my propane tanks. Seems to work just fine.
__________________
Charlie M
TAC TX-6
Chasmorgan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2011, 09:54 AM   #13
Rivet Master
 
wayneskid's Avatar
 
2010 22' Interstate
Anchorage , Alaska
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 516
Images: 1
I have a LaCrosse WS-9160U-IT that will work with 2 wireless remotes. I have one remote in the refrigerator and it works fine. I have another one to place outside but haven't set it up yet. Check out Weather Instruments
__________________
- wayne
2010 Interstate 3500 Twin Bed
(2008 Freightliner CRD Sprinter)
AIR #44779
TAC AK-1 !!
wayneskid is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2011, 04:45 PM   #14
steel/aluminum fabricator
 
2004 22' International CCD
Penticton , British Columbia
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 133
After checking the thermo today it works perfect in the house with transmitter 50' away around the other side of the house this time. yup. something in the airstream is causing either the transmitter or the reciever to mess up and quit communicating. I used to run a lacross wired unit in my Boler and it worked great.
I think this time i will place the transmitter on the other side of the trailer away from the solar charge controller and see what happens.
The wife says" why do we need an outside thermometer anyways" ?. And i say .So i know what to get ready for when i step out of the trailer.
I tell ya.
zedex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2011, 05:07 PM   #15
Master of Universe
 
Gene's Avatar
 
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Grand Junction , Colorado
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 12,702
We have a cheap one too. We place the sending unit in the rear bumper compartment so we can't lose it. If the sun shines on the bumper, the temp skyrockets, but mostly I want to know the outside temp early morning and at night. The signal travels through 2 aluminum panels and one steel. I can leave the sending unit in the trailer and the monitor in the house—100+ feet away—and check the temp remotely so I know when to turn the heat on when we have summerized but it got cold again. We have a solar controller also.

Gene
Gene is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2011, 05:20 PM   #16
Rivet Master
 
Michigander's Avatar
 
2005 30' Land Yacht 30 SL
Oakland County , Michigan
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 506
Quote:
Originally Posted by zedex View Post
The wife says" why do we need an outside thermometer anyways" ?. And i say .So i know what to get ready for when i step out of the trailer.
I tell ya.
Zedex, I'm with you. I love to know the outside temp, especially at morning and night, also. My DW is OK with that.

We have a Sharp SPC373 atomic clock with remote sensor that works well.

I usually put the sensor on top of a tire in the wheel well, out of the sun. Just like aftermath, I ran mine over once. Had to do a little surgery on it and now it works fine.

Good luck.
__________________
Bob & Nancy
2005 ASLYG 30 SO
2009 Wrangler Toad
Michigan
Michigander is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2011, 05:56 PM   #17
65th Anniversary CLIPPER
 
masseyfarm's Avatar
 
1996 36' Clipper Bus
Tub City , British Columbia
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,309
Images: 61
We have used a wireless in the Clipper Fridge since 2008 and it saves a lot of opening the fridge to see how its doing. In the hot weather these RV fridges just can't keep up if you are opening the door often. The master unit is mounted in the cockpit and is easy to monitor. No wires and the sending unit can be double taped anywhere in the fridge so it does not take shelf space.
Only way to go.
Our inside/outside unit is a wired unit as it is somwhat exposed to the elements and not accessible to change batteries.
Dave



Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveFL View Post
For my refrigerator I used a wired one, would the wireless thermometer work thru the walls of refrigerator?
masseyfarm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2011, 07:47 PM   #18
Rivet Master
 
dznf0g's Avatar
 
2007 30' Classic
Oswego , Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,656
Images: 5
I don't remember the brand of mine, but I have never had any issue. My sender unit is mounted under the AS so my signal passes mostly through wood. Maybe that's why I haven't had an issue?
dznf0g is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2011, 08:51 PM   #19
steel/aluminum fabricator
 
2004 22' International CCD
Penticton , British Columbia
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 133
Thanks for all the replies. I have since placed the transmitter on the front hitch under the cover and it is still communicating . So if it remains working by tomorrow it was the solar charge controller causing the problem as the charge controller was in the path of the receiver /transmitter . I am so excited i can hardly contain myself.
zedex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2011, 08:54 PM   #20
Rivet Master
 
Michigander's Avatar
 
2005 30' Land Yacht 30 SL
Oakland County , Michigan
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 506
Quote:
Originally Posted by zedex View Post
Thanks for all the replies. I have since placed the transmitter on the front hitch under the cover and it is still communicating . So if it remains working by tomorrow it was the solar charge controller causing the problem as the charge controller was in the path of the receiver /transmitter . I am so excited i can hardly contain myself.
I'm sure your wife is excited, also! Keep us posted.
__________________
Bob & Nancy
2005 ASLYG 30 SO
2009 Wrangler Toad
Michigan
Michigander is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Updates on Wireless back-up cameras? dznf0g Audio, Video & TV 462 01-18-2017 07:12 AM
WBCCI New Constitution LI Pets WBCCI Forum 1165 03-28-2012 10:35 PM
Esmerelda the 1992 Excella 29' LawChick 1990 - 1993 Excella 59 02-15-2012 09:36 PM
Wireless back up video? Gringo Audio, Video & TV 4 05-18-2011 06:03 AM
NorCal : NorCal Spring Rally, Casini Ranch, April 15-17 Big Dee Forum Rallies & Meet Ups 731 04-30-2011 11:23 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:57 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.