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Thread: Advice needed, please - remote automation via mobile phone?

  1. #1
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    Default Advice needed, please - remote automation via mobile phone?

    I have tried my best to read previous threads, but most were much to technical for me.

    I would like to be able to activate two electric sockets (just on/off) for the purpose of turning on
    2 electric heaters in my office, while I am still at home. I have no land line or internet at the office
    (hence, perhaps the use of a mobile phone SIM activation)?

    What would be the cheapest option for doing this - preferably wire-free and easy to fit?

    I noticed a Home Easy HE101 for sale on eBay for £20 - is this suitable and the most user friendly?
    Do I need their socket system? My heaters are 2000Kw each - will I need
    2 of these - Home Easy HE322B Remote Controlled RF Socket Black (3000W) - they are £6 each

    Am I headed in the right direction?

    Any suggestions and help with other (more simple or cheaper systems) would be appreciated.

    Have a wonderful New Year,
    Philip

  2. #2
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    Hi Philip,

    If you are not very technical then the home easy route would be the most sensible you would need the following:

    2 x he302 on/off sockets - suitable for up to 3kw
    1 x he101 SMS base station
    1 x SIM card

    A huge word of warning, switching of electric heaters whilst unsupervised poses a potential fire hazard however I am sure you know what you are doing.

    BR

    Chris

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by bailers View Post

    2 x he302 on/off sockets - suitable for up to 3kw
    1 x he101 SMS base station
    1 x SIM card
    Thanks Chris,
    Can you please tell me if the HE322B Remote Controlled RF Socket are any different to your recommended HE302?

    I can't seem to be able to find the HE302 - perhaps an earlier model?

    Thanks again

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by manulike View Post
    Thanks Chris,
    Can you please tell me if the HE322B Remote Controlled RF Socket are any different to your recommended HE302?

    I can't seem to be able to find the HE302 - perhaps an earlier model?

    Thanks again
    Not 100% sure but the homeeasy site shows them as HE302's perhaps the ones you have seen on eBay have the wrong model number. I did see an old eBay listing for HE322Bs however they did look the same as the he302 but in black. As long as they are on/off and are rated to 3kw you should be fine.

  5. #5
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    Thanks again, Chris,
    Very much appreciate your help.
    Just one final note for anyone interested in this type of product:
    I have seen the base unit at prices ranging from £20 at eBay (new and with 1 year warranty) to £149...
    I have also seen the sockets for £50 each... (and they are £6 on eBay)
    This seems like a neat package for £40 including p&p
    So please do shop around!

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by manulike View Post
    Thanks again, Chris,
    Very much appreciate your help.
    Just one final note for anyone interested in this type of product:
    I have seen the base unit at prices ranging from £20 at eBay (new and with 1 year warranty) to £149...
    I have also seen the sockets for £50 each... (and they are £6 on eBay)
    This seems like a neat package for £40 including p&p
    So please do shop around!
    I agree this is a great value option for someone, I used to use the homeeasy range before moving to Loxone. I found it to be fairly reliable and robust

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by bailers View Post
    I agree this is a great value option for someone, I used to use the homeeasy range before moving to Loxone. I found it to be fairly reliable and robust
    A FINAL UPDATE:
    Just received the £40 starter kit in the post today. Very happy with them as a company (Halx) as they were pleased to answer 3 or 4 long emails of mine, quite swiftly.

    As for the HE 101 and socket kit - AMAZING! Really very user friendly and it only took me 5 minutes to figure out how to "train" the socket (in "learning" mode) and then I was totally up and running. And i am really VERY bad with technology usually...

    As far as economizing further ... I recommend using giff-gaff SIM card - and perhaps after a few weeks I will be confident enough to turn off the return text confirmation option (making the mobile text communication totally free). Giff Gaff allow 6 months of non chargeable events before they terminate an account...

    I don't really need the remote control or the light switch - but my mate, with a much larger home, is glad to take them off my hands!

    Really appreciate your help, Chris.
    Last edited by manulike; 6th January 2013 at 11:57 PM.

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