Adding a WI FI outlet to plug tractor into.

[brokenknee]

I would like to add a Wi Fi outlet that I can plug my tractor into. I did a short search on the internet and saw some Wi Fi plug in outlets. I was wondering if those would handle the 1500 watts of a block heater. It would be nice to be able to "plug" my tractor in while I was still at work so I can start it once I get home.

I would also like to add a second one to plug my work vehicle into. Something with a timer function so instead of paying to have the block heater plugged in all night it would energize it a couple of hours before I go to work.

Has anyone done something like this? What are my options? What would I need and how difficult is it to install?

Thanks for the help.

 

[xring100]

That sounds like a good idea. I've wanted a way to control mine from inside the house.

 

[brokenknee]

Was just looking further into the plug in outlets. One I saw said there is a monthly fee. I would think there would be a system out there were no fee is required.

 

[crbr]

X10 Home Automation

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[xring100]

http://www.belkin.com/us/F7C029-Belkin/p/P-F7C029/
1800 watts

Looks like it might be free service but I can't find the details

 

[timster2]

You can find lots of WiFi stuff here, including relays up to thirty amps. Smarthomeｮ | Home Automation, X10, Remote Control, Lighting, Wireless Security, IP Cameras

You can set up your own network controls free, no service required.

 

[brokenknee]

Was looking at the links provided, some seam to require a hub and others do not. What are the advantages to having a hub? Reading the reviews; most of the outlets hub or not seam to have a larger than normal negative comments; are these systems not all that reliable?

Has anyone done this?

 

[xring100]

The Belkins use your wifi router then you can set it to control it through "ifttt.com" which looks to be free and can setup control strategies or use it just like a remote switch this looks pretty cool.

 

[timster2]

Investing in a hub is not such a bad idea. You can control much more than just the block heater outlet. I use it to control outside lighting inside lighting and thermostats. Its nice to be able to turn on lights and turn up the heat from a remote location. Rather than investing in and maintaining a number of timers I can control the lights from my laptop, set up timers and use motion detectors to turn on multiple lights. Lots of controllers are available than can be linked to a hub and you can use a smart phone app to connect to the hub as well.

 

[brokenknee]

Investing in a hub is not such a bad idea. You can control much more than just the block heater outlet. I use it to control outside lighting inside lighting and thermostats. Its nice to be able to turn on lights and turn up the heat from a remote location. Rather than investing in and maintaining a number of timers I can control the lights from my laptop, set up timers and use motion detectors to turn on multiple lights. Lots of controllers are available than can be linked to a hub and you can use a smart phone app to connect to the hub as well.

Was it easy to set up? Have you had any problems with it? What besides a hub and outlets would I need? Is there any brand or operating system you would recommend?

I know a lot of questions, thanks for the help.

Edit; any monthly cost involved? I want to avoid that.

 

[City Farmer]

If you wanted to do it on the cheap couldn't you get a 120 volt relay with a 5-10 volt trip, mount the wireless on/off board next to the relay and download an app that controls the board? Worst case, If the wifi board cost to much, you might have to run a low volt wire to the relay.

 

[brokenknee]

If you wanted to do it on the cheap couldn't you get a 120 volt relay with a 5-10 volt trip, mount the wireless on/off board next to the relay and download an app that controls the board? Worst case, If the wifi board cost to much, you might have to run a low volt wire to the relay.

Cheap is good when you have the knowledge to implement it. I could probably figure it out, but the cost of wi-fi seams to be fairly reasonable now and I don't mind spending a few extra bucks to avoid the frustration.

 

[timster2]

I setteled on the Insteon system for my needs. I have been using it for several years. I have had no problems setting up the system using the plug in modules to control lights they are real easy to use. In the garage for the yard lights I wired in controlled switches which can be manually operated or controlled by the hub. I did fail a couple of the hubs, covered under warranty, when there were power spikes/failures during lightning storms. The hubs I used are no longer available and as far as I know they have been replaced with a better hub. I am currently upgrading to add more switches inside and out.

My motivation to set this up was driven by my physical condition, bad and worsening spine. I can control lights, fans and lots more sitting in my recliner with my laptop. Its nice to be able to turn things on and off at the click of a mouse button. If you already have WiFi I assume you have a router and access point. An internet connection is not needed but comes in handy to control everything when you are away from home. Being you use your own WiFi there are no monthly charges or fees needed to run the system. I also have a couple of WiFi cameras that give me a look out the front and kitchen windows so I can keep an eye on things when I am home or away.

 

[ededic]

http://store.apple.com/us/product/HD830VC/A/belkin-wemo-insight-switch?fnode=0001050701#product-info

Simple, controllable and efficient with software timers, etc.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[xring100]

Belkin WeMo Insight Switch Review - Watch CNET's Video Review here's CNET article this would probably be cheapest route @$49 -$59 . I'm considering going buying the light switch and testing it in the house now. I created an and account on IFTTT no charge. Belkin has free simple routines that you add to use it as a simple switch there is also a free WEMO app for android and Iphone
if you wanted a hub wemo devices are fully compatible Revolv with http://amzn.com/B00EWJQ9PK

 

[City Farmer]

Belkin WeMo Insight Switch - Apple Store (U.S.)

Simple, controllable and efficient with software timers, etc.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

That's slick! It says it can be used for a heater but it didn't say how many watts it was.

 

[RLstangs]

I have this one on order for my tractor block heater. Works with my iPad or iPhone with a free app.
Review of Belkin Wemo - YouTube

 

[Coyote machine]

I would like to add a Wi Fi outlet that I can plug my tractor into. I did a short search on the internet and saw some Wi Fi plug in outlets. I was wondering if those would handle the 1500 watts of a block heater. It would be nice to be able to "plug" my tractor in while I was still at work so I can start it once I get home.

I would also like to add a second one to plug my work vehicle into. Something with a timer function so instead of paying to have the block heater plugged in all night it would energize it a couple of hours before I go to work.

Has anyone done something like this? What are my options? What would I need and how difficult is it to install?

Thanks for the help.

For high watt/amp draw devices like a block heater just buy a programmable heavy duty timer and plug it into an outlet and then the heater into it Set it to trip on at a certain time and then unplug it when you get home. Simple, no setup, no wireless BS, and no problems with wi-fi not working, not working remotely, lost signals etc., etc. JMHO

 

[quicksandfarmer]

I use an IOBridge: Web Monitoring and Control Products - ioBridge

An IO-201 WiFi gateway and a PowerSwitch Tail. About $100 for the pieces, works off WiFi, accessible from anywhere on the web, secure, no recurring fees. Switches up to 15 amps. Details are here: PowerSwitchTail II

 

[brokenknee]

For high watt/amp draw devices like a block heater just buy a programmable heavy duty timer and plug it into an outlet and then the heater into it Set it to trip on at a certain time and then unplug it when you get home. Simple, no setup, no wireless BS, and no problems with wi-fi not working, not working remotely, lost signals etc., etc. JMHO

I also thought about it, but then that would require me to know ahead of time when I want/need to use the tractor. I have to admit I am not always that well organized.