Block Heater, remote control

[Balerguy2]

My Kubota L4610 has just shy of 400 watt block heater which I've used exclusively on an old 24 hour clock timer. I only hook up the switched power from it the night before to enable heat power on at 5 or 6 am. 3 or 4 hours later I show up at the machine shed...................... you get the picture.

Is anybody using a wireless or wired (on the AC line) remote? This would be great for those times the Weather Guessers CHANGE the forecast and it is now dark.... 45 mph gusts and ++ snow and colder than heck ................... and I'm not plugged in for the morning.

What you guys using? Name? Available? Recommendation?

TIA !!!

 

[Deerherd]

I just ordered one of these for a different application but I think it would work for you, as long as you have a Smart phone.

WeMo Switch

 

[grsthegreat]

seems like a good idea...but i dont have nor will i ever have , a smart phone.

if i could find a cell phone with a rotary dial.. i would buy it

 

[devildog1]

http://www.amazon.com/SVAT-WRC101-W...-1&keywords=120+volt+remote+controlled+switch
I believe this will do you.
DevilDog

 

[murphy1244]

http://www.amazon.com/SVAT-WRC101-W...-1&keywords=120+volt+remote+controlled+switch
I believe this will do you.
DevilDog

I just ordered one, thanks

 

[grsthegreat]

too bad im 300 feet away

guess ill have to stick with my timer

 

[Hunter29]

Take a look at X-10 products. They make appliance switches as well as other things to turn all kinds of stuff on and off..

 

[Looking4new]

I've got two of these. Pricey, but they work good.

GE Z-Wave Wireless Lighting Control Outdoor Module

 

[Ford850]

I've researched them all, and none seem reliable out to a decent distance. Once you get past 100', the reviews are terrible and inconsistent. I settled for a timer too. Just like you, I rely on the weather forecast and getting the tractor plugged into the timer the day/night prior to when I plan to use it. I was caught a few weeks ago by a bad forecast and ended up with 8" overnight when they called for an inch. I would have loved a remote that morning.

 

[grsthegreat]

had 6" last night so i stayed home to plow everything. they were forecasting a sunny day today

they lied, weve had another 4" since noon...still snowing

 

[GPintheMitten]

too bad im 300 feet away

guess ill have to stick with my timer

Or get a 200 foot extension cord.

 

[bja105]

I'm 60 miles from the house where my tractor is, our farm. I have a WiFi thermostat (Honeywell) that lets me check or change the house setpoint from anywhere. I was having problems with the gas regulator at the gas well freezing. Not wanting to risk freezing pipes, I wired an electric heater to an outlet powered through a 24v contactor, energized by G from the thermostat. If I want to turn on power to that outlet, I turn the fan setting to On from my iPad or computer. The same outlet could be used for the tractor block heater.

If that made sense to you, you can handle it. If it sounded Greek, use that WebMo mentioned earlier. Either one uses existing WiFi. Honeywell's high end (expensive) systems come with a dedicated router, and can include a web cam and remote control door locks by Schlage.

I think most any home automation system can have a set of 'Dry Contacts' that can be used to control a contactor or relay, and turn on a block heater.

 

[Pipestone Kid]

I have one similar to the amazon link, but I got it at ACE Hdwe. I am about 300 feet away and it works fine.

 

[Balerguy2]

All of you have contributed hugely..................... THANK YOU!

I screwed up failing to put in my 200+ feet to our tin (steel) Machine Shed. My "g" or "n" frequency router won't cut it. My phone is a Galaxy S1 which I "rooted" and replaced on it a newer Android Operating System kernel................. I downloaded "WeMo" but it won't load and execute. I see now "WeMo" needs at least an S2................ so my phone is just too old. But, this 4 year old GSM model plays most "apps" and works great as a phone through ATT < $9 bucks a month No Contract.

I would guess the X-10 will get the nod (Thanks hunter29) ! Not so elegant but maybe do the job.

Thank you everyone for all the help!