What other HA stuff are you doing?
I wish I could find something that would tell me my total instant watt usage for my whole house, via my phone.
The entire home is wired for HA (Home Automation) and security. Windows, doors, locks, HVAC, Lighting, Water, 85% of the electrical system in the home.
I will be using the Brultech GEM module to monitor all power and usage once it is released. It is a 32 channel power monitoring device which can push the data to your iPhone, computer, hosted web site.
For power John is right on target. All of the modern programmable thermostats I have seen have used rectified AC with a regulator to power the circuits. A quick look at the circuit board will usually tell you what supply voltage is needed.
Communication is another matter. If the Tstat is RF communication enabled it may work without wires. If the unit uses a modulated signal carried over the power wires it won't work without a wired connection.
The 5 TSTATS are indeed wireless in terms of communications. They are intended to replace the homes central TSTAT. I was able to purchase four more at rock bottom prices and forgo the $200.00 price tag.
They are all currently hard wired to a 24 VAC transformer in the various zones / rooms in the home. The intent of the remote TSTAT is to monitor, than control various ceiling fans in the home to regulate the temperature as well as force the ambient temperatures up or down to ensure air flow.
One of the ceiling fans will be in the front entrance and is more than 20 feet high. My intent is to have one of these TSTAT installed up there where it is hidden behind a picture frame. It will allow me to accurately measure the ceiling temps up there and then turn on the fans in succession, or zoned to allow the required temps and air flow.
Right now the beta testing has proved very positive, now it comes down to install the sensors in their final resting place. The only problem is having the ability to power the device with out hard wiring.
What are you trying to accomplish? Remote monitoring of a detached building that has no power hooked to it? If so how are you going to keep the battery bank charged? Solar?
If the building is too far away to run a low voltage cable to it then is it too far away for the tstat to wirelessly communicate with its base station?
I agree with ddawg though. Most likely the tstat is internally converting the AC to DC so it should run fine if you just feed it DC. Why not call the manufacturer and ask?
All of the TSAT will be interior use only, save one which is being used solely for monitoring the temperatures of the attached garage.
I forgot to add all of these sensors also measure humidity, and also has the ability to react to weather forecasts and operate based on local conditions. Whether it be too much light, heat, or cold. Or simply time of day, changes in the environment etc.
Teken . . .
