Winter running a Powertxt system ; SIM advice

[SealineTony]

In past years with the coming of Winter and our boat being left in the water I have used a Powertxt device to remotely control a couple of tube heaters in the engine bay to pamper the little green VP demons. It works well allowing monitoring and control of heating remotely via SMS text commands. Usually set to automatic to switch on when the engine bay temp dropped to 5°c and off when the temp rose to above 5°c. It would also send automated message when mains power lost and again when switched on. For cabins like many I know I use a Meaco unit to control humidity.

The Powertxt device runs on a SIM and I used a PAYG one from ASDA as it was the cheapest at the time and would allow unlimited texts and was not linked to a monthly contract although it had to be used a certain amount of times in a 6 months period and would require, IIRC, only occasional top up to keep it active; result it cost peanuts to run over a period of 4 years. Sadly that account no longer around and of those I have seen so far most being a monthly commitment.

I am now looking around for a similar service and wonder if anyone has tried IoT SIM assuming a cheapskate individual could purchase one without entering into a yearly contract. On the face of it the solution appears to satisfy the need for data only at very low cost. However my assumption being that IoT SIMS being mainly linked to businesses.

Any thoughts or alternative suggestions gratefully received

I'm just a poor boy with a new motor boat

 

[Sticky Fingers]

You could install a boat WiFi network router, eg TP Link, with a data-only SIM in it. Benefit is you could also use it for CCTV or smart plugs or whatever.

 

[SealineTony]

You could install a boat WiFi network router, eg TP Link, with a data-only SIM in it. Benefit is you could also use it for CCTV or smart plugs or whatever.

Thanks you have made me think of looking for a possible alternative method as the boat is already equipped with a Glomex Weboat 4G Lite Evo, and a Raymarine Cam (I just have to purchase my own data SIM)I also have somewhere a Netgear Nighthawk M1 which we used to use for streaming to smart TV and T'internet

With the Powertxt (just in case not familiar). The unit contained its own SIM and plugged into a convenient 13 amp socket your device (heater etc) would be plugged into the back. The unit works by using a series of codes to set the initial parameters, in my case min and max temperatures then left to switch on and off as set automatically. By texting a code to the unit you could query and reset temp control, (Temp sensor included) turn it on or off. A typical code #07# would query the temperature and initiate an message back with a report. If the power was cut a notification would be sent to my phone and once power restored a further notification would be received. Came in handy on one occasion in the marina when shore power disconnected and not turned on - I phoned the marina and someone went out to the pontoon to reinstate.

So that was the kind of service I envisaged using and am now wondering if there are smart plugs that could take over that role?

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Yes, loads on Amazon. Try to get all your plugs and stuff from one manufacturer, I use Kasa at home and boat (but not thermostats), it’s good to see all your stuff in one place. The apps are miles easier than texting codes.

 

[SealineTony]

Further research and thinking about this it really does seem that there are only two ways to handle the tasks which are:

• Automatic control of tube heaters in engine room when temp drops and rises
• Notification when power lost to device and power back on
• Ability to query current temperature in the area
• Ability to change the temperature range switching parameters
• Remote switching on/off as required which is via a shore power link to a 220/240 v supply

One way is by SMS as I have done previously and have the hardware i.e. Powertxt.
While remembering SMS text codes to query and control a unit may be old hat the messages sent back from the unit thankfully are in plain English.
or
Using WiFi and an app to remotely control a programmable temperature sensing socket/switch. Limited searching did not find such a device/s that could do the tasks listed above

Back to basics then do I consider the marina WiFi adequate and always stable? I suspect not and in any event for longer term use there is a fee which probably exceeds the cost of a Text SIM card.

So at the moment it is looking like the easier way is via SMS text device that we already have. It is of course quite possible that I have missed something and there may be a better way to accomplish what on the face of it should be a simple task. In that event would appreciate any thoughts with equipment apps that would work?

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Don’t use the marina WiFi. As I suggested earlier, buy a router with a SIM card slot, and get a data-only sim from your preferred supplier. That creates a boat-specific WiFi network with the upstream created over 4G/5G.

Then your devices all connect to the boat WiFi network. Not to the Marina WiFi.

 

[rafiki_]

Don’t use the marina WiFi. As I suggested earlier, but a router with a SIM card slot, and get a data-only sim from your preferred supplier. That creates a boat-specific WiFi network with the upstream created over 4G/5G.

Then your devices all connect to the boat WiFi network.

That’s what we have, on Sticky’s advice. Works well. I use a 12v powered router, si it is always on.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Yes that’s a choice, AC only which is what I have, means the boat needs to be on shore power, or gennie, or an inverter. Or a 12v router, run from boat 12v.

 

[Scubadoo]

Although I still have similar powertxt device, I have moved to a mifi solution, a TP link mifi router which has battery backup for approx. 8 to 10 hours if the mains goes off, which connects to a WiFi temp and humidity socket for the heaters, setup similar to what you have described with powertxt, it alerts me via an app if it goes offline due to a power failure. The mifi also connects to cameras so I can check the boat during poor weather and security. It has worked well for quite a few years.

I buy the Three 24gb data SIM which last about two years, cost £35 for the mifi router (I don't use for onboard entertainment like streaming, I have my phone for that).

I keep the similar powertxt device as it still works, you can purchase (eBay) for a few pence those old classic O2 Sims which i think is 1p per text from memory. Just need to send a text every 6 months to keep your credit.

This is an example of WiFi thermostat socket, I couldn't find the one I have, but should give you the idea...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DK5D9...99XIAVIN&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MYWC...299XIAVIN&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

 

[SealineTony]

Although I still have similar powertxt device, I have moved to a mifi solution, a TP link mifi router which has battery backup for approx. 8 to 10 hours if the mains goes off, which connects to a WiFi temp and humidity socket for the heaters, setup similar to what you have described with powertxt, it alerts me via an app if it goes offline due to a power failure. The mifi also connects to cameras so I can check the boat during poor weather and security. It has worked well for quite a few years.

I buy the Three 24gb data SIM which last about two years, cost £35 for the mifi router (I don't use for onboard entertainment like streaming, I have my phone for that).

I keep the similar powertxt device as it still works, you can purchase (eBay) for a few pence those old classic O2 Sims which i think is 1p per text from memory. Just need to send a text every 6 months to keep your credit.

This is an example of WiFi thermostat socket, I couldn't find the one I have, but should give you the idea...

Amazon.co.uk

byecold WiFi Plug-in Thermostat Smart Remote Control for Infrared Heating System Temperature Setting with Share Function Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Amazon Echo,Google Home : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Thanks we already have a wifi solution on board with the Glomex EVO when I can get it up and running it may be the better choice. Th WiFi thermostat socket is something I was looking for and app control in plain English as already mentioned would be a bonus