20 replies to this topic

[edi57]

Hi All,

I'm thinking about getting a heater for my garage as it's freezing!

My garage isn't at home but ideally I'd like to switch it on 20mins before I get there so it's nice and welcoming for me to start work.

I was thinking about a timer... but I don't go to my garage at regular times, therefore a timer wouldn't be much good.

Has anyone ever seen a mobile phone controlled type timer switch? Something that I could perhaps send a text message to for switch on/switch off? It would be the perfect solution. Ideally it needs to be something that doesn't cost the earth too.

Ed

[spaceoctagon]

I think the Al-Qaeda ones are home made!

[edi57]

Haha...


Just got to find some Al-Qaeda dude to make me one!

[Jordie]

http://www.rapidonli...ed-switch/74248

Use a old mobile phone and ring it when you want to switch it on??

[edi57]

This is the type of thing that I'm after... but something that's got a UK plug and preferably easily available.

[Ethel]

That could be the last we hear from Ed if he googles that!


Old mobile strapped to a light dependent switch (or a mercury switch if it does vibrate) should suffice to remotely burn your garage down. Some form of timer to turn it off would be sensible. Radiative, as in old style bathroom heaters, are good for garages.

Your find is 220v so compatible with the UK power supply just needs an adapter socket - assuming it can handle the current a heater would draw, likely does.

[daemonchild]

That could be the last we hear from Ed if he googles that!


Old mobile strapped to a light dependent switch (or a mercury switch if it does vibrate) should suffice to remotely burn your garage down. Some form of timer to turn it off would be sensible. Radiative, as in old style bathroom heaters, are good for garages.

When you set this up, make sure that you post the number on the forum...

[spaceoctagon]

Something like this

http://www.cottnertechnologies.com/

[edi57]

I'd be careful to make sure the garage doesn't burn down!

I'd switch it on about something like 10mins before going to the garage. The garage is quite big (slightly more than double width and triple length) so I'd put the heater away from anything else.

I could have it on an auto timer to switch after 15mins if I end up not going to the garage for some reason.

All that seems fairly safe to me.

[edi57]

Something like this

http://www.cottnertechnologies.com/

Yeah that seems to be exactly what I'm after! I was kind of hoping that it wouldn't cost quite so much though

If they're all going to be that expensive then they are definitely out of my price range

[spaceoctagon]

They don't come cheap!

http://www.kent.luxu....uk/index3.html

[edi57]

http://www.rapidonli...ed-switch/74248

Use a old mobile phone and ring it when you want to switch it on??

Jordie, only just saw your link.. that looks great! Wonder how to wire it up to a mains appliance?

[Ethel]

That does what I suggested with an ldr. It's a velleman board, they have their own website if you need more info. The blue box on the circuit board is a relay, you'd just need one that can handle the heater current - or use the one on the board to drive one that can.

I was only teasing over the burn your garage down quip, but do consider that anything could happen while you're not there - So go ott with precautions, like putting the heater in a cage.

[Dan]

I'd use tube heaters or some other LST device. Radiant heaters in a garage will collect dust and switching them on when you aren't there to see them is asking for trouble. Tube heaters are more or less intrinsically safe and don't provide a source of ignition.

[Ethel]

I'll concede radiant heaters do make for a good fire hazard, it wouldn't be a good idea to leave one on unattended, mounting them high and downwards facing helps to keep them away from stuff and mostly clear of dust but there's still a hazard if the element was to shatter and fall down. Convection heaters are safer but in a drafty garage a good proportion of the output will be blown outside.