MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: UIZ733 on December 10, 2013, 08:11:37 AM
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I am aware this topic has been covered before. On reading previous threads, it would appear these items are unreliable or in many cases fail altogether quite early in their lives. In the case of failure, is their a consistent pattern. Basically what is weak link in the system?
Which is likely to be the best of these two? http://camping.anaconda.com.au/adventure/Wireless%20Fridge%20Thermometer (http://camping.anaconda.com.au/adventure/Wireless%20Fridge%20Thermometer)
Regards
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The batteries are the weak point, suseptable to moisture and cold, a good trick is to put the sensor in a ziplock bag and then put it in the fridge, I got two of the wireless thermometers from Bunnings at $9.95 each, 6mths on still going strong.
They are identical to the Companion/Engal jobbie, even use the same frequency, I have both, I put mine in a ziplock bag and both thermometers pick up the signal on the sensor in the fridge, having the sensor in the ziplock bag seems to have solved the early failure of the batteries..
At $9.95 you can't go wrong
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/bazzar/Disco%204%20Amarok%20Mods/IMG_0225_zps09617622.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bazzar/media/Disco%204%20Amarok%20Mods/IMG_0225_zps09617622.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/bazzar/Disco%204%20Amarok%20Mods/IMG_0226_zps5591f446.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bazzar/media/Disco%204%20Amarok%20Mods/IMG_0226_zps5591f446.jpg.html)
Baz.
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Good tip Baz, I wonder if you could vacuum seal them instead of using a ziplock bag?
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Good idea, might work even better that way, I might do that for our High Country trip this Xmas :cup:
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Not only that but the sensor will be kept fresh as the day it went in. No soggy sensor, great idea. ;D
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Thanks for the information and excellent tip. :cup: Off to the big Green Shed soon.
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I couldn't find them on the Bunnings web site...
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Here is what I use, works like a charm.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Acu-Rite-Wireless-Digital-Refrigerator-Freezer-Thermometer-New-Version-986-/380789434194?pt=Kitchen_Tools_Gadgets&hash=item58a8d1a752 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Acu-Rite-Wireless-Digital-Refrigerator-Freezer-Thermometer-New-Version-986-/380789434194?pt=Kitchen_Tools_Gadgets&hash=item58a8d1a752)
Cheers
Parry
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The batteries are the weak point, suseptable to moisture and cold, a good trick is to put the sensor in a ziplock bag and then put it in the fridge, I got two of the wireless thermometers from Bunnings at $9.95 each, 6mths on still going strong.
They are identical to the Companion/Engal jobbie, even use the same frequency, I have both, I put mine in a ziplock bag and both thermometers pick up the signal on the sensor in the fridge, having the sensor in the ziplock bag seems to have solved the early failure of the batteries..
At $9.95 you can't go wrong
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/bazzar/Disco%204%20Amarok%20Mods/IMG_0225_zps09617622.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bazzar/media/Disco%204%20Amarok%20Mods/IMG_0225_zps09617622.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/bazzar/Disco%204%20Amarok%20Mods/IMG_0226_zps5591f446.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bazzar/media/Disco%204%20Amarok%20Mods/IMG_0226_zps5591f446.jpg.html)
Baz.
$9.95 is a good price. I paid around $25-$30 for an Engal brand a few years ago. First trip was 2 weeks on the beach up in Cape York. It worked pretty well. Got home, removed the batteries and stowed inside the house. The next time I went to use it, it wouldn't work. I pulled it apart but the sea air from the previous trip had caused major corrosion inside the unit. I tried to resolver some joins but in the end, I just gave up. Very disappointed. I now use a wired one from Waeco that has worked well for the last year but I think this one that Baz has posted for $9.95 is a good deal. I wouldn't care too much if it only lasted a couple of years.
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I couldn't find them on the Bunnings web site...
Just went looking myself and you're right, that's a shame, they have the Aqua Systems wireless weather station at $19.98, wonder if it's the same thing ???
I did find on Ebay a heap wireless thermometers ranging from $15 to $50
Here another one identical, just called a wireless weather station ???
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Wireless-Weather-Station-Indoor-Outdoor-Thermometer-Temperature-C-F-Clock-/321265447928?pt=AU_Gadgets&hash=item4acce9b3f8#ht_3950wt_1162 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Wireless-Weather-Station-Indoor-Outdoor-Thermometer-Temperature-C-F-Clock-/321265447928?pt=AU_Gadgets&hash=item4acce9b3f8#ht_3950wt_1162)
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Mine has been going for over two years with no problems, it has two sensors and I have only changed the batteries once in that time. When Im not travelling I put the sensors in my house fridge and freezer so they have been working continuously. no problems with batteries or moisture at all. I have even put one sensor outside on the pergola to show how far below zero it gets in winter, they work up to 6 metres away from the main unit depending on amount of metal interference.
Previous info here
http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=17884.0 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=17884.0)
Trevor
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Re fridge monitors,I may be missing something here but why do you need a wireless monitor on your fridge? Does the temperature alter that much inside that you need to keep adjusting to maintain a good temp?My Trailblaza just sits in the back of the ute ,runs 24/7 and never seems to require adjustment of thermostat to keep contents how I like it.Just seems another gadget to go wrong.
Anyway,just my 2 cents worth.
Luke.
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Re fridge monitors,I may be missing something here but why do you need a wireless monitor on your fridge?
To satisfy one's OCD
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I have a Companion brand one. Has worked an absolute treat so far. Looks similar to the one posted but I think it was around $30.
Re fridge monitors,I may be missing something here but why do you need a wireless monitor on your fridge? Does the temperature alter that much inside that you need to keep adjusting to maintain a good temp?My Trailblaza just sits in the back of the ute ,runs 24/7 and never seems to require adjustment of thermostat to keep contents how I like it.Just seems another gadget to go wrong.
Anyway,just my 2 cents worth.
Luke.
Just another gadget that I had to have to keep my simple mind amussed ;D Dont need it at all, just want it.
Shane.
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Re fridge monitors,I may be missing something here but why do you need a wireless monitor on your fridge? Does the temperature alter that much inside that you need to keep adjusting to maintain a good temp?My Trailblaza just sits in the back of the ute ,runs 24/7 and never seems to require adjustment of thermostat to keep contents how I like it.Just seems another gadget to go wrong.
Anyway,just my 2 cents worth.
Luke.
I use mine mainly in the three way in the Goldstream as they are temprimental in the hot weather and heat up quickly and also freeze quickly,,,,,, and the other answer is ,, because I can ;D
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Mine has been going for over two years with no problems, it has two sensors and I have only changed the batteries once in that time. When Im not travelling I put the sensors in my house fridge and freezer so they have been working continuously. no problems with batteries or moisture at all. I have even put one sensor outside on the pergola to show how far below zero it gets in winter, they work up to 6 metres away from the main unit depending on amount of metal interference.
Previous info here
http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=17884.0 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=17884.0)
Trevor
I recently bought one of these Acu-Rite ones. So far it seems to be great.
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I bought an engel one. The thing constantly loses it's connection even with the reciever on the lid of the fridge >:(
Its the wired ones for me now ;D
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I bought an Acurite one about 2 years ago and it has worked very well. In that time I have only changed the batteries once.
Craig
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I bought an engel one. The thing constantly loses it's connection even with the reciever on the lid of the fridge >:(
Its the wired ones for me now ;D
We used have an Engal one also and yes Identical to the Aqua and Companion thermometer, we found that our Engal one lost it's signal quite regular, what we found was, it wouldn't work with the insulation bag on the fridge or if the device was more than a couple of metres from the fridge, and would just lose signal for no reason, we took it back and got our money back, same for the companion jobbie, it can be finicky also since we have had it, funny that this elcheapo one works really well and has been faultless for 6mths.
Baz.
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Re fridge monitors,I may be missing something here but why do you need a wireless monitor on your fridge?
Luke.
My "new" camper which will be picked up next week has a Waeco CR 80 Fridge freezer. Apparently the CR 80 has problems coping (wait for it) with cooler ambient temperatures. I want to monitor it. There is a 'fix' for the problem it seems.
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The batteries are the weak point, suseptable to moisture and cold, a good trick is to put the sensor in a ziplock bag and then put it in the fridge, I got two of the wireless thermometers from Bunnings at $9.95 each, 6mths on still going strong.
They are identical to the Companion/Engal jobbie, even use the same frequency, I have both, I put mine in a ziplock bag and both thermometers pick up the signal on the sensor in the fridge, having the sensor in the ziplock bag seems to have solved the early failure of the batteries..
At $9.95 you can't go wrong
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/bazzar/Disco%204%20Amarok%20Mods/IMG_0225_zps09617622.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bazzar/media/Disco%204%20Amarok%20Mods/IMG_0225_zps09617622.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/bazzar/Disco%204%20Amarok%20Mods/IMG_0226_zps5591f446.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bazzar/media/Disco%204%20Amarok%20Mods/IMG_0226_zps5591f446.jpg.html)
Baz.
Found one at Bunnings Munno Para but the Parafield store didn't have them.
Thanks Baz
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We got one with the Eva Kool fridge as a package. Works perfectly. I think it might be different to the ones you guys are the talking about coz the controller has small lead which goes in the fridge and the battery part sits outside. No worries:)
gordo350
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First Evakool remote temp monitor was replaced under warranty after only 6 months. When second one died two months later, I didn't bother phoning again. Just chucked it.
KB
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I have had a two zone one for about 5 years. The sensor just feeds into the fridge and is the size a pea it's base sits in the fridge pocket. I have the reciever either in the consol or take it in the van. Can set low temp alarms as well . It's worked reliably and gone through about three sets of batteries. I never turn it off so been running for 5 years.
http://www.twozone.com.au/thermometer.html (http://www.twozone.com.au/thermometer.html)
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Looks identical to the Evakool one. Obviously you've had a better run than I did.
KB
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You must have got a dud KB. Mines been going for 3 years straight now :-)
gordo350
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Bunnies did not have the wireless varieties. Ended up getting one of these instead; http://www.bunnings.com.au/sontax-digtal-weather-forecaster-wall-thermometer_p3110640 (http://www.bunnings.com.au/sontax-digtal-weather-forecaster-wall-thermometer_p3110640)
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You must have got a dud KB. Mines been going for 3 years straight now :-)
gordo350
TWO duds :'(
KB
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The batteries are the weak point, suseptable to moisture and cold, a good trick is to put the sensor in a ziplock bag and then put it in the fridge, I got two of the wireless thermometers from Bunnings at $9.95 each, 6mths on still going strong.
They are identical to the Companion/Engal jobbie, even use the same frequency, I have both, I put mine in a ziplock bag and both thermometers pick up the signal on the sensor in the fridge, having the sensor in the ziplock bag seems to have solved the early failure of the batteries..
At $9.95 you can't go wrong
Baz.
Thanks for that :cheers:
Grabbed one today for the Jayco 3 way.
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I have the Eva kool model and the receiver doesnt show the transmittor temp anymore. Dven when they are 1 cm apart.
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Grabbed one today for the Jayco 3 way.
Which Bunnos?
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Which Bunnos?
Sth Morang.
In the gardening isle with the weather stations & rain gauges.
Heaps of them.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
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Sth Morang.
In the gardening isle with the weather stations & rain gauges.
Heaps of them.
Awesome, thanks!
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I have the Eva kool model and the receiver doesn't show the transmitter temp anymore. Even when they are 1 cm apart.
I also have the Evakool except mine never paired - ever. I just keep the transmitter next to the fridge to read the temperature and not bother with the receiver. My receiver never kept proper time so it is rather pointless.
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The batteries are the weak point, suseptable to moisture and cold, a good trick is to put the sensor in a ziplock bag and then put it in the fridge, I got two of the wireless thermometers from Bunnings at $9.95 each, 6mths on still going strong.
They are identical to the Companion/Engal jobbie, even use the same frequency, I have both, I put mine in a ziplock bag and both thermometers pick up the signal on the sensor in the fridge, having the sensor in the ziplock bag seems to have solved the early failure of the batteries..
At $9.95 you can't go wrong
Baz.
Thanks for that :cheers:
Grabbed one today for the Jayco 3 way.
So It tried mine over the weekend. Sender in a zip lock bag, in the fridge and the receiver sitting on the bench above. The signal kept dropping out after 5 minutes. Pulled the batteries out to reset it, but it kept doing it. >:(
Still a handy thermometer for camping.
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I also have the Evakool except mine never paired - ever. I just keep the transmitter next to the fridge to read the temperature and not bother with the receiver. My receiver never kept proper time so it is rather pointless.
Did you try putting the batteries in the transmitter first? I had problems with pairing but found that it worked fine after making sure batts went into the transmitter before the receiver was powered on.
Our Evakool one has worked well for 3 years now and its handy for keeping an eye on the fridge in the CT while driving. On one occasion it alerted us to the fact the door had swung open while driving after the wife had not closed it properly.
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Does anyone use a fridge monitoring device that is strong enough to register a signal from a fridge in the rear of the camper trailer to the front seat of the truck while travelling.
If so what type and brand
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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The Eva Kool one will do that
gordo350
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So after the weekend, I think I'll fit up a wireless thermometer to the fridge and mount the readout on the dash
What are other people using these days.
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I have an inside/outside wireless temp monitor I bought for less than $20 from Jaycar. 12 months on and still going fine on the original batteries. I even dropped the receiver in the sink by accident where I thought that was the end of it but after a day in a bowl of rice and all was well again. I do take the batteries out when the camper is parked.
The Jayco fridges are 3-way as standard and I find the temp can fluctuate a bit day to night. It's handy to know the temp inside and be able to make some minor adjustments (or maybe that's just my OCD).
rob
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I have an inside/outside wireless temp monitor I bought for less than $20 from Jaycar. 12 months on and still going fine on the original batteries. I even dropped the receiver in the sink by accident where I thought that was the end of it but after a day in a bowl of rice and all was well again. I do take the batteries out when the camper is parked.
The Jayco fridges are 3-way as standard and I find the temp can fluctuate a bit day to night. It's handy to know the temp inside and be able to make some minor adjustments (or maybe that's just my OCD).
rob
Is this the one
http://www.jaycar.com.au/Outdoors-%26-Auto-Products/Weather-Forecasting/Desktop-Weather-Stations/Wireless-In-%26-Out-LCD-Thermometer/p/XC0321 (http://www.jaycar.com.au/Outdoors-%26-Auto-Products/Weather-Forecasting/Desktop-Weather-Stations/Wireless-In-%26-Out-LCD-Thermometer/p/XC0321)
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I bought this one in Nov 2011 and it has been working ever since without a hitch, only have replaced the batteries once in that time. When not in the two van fridges I put it on the fridge and freezer in the house till I go away next time, the alarm is a great asset as well.
http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=17884.msg274980#msg274980 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=17884.msg274980#msg274980)
Trevor
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Mine
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Our electronic weather station broke a while back. I bought a new one from bunnings last week. $20, has remote temp and humidity for outside and the station shows both inside and outside temps and humidity. Also time, date, trends and moon cycle. Can't se why it couldn't be used in the fridge and for $20 a lot cheaper than most fridge temp gauges.
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I bought this one in Nov 2011 and it has been working ever since without a hitch, only have replaced the batteries once in that time. When not in the two van fridges I put it on the fridge and freezer in the house till I go away next time, the alarm is a great asset as well.
http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=17884.msg274980#msg274980 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=17884.msg274980#msg274980)
Trevor
yea I do like this one.. shame US postage is stupid these days :( and its worked untroubled for a lot of years, something most don't do....
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yea I do like this one.. shame US postage is stupid these days :( and its worked untroubled for a lot of years, something most don't do....
I think this is the same one - but only single sender $20.00 :)
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/371205019184/ (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/371205019184/)
Edit: offered $15.00 - accepted instantly :)
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I think this is the same one - but only single sender $20.00 :)
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/371205019184/ (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/371205019184/)
Edit: offered $15.00 - accepted instantly :)
Turned up today.. :) Should do the job nicely
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NzgzWDc3OA==/z/3j8AAOxyeR9TIYCj/$_12.JPG)
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Turned up today.. :) Should do the job nicely
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NzgzWDc3OA==/z/3j8AAOxyeR9TIYCj/$_12.JPG)
Fridge is a bit hot Bird.
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Fridge is a bit hot Bird.
73 F.. Wonder if the F stands for f***** .... ???