[NTLUG:Discuss] temperature monitoring

[Stephen Klein]

Fred James wrote:
> All
> In an all Linux/UNIX environment, I have a need to monitor the 
> temperature of the room.  I want to be able to check on it remotely, and 
> receive warnings when if temperature goes out of range.  In Googling I 
> found several products, but I want to ask this group:  Has anyone had 
> experience (good or bad) with this idea, or any particular product or 
> approach?  I would prefer something that works with Linux, or a stand 
> alone (one unit said it had a self contained WEB server and could be 
> accessed by any browser, or they would supply details for an interface).
> 
> Thank you in advance for any help you may be able to offer.
> Regards
> Fred James
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> https://ntlug.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
> 
> 

I did a presentation in May on using Dallas Semiconductors' (Maxim) 
1-wire devices with Linux.

Using 1-wire, you can hang an almost unlimited number of sensors on 
cheap phone cabling.  The temperature sensors come in a TO-92 package 
(standard transistor package), and can be soldered directly to  a cable, 
using heat-shrink for protection.  It's great for monitoring the 
temperature of a room.

On the software end, there is a package called One Wire File System 
(OWFS) which uses the File System in User Space project (FUSE), this 
allows you to read a sensor by reading a text file.  They also provide a 
web server that allows you to read the sensor data from a web browser. 
Getting warnings sent to you automatically can probably be done with a 
simple script written in bash, pearl or whatever since all it requires 
is reading a text file.  Find more information at owfs.sourceforge.net

Dallas (Maxim) will send you a couple of samples for free if you request 
them through their website: www.maxim-ic.com.

You can order an adapter (USB or Serial, I only have serial) from 
Dallas, or from AAG, a company that sells man 1-wire sensors including a 
wind sensor (anometer and wind direction).  AAG's website is www.aag.com.mx

I've also built a humidity meter using a 1-wire device.

Hope this helps,
Stephen Klein