GSM module for heating boilers: organization of remote heating control

Uninterrupted and correct functioning of the heating system is one of the indicators of a comfortable life in any house or apartment. Using such modern equipment as the GSM module for heating boilers, you can remotely control the boiler room using mobile communications. But this is very convenient, agree?

We offer to understand how the innovative control system works, what basic and additional functions the GSM module is capable of performing. So that you can understand how appropriate it is to invest in the purchase of such equipment, we have listed the advantages and disadvantages of remote control.

In addition, we prepared an overview of popular models of the GSM module, and also outlined the nuances of installing it, connecting to the phone and setting optimal parameters.

How does the GSM module work?

The process of controlling the operation of the boiler is due to a small device in which an adjustable processor (controller) is built-in. It processes and transfers data from the boiler to the user and vice versa (feedback function) in the form of text messages.

The main task of the module is to maintain the previously set settings and respond promptly to any changes in autonomous heating.

The user of the GSM module remotely controls the heating system using mobile communication, setting or changing the necessary temperature indicators

Such equipment is especially useful for owners of cottages, country houses or those who often leave their housing for a long time unattended. GSM module can be part of the control heating in a smart home.

What is included in the GSM kit

The package bundle depends on the manufacturer and product model. The standard includes the following details.

Controller (GSM module) - a device with a different number of inputs, the possibility of expansion, if you need to connect additional functions. Models in the low price segment contain a couple of standard functions and operating modes.In more expensive devices, a weekly control controller is built in advance.

Portable temperature sensors, from two to ten - it depends on the type of module. Designed for different rooms, including outdoor. The optimal number is five, provided that one of them is on the street.

The standard type of heat sensor (outdoor and indoor) for regulating temperature indicators throughout the house or in certain rooms

GSM antenna necessary to amplify the signal. She is responsible for establishing continuous communication with the owner of the equipment and with the towers of the mobile operator.

Across relay (in the majority of models up to 3 pcs.) feedback with the owner is realized. In the user manual, in all modules there is a list of codes characterizing all normal and emergency situations and codes for feedback.

Standard complete set of gsm module on the example of model 4T from the manufacturer "Xital". All components are connected and prepared for installation (+)

Additional sensors (e.g. movement and fire) are also necessary. More often, users buy them on their own, depending on their needs.

Battery may optionally be present on some models. Manufacturers most often put lithium-ion. This is an important component, since the battery life depends on it. If the voltage turns off, the power will automatically go to the battery.

The battery capacity should be enough for the full-fledged operation of the GSM module for at least five hours, preferably up to two days. If you know that in your area power outages occur frequently, then it makes sense to purchase a larger battery.

Master key prevents third-party interference in the heating system and removes the locks you set.

The reader of the electronic key Touch memory in the GSM model of the Xisal module. Used to protect against unauthorized interference with boiler control.

In addition, in the kit you can find an electronic key reader, a touch screen, pads for connecting to the boiler, bays of connecting wires. If necessary, you can purchase or “assemble” a set to fit your needs.

Remote Controller Functionality

The number of functions in any GSM module is limited and is determined by the following factors: the number of channels and, accordingly, the sensors that can be connected through them, remote control features, as well as the ability to regulate heating indicators.

Basic and advanced options

A standard set of sensors scans temperature, pressure and registers gas leak, setting additional - automatically connects new functions. Such sensors can be digital or analog. Most manufacturers use analog, but it depends on the interface of the module itself.

The listed main functions guarantee uninterrupted and stable control of the heating system and implement the principles of the device:

1. Turn on and off the entire heating system.
2. The ability to turn on / off, restart the boiler or additional equipment.
3. Remotely change the settings of the boiler, the temperature intensity in the whole house or in a separate room, simply by sending an SMS with the necessary code. This will reduce gas consumption by 25-30%.
4. Daily informing via mobile messages about the state of the boiler, namely: notifications of operating parameters, temperature conditions, and, if necessary, emergency situations, automatic shutdown of the device due to breakdowns.
5. Using a pin code for a SIM card to avoid connecting third parties and any fraud.
6. Prompt reporting of an emergency shutdown of the heating system due to a fire, leak or any breakdown if the owner has previously connected additional response sensors for them.The intelligent system, in the event of an emergency, takes steps by itself. For example, when a gas leak occurs, it turns off the boiler or all equipment.
7. Stability control of electrical voltage - protection against sudden surges in energy.
8. Autonomous controller operation mode - it is ensured by the presence of a battery. If the power goes out, the module will work on this battery. But remember that when the power is turned off, only the message sending function will work, since the boiler requires continuous current.
9. By reducing the heating load, the service life of the equipment increases.

Users pre-set the minimum and maximum permissible parameter values ​​(for example, temperature conditions). When the indicators go beyond the specified range, the owner receives an SMS message about this.

Some modern modifications of GSM modules can display statistics on the operation of the boiler in the form of creating time schedules.

For the convenience of users, the module can "report via SMS" not only to the owner, but also to other family members. You can connect from 2 to 10 numbers, depending on the model of equipment

If you are going abroad and roaming is expensive, then you can use one of the other numbers. In some models of modules control via voice messages is available.

Functionality, even with standard equipment, is high. As a result, the user will be able to fully control the heating and other systems in their absence.

Additional functions are not fundamental when choosing a module, but significantly simplify the life of the owners:

1. The ability to connect an additional relay for new sensors.
2. The launch of additional equipment and the ability to control it using cellular over a distance.
3. Function for monitoring the pressure in a solid fuel boiler.
4. Tracking the level of diesel fuel, if the boiler is liquid fuel.
5. Calculation of the quantity and quality of granules in the compartment of the pellet heating unit.
6. Checking the boiler feeder.
7. Turn on the emergency siren.

If you install additional sensors, you will be able to implement the following functions:

• room security in the presence of motion sensors (may be internal - for the home and external - for the site);
• fire function guarantees a smoke indicator - the user indicates boundary figures in advance;
• flood warning – leak detector give a signal and block the water.

It is a variety of sensors and the correct configuration of the module that ensure that you will know exactly what is happening with all the controlled equipment.

Modes of use of equipment

It depends on the selected control mode when and what information you will receive about the operation of the controlled equipment:

• Autoin which the system works according to previously established parameters, with the analysis of information throughout the house or in separate heated rooms. You get a report on the operation of heating at the set time.
• Manual (feedback from the user to the system) involves sending the user a message with a code word or making a call to change certain settings or modes. For example, you want to find out the temperature in a room or increase it to warm the whole house.
• Disturbing. If there is a power failure, smoke, a leak, gas surges, improper operation of the equipment (shutdown of the boiler due to any breakdown), then you will immediately receive a message about the breakdown.

In the latter situation, the module can block a damaged element or turn off the entire system. In addition, during an accident, alarming SMS messages are sent to all the numbers indicated earlier.

Sample report in the mobile phone program on the life of the boiler when the standard mode is activated (indicated by the user as "0")

All three modes are available in standard modules, but it is important to correctly configure their work during system installation.

Popular User Rating Models

The list includes running models in the Russian market with the optimal combination of price and quality:

• Xital GSM with modifications 4T, 8T and 12T - the numbers indicate the number of zones / rooms that can be controlled. The device is suitable for any boiler, the cost is from 8 to 10 thousand rubles.
• Sapsan pro 6 for any boiler equipment, you can bind up to 10 numbers. The cost is from 10 to 16 500 rubles.
• Telcom 2 only for De Dietrich, involves connecting up to 5 rooms.
• GSM module from Teplocom Suitable for any heating system and requires minimal settings. Request from 6,000 rubles.
• Vitocom 100 only for Viessmann, it is possible to connect no more than two numbers. The price varies from 26 to 30 thousand rubles.
• Logomatic PRO GSM only for Buderus (most often used for floor boilers), the maximum number of rooms is 16. This model will cost 30,000 rubles.

When choosing, focus on how much equipment you want to control, how much power it is, what additional indicators you want to connect, and the features of the thermal regime in the room.

Features of the installation from the point of view of the consumer

Whoever installs the GSM module (yourself or an expert), make sure that these conditions are met:

• optimal humidity is maintained at the installation site, as when installing the boiler;
• if there is no portable antenna, check that nothing is blocking the signal transmission, for example, concrete floor;
• pay attention to the length of the antenna cable if you need to move it to another location;
• connect the module with the boiler turned off and through RCDin order to protect equipment from power surges;
• check in advance that the distance between the temperature sensor and the controller is not more than one hundred meters - for better communication.

At the beginning of the work, you must enter the phone numbers to which information will be received. Then a verification code in the form of SMS will be received.

When you purchase a new card, immediately replenish the account with a minimum of 300 rubles and ask the operator to turn off all messages with paid advertising so that it does not take up space and does not bring down the controller. Please note that the mobile operator in the installation area of ​​such a module should have an uninterrupted signal.

To connect to the module, you can use the SIM card of any mobile operator. The main thing is to make sure the continuity and quality of the signal

After installation, be sure to test the operation of the GSM module. Let someone go out on the street with a phone and someone stay in the house. It is important to check how quickly messages will be received during certain changes in the operation of the boiler.

The phone receives an automatic SMS report on the status of the boiler and other key indicators of the system. Tips to help you set up your equipment.

It is also necessary to adjust the temperature regime, which is regulated by outdoor and indoor sensors. Before that, please note that the documentation for the boiler indicates the minimum and maximum temperature at which it will operate without failures.

The room sensor is responsible for the indoor thermal conditions. In some models it can be configured for the whole week. For example, on weekdays, three types of temperature settings are relevant: in the morning and in the evening - high, because everything is at home, in the afternoon - low, at night - also low or closer to average for a comfortable sleep.

When changing the weather, the gsm module user can remotely change the air temperature in the whole house using a special application on the tablet (phone)

At the weekend everyone is at home, so choose the most comfortable heating for the whole family. This mode is called "general." If you want to set the temperature in individual rooms, then enable the "zone". He is responsible for heating the air in individual rooms.

In the "vacation" mode (the names of the modes differ from different manufacturers), the temperature is at its lowest level. In this case, you can remotely control the battery to change the temperature.

For example, on the way home, send an SMS with a special code or simply by entering the desired number to change the temperature mode.

If the plans have changed, then the user will always be able to remotely set a comfortable temperature mode and return to the warm house

If a boiler is connected to the system, then you can change not only the water temperature, but also the heating system. When switching to summer mode, the boiler does not turn off, but operates at minimum power.

Please note that there is a “anti-freeze” mode, which from time to time turns on the boiler to maintain the correct operation of the entire heating system.

The outdoor sensor reacts to a change in temperature outside the window. Specialists call this mode the most promising. If the degree drops, the boiler automatically raises the temperature.

After installation, also test the feedback on autonomous heating. To do this, send a message with a command code.

When the user sends an SMS with a code (feedback function), he receives a response with indicators of the heating system

Technically, communication is realized through a relay, which is directly connected to a gas boiler.

Advantages and disadvantages of a GSM device

Here is what the client will receive by connecting the GSM module:

Safety. The main goal of the GSM module is to control the heating system and additional equipment, timely informing about already occurred or possible breakdowns. By connecting, for example, an additional sensor for breaking glass, you can quickly respond if thieves get into the house.

Comfort. Management of key indicators of heating and associated systems without the physical presence of the consumer next to them. For example, returning home, without any problems, preheat the water in the boiler in advance to the required values ​​or increase the temperature in the whole house by sending one message.

Saving. When no one is at home, the temperature may be the lowest possible, and you will thus reduce the payment for heat by a substantial amount. And the lack of a constant load on the heating system will help extend the life of the boiler, boiler and other equipment.

The diagram shows all the advantages of the module that its owner receives. They are implemented through the competent settings of the device and the correct connection. (+)

Thanks to these three advantages, the module's product attractiveness is formed.

And GSM equipment has its drawbacks. Fundamental, of course, is the high price of the device.

Users note the need for continuous monitoring of the cash balance of cellular communications, depending on the work of the operator and coverage. This is especially inconvenient for owners of houses outside the city or in villages remote from megacities.

Among the additional disadvantages include: the complexity of self-connection and additional installation costs.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

A detailed video on the feasibility of connecting a GSM module. Features of work on the example of manufacturers Teplocom and "Xital." An example of the location of the module near the boiler.

Installation instructions for the Xital system. The narrator is a professional builder. He dwells in detail on the difficulties in installation and the details that should be paid attention to.

Video comment on the operation of the gsm module Teplocom. The installation features are shown on the example of Bastion boiler equipment.

Despite the disadvantages of the purchase, such a module will greatly simplify your life, save money in the future by extending the operation of equipment and reducing utility bills. In addition, the device will protect against unforeseen situations with equipment, protect an empty house from strangers.

Thanks to such multifunctional equipment, you can always return to a warm and comfortable home without fear that the boiler has broken.

Share with your readers your experience using the GSM module for heating boilers. Please leave comments on the article, ask your questions and participate in discussions. The feedback form is located below.