GSM Control

[Rusty]

After faffing about for ages deciding which would be the best solution for me, I finally bit the bullet and bought a GSM timed control relay module for the old Webasto heater.

Wired the same way as the Maplin style relays, I have installed the module behind the screen in the dash.
This position is preferrable as the aerial has a better chance of receiving a signal than if located under the bonnet.

Next the PAYG SIM was loaded with the approved numbers ( the SIM was set up in a mobile first) and the answering machine turned off. A mere £5 credit was put on the account and i was ready to go (the credit should last a few years at least)

Upon receiving an incoming call from a number stored in the SIM phone book, the module cancels the call after 3 rings, then when the relay has been energised successfully, the module calls you back to let you know that everything is ok. If you cancel this call, there is no charge, but if you answer once every few months, it keeps the account active.

The built in timer is set for 30 minutes and everything resets after that.

This way, I can call the car from anywhere in the world with a mobile signal, and my car will warm up, even in a carpark, and I will know that it is doing its job.

It's worked well for me lately ( certainly keeps SWMBO happy on a cold day ) and that alone is worth every penny.

Just thought I would share in case anyone else fancies an alternative switching method.

Happy days

[dirtymonkey29]

That's what I'm gonna do eventually when I get it working. Unit will be from www.danhag.de and I will also get the optional alarm alert so if my alarm goes off the car will ring/text me. Does your webasto get hot then?

[Rusty]

Oh yes it certainly gets the car nice and warm, but it does sound as if I am one of the lucky ones.


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[dirtymonkey29]

Do you have a spare plug coming off the loom that plugs into the water valve under the webasto? Looks like a double water valve

[Johnny chimpo]

Where did you get the gsm unit from and how much was it? I might try this instead of a remote control.

[X5Sport]

Slight hijack, but relevant...Never having had a PAYG account I may be about to say summat silly (no change there then - Ed) but I thought the credit ran out after 30 days, or certainly within a defined period? Sort of 'Use it or Lose it' type deal. It's one of the reasons I have never gone down the PAYG route even though it would probably save me a fortune once 'off contract'.

[jaynana]

[quote=""X5Sport""]Slight hijack, but relevant...Never having had a PAYG account I may be about to say summat silly (no change there then - Ed) but I thought the credit ran out after 30 days, or certainly within a defined period? Sort of 'Use it or Lose it' type deal. It's one of the reasons I have never gone down the PAYG route even though it would probably save me a fortune once 'off contract'.[/quote]

good stuff rusty nail! you've got me thinkin now!! (all this time i was thinking a simple remote would suffice.. but this is too nice to ignore )

x5sport - ur q is not really offtopic.. atleast for me cos i didn't know either that PAYG could last that long so eagerly awaiting to find out

[dirtymonkey29]

Read up on the unit danhag sell, you don't need credit on the sim card. You program your own number as an authorised number. When you ring the sim in the gsm unit it recognises your number and terminates the call and activates the heater, if you ring again it turns off. You can program it to run for as long as you like too

[X5Sport]

These instructions certainly refer to use of pre-paid cards having low credit and that the system will warn you...Page 17.

http://www.danhag.de/anleitung/users-guide.pdf

I didn't think any UK network allows other than 999 calls on zero credit balance cards - but this is only based on what I knew about PAYG several years back, and times have changed as they say. Not trying to upset any apple carts....

It looks like a very clever bit of kit and with Telestarts getting harder to find, probably a very good option. Just don't send the wrong SMS signal by accident when you're on the other side of the world..

[dirtymonkey29]

It will only stay on for a pre determined amount of time. From what I understood, you only needed credit on the payg sim if you want the unit to alert you when the alarm goes off. Been a while since I looked at it as my heater won't run on 12v to pin 1. Can anyone tell me (who's unit works and gets hot from 12v to pin 1) if the extra plug next to the water valve is connected to anything. Im trying to rule things out.

[Rusty]

[quote=""dirtymonkey29""]Do you have a spare plug coming off the loom that plugs into the water valve under the webasto? Looks like a double water valve[/quote]
Hi dirtymonkey29, mine is all pre-plumbed as it is a C/Z ThermoTop.

X5Sport, I use Orange SIM's as they do not have the old 30 day use or lose policy, but if you do not use the SIM to make a call within a year (max time I managed with a standby phone once and had to contact Orange to get reconnected) the account will be suspended. That is why on receiving the confirmation call, you are recommended to accept the call every couple of months (12p call cost from PAYG Balance) to keep everyone happy.

Johnny chimpo, I used a 'bay supplier. The actual item was not listed but after speaking with the 'owner' to ask for some technical info, he supplied me with the timed heater module required and it was delivered within 48 hrs.
If you Pm me to remind me, I will look out the info for you. I'm sure the module was £79 delivered but will have to check.

Hope that helps

[X5Sport]

That's you sorted nicely then..result