Easy-to-use wired OR WiFi Prog Stat?

Bendy_House

Hi.

Looking ideally for a 'wired' ( but WiFi is ok too...) Prog Stat for use in a local hall. 'Easy-to-use' so that other hall users can manually override the set temp as required.

I like the Hive myself - one rotary control and an intuitive display (shows both 'actual' and 'set' temps). Their 'wired' model (SLT5) is silly money, tho', but also - crazily - still requires batteries.

Any suggestions for alternatives? 'Button' control - ie for up and down temps - is ok provided they are easy and obvious to use, and not lost amongst a bunch of other switches. The display should also provide clear info, and not have too many confusing icons and stuff.

Thanks

bob_a_builder

Could be looking for the holy grail there ...

Its amazing how complex and convoluted some manufacturers make their controls - its almost as if they go out of there way to make it so difficult

coffeehound

I suppose a programmable is always going to need a battery so it doesn’t lose the settings in a power cut

chrisw

It also depends on the wiring to the existing stat. If it's only 2 wire, you will need a battery powered stat. If there's also a powered live and neutral then you'll be ok with a mains powered one.

Bendy_House

Thanks.

I've amended my heading to include 'WiFi'-connected too, as I realised it's just as easy to fit a WiFi receiver where the current 'stat is, and then mount the actual 'Stat beside it.

Sooooooo, the easiest to use Prog Stat?!

You are right, Coffee - most (pretty much all) have batteries too, and even the wired Hive SLT5 is no exception, and needs 3xAA batteries. Nuts!

Good point, Chris, and I will be checking that first.

(The Hive is still the main contender, and the standard combi version - the SLT3b (WiFi) - is actually cheaper than the 'wired' SLT5...)

Bendy_House

bob_a_builder said:

Could be looking for the holy grail there ...

Its amazing how complex and convoluted some manufacturers make their controls - its almost as if they go out of there way to make it so difficult

I have a Heatmiser, and have to consciously search my mind to recall how to override it by a degree. Changing the time for BST requires the wee instruction card... :-(

That's why the Hive was such a revelation when it came out.

getmore4less

Does it need remote access  to be able to override before coming to the hall.

eg.
have it just at a background level  but being able to program remotely for say next 7 days uses

Then when people turn up they can add a bit if not warm enough.

or

there is regular pattern so once setup it won't need changing just local manual override.

There are standalone programable that might do depending on the use cases.
they come in 5+2 or 7day options where you can pre set some times each day with a +- button to adjust temp

BUFF

How much do you want to spend? Something as simple as this* may well do https://www.heatingcontrolsonline.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=114112433
There is also a wireless (RF) version if you want to be able to move the thermostat/display around rooms.

*Most controls manufacturers should have similar.

knightstyle

We have a wireless thermostat and once set up it is easyto use for a hall used by lots of people..
Set to low temp at night, warm during the day. Then when someone comes in to set up the hall they press + button to increase the temp to the desired level, when they leave they can reduce it with the - button but if they forget the temp goes back to the program at the end of the day.

FaceHead

Get a nest (original not nest e) and put the heatlink next to the boiler, wired to it. The existing wire, which links the thermostat to the boiler, is now connected from the thermostat to the heatlink. This gives the thermostat 12V power from the heatlink, as well as data. 

This probably works with most other smart thermostat that have a wall thermostat and a receiver. 

Bendy_House

Thanks again, folks.

GM4L, it wasn't expected to have remote access, but I guess it's a useful thing to have as an option.

No price 'limit', but something like this simply shouldn't cost in excess of, say, £100. The Hive can theoretically be had for this, if bought without the internet hub - Toolstation do it for just under £100 - tho' they have none in stock... With the hub, it's around £160, which is getting silly.

It will be set to provide pre-programmed heating, as the hall's users will be known in advance. For any group turning up unexpectedly, it has to be intuitive to control to get the heat up as required - hence the Hive being so good.

That Siemens is interesting, BUFF, but - ooooh - all the manual buttons is a recipe for it being mucked about with. So close, but no ceegarr

The Nest is a bit too much the other way - a tad too advanced. With a pricetag to match.

If I can get the Hive SLT3b; 'stat+receiver - for under £100, that will likely do.

Cheers, all.