Block heater on

6sunset6 · Dec 9, 2007

I started my tractor the other day at about 28d F. BLock heater on for a few hours. What a difference. Started faster than in the summer. So now the big question. $.07 per hour cannot leave it on all the time Principal of the thing really. Barn is 100ft from the house and I will probably remember to plug it in I will not want to go out there 10pm after I see the weather for the next morning and turn it on.
After some thought I went looking for a Garage door button and receiver, hook up to a relay to turn on 110 done. But what I found was ready to go units , that would on and off 100ft 1200w capacity. Heater is 400w plus a small light in the barn window so I know it turned on.
Amazon SVAT WRC101 Wireless Outdoor Remote Control Power Outlet"
Here is the best part $15. 3-4 days to get it I will post on sucess or failure. Pesimist that I am it probably will not reach 100ft.

sandman2234 · Dec 9, 2007

I purchased a couple of remote light operational remotes that are like really short extension cords that you plug a lamp cord into. Click the remote and on comes the lamp. The wife hates coming into a dark house, and wanted to leave the lights on, whereas I hate to leave the lights on when out. She kept loosing the remote, or in other words, she didn't like the idea, so it was a waste on my part. In your case, for the ones I have, they would be pushing it, as they don't like concrete block walls very well, so 100 foot might also be a challenge.
Hopefully yours does turn out better!!
David from jax

Inspector507 · Dec 9, 2007

If that doesn't work for you, take a look at the X10 Home Automation plug in modules. Provided you are on the same transfromer power in the barn as in the house they will work. It would be double the money you already spent but they work well.

X10

wedge40 · Dec 10, 2007

I have to agree with Inspector on this one. I'd look for a remote switch that uses your house wiring to send the signal to turn things on and off. If you have a separate breaker box in the barn then it may be a toss up if it will work or not.
I think even radio shack has something like this.
Or you could run a 100 foot extension cord from your house the barn and then you just have to go and unplug it.

Wedge

charlz · Dec 10, 2007

Home Depot carries X10 outlets, controllers etc. I would imagine Lowes does as well.

PILOON · Dec 11, 2007

I use one of those remote switching devices all the time and it works just great.

In essence they are RF (radio frequancy) transmitters and work 'line of sight'.

SO--make sure you don't have trees, cars or other obstructions in the way!

Also (as I did) use a splitter and add a small light bulb (I used a red one, maybe 5-10 watts) so that I could tell from the house that my block heater was actually switched on!

Have been toying with adding a small heater inside the cab so that I don't sit on cold vinyl and also have frost free windows but hold off as I think that maybe that's going a bit too far.

6sunset6 · Dec 14, 2007

6sunset6 said:
I started my tractor the other day at about 28d F. BLock heater on for a few hours. What a difference. Started faster than in the summer. So now the big question. $.07 per hour cannot leave it on all the time Principal of the thing really. Barn is 100ft from the house and I will probably remember to plug it in I will not want to go out there 10pm after I see the weather for the next morning and turn it on.
After some thought I went looking for a Garage door button and receiver, hook up to a relay to turn on 110 done. But what I found was ready to go units , that would on and off 100ft 1200w capacity. Heater is 400w plus a small light in the barn window so I know it turned on.
Amazon SVAT WRC101 Wireless Outdoor Remote Control Power Outlet"
Here is the best part $15. 3-4 days to get it I will post on sucess or failure. Pesimist that I am it probably will not reach 100ft.

Ahh did not reach 100 ft next home automation unit down the power line

shaley · Dec 16, 2007

Try a X10 controller and x10 appliance relay. I use several at 200 ft. It uses the powerline to carry the device controll the signal.

6sunset6 · Dec 16, 2007

yup Thats what I am going to get.
My wife thinks your trailer is hysterical. She must have mentioned it to a 100 people.

6sunset6 · Dec 22, 2007

6sunset6 said:
I started my tractor the other day at about 28d F. BLock heater on for a few hours. What a difference. Started faster than in the summer. So now the big question. $.07 per hour cannot leave it on all the time Principal of the thing really. Barn is 100ft from the house and I will probably remember to plug it in I will not want to go out there 10pm after I see the weather for the next morning and turn it on.
After some thought I went looking for a Garage door button and receiver, hook up to a relay to turn on 110 done. But what I found was ready to go units , that would on and off 100ft 1200w capacity. Heater is 400w plus a small light in the barn window so I know it turned on.
Amazon SVAT WRC101 Wireless Outdoor Remote Control Power Outlet"
Here is the best part $15. 3-4 days to get it I will post on sucess or failure. Pesimist that I am it probably will not reach 100ft.

Update Got it working 100ft line of sight 15w flourescent bulb in the barn widow. Now I can start the heater from the house if I remember to plug it in.