I wish to replace my simple thermostat with a single channel central heating controller. First, look on toolstation as always:
This seems to have the main features I would need, but programming looks a bit of a fiddle (its a Sunvic SunPro 1000):
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p26217

What it obviously does not have is different thermostat temperatures for the different ON periods - do any of them ?

Any recommendations ?

Thanks,
Simon.

sm_jamieson wrote:

I wish to replace my simple thermostat with a single channel central
heating controller. First, look on toolstation as always:
This seems to have the main features I would need, but programming
looks a bit of a fiddle (its a Sunvic SunPro 1000):
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p26217

What it obviously does not have is different thermostat temperatures for the different ON periods - do any of them ?

For that you need a programmable thermostat, rather than a programmer
and a separate thermostat, e.g.

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p83996

On Monday, November 30, 2015 at 12:19:48 PM UTC, sm_jamieson wrote:
I wish to replace my simple thermostat with a single channel central heating controller. First, look on toolstation as always:
This seems to have the main features I would need, but programming looks a bit of a fiddle (its a Sunvic SunPro 1000):
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p26217

What it obviously does not have is different thermostat temperatures for the different ON periods - do any of them ?

Any recommendations ?

Thanks,
Simon.

One review (for the 2 channel version) seemed to suggest that the first ON time could not be set before 6.30am - surely that cannot be possible?

Simon.

On 30/11/15 12:19, sm_jamieson wrote:
I wish to replace my simple thermostat with a single channel central
heating controller. First, look on toolstation as always: This seems
to have the main features I would need, but programming looks a bit
of a fiddle (its a Sunvic SunPro 1000):
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p26217

What it obviously does not have is different thermostat temperatures
for the different ON periods - do any of them ?

Do you want to go the whole hog for something fancy and remote
controllable - eg NEST, HeatGenius etc? The latter certainly allows as
many temperature/time profiles as you like. I think the NEST does too.

Both are a straight swap for a roomstat as long as you have a neutral
present.

On Monday, November 30, 2015 at 12:29:43 PM UTC, Andy Burns wrote:
sm_jamieson wrote:

I wish to replace my simple thermostat with a single channel central
heating controller. First, look on toolstation as always:
This seems to have the main features I would need, but programming
looks a bit of a fiddle (its a Sunvic SunPro 1000):
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p26217

What it obviously does not have is different thermostat temperatures for the different ON periods - do any of them ?

For that you need a programmable thermostat, rather than a programmer
and a separate thermostat, e.g.

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p83996

(thats the Sunvic SunStat Room Thermostat Wired).
That looks fine, has the right level of functionality, Even has adaptive control (TPI) which I might switch off. Only thing is it appears to only take batteries. I wonder how long the batteries last.
I suppose a battery box adapter (for an external power supply) may be available, or I can make one !.

Simon.

On Monday, November 30, 2015 at 12:47:42 PM UTC, Tim Watts wrote:
On 30/11/15 12:19, sm_jamieson wrote:
I wish to replace my simple thermostat with a single channel central
heating controller. First, look on toolstation as always: This seems
to have the main features I would need, but programming looks a bit
of a fiddle (its a Sunvic SunPro 1000):
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p26217

What it obviously does not have is different thermostat temperatures
for the different ON periods - do any of them ?

Do you want to go the whole hog for something fancy and remote
controllable - eg NEST, HeatGenius etc? The latter certainly allows as
many temperature/time profiles as you like. I think the NEST does too.

Both are a straight swap for a roomstat as long as you have a neutral
present.

I don't think so, just a wired one with 3 or 4 on periods per day would be fine.

Simon.

sm_jamieson wrote:

Andy Burns wrote:

sm_jamieson wrote:

different thermostat temperatures for the different ON periods

For that you need a programmable thermostat
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p83996

(thats the Sunvic SunStat Room Thermostat Wired).
That looks fine, has the right level of functionality, Even has
adaptive control (TPI) which I might switch off. Only thing is it
appears to only take batteries. I wonder how long the batteries
last.

Must admit I hadn't noticed the batteries, my old programmer took 4xAA
and lasted ages, you could keep an eye for the LCD 'fading' before they
went totally flat.

On Monday, November 30, 2015 at 1:00:59 PM UTC, sm_jamieson wrote:
On Monday, November 30, 2015 at 12:29:43 PM UTC, Andy Burns wrote:
sm_jamieson wrote:

I wish to replace my simple thermostat with a single channel central
heating controller. First, look on toolstation as always:
This seems to have the main features I would need, but programming
looks a bit of a fiddle (its a Sunvic SunPro 1000):
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p26217

What it obviously does not have is different thermostat temperatures for the different ON periods - do any of them ?

For that you need a programmable thermostat, rather than a programmer
and a separate thermostat, e.g.

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p83996

(thats the Sunvic SunStat Room Thermostat Wired).
That looks fine, has the right level of functionality, Even has adaptive control (TPI) which I might switch off. Only thing is it appears to only take batteries. I wonder how long the batteries last.
I suppose a battery box adapter (for an external power supply) may be available, or I can make one !.

Simon.

Oh, the manuals are poor in this aspect, but there appears to be mains connectivity, since it says that if batteries need to be replaced, the mains power must be isolated before the unit is removed from the back plate. I suppose the battery is advised to retain the settings if you remove it from the back plate in order to change the battery ... er, hold on ...

Simon.

On Monday, November 30, 2015 at 1:11:21 PM UTC, Andy Burns wrote:
sm_jamieson wrote:

Andy Burns wrote:

sm_jamieson wrote:

different thermostat temperatures for the different ON periods

For that you need a programmable thermostat
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p83996

(thats the Sunvic SunStat Room Thermostat Wired).
That looks fine, has the right level of functionality, Even has
adaptive control (TPI) which I might switch off. Only thing is it
appears to only take batteries. I wonder how long the batteries
last.

Must admit I hadn't noticed the batteries, my old programmer took 4xAA
and lasted ages, you could keep an eye for the LCD 'fading' before they
went totally flat.

Its got a battery level indicator.
Simon.

In article ,
sm_jamieson wrote:
On Monday, November 30, 2015 at 1:00:59 PM UTC, sm_jamieson wrote:
On Monday, November 30, 2015 at 12:29:43 PM UTC, Andy Burns wrote:
sm_jamieson wrote:

I wish to replace my simple thermostat with a single channel
central heating controller. First, look on toolstation as always:
This seems to have the main features I would need, but programming
looks a bit of a fiddle (its a Sunvic SunPro 1000):
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p26217

What it obviously does not have is different thermostat
temperatures for the different ON periods - do any of them ?

For that you need a programmable thermostat, rather than a programmer
and a separate thermostat, e.g.

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p83996

(thats the Sunvic SunStat Room Thermostat Wired). That looks fine, has
the right level of functionality, Even has adaptive control (TPI) which
I might switch off. Only thing is it appears to only take batteries. I
wonder how long the batteries last. I suppose a battery box adapter
(for an external power supply) may be available, or I can make one !.

Simon.

Oh, the manuals are poor in this aspect, but there appears to be mains
connectivity, since it says that if batteries need to be replaced, the
mains power must be isolated before the unit is removed from the back
plate. I suppose the battery is advised to retain the settings if you
remove it from the back plate in order to change the battery ... er, hold
on ...

There could be mains since it is switching supply to the boiler

--
Please note new email address:

On Monday, November 30, 2015 at 1:19:46 PM UTC, charles wrote:
In article ,
sm_jamieson wrote:
On Monday, November 30, 2015 at 1:00:59 PM UTC, sm_jamieson wrote:
On Monday, November 30, 2015 at 12:29:43 PM UTC, Andy Burns wrote:
sm_jamieson wrote:

I wish to replace my simple thermostat with a single channel
central heating controller. First, look on toolstation as always:
This seems to have the main features I would need, but programming
looks a bit of a fiddle (its a Sunvic SunPro 1000):
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p26217

What it obviously does not have is different thermostat
temperatures for the different ON periods - do any of them ?

For that you need a programmable thermostat, rather than a programmer
and a separate thermostat, e.g.

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p83996

(thats the Sunvic SunStat Room Thermostat Wired). That looks fine, has
the right level of functionality, Even has adaptive control (TPI) which
I might switch off. Only thing is it appears to only take batteries. I
wonder how long the batteries last. I suppose a battery box adapter
(for an external power supply) may be available, or I can make one !.

Simon.

Oh, the manuals are poor in this aspect, but there appears to be mains
connectivity, since it says that if batteries need to be replaced, the
mains power must be isolated before the unit is removed from the back
plate. I suppose the battery is advised to retain the settings if you
remove it from the back plate in order to change the battery ... er, hold
on ...

There could be mains since it is switching supply to the boiler

There may be that mode of operation. I need the simple thermostat mode, which they seem to refer to as "volt free" switching.
Simon.

sm_jamieson wrote:
I wish to replace my simple thermostat with a single channel central heating controller. First, look on toolstation as always:
This seems to have the main features I would need, but programming looks a bit of a fiddle (its a Sunvic SunPro 1000):
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p26217

What it obviously does not have is different thermostat temperatures for the different ON periods - do any of them ?

Any recommendations ?

Thanks,
Simon.

Following this thread I am not really clear on what the
existing boiler control set up is. If it is a simple hall thermostat,
then this frequently will only control the pump, with a separate
controller for boiler on/off cycles and/or another separate controller
for boiler temperature. If you wish to simply replace the hall
thermostat, then the Horstmann HRT 4A From Amazon) is about the only
unit which runs without batteries and which has optional
TPI(guesswork?)control. My experience of this unit is excellent, using
TPI temperature control has never been so good. If you are looking for a
programmable thermostat, then IME you can have anything you like
provided it is battery powered. I'm sure there are some mains powered
units out there, but many have batteries for display back up and it is
not easy to spot them from the data. Battery powered electronic
thermostats using latching relays have IMO a poor reputation, with many
users reporting poor battery life. YMMV. The question is, will a
programmable thermostat suit your boiler control system without rewiring?

On 30/11/2015 12:19, sm_jamieson wrote:
I wish to replace my simple thermostat with a single channel central heating controller. First, look on toolstation as always:
This seems to have the main features I would need, but programming looks a bit of a fiddle (its a Sunvic SunPro 1000):
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p26217

What it obviously does not have is different thermostat temperatures for the different ON periods - do any of them ?

Any recommendations ?

Thanks,
Simon.

An important feature to consider is how the wiring will work.

So I would ask:

1. 'What boiler and programmer do you have at the moment? Is the boiler
a combi?

2. Is your existing thermostat in the best position? I would argue that
the sitting room is a good place as that is where you possibly sit in
the evening.

3. How many wires are there in the cable that goes to the existing
thermostat? (excluding earth) The answer is typically two or three.


--
Michael Chare

On Mon, 30 Nov 2015 05:31:54 -0800 (PST), sm_jamieson wrote:

Oh, the manuals are poor in this aspect, but there appears to be
mains
connectivity, since it says that if batteries need to be
replaced, the
mains power must be isolated before the unit is removed from the
back
plate. I suppose the battery is advised to retain the settings if
you
remove it from the back plate in order to change the battery ...
er,
hold on ...

There could be mains since it is switching supply to the boiler

That'll be it, boiler pumps valve etc generally operate with mains
voltages. If you don't isolate the heating system there will almost
certainly be one terminal with mains on it.

There may be that mode of operation. I need the simple thermostat mode,
which they seem to refer to as "volt free" switching.

"volt free" switching just means that the switches used for
boiler/pump/why control are isolated from the rest of the unit.

--
Cheers
Dave.

Dave Liquorice wrote:

"volt free" switching just means that the switches used for
boiler/pump/why control are isolated from the rest of the unit.

i.e. provide your own volts, which will generally be mains for C/H

I used a wired programmable stat for many years. The batteries tended to
last about 2 years. If battery life is a concern, then can you afford
heating?
I would suggest buying good batteries as cheap ones tend to self discharge
more.

On Monday, November 30, 2015 at 4:45:33 PM UTC, Capitol wrote:
sm_jamieson wrote:
I wish to replace my simple thermostat with a single channel central heating controller. First, look on toolstation as always:
This seems to have the main features I would need, but programming looks a bit of a fiddle (its a Sunvic SunPro 1000):
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p26217

What it obviously does not have is different thermostat temperatures for the different ON periods - do any of them ?

Any recommendations ?

Thanks,
Simon.

Following this thread I am not really clear on what the
existing boiler control set up is. If it is a simple hall thermostat,
then this frequently will only control the pump, with a separate
controller for boiler on/off cycles and/or another separate controller
for boiler temperature. If you wish to simply replace the hall
thermostat, then the Horstmann HRT 4A From Amazon) is about the only
unit which runs without batteries and which has optional
TPI(guesswork?)control. My experience of this unit is excellent, using
TPI temperature control has never been so good. If you are looking for a
programmable thermostat, then IME you can have anything you like
provided it is battery powered. I'm sure there are some mains powered
units out there, but many have batteries for display back up and it is
not easy to spot them from the data. Battery powered electronic
thermostats using latching relays have IMO a poor reputation, with many
users reporting poor battery life. YMMV. The question is, will a
programmable thermostat suit your boiler control system without rewiring?

Sorry, I did not describe the heating system. It is just a Vaillant Turbomax combi boiler, and a single zone - no extra valves, etc. Hall electromechanical unpowered thermostat - just a switch. Two connected wires from boiler - whatever voltage is on there comes from tbe boiler.

If the battery life is short, a couple of AAA to AA battery adapter shells will get the terminals out to an external power supply. However, battery is supposed to last 2 years.

Simon.

On Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 10:48:53 AM UTC, DerbyBorn wrote:
I used a wired programmable stat for many years. The batteries tended to
last about 2 years. If battery life is a concern, then can you afford
heating?
I would suggest buying good batteries as cheap ones tend to self discharge
more.

Well its not the cost obviously, just the inconvenience. I've now got a Sunstat unit, and it has a battery life indicator so should be OK.
Simon.

On 01/12/2015 10:48, DerbyBorn wrote:
I used a wired programmable stat for many years. The batteries tended to
last about 2 years. If battery life is a concern, then can you afford
heating?
I would suggest buying good batteries as cheap ones tend to self discharge
more.


There are many battery operated thermostats, presumably because they are
easier to install. I am not a fan of such devices myself as there is
always the problem of the battery going flat, maybe in the winter when
you have gone away, and you need the CH to work at a low setting to stop
pipes freezing. I replaced my original mechanical thermostat and
programmer with a Danfoss TP9 which uses a remote sensor where the
mechanical thermostat was. Possibly the best improvement I made to my
CH system. The first one I got was replaced after a couple of months
under warranty. Its successor is now more than 10 years old.


--
Michael Chare

On 01/12/2015 15:00, sm_jamieson wrote:

Sorry, I did not describe the heating system. It is just a Vaillant Turbomax combi boiler,
and a single zone - no extra valves, etc. Hall electromechanical
unpowered thermostat -
just a switch. Two connected wires from boiler - whatever voltage is on there comes
from tbe boiler.


When I installed a programmable thermostat, I put a programmable
thermostat that uses a remote sensor next to the boiler and then put the
sensor where the existing thermostat is. The programmable thermostat is
mains powered.

Two wires to the existing thermostat were used to connect the sensor.


--
Michael Chare