I’ve been experimenting with the Qubino thermostat and temperature probe setup in my garage, and I wanted to share my experience and some tips for anyone looking to do something similar. This setup has been a game-changer for monitoring and maintaining the temperature under my heat tape, especially during the colder months.
Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed by the number of components involved—mounting the thermostat, connecting the probe, and ensuring everything was mains-powered without additional converters. But after some research and trial and error, I found a streamlined approach that worked perfectly.
Here’s what I did:
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Mounting the Thermostat: I opted for a plastic workbox to house the thermostat, outlet, and switch. This not only kept everything organized but also provided a neat, professional look. I used a pigtail to plug the thermostat into the wall, ensuring it was securely mounted.
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Probe Placement: Positioning the probe correctly was crucial. I placed it directly under the heat tape to get an accurate reading of the temperature. This placement ensures that the thermostat can respond effectively to any changes.
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Wattage Monitoring: I was pleasantly surprised by the thermostat’s ability to monitor wattage. This feature has been invaluable for keeping an eye on the health of the heat tape and ensuring it’s operating efficiently.
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Integration with OpenHAB: Setting up the thermostat within OpenHAB was straightforward. I used the Z-Wave binding to ensure seamless communication. The interface is user-friendly, and I can now monitor everything from my smartphone or desktop.
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Tips for Others: If you’re considering this setup, I recommend investing in a good-quality mounting box and ensuring all connections are secure. Also, take the time to calibrate the thermostat properly to avoid any initial discrepancies in temperature readings.
Overall, I’m thrilled with how this project turned out. It’s not only functional but also a great learning experience. If anyone has questions or needs advice on similar setups, feel free to reach out! ![]()