Replies

1. 
   af | Nov 11, 1999 05:45am | #1

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   The simplest/cheapest solution would be x10 using a set-back thermostat control and touch-tone interface module. See http://www.x10.com/products/x10_th2807.htm for the thermostat interface and http://www.x10.com/x10_tr551.htm for the telephone controller. You can add other modules controlling lights/appliances. This is a very cheap solution ($20+$40 for the thermostat and controller).
   Many more expensive, elaborate and capable solutions are possible (going up to several thousand dollars) ... it all depends on your objectives and budget. The more expensive ones require integration into your house systems and professional installation.
   If you really want this to be "a computer on site" then that is a much more expensive system (with rather murky benefits). The $60 solution lets you dial up from any touch tone phone in the world and set the temperature (for another $20 you can start the coffee maker, too) -- without a computer.

2. 
   Cole_ | Jan 04, 2000 11:30pm | #2

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   Building a new vacation home and want to be able to dial up a computer on site and have it raise heat/start AC before we arrive. Would also like it to perform several other functions and monitor systems. Anyone had experience with this? Supply source?