How to choose a GSM module for remote boiler control

Quite expensive and not all models of heating boilers are equipped with a GSM module. However, you can purchase it and connect it yourself, both to expensive and to the most budget models. The main thing is that the boiler must be able to connect external control, which, however, is the norm for almost all modern boiler units.

The cost of the device is on average 4-7 thousand rubles, which is quite a lot and comparable to good programmable thermostats, which are a more modern solution. However, GSM boiler control involves transmitting commands from anywhere in the country where there is cellular communication, while the thermostat’s coverage area is limited to the house itself or the range of home Wi-Fi. Therefore, the additional installation of a GSM module today is still more than justified.

What are GSM modules for heating boilers?

A GSM module is a small device (controller), which essentially represents an alternative to boiler controls and automation. It receives a signal via cellular communication and transmits a command to the boiler or in the opposite direction: it informs about the status and operating parameters of the boiler and the heating system as a whole.

Why is it needed and how is it used

Typically, the primary purpose of purchasing a device is to save money and increase the operating comfort of the heating system. Any GSM module allows:

• turn the heating boiler on or off completely;
• control the temperature, for example, lowering the temperature during absence in order to significantly save money and restoring a comfortable mode even before arriving at home;
• manage DHW circuit temperature parameters;
• External temperature sensors included with almost any modern module allow you to more accurately maintain the temperature by measuring the air temperature in the room, rather than the temperature of the coolant. It is also possible to organize weather-dependent operation of the boiler.

But no less important, in our opinion, and indeed a higher priority for some buyers, is safety. The GSM module is capable of notifying:

• about reaching the lower or upper specified temperature limit;
• about turning off the heating boiler due to lack of electricity or gas supply, problems with the removal of combustion products, automation errors, depressurization of the system, etc. This is often a rather underrated feature that allows you to have peace of mind during long-term departures and, in the event of a malfunction, take timely measures to prevent freezing and damage to the heating system;
• It is possible to configure alerts about temperature and other boiler parameters at a certain frequency.

An example of an SMS report on the status of the heating system of the EctoControl module.
Notifications and control from the phone can be carried out using SMS and, depending on the functionality of a particular model: through a special application, web interface or voice commands. The GSM module can be connected to any boiler that has the ability to connect external control (having the appropriate terminals), both gas, electric, liquid and solid fuel.

Message about a malfunction of the boiler using the example of the ZONT H-1V module application.

Almost all modern models allow you to bind at least 2, but usually up to 5 or 10 numbers to the controller and report on each of the linked ones. Modern devices, due to the ability to connect other modules to them, allow you to organize even wider functionality: monitoring the level of liquid and even solid fuel (for example, pellets in an automatic feed hopper), monitoring the status of flow and carbon monoxide sensors, monitoring pressure in the circuits.

Design and principle of operation

The main element is the controller (electronic control board). It has a slot for a SIM card, without it the device will not work. Depending on the planned method of management and control, it is necessary to select the most profitable cellular operator and tariff, and constantly maintain the operation of the SIM card by topping up the account. Regardless of the method of transmitting the command, the controller receives it via cellular communication and converts it into a command for the boiler, which has priority over the operation of standard automation.

To improve communication quality, the controller can be supplemented with an antenna. To ensure uninterrupted operation during a power outage, most models are equipped with a built-in battery, so they can easily send an alert about the problem. Almost all modern models come with external temperature sensors (wired and wireless), information from which takes priority over measurements from boiler sensors.

How to choose and connect a generator for a gas boiler correctly

Making an electric boiler

Step 1. First we need to take care of the pipes connecting the boiler to the heating system. Therefore, we cut out several pipes in advance from pipes prepared for this (2 pieces with a diameter of 1.25″ and one piece with a diameter of 3″).

Step 2. Now it’s the turn of the tank itself, that is, large-diameter pipes. In the places that you previously marked (see diagram), cut holes using a welding machine and process the edges with a grinder so that there are no metal shavings and sloppy cuts. Connecting pipes to the boiler body

Step 3. Weld the manufactured pipes to the holes made.

Step 4. Take a sheet of steel and cut out 2 circles from it, whose diameters should coincide with the outer diameter of the boiler tank pipe. Next you will need to weld them to the ends of this pipe.

Circles can be cut with a diameter slightly larger than the size of the bottom of the boiler. This will help you weld the sheets more accurately and firmly. The unnecessary edges can then be trimmed with a grinder.

Sand the joints.

Step 5. A 1.25″ pipe is welded into the upper part of the future boiler. In the future, a second heating element will be welded to it.

Step 6. Now we will need to prepare a place for installing the first heating element. To do this, you need to make 2 holes in the welded bottom of the boiler. After this, also sand the holes and install the heating element.

Electrical diagram for connecting the boiler

Step 7. An important and exciting moment: the boiler must be connected to the heating system itself. This is what the pipes that we welded in advance are designed for.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the connection of the electrical part. If you do not have sufficient skills and knowledge, then invite an experienced electrician.

If you yourself have a mustache, then we have attached an electrical diagram of the boiler to help you.

Step 8. Now we have to install a second heating element (with less power), which is equipped with a thermostat. It is connected to the upper pipe.

Step 9. You're done. The boiler is connected. Now all that remains is to “flood” the system and wait for the device to reach operating capacity. Next, use a multimeter to measure the temperature of the coolant in the system: it should be about 70˚C. If everything is so, then you can be proud of yourself!

Reviews of GSM boiler control modules: advantages and disadvantages

Functions

The standard system of such remote control has standardized functions:

• The GSM module controls the temperature in the house and the coolant;
• generates daily reports automatically;
• controls the presence of the required voltage in the electrical network of the house;
• the device disconnects and turns on several devices from the network upon command or at the time of an emergency;
• maintains the established thermal regime in the rooms and changes it from a distance;
• allows you to install your own battery so as not to depend on external sources.

SMS messages about the operation of the heating boiler

Additional remote control functions may be the following:

• makes it possible to constantly monitor the pressure in the heating system of a solid fuel boiler and turn it off;
• allows you to control the level of diesel fuel in the tank (or other liquid fuel);
• can monitor the number of pellet granules in the bunker;
• performs security functions in conjunction with motion sensors;
• turns on fire alarm based on flame indicators;
• can shut off the water line with an electric valve at the request of the leak sensor;
• allows you to control any equipment in the house using a mobile phone.

How to choose the right model

The main criterion is the specification of the model. There are devices that are suitable only for certain models of boilers from one manufacturer; they are produced as additional equipment for the boiler; information about their purpose is usually contained in the name itself. Of course, if this is possible, it is better to choose a GSM module from the same manufacturer as the boiler (it will be tailored to a specific line of models and their specifics).

But there are also universal models that are suitable for absolutely any boiler that has the appropriate terminals; it is these universal GSM modules that are discussed in the article.

Today, the choice of universal GSM modules is small (about 20-25 models), so it is difficult to identify a sufficient number of criteria. We recommend studying the most famous and successful models (see below) and choosing from them, studying the functionality and convenience of each, comparing prices. But we also recommend paying attention to criteria such as:

1. The presence of an application and web interface that significantly simplifies management and allows you to see and analyze work statistics. If the manufacturer has not provided interface examples, it is worth looking for screenshots in the image search of any search engine.

   
   An example of the web interface of ZONT modules, the interface is available in your personal account on the manufacturer’s website.

2. Standard equipment. Some modules are supplied with external temperature sensors, which can be placed in rooms remote from the boiler room and be guided by their measurements, which is an obvious advantage. A good option is the one with an external antenna, which allows you to seriously improve the quality of communication, and in some cases, when you move the antenna higher, you can even catch a signal that is missing on the ground floor or in the basement of a remote house.
3. The capacity of the built-in battery should be at least 100-150 mAh, with these parameters it will be enough for 2-4 hours of operation of the module.

Digital E-BUS

The presence of any built-in digital bus in the boiler provides additional opportunities for control and obtaining information. Protherm and Vaillant boilers use their own development - the E-BUS bus; many other boilers use a data transmission method based on OpenTherm. If you want to get maximum information from your boiler and expand its control capabilities, while increasing the cost of equipment by 4000-6000 rubles, use the Zont device with a built-in E-Bus input or use an additional Adapter.

Digital bus control provides:

• smooth control of boiler power,
• control of boiler operating parameters,
• changing heating and hot water temperature settings
• indication of accidents and errors.

The best known manufacturers and models: characteristics and prices

"Kotel OK"

The most popular on the market, one of the best and most inexpensive GSM modules for heating boilers made in Russia. In addition to the price, it is distinguished by its compact size, extremely simple and easy setup, and the presence of an application that can send commands, including in the form of SMS, which is an excellent option that allows you not to use tariffs with Internet access.

The functionality of the device is quite simple, the minimum required: temperature control, setting alerts, checking boiler operating parameters, and the module also has a built-in relay that allows you to turn the boiler on and off.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting a rather simple application with the minimum required functionality and an outdated interface, the presence of an external temperature sensor with a cable length of only 0.5 meters, which does not imply its installation in other rooms remote from the boiler room. The antenna is also not remote, screwed into the device via a threaded connection.

XITAL GSM 4T

Another well-known, more professional and versatile device with a much richer package. The heating control functionality in it is approximately the same as in the previous “Boiler OK” - the minimum required, however, there are as many as 4 zones for additional devices (flow sensor, smoke sensor, motion sensor, flood sensor, door opening sensor, etc.). Also included is an electronic key and a reader (similar to those installed in intercoms), so you can influence the settings, if desired, only with an electronic key.

The main difference is the presence in the kit of two remote temperature sensors with a wire length of 10 m, as well as a remote wired antenna and a cord for connecting a backup external battery (unfortunately, there is no built-in one). Management and control can be carried out both via SMS and through the application.

The disadvantages, in addition to the lack of a built-in battery, are the ineffective and inconvenient, although understandable, application interface, less attractive appearance with exposed terminals and large dimensions. Please note that for heating you must choose a model that has a “T” at the end.

In what cases is a voltage stabilizer for a gas boiler indispensable and how to choose it?

EVAN GSM CLIMATE

Also known as ZONT H-1, it features a more modern and convenient application, with ready-made “Economy” and “Comfort” modes, as well as the ability to program boiler operating parameters. It is enough to configure the boiler operating pattern once and the module will automatically issue commands to the boiler to change parameters depending on the time or day of the week. Control via a web interface is also available. The standard package includes one remote temperature sensor and a remote antenna.

Perhaps the only drawbacks are the lack of a built-in battery and only one contact for connecting an external temperature sensor.

ZONT H-1V

A more advanced analogue of the previous GSM CLIMATE (ZONT H-1). Despite its less attractive appearance, it has an additional “Anti-Freeze” mode and a built-in battery for autonomous operation during power outages. Number of connected temperature sensors – up to 10 pcs.

Otherwise, due to the same firmware, everything is similar to the previous model: the same control via SMS, application or web interface, which, by the way, is one of the most convenient and functional, with statistics. The kit still includes one remote temperature sensor and a remote wired antenna.

Why do you need to control your heating system?

The boiler control technique via GSM is carried out using a special device called a GSM module. The device has the form of a compact unit that can be easily installed on a wall or mounted on a DIN rail. Next, the boiler is controlled via the phone (by setting up an SMS in the required format) or using the Internet, then a special application is installed for this purpose.

As a result, it becomes possible to obtain the following benefits:

• the ability to create the required temperature regime in the house, regardless of the current time of year and while being in any convenient place;
• remotely prepare comfortable climatic conditions inside the house before visiting, because it is more pleasant to come to a country house if it is heated in advance;
• in winter frosts you will not have to worry about depressurization of the heating system, even if it is not possible to visit the country house immediately;
• receive notifications about current problems while outside the home;
• instantly stop the heating operation in emergency situations;
• use fuel in an economical mode;
• prevent the occurrence of complex consequences in an emergency situation, having the opportunity to turn off the boiler at any moment.

Thanks to GSM control, heating coordination moves to a new level, having the opportunity to influence current events while being (at the same time) away from the operating unit. This option opens up new opportunities for people who spend a lot of time on the road without being able to exercise daily control over the operation of the heating system.

Instructions for installing and connecting the GSM module to the boiler

Installation and connection to the boiler for all GSM modules is practically no different, and the detailed algorithm is always described in the device instructions. Let's look at the connection process using the example of "Boiler OK".

BoilersEquipment for boiler room