sensaphone
Sensaphone CottageSitter FAQ's
Common Questions about the Sensaphone 400, 800, CottageSitter and Freeze Alarm models

Q: Can I use this with my existing thermostat?
A: Yes. The Sensaphone CottageSitter and FreezeAlarm FAD2 give you the ability to control the heat or air conditioning in your Cottage or home. This is done through use of one of our dual thermostats, sold separately, or by using two thermostats and having one thermostat set at an “away” temperature and one set at a “home” temperature. You simply call your CottageSitter or FreezeAlarm and activate the thermostat you desire.

Q: What about baseboard heating?
A: Because baseboard heating is typically done through 220 Volt electricity, it is not as easy to to control the heat. We carry a dual thermostat designed for most electric base board heating systems however contact our Technical Support department to discuss your requirements further. It is also an easy task for an electrician to install what is called a “low voltage” relay between your high voltage baseboard heater and the CottageSitter to allow complete remote control of the thermostat.

Q: Can these systems share the phone line with an answering machine or fax?
A: Yes. If you have a telephone answering machine attached to your telephone line, the Sensaphone or FreezeAlarm can be instructed to allow you to call into your system without having the answering machine or fax answer the telephone call! Anyone else calling your number will go to the answering machine or fax as normal, but you will bypass the answering machine by a simple calling procedure.

Q: What kind of batteries are required and are they included?
A: Six standard “C” size batteries are required to operate this CottageSitter and one 9 Volt battery is used with the FreezeAlarm FAD2 during power failures. They are not included.

Q: Will the Sensaphone leave a message if it calls an answering machine?
A: Yes. Both models begin talking and reporting the alarm condition immediately after dialing the number. Depending on the recording duration of your answering machine, the alarm condition should be recorded as a voice message.

Q: What will the CottageSitter do right out of the box?
A: Everything you need to monitor high and low temperature, power, and sound are included. It will monitor power wherever it is plugged in and the included temperature sensor will report the exact temperature in that location. To measure the temperature at a different nearby location, or monitor for water leaks, humidity etc. please see our extensive list of accessories .

 

Q: What’s the difference between 1104, 1108 and CottageSitter?
A: The 1104 allows connection of up to four sensors (including the temperature sensor which comes with the unit) as well as calls up to four people or pagers. The 1108 allows attachment of up to eight sensors and calls eight people or pagers.
Power failure and sound monitoring are independently built in to these models. The CottageSitter is available in both an 1104 and 1108 version. It does everything the base models do with the added feature of being able to call ahead and warm up your home before you arrive!

Q: Can I power the Sensaphone from a 12V battery?
A: These models includes a 110VAC power supply which supplies a controlled low-voltage AC supply to the Sensaphone. If your requirements demand 12V DC operation, please contact us for specific information regarding low voltage DC operation.

Q: Can this be used with a digital phone line?
A: All of our Sensaphone and FreezeAlarm products require attachment to a standard analog telephone line. Sensaphone and FreezeAlarm systems are not designed to operated with true digital phone systems such as might be located in a large private office. If the telephone line that you have will support a standard fax, these systems will work. If you hope to use the monitor in a large office with a digital phone system, simple have a fax line installed.

Q: What language does the Sensaphone speak?
A: This Sensaphone will offer status reports and alarm reports in the English language only.

Q: Can I install a AutoDialer directly into a greenhouse or livestock barn?
A: This Sensaphone is ideal for use in just about any application. However, when using a Sensaphone in any environment that is subject to moisture, or outdoor conditions, care should be used when locating the unit. We also offer the very rugged FGD8100 FarmSitter which is designed for harsh environments such as greenhouses and livestock barns.

Q: Which applications are the line seizure models best suited for?
A: The 1104 and 1108 are available in a version that supports Line Seizure. Line Seizure means that when the AutoDialer needs to make an important alarm call, it will hang up and disconnect anyone else from using the telephone line so that a clear line is available for use by the Sensaphone. This is important if you need 100% ability delivery of the alarm message. But not all applications require the line seizure model. If you intend to share the same telephone line that the AutoDialer is going to use with other systems or people, you will want to use the line seizure model. The AutoDialer must be the first ‘device’ on the telephone line and the other devices plug into the Sensaphone. To obtain the 1104 with line seizure, ask for model number FGD-1114. For the 1108, FGD-1118.

Q: What’s the max length of wire I can use between the AutoDialer and the sensor?
A: These models can support sensors as far away as 1000’. All that is required is either category-3 (standard telephone) wire or category-5 (computer wire). You may also use any wire which is between 22g and 24g. Absolute Automation carries several types of wire shielded wire that will allow you to extend sensors to distances even greater than 1000'

Q: Can the Sensaphone AutoDialer be used in Europe or other countries around the world?
A: Yes our Sensaphone AutoDialer systems can operate in just about any country. Most models are available with several power options for 220V 50Hz. Please visit our Sensaphone Accessory page to view all power options.

Q: Is there any monthly fees involved?
A: No. There are never any monthly fees for monitoring with a Sensaphone AutoDialer or FreezeAlarm system. With our AutoDialers you own the monitoring system and control who and where the any alert calls go.

Q: Do I need to hire a professional to install?
A: No. These models are very easy to install, setup and program. Usually setup can be completed in as little as 10 minutes. But if you have special requirements such as unique wiring needs or special sensors, you may wish to enlist the assistance of an installer. Most alarm or telephone installers whose job is to handle low voltage wiring can assist in the installation of sensors and wiring.
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