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Sensaphone 400 and 800
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What conditions can be monitored right out of the box?
A: Everything you need to monitor power, temperature and sound are included with this Sensaphone. The temperature sensor will report the exact temperature wherever the Sensaphone is located. To measure the temperature at a different nearby location, the Remote Temperature Sensor is available (sold separately).

Q: Are the batteries included?
A: The six standard “D” size batteries that are required to operate this Sensaphone during power failure are not included.

Q: Can I use a Sensaphone to monitor the temperature in a refrigerator or freezer?
A: Yes. All Sensaphone models can monitor temperature inside a coolers, incubators, refrigerators and freezers. The Sensaphone will call you when the temperature goes outside of your pre-programmed acceptable range, and you may call at anytime to check the temperature. You will need one temperature sensor for each unit to be monitored (example: 1 probe for refrigerator portion and 1 probe for freezer portion). For all Sensaphone models except the SCADA and Skymetry, you would use part number FGD-0101 (2.8K Weatherproof Temperature Probe).

Q: What’s the difference between 400 & 800?
A: The Sensaphone 400 allows connection of up to four sensors (including the temperature sensor which comes with the unit) as well as calls up to four phones or pagers. The 800 allows attachment of up to eight sensors and calls eight phones or pagers. Both units also monitor for power failure and high noise.

Q: Can I run this off a 12V battery?
A: This Sensaphone 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 our Technical Support department for specific information regarding DC operation of our products.

Q: What if I do not have a phone line where the Sensaphone will be used?
A: You can add a Telular fixed cellular terminal to your Sensaphone to provide it with a dial tone. Just activate the fixed cellular terminal, plug it into the Sensaphone with a standard phone cable, and you now have a dial tone available for the Sensaphone to call you with.

Q: Can this be used with digital phone line?
A: All of our Sensaphone products require attachment to a standard telephone line that would support a fax, modem or any analog telephone. If your office uses a PBX with digital phones, simply have a fax line installed for the Sensaphone.

Q: Can this product speak a foreign language?
A: The pre-recorded messages are in the English language, but you may record your own specific alarm messages in any language that you choose.

Q: How far away can I run wire to the sensor?
A: Sensors can be placed several hundred feet from the Sensaphone without a problem as long as the resistance on the line does not exceed 50 ohms. 18 AWG wire should be used for longer distances but 22 AWG is fine for shorter. Temperature sensors may supply readings that are a few degrees off when they are wired several hundred feet from the Sensaphone, but you can re-calibrate the Sensaphone to make the appropriate adjustment to offset the resistance and report an accurate temperature reading.

Q: Can I install a desktop AutoDialer directly into a greenhouse or barn?
A: Yes. 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. Often, one of the higher-end Sensaphone models may be better suited for this environment, which include a NEMA watertight enclosure. Contact a Sensaphone Sales Associate to discuss your specific application further.

Q: Which applications are the line seizure models best suited for?
A: The Sensaphone 1104 and 1108 are available in a version that supports Line Seizure. Line Seizure means that when the Sensaphone needs to make an important alarm call, it will hang up (disconnect) anybody 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 Sensaphone is going to use with other systems or people, you will want to use the line seizure model. The Sensaphone must be the first ‘device’ on the telephone line and the other devices plug into the Sensaphone.

Q: Can a desktop AutoDialer be used in Europe?
A: Yes. Many of our Sensaphone systems can operate in just about any country. The Desktop models are available with several power options for 220V 50Hz.

Q: Can Sensaphone share the phone line with another phone or device?
A: Yes. If you have a telephone answering machine attached to your telephone line, the Sensaphone can be instructed to allow you to call into your Sensaphone without having the answering machine answer the telephone call.

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

Q: How do I control temperature over the phone with the CottageSitter (or Sensaphone 400/800)?

A: You must first decide whether you want to use a dual-thermostat or two single-thermostats.

- In a two thermostat setup, the Sensaphone is wired to two DIFFERENT thermostats. One thermostat will be your comfort setting and the other will be your away setting. When you call your Sensaphone, you may command it to switch between the two thermostats. This allows you to choose which temperature setting your furnace will be adjusted to.

-In a Dual-thermostat setup, you would replace your existing thermostat with one of our special dual thermostats that has an input for the Sensaphone. You will program the dual thermostat with your desired away temperature and your desired comfort setting. When you call the Sensaphone you may simply toggle the thermostat from away to home using keypad buttons.

Q: Which thermostat should I buy for my 400/800 CottageSitter ?
You should select which thermostat to buy based on what type of heating and AC system you have. We carry four dual thermostats to choose from. Please click on the embedded link to determine which model will work with your HVAC system.

Q: Do I need to hire a professional to install?
A: No. The Sensaphone Desktop models are very easy to setup and program. Generally, 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. Just about anybody whose job is to handle low voltage wiring can assist in the installation of sensors and wiring. If you are unsure if your application will require special installation, contact our Technical Support department and they can assist you in determining how much installation may or may not be required.