Looking for a recommendation for a cheap, simple thermometer so that I can check the temperature of my house when I'm not there. 

The ones I'm looking up seem to want to link with Alexa etc, I just want a basic standalone unit. 

I don't specifically need any kind of history or data logging function, but I guess it would be nice.

 

Bonus points for one that doesn't need to run off batteries, and/or it has a probe that I can tape on to the outlet of my UVC...

I use sonoff (TH100 from memory) - mains powered - can do temp and humdity with one type of sensor or just temp with another type

 

power consumption is very low

 

can use an app on my phone to see temps/humidity from anywhere over wifi or 4G

 

 Logs data hourly and keeps up to 12 mths data

If you feel ‘advanced’ you could go down the home assistant route . I avoid where possible battery sensors - though the current zigbee ones seem to be lasting over a year .

Shelly H&T. Gen the usb version than it stays plugin without need for batteries.

2 hours ago, JohnMo said:

Shelly H&T. Gen the usb version than it stays plugin without need for batteries.

Actually - this is the best solution 

Seems to fit the bill
 

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006685117920.html?ug_edm_item_id=1005006685117920&pdp_npi=4%40dis!USD!US %2411.69!US %2411.69!!!!!%4021411b9617348946115781533dbd66!12000038008981990!edm!!!&edm_click_module=alg_product_l1r2_8673744030&creative_img_ind=1&edm_log_data=edm-item-list-left-one-right-two.store-product-log-link&tracelog=rowan&rowan_id1=aeug_edm_23866_1_en_US_2024-12-22&rowan_msg_id=johnCOWS_23866_$96b1ea87f37a4911bd22edd667d8046b&ck=in_edm_other

On 22/12/2024 at 15:54, Johnnyt said:

Seems to fit the bill
 

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006685117920.html?ug_edm_item_id=1005006685117920&pdp_npi=4%40dis!USD!US %2411.69!US %2411.69!!!!!%4021411b9617348946115781533dbd66!12000038008981990!edm!!!&edm_click_module=alg_product_l1r2_8673744030&creative_img_ind=1&edm_log_data=edm-item-list-left-one-right-two.store-product-log-link&tracelog=rowan&rowan_id1=aeug_edm_23866_1_en_US_2024-12-22&rowan_msg_id=johnCOWS_23866_$96b1ea87f37a4911bd22edd667d8046b&ck=in_edm_other

Hard to tell, it's in Russian 🤔

I've used one of these T201 for a few years but it's GSM so needs a pay as you go SIM. 

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126282422240

 

You can set alarm thresholds or interrogate it to ask the temperature. Has outputs so you can connect to heating system or fan heater (I think).

The link I posted gives me the following page.

I took delivery of mine today and work fine.

It’s linked to my WiFi.

 

 

Edited December 30, 20241 yr by Johnnyt

Update: 

A friend installed a Raspberry pi based system with wireless thermometers, which worked perfectly... for about a month.

 

I've decided that I'm going to go with the very low tech approach instead: a set of sensors linked to a display, and a camera pointing at the display. It's kind of ridiculous to do it this way but I already have the camera in position and the total cost is only £25. Obviously I don't get data logging etc but at least the damn thing will actually work.

1 hour ago, Crofter said:

A friend installed a Raspberry pi based system with wireless thermometers, which worked perfectly... for about a month.

My RPi Zero W is still working.  It logs and sends the data via the TOR network (did that bit just for fun).

On 13/04/2025 at 00:33, SteamyTea said:

My RPi Zero W is still working.  It logs and sends the data via the TOR network (did that bit just for fun).

I'm sure it can be made to work. A friend set mine up as a favour when he was passing through. I don't really want to keep pestering him to fix it as he was very kind to spend the time (and money, it's his Pi).

 

Maybe when I'm next home in ~6 months I can get it working properly.