Green Building Forum - iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI Sun, 07 Jun 2026 03:18:57 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=128232#Comment_128232 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=128232#Comment_128232 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 09:31:35 +0000 JSHarris
As another contrasting example, I recently I switched to using PICs for simple ucontroller tasks (data logging, primarily). The difference is marked, I was able to get hold of beginner-level information, written in plain and easy to understand language, within a few minutes of starting to look. There are more beginner-level tutorials around, plus useful data sheets and PIC-centric friendly forums, for this than there are for Linux. The Linux community appears a bit closed to those who don't yet understand the basics of the way it is structured and works.

I fully appreciate that those "in the know" already won't begin to understand the extent of the Linux information gap and it seems that effort is being expended by a lot of people to make Linux look and feel like Windows (goodness only knows why, as that just glosses over the interest I have in understanding it at a fundamental level). I fully accept that I'm an non-typical user in some respects. It would seem that a lot of effort is going into making some flavours of Linux look slick and offer office, browsing and email capability that is virtually indistinguishable from the expensive products from Microsoft et al. This is all well and good, but if you are a beginner and want to find out the basics it is extremely difficult to get hold of a comprehensive guide, written in simple, plain, English, that takes you through how Linux is structured and the detail of the command set. You have to be wholly unfamiliar with it to begin to appreciate just how impenetrable it looks from the outside.

Your approach to my posts is pretty typical of that from the Linux community as a whole, without wishing to be rude in any way. I've already said that I've taken a lot of time to research Linux on the web, I've taken the time to download and install Virtual Box and Debian (after a heck of a struggle), I've spent money on buying two machines that came with Linux installed by default. I don't think those actions are anything but those of someone with a commitment to use it, do you? I've explained some of the difficulties new users like me have and how confusing the whole Linux scene seems to be, yet instead of pointing me to a source of useful basic information you've chosen to assume I was ranting when all I've been seeking is some fundamental, beginner-level information.]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=128236#Comment_128236 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=128236#Comment_128236 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:29:08 +0000 borpin http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8346]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=128239#Comment_128239 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=128239#Comment_128239 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:56:07 +0000 DamonHD
Now a return to your regular data feed!

Here you can see the flat room temperature for the few days that the house was empty. (Will update from the other sensors when I put decorations back in the loft, etc...)

Rgds

Damon]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=128778#Comment_128778 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=128778#Comment_128778 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:58:58 +0000 SteveZ
Farnell/CPC show a Honeywell Humidity Sensor, HONEYWELL S&C - HIH-5031-001 - SENSOR, HUMIDITY, IC, 2.7V, FILTERED. Delivery to stock due in early February at an item price of £8 plus VAT

http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/search/productdetail.jsp?SKU=1784721]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=128879#Comment_128879 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=128879#Comment_128879 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:01:25 +0000 DamonHD
However, it's evident from the attached graph that the fluctuations in room temperature have dropped now that we need not open the windows daily to get adequate ventilation.

At when measured earlier today the boy's room temperature was higher (and RH lower) than the bathroom where the MHRV is (at the other end of the corridor).

Rgds

Damon]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132176#Comment_132176 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132176#Comment_132176 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:49:09 +0000 DamonHD
Rgds

Damon]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132178#Comment_132178 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132178#Comment_132178 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:54:34 +0000 DamonHD
We still get bad condensation when overnight is below about 5C (some at 6C, none at about 10C), and humidity rises to not much short of 80%RH upstairs, but drops slowly during the day while people are out rather than holding the duvet up, snoring. 73%RH right now for example.

I will need to work on other tactics to reduce humidity: for example we now are running the dehumidifier in the kitchen when drying laundry on racks.

Jury still out as to whether the MHRV actually saves heating compared to selective window opening each day, but it in any case seems to be doing no harm along with the IWI.

Rgds

Damon]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132282#Comment_132282 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132282#Comment_132282 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:34:31 +0000 djh iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132321#Comment_132321 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132321#Comment_132321 Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:50:56 +0000 DamonHD
I did try to set the fan threshold to actively control the humidity, but that made it come on occasionally at night and even when someone just walked into the bathroom to admire themselves in the mirror, so was too annoying.

The bathroom itself does benefit from the automatic eviction of the moisture during a shower or bath, and is back to normal within (say) 30 minutes of the shower/bath finishing.

Rgds

Damon]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132336#Comment_132336 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132336#Comment_132336 Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:45:14 +0000 djh Posted By: DamonHDThe fan is ~20m^3/h on trickle, and the house is a little over 160m^3 by volume, so a complete change c/o of the fan under optimal conditions would be 8h.
So that's 0.125 ACH? I think Building Regs requires 0.44 and PHPP uses something like 0.3 by default. Yes, the PHPP manual says DIN 1946 Part 6 requires a min of 30 m³/h.Person and it says 'the average air change rate should not fall below 0.3 /h for reasons of indoor air hygiene. I don't think PHPP is the last word on ventilation, but I think it does suggest that perhaps you should turn up the fan speed.]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132339#Comment_132339 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132339#Comment_132339 Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:55:44 +0000 JSHarris
FSAP 2009 seems to throw a wobbly if you go below 0.44 ACH I found, so presumably it has a BR compliance check built it.]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132342#Comment_132342 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132342#Comment_132342 Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:42:18 +0000 DamonHD
Rgds

Damon]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132505#Comment_132505 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132505#Comment_132505 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:02:23 +0000 SteamyTea ) but as there was never a condensation risk there anyway I am not worried.
So I am now quite happy that I do not have a condensation risk between the insulation and the roof as it has never once hit 100% RH and as I have halved the heating load (removed two of the four elements in the storage heater) since I insulated, I think this was a well spent £50 (and a days playing with itchy stuff and a stapler). And I still have all my loftspace to store stuff in and no worries about the wiring too.
Later on in the year I shall to a better analysis incorporating some HDD data to adjust for this warmer winter.]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132507#Comment_132507 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132507#Comment_132507 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:05:34 +0000 DamonHD
You have to go on collecting the numbers, storing them and graphing them until the heat death of the Universe!

Rgds

Damon]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132508#Comment_132508 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132508#Comment_132508 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:11:07 +0000 SteamyTea Can't use them to log the end of time as they only go down to 253K, so may have to get a better device for that.:wink:]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132590#Comment_132590 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132590#Comment_132590 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:10:31 +0000 djh Posted By: DamonHDBut note, djh, the house is still fairly leaky, so that 20m^2/h is over and above background which when we tested it was within building regs but very high by PH standards for example.
Right. I realize that but the evidence you have is of high humidity. Unless there's some other explanation for it then the likeliest cause is low ventilation rates. And even if there is some other cause, you really want to be trying to bring the humidity down (your figures says you're in mite & mould territory) and the easiest way to do that is increase the ventilation, unless you can fix the source.]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132595#Comment_132595 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132595#Comment_132595 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:44:04 +0000 DamonHD
But yes, I need to think of other ways of controlling the RH. Hopefully in a month we'll simply be opening windows again. The HR25H is not doing all I'd hoped, which is not its fault, and really I should probably have at least two or three the trickle rate to control upstairs at night with ~0.25ACH.

BTW, I overstated the HR25H extract rate in trickle mode: it's 15.7m^3/h according to their data. So nearer 0.1ACH. In fact the (noisy) boost mode gets closer to the 0.3ACH discussed.

Maybe we could contemplate another in the kitchen itself when we do a refurb (and get rid of the gas cooker for which we need permanent vent holes in the wall right now), or just a monitor that would flash a light suggesting to open the kitchen window if it gets too steamy and hot in there. Dunno.

But the one fan we have is annoying my SO already!

Maybe in the interim we could leave a bedroom window open a crack to take advantage of the excess extract volume and draw the humid air out that way?

Rgds

Damon]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132635#Comment_132635 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132635#Comment_132635 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:43:57 +0000 SteamyTea Posted By: djhI realize that but the evidence you have is of high humidity

Posted By: DamonHDWorking on fixing one source by moderating humidity escaping from the kitchen one way or another.


Any chance your RH meter is not that brilliant?]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132659#Comment_132659 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132659#Comment_132659 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:52:23 +0000 DamonHD
Rgds

Damon]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132664#Comment_132664 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132664#Comment_132664 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:25:18 +0000 SteamyTea iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132667#Comment_132667 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132667#Comment_132667 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:45:59 +0000 DamonHD
BTW, just ran across this as possible upgrade to my SheevaPlug or low power monitoring server (with built-in diagnostic display) for you and I:

http://aseigo.blogspot.com/2012/01/reveal.html

Rgds

Damon]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132668#Comment_132668 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132668#Comment_132668 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:05:37 +0000 SteamyTea Still struggle with the Linux stuff, keep playing and getting nowhere fast, I am sure I am missing something fundamental.]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132672#Comment_132672 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132672#Comment_132672 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:15:42 +0000 DamonHD
*nix has been around for many many moons and was not designed with massive user-friendliness in mind then, on machines with orders or magnitude less resources to expend on hand-holding than now...

So, no, all you are missing, most likely, is practice.

Rgds

Damon]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132950#Comment_132950 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132950#Comment_132950 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:21:48 +0000 DamonHD
Rgds

Damon]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132953#Comment_132953 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132953#Comment_132953 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:43:22 +0000 SteamyTea Ignore the 'Hour of Day' 0=14:00pm on the 31-01-2012]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132954#Comment_132954 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=132954#Comment_132954 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:47:04 +0000 DamonHD
Outside RH has been around 80% most of the time, but now the temperature is lower.

That normally makes our condensation worse; today it didn't.

So a bit more ventilation on top of the MHRV would seem to be a GoodThing(TM).

Not enough data yet though to decide.

Rgds

Damon]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=134458#Comment_134458 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=134458#Comment_134458 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:56:40 +0000 SteamyTea

Being satisfied that there is no condensation risk within my loft after the insulation, (been a year now), it was time to move the sensors.
As the bathroom fan had packed up, this was the ideal time to 'test' the bathroom.
I stuck the sensors at the top of the door frame, one on the landing side and the other on the bathroom side. First day the fan was not operational, after that it was fixed (just a cheap in-line one that hangs in the loft, much quieter than the ceiling mounted one, bargain at 18 quid).

What amazed me was that the bathroom (that has no windows or external wall) has a slightly lower mean temperature. Not sure of this is caused by the cold water in the cistern or cold air blowing in via the extractor. Not much in it and could just be down to the sensors.

So here is the data:

Location,Mean /C,Mode /RH%
Landing Temp,19.1,19.0
Bathroom Temperature,18.8,19.0
Landing Humidity,53.8,56.0
Bathroom Humidity,58.0,62.0

And two charts. Not once did it get to RH100%. Mirror gets a bit misty, cistern gets droplets on it, but that is about it.]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=134478#Comment_134478 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=134478#Comment_134478 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:14:36 +0000 DamonHD
Our RH has being staying between about 60% and 70% with the v low RH/AH outside. Living room was actually below 60%RH this am. Goodness.

Rgds

Damon]]> iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=134510#Comment_134510 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=134510#Comment_134510 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:35:15 +0000 SteamyTea iButton-based temperature monitoring after IWI https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=134534#Comment_134534 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7914&Focus=134534#Comment_134534 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:38:19 +0000 djh Posted By: SteamyTeaWhen I get time I shall have a look at the correlation between inside and outside humidity
Suggestion. Don't try to find a correlation between RH values. First convert to absolute or specific humidity values and then compare them. Also worth doing when examining correlations with temperature.]]>