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Temperature & Environmental Monitoring

Supported Devices

HA7Net: A very sophisticated ethernet-enabled 1-wire data collection device from Embedded Data Systems. It can support up to 100 1-wire sensors, including temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, and pulse monitoring for power consumption, as well as a digital display device. Their sensors are very rugged and well built, but the collector can support any 1-Wire device. I also wrote a generic object-oriented interface module if you want to write your own code.
TEMP08 Serial Interface: A serial-line data collection device from Midon Design. It supports many 1-wire devices, including temperature and humidity (but only if they are understood by the Temp08 firmware). One nice thing is that it natively supports the One Wire Weather Station from AAG (which measures temperature, wind direction, velocity and gusts. The rainfall sensor is also supported. The Temp08 also supports lightning, barometer and switch sensors.
Weather Goose, Super Goose, Power Goose, Mini Goose, and RacSense: An ethernet-enabled set of 1-wire (and other) devices from Geist Manufacturing and/or IT WatchDogs. Depending on the model, each unit provides an internal temperature, humidity, air flow, light level, and sound level sensor (some models also monitor power, webcams, and some exotic water and pollutant sensors). Most sensors are based on the Dallas Semiconductor 1-wire technology.
EM1 Environmental Monitor: An ethernet-enabled device from SensaTronics that supports up to four sets of temperature, humidity and wetness sensors (for detecting flooding or drips). The sensors are based on 1-wire technology, but you must use their sensors (unless you are using a generic Dallas Semiconductor temperature sensor, which is also supported).
MRV InReach LX-4000 series, IR5150, IR5250, etc.: Strictly speaking, the MRV LX-4000 series are terminal servers, but they can also be connected to special serial-line temperature/humidity devices. The IR5150 is a remote power-management controller, and thermd can monitor the status of the outlets and overal power consumption.
Enersure: A power monitoring system from TrendPoint, this specialized device monitors current, voltage, wattage, power factor, and KWh on up to 84 electrical circuits. This is by far the top-of-the-line system for power monitoring, and is designed for industrial and enterprise applications. Installation of the current transformers and power transforer (which go in your circuit-breaker box) requires a licensed and bonded electrician. See my installation photos for details.
Smart-Watt (and SmartPDU, SmartSenseRH, and SmartNet) from Smart Works: A networked watt-hour meter (along with branch circuit metering, temperature, and humidity). Much easier to use than the Enersure but somewhat less powerful, the Smart-Watt is an in-line power monitoring system for 120-240VAC for up to 30amp circuits. You can measure power consumption of individual appliances.
Enercept Network Power Meters (the H8030, H8031, H8035, and H8036) from Veris Industries: A networked watt-hour meter - uses ModBus for communication, mosty designed for single circuit (1, 2, or 3-phase) monitoring..
MaxBotix sonar sensors: Useful for snow depth, tide height, sump level, and other sonar-based measurements.

TemPageR, Room Alert 7E, Room Alert 11E and Room Alert 26W: Multi-sensor temperature (and humidity for the 11E and 26W) and dry-contact switch data collection device from AVTECH Software. You can get it rack-mounted in a 1U form factor. Their sensors are based on 1-wire technology, and I believe you can use your own (although they have some really cool sensors to detect airflow, door open/close, and power).
QK145: A four-sensor temperature-only kit from QKits. Easy to build and nice for home use, but does not do well in rugged environments (we have found that the 12C509 IC used in the kit can lose programming if your sensors are subject to strong electric fields - we lost two of them with a system at Lake George, NY with nearby lightning strikes (we had sensors in the lake and in the house, so I am sure the wires acted like antennae). This kit only supports the DS1820 family of temperature sensors, and you must wire your own sensors (or buy pre-assembled pre-wired sensors from someone else).
VK011: Another four-sensor temperature-only kit from QKits. This one features an (optional) power supply, and has on-board min/max readings. It also looks easy to build, but I suspect that it may suffer from the same problems as the QK145. This kit only supports the DS1820 family of temperature sensors, and you must wire your own sensors (or buy pre-assembled pre-wired sensors from someone else).
DS9097E, ibuttonlink, DS9097, and DS2480B 6-channel master hub serial port adapters and DS9490 or PuceBaboon USB adapters.: These are all simple serial-line and USB 1-Wire bus masters that are supported through owfs and/or owhttpd. The bus-masters are available from Hobby Boards, PuceBaboon, and elsewhere, and the collector can support any 1-Wire device.
SNMP-based devices: Thermd also supports any SNMP-based device (so you can chart the internal temperature of your Cisco router or switch, if it supports that particular OID). Since SNMP reports anything the device supports, you could even use thermd to monitor your network traffic...

Proliphix IP-enabled thermostats

Although limited to a small number of temperature and humidity sensors per unit, the Proliphix IP-enabled thermostats have the added benefit of controlling temperature (thermd only reads the data, it does not control the thermostat, although that functionality is available in the units). Prolophix makes a line that ranges from consumer through industrial.

Poseidon and Damocles

A multi-sensor-type series of devices from HWgroup in the Czech Republic, these devices support a wide variety of 1-wire and industrial RS-485 devices, as well as having built-in remote-controlled switches (which means you can turn things on and off, in addition to watching what they are doing). Supports web (http), SNMP, Modbus, SMTP, GSM SMS, and XML (some models support all of these!).

Newport iServer Series and Omega iServer Series

A multi-sensor series of devices from Newport Engineering (and Omega Engineering) that can measure temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, air pressure, dewpoint, etc. Supports web access with email alerts.

Device Comparisons

Many people have asked me "what do you recommend?" The problem is that there is no easy answer—it depends on what you want to monitor, how much you want to spend, how "plug-and-play" you want things, etc. Manufacturers send me free hardware to integrate into my software—I can't say "this is great" or "this is lousy" and still maintain an open relationship with them. Every device has an appropriate niche; some have unique features or constraints. My personal choice is the HA7Net, but that is because of my constraints—your mileage may vary. Consequently, I attempt to give a fair and accurate comparison of devices that I have used, point out the strong and weak points, and let you make your own decisions. The sort-order I used is price, but price is definitely not everything!

Note that "Ease of Use" in the table below comments on how easy is it to use the device if you're not using thermd. If you use my software, every device listed is supported and simple to use.

Device and price Number and types of devices supported Interface Ease of Use
(outside of thermd) Notes Rating

QK145
$
$24.49 (kit)
Price includes one DS18S20 sensor Up to 4 temperature sensors connected to individual 3-pin plugs 2400 baud DB-9 Serial Extremely easy Temperature data streams out serial line—no polling required. QK145 does not need a power supply (it derives power from the RS-232 line). This is a kit—you must build it yourself. Best buy for the price-conscious (if all you need is temperature monitoring and nothing else).

DS9097 and DS9490
$
$28 "Many" 1-wire devices (all 1-wire devices are supported), connected with an RJ12 jack. 9600 baud DB-9 Serial (DS9097) or USB (DS9490) Variable Extremely flexible, can address every 1-wire device made. This is simply a serial line (or USB) to 1-wire converter. You must write (or obtain) driver software to communicate with the bus. When used with owfs and/or owhttpd. accessing devices is very easy.

VK011
$
$39.95
Price includes one DS18S20 sensor Up to 4 temperature sensors connected to individual screw terminals. 9600 baud DB-9 Serial Extremely easy Temperature data streams out serial line—no polling; Hi-lo values available via setup menu. VK011 power supply is optional (it can derive power from the RS-232 line).

6 Channel Master Hub
$
$52.25 "Many" 1-wire devices on each of the 6 1-wire busses (all 1-wire devices are supported), connected with an RJ12 jack per bus. 9600 baud DB-9 Serial Variable Extremely flexible, can address every 1-wire device made. This is simply a multi-channel serial line to 1-wire converter. You must write (or obtain) driver software to communicate with the bus. When used with owfs and/or owhttpd. accessing devices is very easy. Best buy for an experienced Linux user with a need for a wide variety of sensors

TEMP08
$
$75–$125
Prices are with or without on-board humidity sensor Up to 60 temperature, humidity, lightning, barometer, wind, and/or rain sensors on a single powered bus (connected on a single RJ12 jack or screw terminals). 9600 baud DB-9 Serial Relatively easy—command set is a little awkward, but not difficult. Firmware can be upgraded by replacing the PLC chip Devices can be automatically polled at user-selectable intervals. Devices which are not known to the TEMP08 firmware are completely unsupported—but most environmental sensors are supported, check user's manual; can be expanded to include relay output and opto-isolated input with the an additional Midon Design device, the 1WIO.

LOG08
$$
$125–$150
Prices are with or without on-board humidity sensor Up to 60 temperature, humidity, lightning, barometer, wind, and/or rain sensors on a single powered bus (connected on a single RJ12 jack or screw terminals). 9600 baud DB-9 Serial Relatively easy—command set is a little awkward, but not difficult. Firmware can be upgraded by replacing the PLC chip Devices can be automatically polled at user-selectable intervals; Some sensors (temperature, humidity, barometer) can also be logged by the LOG08 for later reporting (can be acquired in time-stamped CSV format). Devices which are not "known" to the LOG08 firmware are completely unsupported—but most environmental sensors are supported, check user's manual. Best buy for logging data with no external programming

HA7Net
$$
$155.95 The HA7Net supports all1-wire devices with 3 independent 1-wire busses, each with jumperable built-in power and 150 ohm pull-up resistor. It is possible to have 100 devices on each bus, with total wire runs of up to 2000 feet. Sensors are connected via an RJ-12 jack per bus. Ethernet Relatively easy—separate URLs to address each type of sensor; once you figure them out, can easily program a data collection system. Firmware can be updated via web interface. Web access for administration, configuration, and sensor reading. Supports HTTP and HTTPS protocols (the only device on this chart that does so); Telnet connection for debugging. Device addresses must be known to be used (but the HA7Net has a discovery mode). Can be panel mounted or on DIN rails. Extremely flexible unit, can address every 1-wire device made. Built-in firmware support for temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, LED display, digital and analog sensors, PIO devices, etc; direct firmware access to 1-wire bus for devices not contemplated or provided by the manufacturer. #1 Best overall value, feature set, and flexibility (requires some programming skill for advanced use).

Poseidon and Damocles
$$$
€128–€500
Prices vary depending on model, optional GSM feature and number of sensors Units can handle up to 41 external sensors, 24 binary inputs, and/or 16 relay controlled outputs. HWgroup in the Czech Republic makes a wide variety of 1-wire and RS-485 industrial sensors, including temperature (including a unique 19" rack-mount version), humidity, flood, smoke, combustible gas, power, door-contact, etc.) Ethernet Very easy. Firmware can also be updated easily. Web interface for sensor readings; devices also support SNMP, Modbus, SMTP, GSM SMS, and XML (some support all of these. The only device in this list with integrated relays for turning devices on and off. Also the only devices with built-in GSM modem support and RS-485 industrial sensors (more robust communication than 1-wire) Excellent, well built units. Do not be scared off by the fact that they are in the Czech Republic - these are reliable units from a reliable company!

EM1
$$$
$299 The EM1 supports temperature, humidity, and wetness sensors (up to 4 of each type). Sensors are connected via individual screw terminals. Ethernet (for reading sensors) and 9600 baud DB-25 Serial (for configuration). Easy. Serial port must be used to configure device; once configured, accessing data is simple (in a variety of formats). Web interface provides human-readable and machine parsable formats; also supports SNMP reading of sensors. Devices are reported according to which port they are wired, reports can feature user-selectable names.

TemPageR
$$$
$245–$295
Prices includes one internal and one external temperature sensor, alert software and 1 year maintenance contract Up to 4 temperature sensors (1 internal, 3 external connected individual RJ11 jacks). Ethernet Very easy. Firmware can be updated via a Windows-based discovery program or via TFTP. Web interface for temperature readings (very nice graphical display); over and under-temperature alarms directly supported; pager/SMS support built in; also supports SNMP reading of sensors and SNMP traps. Devices are reported according to which port they are wired, reports can feature user-selectable names. 1-wire Temperature/Humidity devices are wired using non-standard RJ11 configuration. TemPageR can be optionally rack mounted in a 1U bracket.

Newport and Omega iServer
$$$
$299–$395+
Prices do not include sensors Temperature, Humidity, Pressure (etc.) sensors, depending on model Ethernet Very easy. Has a Java-based web-browser interface, as well as a port reserved for instrument readings for non-web use; over and under-threshold alarms directly supported; High-quality industrial sensors which can be supplied with NIST Traceable Calibration Certificates. Sensors are typically connected using DIN screw-type connectors, some use industry standard connectors. Most units can be mounted on DIN rails. Excellent units for industrial quality environments.

Proliphix IP-enabled thermostats
$$$
$254–$575
Prices vary depending on model, number of external sensors, and powering requirements Up to 3 temperature sensors (1 internal, 2 external) and one humidity sensor via screw terminals and standard thermostat wiring. Ethernet Very easy. Web interface includes the ability to program the thermostat remotely (ideal for commercial units or vacation homes). Web interface for temperature readings and programming the thermostat; over and under-temperature alarms directly supported; manual fallbacks. Can also monitor the state of the furnace (heating, cooling, idle, etc). The only IP-enabled thermostats that I know of.

Veris line of Enercept Networked Power Meters
$$$
$???
Prices vary depending on model One circuit, but can measure 1, 2, or 3-phase power, voltage, KW, KWh, power factor, etc. Modbus Easy (once you understand ModBus) No web interface, but an extern program is provided for ease of use. Good for industrial power monitoring of specific circuits, also good for monitoring Solar Photovoltaic (PV) power production.

RacSense and Weather Goose
$$$$
$199–$639
All RacSense and Weather Goose units support a wide variety of sensors (see the websites for details). Most external sensors are connected via RJ11 jacks and busses, switch sensors are connected via screw terminals.
MiniGoose ($199) has one internal temperature sensor and supports up to 16 remote sensors.
WeatherGoose ($399) has internal temperature, humidity, air flow, light level, and sound level sensors, plus three analog input ports. An internal 5 port serial port hub makes adding remote sensors easy. Also supports web cameras as part of the interface.
SuperGoose ($499) is the same as the WeatherGoose plus a built-in LCD display and audio alarm for machine room use.
PowerGoose ($639) is similar to the WeatherGoose with the addition of built-in power monitoring (voltage, current, power-factor) and 10-plug (non-switched) outlet strip in the back.
RacSense ($depends) provides a variety of power and environmental monitoring systems - see the websites for more details. Ethernet Very easy Web interface for temperature readings (nice graphical display); Over and under-temperature alarms directly supported; also supports SNMP reading of sensors and SNMP traps. Devices are reported according to 1-wire ID, reports can feature user-selectable names. Best systems for plug-and-play machine room monitoring with no external software support required.

Room Alert
$$$$
$395–$995
Prices include sensors (type and number vary by model and are outlined to the right), alert software and 1 year maintenance contract All Room Alert units support temperature, humidity, and dry-contact "switch" sensors. External temperature and humidity sensor are connected via individual RJ11 jacks, switch sensors are connected via screw terminals.
The Room Alert 7E ($395-445) supports 1 internal temperature sensor (included), up to 3 external temperature sensors (1 is included), and up to 3 switch sensors (an external main power sensor is included).
The Room Alert 11E ($445-545) supports up to 3 external temperature or temperature/humidity sensors (one of each is included), and up to 8 switch sensors (an external main power sensor is included).
The Room Alert 26W ($995) supports 1 internal temperature sensor (included), 1 flood sensor (included - just add cable), a built-in main power sensor, up to 6 external temperature or temperature/humidity sensors (one temperature sensor is included), and up to 16 switch sensors (one room entry sensor is included). It also features a built-in UPS and built-in wireless sensor hub capability. Ethernet Easy. Firmware can be updated via a Windows-based discovery program or via TFTP. Web interface for temperature readings (very nice graphical display); Over and under-temperature alarms directly supported; pager/SMS support built in; also supports SNMP reading of sensors and SNMP traps. Devices are reported according to which port they are wired, reports can feature user-selectable names. 1-wire Temperature/Humidity devices are wired using non-standard RJ11 configuration. Room Alerts can be optionally rack mounted in a 1U bracket.

Enersure
$$$$
Contact Trendpoint
A full system includes a processor board, one to four data collection boards, a 220VAC power transformer and up to 22 split-core current transformers per data collection board (for a total of up to 88 circuits) The Enersure is strictly a power monitoring system. For each circuit, you can examine voltage, current, power factor, wattage, and KWh used. RS-232 or RS-485 Serial, Ethernet or 802.11 WiFi Non-trivial. Device communicates using RTU ModBus protocol (but support for it is fully integrated within thermd). All communication to the device is through the EnerSure Windows- or Linux-based application, or through ModBus commands (only one application can communicate with the device at a time). Current transformers are conneected via screw terminals, but a licensed electrician must be used to add them to your circuit-breaker box. This system is designed for enterprise use, and not for the casual home hobbyist. If you want to monitor power consumption, this unit is the best

Device and price	Number and types of devices supported	Interface	Ease of Use (outside of thermd)	Notes	Rating
QK145 $ $24.49 (kit) Price includes one DS18S20 sensor	Up to 4 temperature sensors connected to individual 3-pin plugs	2400 baud DB-9 Serial	Extremely easy	Temperature data streams out serial line—no polling required. QK145 does not need a power supply (it derives power from the RS-232 line). This is a kit—you must build it yourself.	Best buy for the price-conscious (if all you need is temperature monitoring and nothing else).
DS9097 and DS9490 $ $28	"Many" 1-wire devices (all 1-wire devices are supported), connected with an RJ12 jack.	9600 baud DB-9 Serial (DS9097) or USB (DS9490)	Variable	Extremely flexible, can address every 1-wire device made. This is simply a serial line (or USB) to 1-wire converter. You must write (or obtain) driver software to communicate with the bus. When used with owfs and/or owhttpd. accessing devices is very easy.
VK011 $ $39.95 Price includes one DS18S20 sensor	Up to 4 temperature sensors connected to individual screw terminals.	9600 baud DB-9 Serial	Extremely easy	Temperature data streams out serial line—no polling; Hi-lo values available via setup menu. VK011 power supply is optional (it can derive power from the RS-232 line).
6 Channel Master Hub $ $52.25	"Many" 1-wire devices on each of the 6 1-wire busses (all 1-wire devices are supported), connected with an RJ12 jack per bus.	9600 baud DB-9 Serial	Variable	Extremely flexible, can address every 1-wire device made. This is simply a multi-channel serial line to 1-wire converter. You must write (or obtain) driver software to communicate with the bus. When used with owfs and/or owhttpd. accessing devices is very easy.	Best buy for an experienced Linux user with a need for a wide variety of sensors
TEMP08 $ $75–$125 Prices are with or without on-board humidity sensor	Up to 60 temperature, humidity, lightning, barometer, wind, and/or rain sensors on a single powered bus (connected on a single RJ12 jack or screw terminals).	9600 baud DB-9 Serial	Relatively easy—command set is a little awkward, but not difficult. Firmware can be upgraded by replacing the PLC chip	Devices can be automatically polled at user-selectable intervals. Devices which are not known to the TEMP08 firmware are completely unsupported—but most environmental sensors are supported, check user's manual; can be expanded to include relay output and opto-isolated input with the an additional Midon Design device, the 1WIO.
LOG08 $$ $125–$150 Prices are with or without on-board humidity sensor	Up to 60 temperature, humidity, lightning, barometer, wind, and/or rain sensors on a single powered bus (connected on a single RJ12 jack or screw terminals).	9600 baud DB-9 Serial	Relatively easy—command set is a little awkward, but not difficult. Firmware can be upgraded by replacing the PLC chip	Devices can be automatically polled at user-selectable intervals; Some sensors (temperature, humidity, barometer) can also be logged by the LOG08 for later reporting (can be acquired in time-stamped CSV format). Devices which are not "known" to the LOG08 firmware are completely unsupported—but most environmental sensors are supported, check user's manual.	Best buy for logging data with no external programming
HA7Net $$ $155.95	The HA7Net supports all1-wire devices with 3 independent 1-wire busses, each with jumperable built-in power and 150 ohm pull-up resistor. It is possible to have 100 devices on each bus, with total wire runs of up to 2000 feet. Sensors are connected via an RJ-12 jack per bus.	Ethernet	Relatively easy—separate URLs to address each type of sensor; once you figure them out, can easily program a data collection system. Firmware can be updated via web interface.	Web access for administration, configuration, and sensor reading. Supports HTTP and HTTPS protocols (the only device on this chart that does so); Telnet connection for debugging. Device addresses must be known to be used (but the HA7Net has a discovery mode). Can be panel mounted or on DIN rails. Extremely flexible unit, can address every 1-wire device made. Built-in firmware support for temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, LED display, digital and analog sensors, PIO devices, etc; direct firmware access to 1-wire bus for devices not contemplated or provided by the manufacturer.	#1 Best overall value, feature set, and flexibility (requires some programming skill for advanced use).
Poseidon and Damocles $$$ €128–€500 Prices vary depending on model, optional GSM feature and number of sensors	Units can handle up to 41 external sensors, 24 binary inputs, and/or 16 relay controlled outputs. HWgroup in the Czech Republic makes a wide variety of 1-wire and RS-485 industrial sensors, including temperature (including a unique 19" rack-mount version), humidity, flood, smoke, combustible gas, power, door-contact, etc.)	Ethernet	Very easy. Firmware can also be updated easily.	Web interface for sensor readings; devices also support SNMP, Modbus, SMTP, GSM SMS, and XML (some support all of these. The only device in this list with integrated relays for turning devices on and off. Also the only devices with built-in GSM modem support and RS-485 industrial sensors (more robust communication than 1-wire)	Excellent, well built units. Do not be scared off by the fact that they are in the Czech Republic - these are reliable units from a reliable company!
EM1 $$$ $299	The EM1 supports temperature, humidity, and wetness sensors (up to 4 of each type). Sensors are connected via individual screw terminals.	Ethernet (for reading sensors) and 9600 baud DB-25 Serial (for configuration).	Easy. Serial port must be used to configure device; once configured, accessing data is simple (in a variety of formats).	Web interface provides human-readable and machine parsable formats; also supports SNMP reading of sensors. Devices are reported according to which port they are wired, reports can feature user-selectable names.
TemPageR $$$ $245–$295 Prices includes one internal and one external temperature sensor, alert software and 1 year maintenance contract	Up to 4 temperature sensors (1 internal, 3 external connected individual RJ11 jacks).	Ethernet	Very easy. Firmware can be updated via a Windows-based discovery program or via TFTP.	Web interface for temperature readings (very nice graphical display); over and under-temperature alarms directly supported; pager/SMS support built in; also supports SNMP reading of sensors and SNMP traps. Devices are reported according to which port they are wired, reports can feature user-selectable names. 1-wire Temperature/Humidity devices are wired using non-standard RJ11 configuration. TemPageR can be optionally rack mounted in a 1U bracket.
Newport and Omega iServer $$$ $299–$395+ Prices do not include sensors	Temperature, Humidity, Pressure (etc.) sensors, depending on model	Ethernet	Very easy.	Has a Java-based web-browser interface, as well as a port reserved for instrument readings for non-web use; over and under-threshold alarms directly supported; High-quality industrial sensors which can be supplied with NIST Traceable Calibration Certificates. Sensors are typically connected using DIN screw-type connectors, some use industry standard connectors. Most units can be mounted on DIN rails.	Excellent units for industrial quality environments.
Proliphix IP-enabled thermostats $$$ $254–$575 Prices vary depending on model, number of external sensors, and powering requirements	Up to 3 temperature sensors (1 internal, 2 external) and one humidity sensor via screw terminals and standard thermostat wiring.	Ethernet	Very easy. Web interface includes the ability to program the thermostat remotely (ideal for commercial units or vacation homes).	Web interface for temperature readings and programming the thermostat; over and under-temperature alarms directly supported; manual fallbacks. Can also monitor the state of the furnace (heating, cooling, idle, etc).	The only IP-enabled thermostats that I know of.
Veris line of Enercept Networked Power Meters $$$ $??? Prices vary depending on model	One circuit, but can measure 1, 2, or 3-phase power, voltage, KW, KWh, power factor, etc.	Modbus	Easy (once you understand ModBus)	No web interface, but an extern program is provided for ease of use.	Good for industrial power monitoring of specific circuits, also good for monitoring Solar Photovoltaic (PV) power production.
RacSense and Weather Goose $$$$ $199–$639	All RacSense and Weather Goose units support a wide variety of sensors (see the websites for details). Most external sensors are connected via RJ11 jacks and busses, switch sensors are connected via screw terminals. MiniGoose ($199) has one internal temperature sensor and supports up to 16 remote sensors. WeatherGoose ($399) has internal temperature, humidity, air flow, light level, and sound level sensors, plus three analog input ports. An internal 5 port serial port hub makes adding remote sensors easy. Also supports web cameras as part of the interface. SuperGoose ($499) is the same as the WeatherGoose plus a built-in LCD display and audio alarm for machine room use. PowerGoose ($639) is similar to the WeatherGoose with the addition of built-in power monitoring (voltage, current, power-factor) and 10-plug (non-switched) outlet strip in the back. RacSense ($depends) provides a variety of power and environmental monitoring systems - see the websites for more details.	Ethernet	Very easy	Web interface for temperature readings (nice graphical display); Over and under-temperature alarms directly supported; also supports SNMP reading of sensors and SNMP traps. Devices are reported according to 1-wire ID, reports can feature user-selectable names.	Best systems for plug-and-play machine room monitoring with no external software support required.
Room Alert $$$$ $395–$995 Prices include sensors (type and number vary by model and are outlined to the right), alert software and 1 year maintenance contract	All Room Alert units support temperature, humidity, and dry-contact "switch" sensors. External temperature and humidity sensor are connected via individual RJ11 jacks, switch sensors are connected via screw terminals. The Room Alert 7E ($395-445) supports 1 internal temperature sensor (included), up to 3 external temperature sensors (1 is included), and up to 3 switch sensors (an external main power sensor is included). The Room Alert 11E ($445-545) supports up to 3 external temperature or temperature/humidity sensors (one of each is included), and up to 8 switch sensors (an external main power sensor is included). The Room Alert 26W ($995) supports 1 internal temperature sensor (included), 1 flood sensor (included - just add cable), a built-in main power sensor, up to 6 external temperature or temperature/humidity sensors (one temperature sensor is included), and up to 16 switch sensors (one room entry sensor is included). It also features a built-in UPS and built-in wireless sensor hub capability.	Ethernet	Easy. Firmware can be updated via a Windows-based discovery program or via TFTP.	Web interface for temperature readings (very nice graphical display); Over and under-temperature alarms directly supported; pager/SMS support built in; also supports SNMP reading of sensors and SNMP traps. Devices are reported according to which port they are wired, reports can feature user-selectable names. 1-wire Temperature/Humidity devices are wired using non-standard RJ11 configuration. Room Alerts can be optionally rack mounted in a 1U bracket.
Enersure $$$$ Contact Trendpoint A full system includes a processor board, one to four data collection boards, a 220VAC power transformer and up to 22 split-core current transformers per data collection board (for a total of up to 88 circuits)	The Enersure is strictly a power monitoring system. For each circuit, you can examine voltage, current, power factor, wattage, and KWh used.	RS-232 or RS-485 Serial, Ethernet or 802.11 WiFi	Non-trivial. Device communicates using RTU ModBus protocol (but support for it is fully integrated within thermd).	All communication to the device is through the EnerSure Windows- or Linux-based application, or through ModBus commands (only one application can communicate with the device at a time). Current transformers are conneected via screw terminals, but a licensed electrician must be used to add them to your circuit-breaker box. This system is designed for enterprise use, and not for the casual home hobbyist.	If you want to monitor power consumption, this unit is the best

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