ELK-M1DBH, M1XIN, M!XRF in attic?

[bryansera]

I plan on running a single wire up to my attic, and then putting my ELK-M1DBH, M1XIN, and M1XRF up there. This way I don't have to run as many wires up into the attic, and I assume the XRF will get better reception up there. True?

In the manual they are concerned about heat (me thinks), but I don't think it gets that hot up there (I live in Seattle...never got above 100.. :blink: amazing .)

Are there any other concerns? I plan on putting the M1XIN and M1DBH in project boxes that I bought at Radio Shack.

 

[Steve]

I definitely would not put the xin in a sealed project box. You'd be surprise how hot an attic is compared to outside temp, It can easily be 20-30 degrees higher. I would first opt for maybe a second floor closet just below the attic. If the attic is the only option, don't put it in a sealed or closed box. The dbh is a bit of an exception because its not much more than a bunch of jacks. Will they work, sure, but it will also shorten their life and possibly lead to premature failure.

 

[Mike]

I thought I heard of other people doing exactly this (in fact I had considered the same, although the heat issue does make sense).

Since my bedrooms are all ont he second floor, running something like this would make it much easier to add additional sensors for automation (doors/closets/etc) in a 14" enclosure.

Is heat really a cause for concern?

 

[Lagerhead]

Is heat really a cause for concern?

A few hours of direct summer sunlight on the roof can heat an attic above 125 F. Of course this will vary with your ventilation effectiveness, and temperatures that high ought to be addressed with ventilation improvements for the good of the house.

But, you need to get some facts, like actual measurements, before you proceed. Even living in New England, I don't put any electronics in the attic (other than the temperature sensor itself) and I never store climate-sensitive objects there.

Using a living-space closet that will give you access to the attic seems like a good solution.

 

[Spanky]

The electronics is rated to 50 C or about 130 degrees F. Extreme heat can shorten the life of some components like electrolytic capacitors.

 

[CollinR]

As mentioned I would put this on the ceiling of a second floor closet, same effect but far cooler temps.