Is iNet ready to full upgrade worth it?

[SteveE]

We’re completely new to Truma iNet systems and our new van comes with an iNet ready control panel. Is it worth upgrading the system to have remote control of the heating and hot water?

Interested to know if people who have this, use it and what they think of it? Is it reliable? Simple to use etc?

Also, be good to know what we should expect to pay for the upgrade, or how complex a DIY job?

For info we have the Truma 6 system, gas and electric - with 2 x 11kg Gaslow system fitted.

Many thanks

 

[JimmE]

The Truma Inet box is, I believe 2G mobile only - so fairly basic functionality via the app. That said I’ve no personal experience of it!

The new Inet X is more modern, you would need to change the panel as well, but only boilers/systems from 2019 onwards are compatible, as I understand it, and older boilers cannot be upgraded.

 

[Pukka]

Also inetx only supports Bluetooth, they is talk of 4g upgrade at some point

 

[suavecarve]

I had Truma Inet in our last van and it worked on bluetooth.

In my new van I have it aswell. As yet I havent looked into why it isnt working. My solution is to walk the 4 or 5 steps to the panel and do whatever it was I wanted to do.

I may get round to looking at it, but I doubt it

 

[StillGoing]

Also inetx only supports Bluetooth, they is talk of 4g upgrade at some point

Delayed until next year https://www.truma.com/products/operating-systems/truma-inet-x-connect/

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[LostInSpace]

My knowledge of Truma iNet is faily limited, but I inderstand it is a very poor system compared with the previous one.
(although, I will be delighted if anybody convices me I am wrong.)

2G is not a problem. 2G (EDRS?) is a very capable system which can easily handle anything we might want it to do for our heating systems. And 2G will be around until 2035. It is used extensively, in the UK, for all sorts of things.

 

[Guigsy]

The old system uses Bluetooth, which is good if you're lazy and can't be bothered to get out of bed. And it also uses a very shonky system that relies on text messages. When you want to remotely control the van, or get a status update, the app creates a text message. Which you then send from your text message app. And the reply comes back via text.

The problem is that to contact a device across a mobile network, Truma would need to make a server as a middle man that your app and heating controller continuously connect to. At the time it was created, you'd probably have needed a £10 per month SIM just for your heating control. So the text message thing is a work around.

I'm a bit disappointed that the new system can't use WiFi or a built in 4G modem. The costs are very low these days.

 

[Coolcats]

My knowledge of Truma iNet is faily limited, but I inderstand it is a very poor system compared with the previous one.
(although, I will be delighted if anybody convices me I am wrong.)

2G is not a problem. 2G (EDRS?) is a very capable system which can easily handle anything we might want it to do for our heating systems. And 2G will be around until 2035. It is used extensively, in the UK, for all sorts of things.

2G shut down is earlier than you think and certainly would not invest in a 2G system today

Switching off the UK’s 2G and 3G mobile networks: what you need to know

The 2G and 3G mobile networks are gradually being switched off over the next few years. Here’s what this means for you as a customer.

www.ofcom.org.uk

Providers are switching off their networks at different times
Each mobile provider is setting its own timetable for its 3G network switch-off. These timings might change and you should check your mobile provider’s website for the latest update:

Vodafone completed its switch-off in early 2024.
EE completed its switch-off in early 2024..
Three expects to switch-off by the end of 2024.
O2 is planning to switch-off in 2025.

 

[Guigsy]

2G shut down is earlier than you think and certainly would not invest in a 2G system today

Switching off the UK’s 2G and 3G mobile networks: what you need to know

The 2G and 3G mobile networks are gradually being switched off over the next few years. Here’s what this means for you as a customer.

www.ofcom.org.uk

Providers are switching off their networks at different times
Each mobile provider is setting its own timetable for its 3G network switch-off. These timings might change and you should check your mobile provider’s website for the latest update:

Vodafone completed its switch-off in early 2024.
EE completed its switch-off in early 2024..
Three expects to switch-off by the end of 2024.
O2 is planning to switch-off in 2025.

3G is effectively dead.

But 2G is going to be around for a good few years yet. Far too many systems need it. So it's been life extended.

 

[Ditcha]

2G shut down is earlier than you think and certainly would not invest in a 2G system today

Switching off the UK’s 2G and 3G mobile networks: what you need to know

The 2G and 3G mobile networks are gradually being switched off over the next few years. Here’s what this means for you as a customer.

www.ofcom.org.uk

Providers are switching off their networks at different times
Each mobile provider is setting its own timetable for its 3G network switch-off. These timings mighty change and you should check your mobile provider’s website for the latest update:

Vodafone completed its switch-off in early 2024.
EE completed its switch-off in early 2024..
Three expects to switch-off by the end of 2024.
O2 is planning to switch-off in 2025.

Doesn't give a switch off date for 2G only 3G. To many systems still rely on 2G only 3 have turned off 2G.
The old iNet system will do everything you want that you can from Bluetooth but from anywhere that has a mobile signal

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[VWDrooper]

I think you might struggle to buy a inet box these days

 

[SteveE]

Thanks everyone for the info. I think I might wait and see if the iNet X gets improved and then make a decision. I’m not really bothered about using the app from inside the van, but pre-heating the van on a cold day before we get back from a bike ride or dog walk would be great.

 

[LostInSpace]

Known collectively as the 'big four', the UK's mobile phone providers are Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three. There are numerous other mobile phone providers that are called mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). Instead of owning their own mobile infrastructure, they operate by renting space (piggybacking) off the big four's coverage.

None of the big four have turned off 2G.

Three never had a 2G presence in the UK - Think about the name!

I have multiple 2G devices operating perfectly well on all 3 of the UK's 2G phone providers.
5 of them in this Hymer motorhome.

I now regret not buying the Truma iNet system while it was available.

 

[matbic]

Truma is in a mess I believe the have got rid of their technical director quite recently. They seem to be trying to make a new control panel that incorporates all aspects of a van using “Internet of Things technology” but this is taking a lot longer than originally planned.

In the mean time the new iNetX touch screen is very bad value as an upgrade from the older panel. The old panel uses the 2G based iNet for remote access which will work in the UK and most parts of EU for quite a while.

I gave up on using the Bluetooth with the new iNetX panel it was so slow to connect to my phone each time it was quicker to jump up and press the screen on the panel. But I missed the remote access which is really convenient. So I went back to the old panel - the upgrade was a waste of money for me!

I suggest you keep with the old panel and wait and see if Truma can actually get a new product out that has the nice touch screen and all the features of the old one, at the moment it is not looking promising!

 

[cyberyacht]

Just another thing that can go wrong. Do I really need to turn the hot water/heating on half an hour before I get back to the van? Nah!

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[zac]

only boilers/systems from 2019 onwards are compatible, as I understand it, and older boilers cannot be upgraded.

Mine is working on a 2017 alde boiler, I brought the inet system back in 2018 and it's been working fine ever since, aside from the benefit of being able to turn on the heating and hot water when away from the van on the way back to it, I can also use it remotely via Bluetooth which is also handy.
Mine works off of giffgaff sim so o2

 

[zac]

Just another thing that can go wrong. Do I really need to turn the hot water/heating on half an hour before I get back to the van? Nah!

If we based everything on "do i need to" then there is a lot that nobody would buy or do, for me, it's about convenience and if you are happy to do without then of course it will save you money that's for sure. The same as everything, really.

 

[Guigsy]

Truma is in a mess I believe the have got rid of their technical director quite recently. They seem to be trying to make a new control panel that incorporates all aspects of a van using “Internet of Things technology” but this is taking a lot longer than originally planned.

In the mean time the new iNetX touch screen is very bad value as an upgrade from the older panel. The old panel uses the 2G based iNet for remote access which will work in the UK and most parts of EU for quite a while.

I gave up on using the Bluetooth with the new iNetX panel it was so slow to connect to my phone each time it was quicker to jump up and press the screen on the panel. But I missed the remote access which is really convenient. So I went back to the old panel - the upgrade was a waste of money for me!

I suggest you keep with the old panel and wait and see if Truma can actually get a new product out that has the nice touch screen and all the features of the old one, at the moment it is not looking promising!

My van has a weird control setup that was a venture between Shaudt and Truma and a few other brands. I think it was a big initiative about 2017'ish. Everything is soft fuses, digital control and modules, much like a modern car. It means my Truma iNet can also turn my pump and 12v hab electrics on and off. And I can see the levels of the batteries and tanks. Apparently the wiring in the van is much simpler. The downside is that it uses about half an amp of power, even when everything is off. So it'll drain a battery just sitting there in a couple of weeks. As you suggested, an obvious improvement would be to add an internet gateway so there's remote control.

 

[Coolcats]

Doesn't give a switch off date for 2G only 3G. To many systems still rely on 2G only 3 have turned off 2G.
The old iNet system will do everything you want that you can from Bluetooth but from anywhere that has a mobile signal

Read the Ofcom article again. So there is an expectation that from now and 2033 operators will be shutting down 2G and of course other countries will be doing so as well some of which may be a lot earlier so what would anyone invest in 2G when its being shut down ! .

2G will be switched off by 2033
All the mobile providers have confirmed to the Government that they do not plan to offer their 2G (and 3G) services beyond 2033.

We expect that mobile providers will start making plans to switch off their 2G networks at some point after they have switched off their 3G networks. None of the providers have set a specific date yet - EE has said it will switch off 2G ‘later this decade’. We will update this advice when more details are available.

 

[SpitzTM]

Thanks everyone for the info. I think I might wait and see if the iNet X gets improved and then make a decision. I’m not really bothered about using the app from inside the van, but pre-heating the van on a cold day before we get back from a bike ride or dog walk would be great.

That’s exactly what we do (indeed have done so the past couple of days while out exploring the Jurassic coast). It’s a luxury for sure, but once you’ve used it, coming back to a warm van on a cold day is a nice feeling.

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[Coolcats]

3G is effectively dead.

But 2G is going to be around for a good few years yet. Far too many systems need it. So it's been life extended.

Doubt it is going to be about as long as you think, and suspect if new kit is installed as the older base units get changed out it will stop. Here is an affected 2G user on the EE network

“I did decide to query this with EE and was told that the message was in error and was related to the 2G/3G switch off, I was told that both 2G and 3G were being switched off in my area on the 11th of June.
This seems rather incorrect to me as 3G was switched off not that long ago and 2G remains operational - looking online 2G will supposedly be switched off later this decade.
However, is it possible that there's a potential issue with my old SIM card? Might it be that the old SIM card will stop working with 2G on the 11th of June 2024?
I should note that I use PAYG and top up as required”

2G and old SIM cards and 2G switch off?

Not sure how old my EE SIM card is, must be at least five years. Anyhow, 3G is of course no longer accessible so I'm using 2G on my old flip phone, this is fine for my limited use which is just the very occasional phone call or text. However, I've recently had a text from EE stating that as...

community.ee.co.uk

 

[JimmE]

Mine is working on a 2017 alde boiler, I brought the inet system back in 2018 and it's been working fine ever since, aside from the benefit of being able to turn on the heating and hot water when away from the van on the way back to it, I can also use it remotely via Bluetooth which is also handy.
Mine works off of giffgaff sim so o2

I think that must be the standard Inet controller (which does work with older boilers) not the Inet X? Inet X has a colour screen and is the version which cannot be used on older boilers, according both to their online documentation and their technical dept when I called to ask whether it was compatible if the PCB was updated to the latest version.

(I had to replace the PCB anyway!)

 

[LostInSpace]

Read the Ofcom article again.

A real problem is that the article tries to deal with 2G and 3G without sufficient attention to the different technologies and requirements of voice and data.

3G was a badly thought out interim step to 4G, primarily for voice, and is no longer required.

2G, however, is very capable and is extensively used by "Internet of Things" devices for low volume data transfer.
The voice aspects of 2G still work but are very largely superceded by 4G.

 

[tonyidle]

Thanks everyone for the info. I think I might wait and see if the iNet X gets improved and then make a decision. I’m not really bothered about using the app from inside the van, but pre-heating the van on a cold day before we get back from a bike ride or dog walk would be great.

We do that by leaving the heating on a low setting.

 

[yorkiebar]

Thanks everyone for the info. I think I might wait and see if the iNet X gets improved and then make a decision. I’m not really bothered about using the app from inside the van, but pre-heating the van on a cold day before we get back from a bike ride or dog walk would be great.

If you know approximately when you'll be back then you could set a timer for the heating to come on.

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[Ditcha]

Read the Ofcom article again. So there is an expectation that from now and 2033 operators will be shutting down 2G and of course other countries will be doing so as well some of which may be a lot earlier so what would anyone invest in 2G when its being shut down ! .

2G will be switched off by 2033
All the mobile providers have confirmed to the Government that they do not plan to offer their 2G (and 3G) services beyond 2033.

We expect that mobile providers will start making plans to switch off their 2G networks at some point after they have switched off their 3G networks. None of the providers have set a specific date yet - EE has said it will switch off 2G ‘later this decade’. We will update this advice when more details are available.

2033 will do me

 

[Ditcha]

I think that must be the standard Inet controller (which does work with older boilers) not the Inet X? Inet X has a colour screen and is the version which cannot be used on older boilers, according both to their online documentation and their technical dept when I called to ask whether it was compatible if the PCB was updated to the latest version.

(I had to replace the PCB anyway!)

Think he's talking about Alde boiler not Truma I use my older iNet box on our 3020 Alde boiler.

 

[Millcourt]

I think you might struggle to buy a inet box these days

True in the UK. However, when we were last in Germany the MoHo dealer accessory shops had plenty on display. It seems that it may be just a decision by Truma UK who have not been marketing it for at least three years.

Our new Adria bought two years ago was supplied with a factory fitted “iNet Ready” CP display. I could not get an iNET box in the UK. Spoke with Truma UK who insisted it was discontinued and tried to persuade me buy the new “X” display. As this does not have connectivity beyond Bluetooth range, I considered it not fit for purpose. Fortunately, I bought an iNET box on our trip to Germany, which was simple to fit (a 30-minute job) and configure. I put an Asda PAYG SIM in it and have found 2 top-ups of £5 a year meets our needs.

I expect if anyone still wishes to buy an iNet box, they could be obtained by mail order from a German dealer.

Yes…. It is rather convenient to use the App on my phone to turn on the heating and hot water whilst still under the duvet on a cold morning, but not essential. Of much greater use to me is the ability to turn on the heating remotely when the weather is cold, not only when returning to the MoHo, but also to avoid water being dumped by the Truma cold-weather valve whilst our MoHo is in storage (where fortunately we have EHU, but could use LPG if needed). I can also monitor the inside temperature remotely and get warnings should the EHU be disconnected or in the (unlikely) event of the LPG Gaslow supply running out.

 

[yorkiebar]

For those with an iNet X panel (myself included), I'm wondering if it's possible to leave an old android phone ( I have several old ones!) in the van, paired with the inet X panel and use some "remote control" android app to control the van phone remotely. The theory being that I could remotely access the van phone, open up the Truma app and turn the heating/water on or off.
As I mentioned above, if you have a pretty good idea when you'll be back at the van then timers can be used on the iNet X panel to control the heating so perhaps a lack of remote control can be worked around for most situations.

 

[Guigsy]

A real problem is that the article tries to deal with 2G and 3G without sufficient attention to the different technologies and requirements of voice and data.

3G was a badly thought out interim step to 4G, primarily for voice, and is no longer required.

2G, however, is very capable and is extensively used by "Internet of Things" devices for low volume data transfer.
The voice aspects of 2G still work but are very largely superceded by 4G.

But 4G also didn't provide a low power (low bandwidth) solution until recently. LTE-M and NB-IOT mobile technologies don't yet have universal coverage and they aren't yet as cheap to buy or run. So 2G continues to be used by IoT devices even now. E.g. smart meters, vehicle trackers, roadside equipment.