Comparison Vaillant calorMATIC 470f vs Vaillant calorMATIC 370

How to connect the controller to the controlled device.

— Wired. Connecting with wires is the most common option. It is due to its main advantages — simplicity, reliability and low cost. On the other hand, the wiring itself can be quite troublesome and time-consuming.

— Wireless. Wireless connection — usually by radio channel. To do this, the kit usually provides an external transceiver connected to the controlled device. The main advantage of wireless models is obvious — they are much easier to install because no need to run extra wires. On the other hand, such a technique is much more expensive than wired, and communication has a limited range, which is further reduced if there are obstacles (such as thick walls) in the signal path.

— DIN rail. The phrase "on a DIN rail" traditionally refers to the method of installing the device (see "Mounting"); the connection is usually carried out by wire. However, this option is taken out separately for the reason that DIN devices are standardly mounted in a distribution cabinet — unlike conventional wired thermostats, installed directly in the room. However, sometimes it is an advantage: the distribution cabinet can be locked with a key, restricting unauthorized access to the thermostat. Models with such a connection usually refer to professional equipment used in industrial...facilities, warehouses, etc.

Features of an outdoor temperature sensor used with a thermostat.

Such a sensor, as the name suggests, monitors the outdoor temperature and provides additional information that contributes to the accurate and efficient operation of the automation. For example, with a significant cold outside, the heating system can turn on in advance, without waiting for the room to become colder and this will be recorded by the internal sensor. It avoids unnecessary temperature fluctuations and increases the overall efficiency of the system.

Thermostats that allow outdoor temp sensor connection may initially have such a sensor in the kit, or optionally supplied with it (in this case, the presence of the sensor should be specified separately and, if necessary, ordered additionally). These details are specified in this paragraph.

The maximum communication range between the receiver and the transmitter of the wireless thermostat (see "Connection"), ensured when operating indoors.

There are walls between the thermostat and the remote unit that impede the passage of the signal. Therefore, the communication range indoors will inevitably be less than outdoors (see below). It is also worth noting that this parameter is indicated based on a certain average number and thickness of walls. In fact, in some cases (in particular, if the walls are thick), the communication range can be noticeably less. Therefore, it is worth choosing according to this parameter with a significant margin. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to compare different models with each other in terms of the communication range indoors.

The maximum communication range between the receiver and transmitter of the wireless thermostat (see "Connection"), ensured when working outdoors — or in any other situation when the units are in direct line of sight from each other and there are no obstacles in the signal path. It is the maximum possible theoretical communication range provided by the device. The receiver and transmitter are rarely installed in line of sight, so this parameter is mainly for a rough estimation of communication capabilities and comparison with other models.

— Display. The presence of its own screen in the design of the regulator. Such a screen is usually a simple LCD matrix with segment digits. However, even on such a screen, very diverse data can be displayed (including temperature with an accuracy of fractions of a degree), and this function significantly expands the capabilities of the thermostat and makes it more convenient. Note that it makes sense to install the display primarily in electronic models (see "Device type"), for such thermostats it is almost mandatory (but in mechanical ones, on the contrary, it is almost never used).

— Protection of the pump from "souring". During non-working hours — for example, between heating seasons — deposits can form on the parts of the circulation pump of the heating system, which can make it difficult to rotate the impeller, reduce the efficiency of the pump, or even disable it altogether. This phenomenon is called "souring". To avoid it, automatic regulators may provide protection against acidification: periodically (once every few weeks) the pump is turned on for a short time, which prevents the formation of deposits (and removes those that have already formed).

— Holiday function. A special regime provided for in case of a long absence of people in the house (for example, during a vacation — hence the name). In holiday mode, you can set a certain temperature to...be maintained for several days (for example, a week; the maximum duration depends on the thermostat model). At the same time, in some models, this function is combined with frost protection (see below) and allows you to set only the minimum temperature (usually 5 °C); in others, the holiday temperature can be programmed.

— Random mode. A mode that provides for the inclusion of various heating functions in a random order (but without causing critical loads on the heating system). The most popular use of this feature is to simulate that someone is at home; this can stop intruders planning a theft in the absence of the owners.

— Management via the Internet. Ability to control the controller via the Internet. The device itself is usually connected to the network via Wi-Fi, and the control features may be different. For example, in some models you need to use a proprietary application installed on a smartphone or tablet, in others it is enough to open a special page in any browser. However, anyway, this function allows you to control the heating system remotely, from anywhere in the world. This can be extremely convenient in unforeseen situations — for example, if during the absence of the owner on the street it gets warmer. In addition, additional features such as advanced timer programming may be available with Internet control.

— Frost protection. A function that prevents freezing of the coolant in heating systems. Freezing water expands, which can lead to mechanical damage and depressurization of the system. To avoid this, regulators with this function are able to "monitor" that the temperature of the coolant does not fall below 5 °C, and, if necessary, turn on the heating to maintain the temperature. This function is relevant primarily for cases when the disconnected heating system must be left unattended for a long time during the cold season.

— Protection from children (blocking). The ability to lock the control panel of the regulator so that a curious little child cannot knock down its settings. The lock, usually, is turned on and off in such a way that an adult, but not a child, can easily do it — for example, by simultaneously pressing certain keys.

— Heater operating hours counter. Built-in counter that tracks the total heating time. This feature makes it much easier to keep track of the operating mode and heat costs, eliminating the need for the user to keep records manually and allowing you to track working hours even when there is no one nearby.

— Sensor calibration t. Possibility to calibrate the temperature sensor of the thermostat. In fact, situations may arise when the readings of the temperature sensor for one reason or another differ from the actual temperature in the room — for example, the controller is installed near an electrical appliance that generates heat and knocks down the setting, and neither device can be moved. For such cases, calibration is provided — an amendment to the readings of the temperature sensor. For example, if the thermometer in the middle of the room reads 20°C and the regulator's sensor reads 22°C, you can correct the thermostat to -2°C and the temperature displayed on the regulator will correspond to the true temperature. Of course, the correction can also be taken "in the mind" without reconfiguring the device; however, most often it is easier to set the necessary parameters in advance and not get confused in the calculations.

The type of power source used in the thermostat.

— Mains. Powered by a conventional 230 V power grid. A device connected to such a power supply can operate without interruption for almost unlimited time, which is especially important for thermostats and automatic regulators — during working hours they must be constantly turned on, otherwise, the very meaning of such devices is lost. In addition, the mains connection is suitable for controllers of almost any power consumption. The only drawback of this option is the need to run the wire to the device, but this moment is hardly critical.

— Battery. Powered by its own battery or a disposable battery, in this case, both options are allowed. This type of power supply is found in wireless thermostats (see "Connection"); its main advantage is its complete independence from sockets, which greatly simplifies installation and makes the outdoor unit completely wireless. In some models, it can even be removed from the mount and carried with you. At the same time, the power consumption of thermostats is small, and a small battery may well last for a year or even more.