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Connectivity Methods
The ECPin probes can obviously connect to the app using Bluetooth. As well, the probes
can connect to the Range Repeater via Bluetooth which in turn connects to your phone
using Bluetooth. However, there are also two other methods of extending the range of
where you can monitor your probes from, Wi-Fi and Hotspot. We thought we would repeat this information
here since this review is all about extending range:
Bluetooth: We'll assume everyone knows what Bluetooth wireless communication is. The ECPin probes use Bluetooth LE, also known as Bluetooth Smart. Compared to Classic Bluetooth, Bluetooth Smart is intended to provide considerably reduced power consumption and cost while maintaining a similar communication range. Advantages include:The ECPin app also has the ability to connect using two other methods, WiFi and Hot Spot.In addition, the ECPin probes use Beacon technology which allows them to establish a connection with a smart device without the user having to go through the pairing process. All communications with the ECPin Probes begin with Bluetooth. You must connect the ECPin probe using Bluetooth to either a smart device running the ECPin App or to a Range Repeater which repeats the Bluetooh signal to a smart device. In either case, this smart device must remain within Bluetooth range of the probe or Range Repeater in order to access the data from the probe.
- Low power requirements, operating for "months or years" on a button cell
- Small size and low cost
- Compatibility with a large installed base of mobile phones, tablets and computers
Regardless of which method you use, WiFi or Hotspot, the way you set up to use a second smart device is the same.WiFi: This method allows one smart device to connect to the ECPin probe via Bluetooth, but then allows a second smart device to connect to the first via a local wifi network. Both smart devices must be running the ECPin app and must be connected to the same local wifi network.
Hotspot: This method also allows one smart device to connect to the ECPin probe via Bluetooth, but instead of using your local network to connect to the second smart device, you activate your hotspot on your smart device, and then connect the second smart device to the hotspot. Thus, you can monitor the ECPin probe remotely on the second smart device as long as it remains connected to your first device's hotspot. Again, the ECPin app must be running on both smart devices.
 Tap the WiFi symbol at the bottom of any screen to be taken to the ECPin Connect screen. Here you can view your two options to connect your two smart devices, WiFi or Hotspot. Tap the ">" at the top of the screen to continue. |
 On the smart device that you will leave near your cooker, select the Repeater option. |
 On the smart device you will keep with you, select the Monitor option. |
You should see the monitor smart device briefly display a message about scanning for the repeater, and then you should be able to use your smart device designated as the monitor to monitor the probe temperatures from beyond Bluetooth distances. You can tell which smart device is repeater and which is the monitor by looking at the probe data on the home screen. You will see a WiFi icon next to the radio beacon icon, and it will either have a small "R" for repeater, or "M" for monitor next to it.
 The WiFi icon with an "R" beside it indicates this smart device is the repeater. |
 The WiFi icon with an "M" beside it indicates this smart device is the monitor. |
So, once you have this set up, you can use the second smart device to monitor your probes as long as it stays within range of your local WiFi network or the first smart device's hot spot. Also, we should point out that you should set up your cooks on the smart device that you have designated as the monitor.
Once you are monitoring remotely, if you kill the app on either the repeater or the monitor, when you start the app back up, you will need to go into the WiFi setup again and select the appropriate role for your smart device. In addition, if you switch to another app on the monitor smart device, when you come back to the ECPin app, you may get a popup saying "Disconnected from ECPIN repeater" asking you to reconnect. Just tap "Re-connect" and you will be monitoring again. This may also happen if you switch to another app on the repeater smart device. The monitor smart device may give you the disconnect popup. You'll need to make the ECPin app active on the repeater and then you can reconnect on the monitor.
Problems We Encountered
Happily, we can say that we did not encounter any problems during our testing.
Availability
All ECPin related products including the Range Repeater are available at the
ECTherm web site. You can also
buy the ECPin single probe or dual probe ECPin on Amazon:
Conclusions
When looking at any Bluetooth truly wireless meat thermometer, you have to compare it to the
obvious alternatives, MEATER and MeatStick. When we first reviewed the ECPin probes, this comparison
wasn't very kind to the ECPin probes because there were a number of important features missing.
ECTherm has taken care of most of those omissions now with the addition of the Range Repeater,
estimated cooking time, a resting time timer and the ability to extend the time you can cook with
the probe swapping feature. When you combine these new features with the ECPin's incredibly short
charge times, you have a meat probe that is truly worth considering. The only major function that
is missing now is a WiFi bridge that would let you monitor your probes from anywhere you have internet access.
Contact Information
ECTherm
by Manford Development Limited
Flat 1001, Floor 10, Building 19W
Hong Kong Science Park
Shatin, N.T.
Hong Kong
Email: enquiry@ecthrm.com
Web: www.ectherm.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ectherm/
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