>> Are there any alternative solutions that I should look at?

quoted text
> I've used an alternate standalone solution.  Do a search for

> Barix Barionet. Per unit it may appear to be more expensive, but

>

Thanks for that, I had not come across the Barix range of devices before.

Indeed, it does appear more expensive per unit!

But it should be simpler to query (http) than the Phidgets...