Frequently Asked Questions

Guarantee

The MarCELL monitor is designed to give you peace of mind—whether you’re keeping tabs on temperature, humidity, or power status in your RV, unoccupied property, or anything else that matters.  With our 90-day risk-free trial, you can experience the power of MarCELL remote monitoring without any pressure.

If there is any trouble our US based team of customer support specialists will be happy to assist you to answer any questions and ensure that you are confident in the MarCELL.

We’re so confident you’ll love the simplicity and reliability of our system that we offer a MarCELL money-back guarantee—no questions asked. If for any reason the device doesn’t meet your expectations, returning it is as easy as unplugging it and sending it back. No complicated forms, no hidden fees, and absolutely no hassle. Whether you’re testing out a wireless temperature monitor for the first time or upgrading from another system, MarCELL makes it effortless to get started. Setup takes minutes, and our intuitive dashboard puts real-time data at your fingertips.

It’s especially valuable for RV travelers who leave pets behind during errands or excursions—MarCELL helps ensure your furry companions stay safe and comfortable, even when you’re away.

With MarCELL, you’re choosing to monitor what matters.


Reporting

Monitor What Matters with MarCELL

Your MarCELL cellular monitor keeps a constant eye on temperature, humidity, power, and water leak alerts (with optional SPucks). If something goes wrong, it sends an immediate notification. Otherwise, it logs conditions hourly and uploads data to your online account every 8 hours (4 hours for MarCELL Pro).

Understanding Your Data Timeline

Because MarCELL uploads every 8 hours (or 4 hours for MarCELL Pro) by default, the “History” page may show data that’s a few hours old. But now, you have two faster ways to get real-time information.

Two Ways to Get Real-Time Info

1. Live Auto-Refresh

If you’re using the MarCELL webpage or app, your data now auto-refreshes every 15 minutes (5 minutes for MarCELL Pro)—no button press needed. It’s seamless, real-time awareness whenever you’re online.

2. Instant Update

Need the latest conditions right away? Tap the “Update Now” button on your dashboard or history screen. Your account will refresh with the current temperature and humidity within one minute.

  • Cost: $0.25 per update, sold in packs of 8 for $2.
  • Updates never expire—use them anytime.

As always if you are having any trouble our US based customer service team is happy to help you.

Real-Time Monitoring

  • MarCELL checks temperature, humidity and power readings every 10 seconds.
  • If a reading exceeds your set thresholds, you’ll receive an instant notification.

Live Viewing via Web or App

  • When you log in, readings refresh automatically, then update every 15 (5 minutes for MarCELL Pro) minutes while you’re active.
  • For more frequent updates, you can purchase Instant Update bundles—just $2 for 8 updates—to view the latest data anytime.
  • The oldest data you will see on the webpage will be 15 minutes old (5 minutes for MarCELL Pro)

Historical Data Recording

  • The MarCELL cellular temperature monitor stores temperature readings every hour (or every 30 minutes on Pro devices).
  • These readings are uploaded to the server every 8 hours (or every 4 hours for Pro).
  • Historical records are stored indefinitely and can be downloaded from our servers.

When Temperature and/or Humidity exceeds the safe range set by you, MarCELL will send an alarm message to our cloud-based server. Our server then sends out any alert messages you set up in the notification schedule.

Your MarCELL will remain in alarm mode for that sensor until its reading reaches at least 3 points (either degrees or percentage) into the safe range. This is done to avoid multiple alarms due to ongoing temperature and/or humidity fluctuations at the alarm set point.

For example, let’s say you set the thermostat in your cabin to 55 degrees to make sure your pipes don’t freeze in the winter. You set the safe range of your MarCELL from 45 degrees to 70 degrees.

In January, your furnace malfunctions and your inside temperature starts dropping. As soon as the temperature hits 45 degrees, you will get whatever notifications you set up for temperature on your notification schedule.

Online, your MarCELL will indicate that the temperature is out of range by a red rectangle around the temperature reading on the “My Devices” page. You will not get another alarm until the temperature inside the cabin reaches 48 degrees (3 degrees above the set point).

If the inside temperature were to reach 48 degrees and then drop back below 45 again, you would receive another alarm.

The “My Devices” screen provides a dashboard for each MarCELL registered to your account, giving you a quick snapshot of the most recent readings. This dashboard is designed to provide all the important information you need at a glance.

Understanding the Status Colors

A colored rectangle in the top-right corner of the dashboard shows the overall status of the device. This same color-coding system is also used for the rectangles around individual readings for temperature, humidity, and power.

  • Green:     Everything is safe. Temperature and humidity are within their set ranges, and power is on.
  • Yellow:   A warning. Either the temperature or humidity is getting close (within 5 points) to its range setting.
  • Red:         An alert. Either the temperature or humidity is outside the safe range, or the power is out.

Real-Time Monitoring That Fits Your Budget

Your MarCELL cellular temperature monitor keeps a constant eye on conditions and sends you instant alerts if an alarm condition exists, ensuring you’re immediately aware of any critical issues.

To keep your monthly subscription fees affordable, MarCELL provides continuous monitoring with automatic data uploads every 15 minutes (5 minutes for MarCELL Pro) while you’re on the webpage or app. This approach gives you a steady stream of information while strategically limiting data usage to prevent the high costs associated with constant, real-time data uploads. By not forcing a high-frequency data plan on everyone, we provide a reliable, economical base service.

Pay-As-You-Go Instant Updates

We understand that not every customer needs a constant stream of data, but there are times when you need it right now. Our “Update Now” feature gives you the flexibility to get the very latest conditions on demand. For a small fee per update, you can instantly refresh your account, giving you complete control to get extra data only when you need it, without the commitment of a more expensive subscription. This pay-as-you-go system lets you tailor your monitoring to your exact needs.

General

The Marcell cellular temperature monitor operates wherever there is a cellular signal from the Verizon or AT&T 4G LTE networks. The specific coverage depends on the version you purchase.

  • The Verizon version works in the United States and Puerto Rico.
  • The AT&T version works in the United States, Canada, and Mexico

The Marcell monitor does not rely on a Wi-Fi or internet connection at the location being monitored, as it uses its own pre-activated cellular connection to send data and alerts.  

Our friendly customer service representatives can help you choose the correct device for you

 

 

MarCELL is a temperature gauge, humidity gauge, power line monitor and cell phone all rolled into one small package.

You just plug the device into an outlet in an area you want to monitor. It constantly measures temperature and humidity against a safe range that you specify.

If temperature or humidity go outside the safe range or power is lost to the outlet you have MarCELL plugged into, MarCELL immediately makes a cellular call to our server to report the issue.

The server then looks up whom you wanted notified in the event of a problem and takes the appropriate action.

If you need to move your MarCELL monitor or take it out of service for an extended period, it’s important to turn it off properly to avoid false “power lost” alerts.

To turn the MarCELL monitor off, simply unplug it from the wall outlet. Then, press and hold the button located on the front of the unit for 5 seconds or more. The LED lights will turn off, indicating the device is powered down. To restart monitoring, just plug the unit back in. This simple process prevents unnecessary alerts and lets you move your device without worry.

Subscription

Yes. MarCELL is a cellular connected device using Verizon and AT&T networks. Monthly plans start as low as $8.25/month.View plans here.

No. We have negotiated an agreement to operate on the largest carriers in North America (Verizon and AT&T) to provide the broadest coverage for the market.

So whether you are trying to protect your cabin in the woods or your boat at the marina, we have you covered. You can start and stop coverage for any month on our web site so you are only paying for the coverage you need, be it 1 month or year round.

MarCELL has arranged to connect through the largest wireless carriers to provide the broadest possible base of coverage in North America. We have also negotiated to provide this service at a very low price and without any long-term contract requirements. Our pricing is very affordable whether you are looking for just a month or two or opt for an annual plan. There are also many price breaks in-between so that you can only pay for the amount of coverage you need.

Unlike other temperature and humidity alarm systems on the market, we don’t need a landline or internet connection to communicate, meaning that you can turn these services off when you leave for the season. Since landline phone service can easily run $25/month and internet service can run another $25 to $50, on top of that, using MarCELL can actually save you $50/month or more in expenses. By constantly monitoring your property, it can also potentially avert a disaster that could cost you thousands of dollars or more.  You can view the subscription plans here.

No. Part of the beauty of MarCELL is that you can turn the cellular connection on and off on a monthly basis so you are only paying for the coverage you need when you need it. You can do this online at any time – quickly, easily and with no hassles.

Yes, this is possible with the Seasonal Plan. You would simply go online, register your MarCELL device and select the Seasonal Plan. Then select the date you want your “season” to start and for how many months you want MarCELL to be on duty.

After that is completed, you can then plug your MarCELL in either immediately or at any time before the season start date. When the season start date is reached, your credit card will be billed for the number of months selected and MarCELL® will be remotely activated.

The Month-to-Month and/or Annual plans, however, begin immediately once you enroll in them.

MarCELL NIST

The MarCELL NIST temperature probe is an advanced solution for monitoring temperature with exceptional accuracy and reliability. This specialized version of the standard MarCELL cellular temperature monitor ntegrates a high-quality digital temperature probe from our partners at Tel-Tru, a leader in precision instrumentation. This collaboration ensures that the MarCELL NIST not only provides the robust cellular monitoring capabilities you expect but also delivers consistently accurate temperature readings, meeting the rigorous standards of organizations requiring NIST traceability.

Unlike analog probes that can drift over time, the Tel-Tru digital probe included with the MarCELL NIST is engineered for long-term stability and precision. This digital technology eliminates the need for frequent recalibration, as the probe maintains its accuracy throughout its operational lifespan. Each probe comes pre-calibrated, and a certificate of calibration is provided, which can be easily downloaded from our website for your records. This certificate links the probe’s performance to national standards, giving you the confidence that your temperature data is verifiable and trustworthy for audits or compliance purposes.

The probe’s design is both durable and versatile. It features a stainless steel casing that protects the sensitive electronics from environmental factors, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from monitoring refrigerators and freezers to overseeing climate-controlled storage areas. The probe’s digital signal is resistant to electrical noise and interference, ensuring that the data transmitted to the MarCELL unit is clean and reliable. This is a critical advantage in industrial or laboratory settings where other electronic equipment might compromise the integrity of analog signals.

Setting up the MarCELL NIST with the Tel-Tru probe is straightforward. The probe connects directly to the MarCELL unit, and the system automatically recognizes and begins monitoring the temperature. You can then access real-time data, set up custom alerts for temperature fluctuations, and review historical logs through the MarCELL web portal or mobile app. The intuitive interface allows you to define acceptable temperature ranges and receive instant notifications via text message, email, or phone call if the temperature goes outside of these parameters. This proactive alerting system is essential for protecting valuable assets, whether they are pharmaceuticals, food products, or sensitive materials.

The combination of MarCELL’s reliable cellular connectivity and the Tel-Tru digital probe’s precision makes the MarCELL NIST a powerful tool for a variety of industries. For pharmacies and healthcare facilities, it helps maintain compliance with regulations for drug storage. In the food service industry, it ensures food safety and quality by continuously monitoring refrigeration units. Laboratories and research institutions rely on it to protect temperature-sensitive experiments and samples. The system’s ability to operate independently of a local Wi-Fi network is a significant advantage, providing uninterrupted monitoring even during power outages or internet service disruptions.

In summary, the MarCELL NIST temperature probe offers a premium monitoring solution by combining the strengths of two industry-leading companies. It provides the convenience and reliability of cellular monitoring with the accuracy of a digital probe. The pre-calibrated, NIST-traceable certificate ensures that your data is always credible, while the durable design and easy-to-use interface make it a practical choice for any application requiring precise temperature control. By choosing the MarCELL NIST, you are investing in a system that delivers peace of mind, knowing that your assets are protected and your data is consistently accurate.

Connection

No, the MarCELL monitor does not require you to use your existing cell phone plan.

Here’s why:

  • Independent Cellular Connection: The MarCELL device is a self-contained cellular modem. It comes with its own pre-activated SIM card and a dedicated cellular connection.
  • Separate Subscription: To operate, the device requires a separate subscription plan that you will activate when you register the MarCELL.  This subscription covers all data fees, alerts (text, email, and phone calls), and access to your historical data through the online dashboard.
  • No Wi-Fi or Phone Line Needed:6 The core advantage of the MarCELL is that it operates independently of any internet connection (Wi-Fi or broadband) or a landline phone at the monitored location. This is what allows it to send alerts even during a power outage when your home internet may be down.

You simply choose the device that works on the Verizon or AT&T network, whichever has better coverage in your area (wondering which one that is – ask us!), and the subscription plan you prefer (monthly, seasonal, or annual). The service is managed entirely by MarCELL and is separate from any personal cell phone plan you may have with a different provider.

 

Since MarCELL transmits minimal data, even in areas with marginal cellular coverage, a stable and reliable connection can typically be achieved.

MarCELL uses the largest cellular carriers in North America to provide the widest range of coverage. However, like any cell phone, there may be some places where cellular reception is not particularly strong.

Signal strength can also be affected by electrical interference, atmospheric conditions, network traffic, physical obstacles, etc. If your MarCELL fails to connect, the first thing to try is to move it to a different outlet in the house or structure you want to monitor.

Typically higher floors will have better reception than basements, etc. Also, large metal objects (like a refrigerator) could inhibit cellular signals from reaching the device so positioning it near a window may be better for reception.

If, after reorienting your MarCELL and trying different outlets in the structure you want to monitor, you are still unable to connect, please contact our support line.

 Your choice of cellular network for the MarCELL cellular temperature monitor depends primarily on where you intend to use it. The key difference is the geographic coverage provided by each model.

1. If you plan to use the monitor exclusively in the United States or Puerto Rico:

  • You can choose either the Verizon or the AT&T version.
  • The performance will depend on which network has stronger coverage at your specific location. It’s a good idea to check the coverage maps for both carriers in the area where the device will be placed.  Customer service has cell phone provider maps that they can check for you.

2. If you need coverage in Canada or Mexico:

  • You must choose the AT&T version.
  • The AT&T model is specifically designed to provide service in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
  • While the Verizon version can work temporarily in some parts of Canada (sometimes for up to 90 days), it is not officially supported for long-term use outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico. To ensure consistent and reliable monitoring, the AT&T model is the only recommended choice for Canadian or Mexican locations.

In summary:

  • For U.S. and Puerto Rico only: Verizon or AT&T
  • For Canada or Mexico: AT&T is the only reliable option.

     

Monitoring

No. Assuming you have one HVAC unit (heater/air conditioning unit) for your house, you would just place MarCELL in one of the rooms serviced by this HVAC unit.

If this room is within cellular range, then you know your HVAC system is working. If you have a large house, multi-tenant dwelling or large commercial building serviced by multiple HVAC units, you would want to place one MarCELL in every zone.

Absolutely. If, for example, you are a “snow bird” leaving your Florida condo in May and heading back to your home up north, you will want to move MarCELL to your Florida condo for the off season.

Since moving the device is so easy (just unplug the device, press the button on the top of the MarCELL, and then plug it back in), you have two options for this.

One would be to have a relative or neighbor unplug the unit and send it to you at the Florida condo so that you can plug it in before you leave. The other option is to wait until you arrive at your northern home and unplug the unit yourself, box it up and send it to a neighbor or your home watch to install in your Florida condo.

You can go online and change the temperature and humidity safe ranges to fit the new location as well as modify the notifications if you like. The other option would be to just have two MarCELL units and turn them on or off depending on the season.

RV

We have many customers who have inquired about using their MarCELL in a smaller vehicle or RV without standard electrical outlets. This can be done fairly easily by replacing the standard power adapter that comes with your MarCELL unit. Read below for additional information: Powering your MarCELL off of a “cigarette lighter / 12V port”. This method can be done in a car, boat, RV or any type of vehicle that has a standard 12V accessory port that looks like this:

Your MarCELL device requires 5V @ 2A power delivered via a 2.5mm x 5.5mm barrel connector. There are many adapters and cables which fit this specification available on Amazon and Ebay. The easiest way to find this combination is to get a Cigarette Lighter Socket to USB 5V adapter. Again, you need 2 amp minimum output on this adapter.

The following adapter is just one example of many available: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M6QODH2?aaxitk=csk8qWVHXp9qPabIpl3G7A

Note that many newer car models include USB power adapters already so depending on the vehicle, you may not even need this adapter. Just make sure the output of your USB connector is 5V (5 volts) at a minimum of 2A (a amps).

You then need a cable with a USB connector at one end and a 2.5mm / 5.5mm barrel connector at the other end. Here is just one example on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009JXJITS/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp_3?

So to power your MarCELL in your vehicle, you would simply replace the plug-in adapter which came with your MarCELL with a USB adapter and cable as outlined above. Your MarCELL would be powered by your vehicle’s battery and would report issues as usual. Note that the standard rules for locating your MarCELL (like not in direct sunlight) would still apply. Also, since warm air rises, locating the MarCELL higher in the vehicle (or at least at a height at or above the height of your pet) will give you a more accurate reading of what they are experiencing.

Not all 12V ports in a vehicle are powered when the vehicle engine is not running. Most late model vehicles have many power ports and only specific ports may remain powered once the engine is turned off. Before using your MarCELL in a vehicle, it would be wise to identify if you have a power port that remains powered once the engine is switched off . If you do, it is safest to use this port as the car battery would be able to power your MarCELL for very long periods of time.

Alternatives

Typical home watch services check your property once every week for ten days. What happens if you have an HVAC failure the day after their visit? It only takes a day or two in frigid weather for pipes to freeze.

In hot and humid environments (like a condo in Florida in the summer) toxic mold can begin to form in a matter of hours in the event of an Air Conditioner malfunction. MarCELL provides 24 hour service, and never takes a break. Why take a chance?

Unless your neighbor is checking your property several times a day and never takes a day off, no it isn’t enough.

Also, do you really want your neighbor in your house that often?

And, does your neighbor really want the responsibility of determining that all mechanical systems in your house are operational for the entire time you are away?

What if your neighbor slips and falls on your property while checking it? Do you want that liability?

Troubleshooting

First, check our app or website to see if you are receiving readings from your MarCELL. If you are, leave the device plugged in for at least 3 hours to allow the internal battery to recharge. The MarCELL should display a solid green or blue light once fully charged.

If you don’t see any current readings on the app or website, or if the light doesn’t turn solid green or blue, please contact our Support Line at 1.866.568.2770.

Power Outage

Your MarCELL monitor is designed to keep you informed, even when the power goes out. The device has a built-in, rechargeable battery that automatically takes over, allowing the unit to continue operating and sending alerts.

When the power fails, the MarCELL monitor waits ten seconds before sending out a power lost alert to all the contacts you’ve set up. This ensures you’re notified immediately of the outage. A fully charged battery will keep the device running for approximately 24 to 48 hours, giving you a wide window of time to address the situation.

Once power is restored, the device will send a power restored alert, and the internal battery will begin recharging. This seamless transition ensures there are no gaps in your monitoring, providing peace of mind during unexpected disruptions.

Since some areas of the country have power that is not very stable (many brownouts, etc.) we have set up MarCELL to ignore small power glitches and brown outs. The power needs to be off to the outlet for about 8–10 seconds for MarCELL to report it as a power outage.