Question: Do the controls for this sauna heater have a pre-set switch in order to turn it on in advance?
Answer: No. You would have to go with the SBA Avalon sauna heater if you wanted to stick with the Avalon brand.

Question: Do the controls have to be mounted on the outside of the sauna?
Answer: Yes, the sauna heater controls have to be mounted on the outside of the sauna within a relatively short distance from the sauna heater.

Question: Why do the controls have to be within a fairly short distance from the sauna heater?
Answer: Because there is a liquid filled tubing that has a capillary bulb at the end of it that needs to be mounted above the heater and  6” from the ceiling on the inside of the sauna. You also need to make sure to avoid sharp bends in the tubing to prevent damage to the tube and the liquid inside.