4 ms·

I just got some new air conditioners for the shelter-in-place summer, and I'd like to control them from a central thermostat, but it's annoying that the remote

by p1mrx 7y ago

I just got some new air conditioners for the shelter-in-place summer, and I'd like to control them from a central thermostat, but it's annoying that the remote sends "next mode" or "toggle power", with no way to jump to a known state. The cool/fan/dehumidify/heat mode is indicated with a vertical column of LEDs (EdgeStar AP14001HS), so I can probably stick a photocell at the top, and have a program repeatedly send "mode" while watching the brightness level, to deduce the state and stop on the correct one. The fan speed uses a different column of LEDs, but stopping on "dehumidify" forces the fan to low. The temperature can be set blindly because it stops at the minimum/maximum value. I haven't actually tried to build anything yet, but it at least seems possible using a Raspberry Pi with 1 analog photocell and 1 IR transmitter.

danimal88 7y ago
We make a smart thermostat for minisplits using IR (flair.co/products/puck). We have solved for state problems but some brands were such a PITA!
- p1mrx 7y ago
  According to [1], Flair doesn't work with stateless remotes, and EdgeStar is not on the manufacturer list. My units are dual-hose portables, because I can't put equipment outside the building. [1] https://support.flair.co/hc/en-us/articles/360004153852-Can-I-check-my-remote-control-to-see-if-my-AC-or-Mini-Split-works-with-Flair- https://support.flair.co/hc/en-us/articles/360004153852-Can-...
tylergetsay 7y ago
Monitoring the current draw may give some clues
bobf 7y ago
Unless you really want to dive into building it for fun, check out the Sensibo Sky. If your unit is compatible, I think that's the way to go. I honestly think they're slightly overpriced for what they are, even on sale, but I've also bought 4 and have been very happy. Basically you get all the control/features you want by app or API, based on the unit's thermostat and hygrometer. Remote control, scheduling, auto on/off based on your location if you want that, and the big thing for me: programmable event control with any settings (cool/dry/fan at X degrees and Y strength/angle). I mostly use the temperature based on/off programability because that feels the most like a traditional central air to me. I usually do: "when temperature is >24C, turn unit on to cool 20C medium fan strength" and "when temperature is <23C, turn unit off".
- p1mrx 7y ago
  How does Sensibo handle the state synchronization problem? I would happily pay for something that works, but throwing state-dependent IR codes into the void is a recipe for pain.

by p1mrx 7y ago

danimal88 7y ago

We make a smart thermostat for minisplits using IR (flair.co/products/puck). We have solved for state problems but some brands were such a PITA!

p1mrx 7y ago
According to [1], Flair doesn't work with stateless remotes, and EdgeStar is not on the manufacturer list. My units are dual-hose portables, because I can't put equipment outside the building. [1] https://support.flair.co/hc/en-us/articles/360004153852-Can-I-check-my-remote-control-to-see-if-my-AC-or-Mini-Split-works-with-Flair- https://support.flair.co/hc/en-us/articles/360004153852-Can-...

tylergetsay 7y ago

Monitoring the current draw may give some clues

bobf 7y ago

Unless you really want to dive into building it for fun, check out the Sensibo Sky. If your unit is compatible, I think that's the way to go. I honestly think they're slightly overpriced for what they are, even on sale, but I've also bought 4 and have been very happy. Basically you get all the control/features you want by app or API, based on the unit's thermostat and hygrometer. Remote control, scheduling, auto on/off based on your location if you want that, and the big thing for me: programmable event control with any settings (cool/dry/fan at X degrees and Y strength/angle). I mostly use the temperature based on/off programability because that feels the most like a traditional central air to me. I usually do: "when temperature is >24C, turn unit on to cool 20C medium fan strength" and "when temperature is <23C, turn unit off".

p1mrx 7y ago
How does Sensibo handle the state synchronization problem? I would happily pay for something that works, but throwing state-dependent IR codes into the void is a recipe for pain.