Added Wifi to existing Mitsubishi Hi-Wall heatpump

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Added Wifi to existing Mitsubishi Hi-Wall heatpump

timbosan

2160 posts

Uber Geek

#320374 6-Aug-2025 14:04

Hey all, I have an existing unit - MSZ-GL50VGD - which I currently use a Sensibo for, which isn't that great and is just another box I need to plug-in and power. I understand the heatpump can take a Wifi module, specifically MAC-588IF-E.

I see some previous conversations about that module but it was for ducted heatpumps so thought it better to start a new thread :-)

Questions:
* are these Wifi modules any good? Anyone able to give insight into them?
* I see they are "installer only" - is that true? I am pretty good at DIY (rebuilding walls, electrical writing - not to the board!, etc.)
* Anywhere in NZ that isn't $$$$$? As noted in the other thread, AU prices are less than half of NZ prices.

Finally, is it worth it? I run Homekit and the Sensibo integration (native and Homebridge) is average at best. Controlling things like fan speed is a PITA. And I would prefer to move to integrated solutions rather than having boxes all over the place.

Backup solution if this is not a go-er is the new Aqara W100 + a M3 hub (which has IR). I have an M2 hub and the M3 is planned, so having the W100 would give a nice 'wall panel' look with physical controls and no cable.

Thanks all :-)

rscole86

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#3400350 6-Aug-2025 14:11

If you're slightly competent, they're very easy to self install.

The same goes for the DIY equivalent, which you'll see a few threads on. I've done both, both work well, I only went with the genuine article as I got a friend and family discount when installing heat pumps.

I run home assistant, both the genuine and DIY modules work well.

I was glad to be rid of the sensibo.

Senecio

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#3400352 6-Aug-2025 14:17

If its the same as the wifi module in the Mitsubishi heat pump in the house we bought recently then they are very good. I haven't tried to integrate it into Homekit or any other home automation application, I just use the App stand alone. I didn;t install it myself but from looking at the module I can't imagine it would be any harder than installer the Daikin units we have in our primary house. Just make sure you turn off the mains power at the circut board as there's plenty of main power stuff exposed beneath the covers where the wifi module plugs in.

Nate001

647 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3400360 6-Aug-2025 14:38

I usually love DIY alternatives, but in this case can vouch for the official module and app. For the non-tech people in your house you can still use the Mitsubishi app which can control every aspect. Also has built in timers to turn of in x minutes if you like. Schedules is also easy to use.

Integrates well into home assistant for easy control.

michaelmurfy

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#3400363 6-Aug-2025 14:41

I've installed the module on one of our heatpumps and it was super easy to install.

The app is good, is developed in New Zealand by a company based in Lower Hutt, Wellington. On top of this they have an API called "Echonet Lite" you can enable for third party integrations for Home Assistant or Homebridge.

There are methods of adding your own module to the heatpump using an ESP-01 or ESP32 but for the sake of WAF I opted for the official modules and have zero complaints.

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petearr

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#3400367 6-Aug-2025 14:44

Another DIY option is to just plug in an ESP32 and hook it up to homeassistant.

I have done this to mine and likely have a spare CN10 plug lying around if want one.

https://github.com/echavet/MitsubishiCN105ESPHome

SumnerBoy

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#3400376 6-Aug-2025 14:57

Yeah the ESP32 + DIY option is cheap and very effective if you are using Home Assistant. That's what I have done and it has never missed a beat.

mattwnz

20180 posts

Uber Geek

#3400385 6-Aug-2025 15:24

We have a Mitsubishi module in a Mitsubishi heat pump and it has been fairly reliable. Although it doesnt control all functions of the heat pump, such as far blow mode

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Kickinbac

433 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3400447 6-Aug-2025 19:33

DIY install is fairly easy, you need to take the whole plastic cover off the indoor unit to get to the circuit board to plug the module in. Turn the power off before playing but if I need to tell you that you shouldn’t be touching it!

I have a secondhand MAC-588 IF-E interface removed from a dead heat pump. PM me if your interested in buying it. I was thinking I’d put a Mitsi in one day but it will more likely be a Daikin 😀

Quinny

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#3400672 7-Aug-2025 12:34

I bought Sensibo for all my older Daikin and love them. The official Daikin modules were $300 each, and I needed 4. I spent about $250, and they all work so well. I can turn them on remotely, set on and off timers, and know the temperature in each room. It's been perfect for me. You sound like you tried them with HA, and while mine are on the HA dashboards, I mostly control via iPhone. I wanted schedules so I can have auto turn on when power is free at 9 pm and then off at midnight. Mine are all set in the schedule as I want (fan speed, direction, temp settings, etc.), and I leave it as is. Interesting to read someone who has been disappointed with this side, as for me, it was a game changer.

boosacnoodle

964 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3400683 7-Aug-2025 13:53

Had these included as part of my ducted heat pump install recently. The units themselves seem to work okay. There is a warning given that they can take up to a minute to update but in my (limited) experience it usually updates within about 10 seconds. ECHONETlite support works well with the Home Assistant HACS integration; however, it only works for the unit itself (not for the Lossnay, if you had one). The wifi modules installation complexity I'm not sure about but the modules themselves threw and absolute fit over having a 5GHZ network enabled with the same name. I'm surprised that this is still an issue in 2025 - they must be quite antiquated! I had to disable the 2.4GHz network to get them working.