$20 WiFi + IR switch vs $199 Sensibo (for airconditioners)

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › $20 WiFi + IR switch vs $199 Sensibo (for airconditioners)

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#2483380 14-May-2020 08:58

sbiddle:
I've had a Broadlink mini for years and wrote a big blog post about them when I got mine. IMHO it works brilliantly and it's $20ish, but it's no $200 unit.

If you want all the functionality as discussed above them a Sensibo is the smart option. If you just want something to turn the heatpump on by scheduled timer or of/off remotely the Broadlink is a bargain.

Thanks.
Have you got a link to the blog post?

jonb

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#2483435 14-May-2020 09:59

There is this thread about it too: https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=73&topicid=214635

trig42

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#2483566 14-May-2020 11:06

+1 for Sensibo.

I got a deal on one so grabbed it, and wouldn't go back. I did have a Broadlink, and it was OK, but the Broadlink app is awful and it was really just on and off. What I like about Sensibo is that I can tell from anywhere what state the Aircon is running in (eg. the wife has got home and turned it on using the remote, so I don't need to).

Works pretty well with Alexa too.

timmmay

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#2483610 14-May-2020 11:16

trig42:

but the Broadlink app is awful and it was really just on and off

The app isn't great, but it does the basics like on, off, mode (heat / cool), temperature, and fan speed.

danepak

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#2483632 14-May-2020 12:01

timmmay:

trig42:

but the Broadlink app is awful and it was really just on and off

The app isn't great, but it does the basics like on, off, mode (heat / cool), temperature, and fan speed.

Could you via Alexa programme it, so at least while you're home, you don't need to use the app.

E.g.: Alexa, heat pump on.

Alexa, heat pump off.

Alexa, heat pump 22 degrees.

Alexa heat pump fan speed 4.

timmmay

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#2483674 14-May-2020 12:57

danepak:

Could you via Alexa programme it, so at least while you're home, you don't need to use the app.

E.g.: Alexa, heat pump on.

Alexa, heat pump off.

Alexa, heat pump 22 degrees.

Alexa heat pump fan speed 4.

No idea, I don't know anything about Alexa. I just set up a schedule for on / off temperatures in the app and pretty much leave it alone.

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danepak

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#2483768 14-May-2020 13:48

OK, thanks.

I've also got a Logitech Harmony Hub, but this is in our rumpus room (and not in sight of the livingroom), so I assume it's of no use.

I use it for a TV and Android TV box in the rumpus room (for Alexa connectivity and also to change channels with the smart phone).

If the Broadlink still gives me all the basic requirements, such as turning on/off, temperature change, heat/cool and fan speed (and programming + voice control too), then I'm pretty sure that it cover my needs.

I've seen a Broadlink RM4 Mini for $20 incl. shipping. Think I'll give it a go and if it works well, I'll get a 2nd one for the aircon upstairs.

timmmay

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#2483852 14-May-2020 15:49

You can't expect too much from a $20 device. It will do the basics, timer, but voice control and programming you'd be lucky. It even gets the basics wrong regularly - like I mentioned earlier, around daylight savings change it can't even have the timer work properly, the app just goes completely screwy and won't let you set times.

hairy1

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#2483892 14-May-2020 16:56

I have a broadlink integrated into Home Assistant with the Broadlink component. Works brilliantly. I added a couple of 433 MHz sensors which record the state of the heatpump via the fins. If someone turns the heatpump on or off with the original remote Home Assistant is updated with the new state.

To be fair it has taken a bit of work to get to this point but I wouldn't have it any other way now. Home Assistant gets more amazing by the day...

If you are not technically minded then Sensibo all the way. If you like fiddling then Broadlink....

Cheers, Matt.

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Batwing

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#2483896 14-May-2020 17:05

I've been using broadlink controlled via homeassistant for a long time. It's pretty much only good for on off with older Mitsubishi heat pump. I also use the broadlink for TV + HT controls. It actually works every key press when the heat pump remote sometimes required one to wake and one to work. We never change temperature so it's perfectly adequate.

That being said, I could probably use BT sensors dotted about the place to automate it better I'm just not inclined to for a button that might get pressed 2-4 times a day tops.

hairy1

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#2483897 14-May-2020 17:10

I'm using Node Red to automate mornings. On weekday mornings at 6 am Home assistant checks the house temperature. If it is below 20 degrees it turns the heat pump on. Turns off at 8 am.

I could have it turn off if no-one is home however haven't got around to it.

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danepak

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#3107739 24-Jul-2023 23:49

I’m considering the Sensibo Air again, but one thing I don’t get is that it has temperature sensor.
We’ll, so has my aircon.

If I set the aircon on 20, it stays approx at 20 degrees.

I get the smart thing around the automation and geo sensing, but I don’t understand why the sensor thing that it comes with is so special. If you didn’t need the automation, would it then be worth it?

michaelmurfy

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#3107741 25-Jul-2023 00:44

Think of it... if it didn't have a temperature sensor how would the app know what your room temperature is given there is no 2 way communication between the Sensibo and your Heatpump?

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danepak

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#3107812 25-Jul-2023 10:46

michaelmurfy:
Think of it... if it didn't have a temperature sensor how would the app know what your room temperature is given there is no 2 way communication between the Sensibo and your Heatpump?

Yep, I get that.
Just trying to see if it’s worth purchasing.
I can already now set the room temperature to (let’s say 20) on the remote and it will stay on 20 degrees.

I can’t however set a timer or geo fence.
I can’t turn it on or off either, if I’m not home.
For that I would need the Sensibo.

Is that basically it?

snofil

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#3108094 25-Jul-2023 21:20

These work pretty well and only $20 for the sensor version. They can then be controlled through Home Assistant too.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOdViQ6

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