IR for heatpump

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pbolger

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Topic # 189301 23-Dec-2015 10:54

I'd like to turn out Panasonic heat pump on and off with a timer. The only way to control it is via IR. What's the best way to achieve this? One idea would be to use a Logitech Harmony hub, but would it work (and, having had previous experience with Logitech remotes how painful would the experience be?)

Any other approaches would be welcome.

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Reply # 1455949 23-Dec-2015 12:33

I had an ambition a few years back build a web-accessible controller for mine.
Never got too far with it but I did manage to use an Arduino and IR sensor to capture and 'learn' the codes from the remote. Then later attached an IR led to the Arduino and 'played back' the code and managed to successfully switch on the (Fujitsu) heatpump with it, so it can be done.

Since then Fujitsu have released a 'IR blaster' type device that does exactly what i was trying to achieve. Bit too pricey though and I'd lost interest, but Panasonic may have similar that meets your needs.

Most of the trouble in the world is caused by people wanting to be important. (T.S. Eliot)

tchart

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Reply # 1455952 23-Dec-2015 12:40

Orvibo Allone? People have had mixed reports on them for heat pumps. I've got one in preparation for our new house heat pumps.

I've been hacking the software and am now able to send my own IR commands.

tchart

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Reply # 1455954 23-Dec-2015 12:43

Forgot to mention the Allone is around $50 off eBay, gearbest etc. The app has scheduling capabilities.

timmmay

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Reply # 1455958 23-Dec-2015 12:45

Read this almost identical thread, then buy these Broadlink RM Pro (alternate site). The app is typical of cheap Chinese electronics - works ok once you work it out. I have two, I can control my Daikin and Fujitsu heat pumps from anywhere, set up a timer, and they can control many other things via IR.

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richms

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Reply # 1455963 23-Dec-2015 13:18

Mini K pro off aliexpress gives me phone app control of the heatpumps - Also has a switched AC socket on it. Was around $20.

Not looked into the timer features of the app yet, Brand detection worked on it, they dont seem to call fujitsu that over there, but it found it as something else. Only lacks the "powerful" button off the real remote which overrides the fan speed for a short time which I use often, but turning it on earlier on low gets the room cool before I am home anyway.

Richard rich.ms

Mattmannz

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Reply # 1455964 23-Dec-2015 13:21

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I have the Pebble Air which is NZ made and works well. Good support.

timmmay

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Reply # 1455968 23-Dec-2015 13:23

richms: Mini K pro off aliexpress gives me phone app control of the heatpumps - Also has a switched AC socket on it. Was around $20.

Not looked into the timer features of the app yet, Brand detection worked on it, they dont seem to call fujitsu that over there, but it found it as something else. Only lacks the "powerful" button off the real remote which overrides the fan speed for a short time which I use often, but turning it on earlier on low gets the room cool before I am home anyway.

Does it control via IR? Can't read any of the description. Found it here. The Broadlink I linked to works fine.

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timmmay

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Reply # 1455970 23-Dec-2015 13:25

Mattmannz: I have the Pebble Air which is NZ made and works well. Good support.

I looked at the big name things, but they're often US$200 each, instead of $30 for the cheap Chinese one I used.

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richms

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Reply # 1455977 23-Dec-2015 13:43

timmmay:
richms: Mini K pro off aliexpress gives me phone app control of the heatpumps - Also has a switched AC socket on it. Was around $20.

Not looked into the timer features of the app yet, Brand detection worked on it, they dont seem to call fujitsu that over there, but it found it as something else. Only lacks the "powerful" button off the real remote which overrides the fan speed for a short time which I use often, but turning it on earlier on low gets the room cool before I am home anyway.

Does it control via IR? Can't read any of the description. Found it here. The Broadlink I linked to works fine.

The pro does, its the black one, IR transparent plastic with the LEDs and sensor inside it. That link is to the normal one. Aliexpress copy and paste seller strikes again..

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jnimmo

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Reply # 1456017 23-Dec-2015 14:33

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I really like my Tado Smart AC Control
Geo-fencing works well so when I'm on my way home from work it will turn on the unit to cool or heat the house
Multiple schedules etc

Has some IFTTT support and believe has a pretty cool roadmap too

https://www.tado.com/en/

kemosabe

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Reply # 1515233 17-Mar-2016 23:09

jnimmo: I really like my Tado Smart AC Control
Geo-fencing works well so when I'm on my way home from work it will turn on the unit to cool or heat the house
Multiple schedules etc

Has some IFTTT support and believe has a pretty cool roadmap too

https://www.tado.com/en/

Just dragging up an old thread sorry. Looking to grab a Tado Smart AC Control or Sensibo for the Winter. Havent decided which yet, not much in the way of reviews on the net that give any comparison. Anyway I wonder if you could comment the line of site IR with the Tago. I dont really have anywhere I can mount the Tado that is the opposite side of the room facing the heatpump, so was wondering if you think it would work mounted at 90 degrees on a side wall about 2-3 meters out from the Heatpump?

Seems the Sensibo doesnt need power and will go directly on the A/C so no issue with line of sight, but think I prefer the manual controls of the Tado even though I plan to control 90% of the time with an Echo.

Cheers.

lxsw20

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Reply # 1515234 17-Mar-2016 23:13

Mattmannz: I have the Pebble Air which is NZ made and works well. Good support.

This is what Fujitsu NZ seem to supply as their smart solution. It works pretty well over LAN and Internet. The only issue with IR really is there is no feedback. So say if you turn it on using the Pebble App, then someone at home turns it off using the remote, the Pebble has no way to know this and shows the unit as still being on.

jnimmo

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Reply # 1515278 18-Mar-2016 06:42

Tado IR blaster works very well, having said that I removed the piece of plastic over the IR on our heat pump a few years ago as it must have been poorly designed (the factory remote only worked from this special exact angle which always confused visitors.)
Currently mounted near the TV so has a side shot to the heat pump.

Edit: in theory they are meant to be adding HomeKit support one day, I have to say the development speed has felt fairly slow in terms of what they promised on Kickstarter, but this week I've loved getting home and the AC already turned on during my trip home.

I still want to build some energy saving stuff into it like checking what the dew point is and making sure it tries to turn on long enough before temperature gets to dew point outside (so it doesn't have to work as hard at dew point ), but who knows if that would work or be possible to develop!

timmmay

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Reply # 1515280 18-Mar-2016 07:04

Don't discount the ones I linked to. Sure they're not quite as capable, and the UI is a bit funky, but the price is 15% of the big players.

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JeremyNzl

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Reply # 1515328 18-Mar-2016 08:54

lxsw20:

Mattmannz: I have the Pebble Air which is NZ made and works well. Good support.

This is what Fujitsu NZ seem to supply as their smart solution. It works pretty well over LAN and Internet. The only issue with IR really is there is no feedback. So say if you turn it on using the Pebble App, then someone at home turns it off using the remote, the Pebble has no way to know this and shows the unit as still being on.

The Pebble has a tempreture sensor , which displays the realtime location temp in the app, I think, your right about lack of confirmation.

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