Summer project - Home Assistant control of Aircon and free PCB's

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Summer project - Home Assistant control of Aircon and free PCB's

prob

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#311129 16-Dec-2023 18:36

Aiming to tame my Panasonic aircon units. There are several githubs out there with libraries that allow you to control the units via a serial port using an ESP32 type chip. This project seemed particularly well designed as it uses ESPhome so I ordered some PCBs and other parts.

https://www.espthings.io/index.php/2023/09/02/esphome-panasonic-climate-interface/

For some reason 20 pcbs turned up in the post (!) so happy to send some out for free to anyone interested as I only need 3.

Be careful with connectors. You will need a 2 mm spacing connector with a 'lip' to allow it to click into place (i.e. a PA 2.0mm PAP and not the one in the photo). I will see if I can hot glue the one I have into place.

Anyway - message me and perhaps we can share tips.

prob

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Master Geek
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#3179466 9-Jan-2024 18:54

Nearly there. PCB is populated and ESP32 is programmed.

I am stymied getting into the air con unit. It looks so easy in the following video and the maintenance manual.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjAy8TEhOv4&t=53s

I have removed the screws that are identified but the outside 'shell' won't come free and I am reluctant to force it.

Anyone out there with aircon experience who can assist?

Thanks in advance.

rscole86

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#3179478 9-Jan-2024 19:34

Do you have an installers manual for your heat pump?

On all of the Mitsubishi units I've had it's needed brute force after removing all of the screws. It also helps to have a flat head screwdriver to get some leverage.

prob

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#3179481 9-Jan-2024 19:42

Yep, manual says that it comes away with gentle pressure, but its not budging.

pih

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#3189758 2-Feb-2024 22:56

How did you go with this? Do you happen to still have some PCB's? I'm interested in trying, I think I have one of the same models as you posted above in the manual, plus a larger unit.

prob

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#3190031 3-Feb-2024 18:38

Had a go at getting the cover off but became concerned I might crack the plastic so have given up for the moment. Have lots of pcb's so message me your address... Perhaps you will be more successful and we can share intel.

Regards

boosacnoodle

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#3190033 3-Feb-2024 18:49

I would be very happy to receive one of these. Been looking to order but did not know the correct params to put. While I have experience with ESPHome, I mostly just used the M5stack Atom which just ... goes, with USB-C.

If you would like, I can film the disassembly (albeit, it's model specific). You really need the "Service Manual".

Be warned - on my model at least, it's extremely fiddly (especially at these tend to be mounted on high walls) and involves coming into close contact with the mains electricity, but it's not particularly hard either (just lengthy). I installed mine the first time which took me probably over an hour and then when the Wi-Fi unit failed a technician installed it in about 5 minutes.

Lego

Shop now for Lego sets and other gifts (affiliate link).

prob

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#3190050 3-Feb-2024 20:15

Any assistance appreciated.

Message me your address.

boosacnoodle

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#3252879 25-Jun-2024 08:26

Hey mate, PM'ed you. Did you manage to get it sorted out?

For those following along, Panasonic has become a bit hostile towards people using third-party integrations. Looks like a direct or IR integration might be the only sustainable solution going forward.

sir1963

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#3252890 25-Jun-2024 09:08

boosacnoodle:

Hey mate, PM'ed you. Did you manage to get it sorted out?

For those following along, Panasonic has become a bit hostile towards people using third-party integrations. Looks like a direct or IR integration might be the only sustainable solution going forward.

I war the IR route with a Sensibo to link into my Apple HomeKit.

On/Off, and temp works fine, but no fan speed control (HomeKit limitation vs Sensibo App). However it starts up before I get up, stops when I leave the house.