[WTB] Sensibo for Smart Air Con

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Forums › Offers and Wanted › [WTB] Sensibo for Smart Air Con

gcorgnet

1078 posts

Uber Geek

#245222 24-Jan-2019 11:27

Hey guys,

Wouldn't mind having a crack at smartifying my old dumb Fujitsu heatpump but the price for a brand new Sensibo unit is above budget.

Anyone has a spare Unit they're not using?

Cheers

trig42

5796 posts

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#2166844 24-Jan-2019 11:56

I hope you find one, they are a good bit of tech. I upgraded to a Sensibo after using a Broadlink RM3 for a while (which was also OK - it was handy to be able to turn on/set the aircon when I wasn't home (or even from bed).

The Sensibo is better because if you (or someone else) happens to use the OEM remote, it will pick it up and keep it's state correct (and therefore, the App will know what the unit is doing). It also works with Alexa (which is the main reason I got one).

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eugeneykc

101 posts

Master Geek

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#2166869 24-Jan-2019 12:27

trig42:

I hope you find one, they are a good bit of tech. I upgraded to a Sensibo after using a Broadlink RM3 for a while (which was also OK - it was handy to be able to turn on/set the aircon when I wasn't home (or even from bed).

The Sensibo is better because if you (or someone else) happens to use the OEM remote, it will pick it up and keep it's state correct (and therefore, the App will know what the unit is doing). It also works with Alexa (which is the main reason I got one).

I have been investigating the following from Xiaomi. Would love to have someone to give one of these a go before I make my investment :)

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Original-Xiaomi-Mi-Universal-Intelligent-Smart-Remote-Controller-WIFI-IR-Switch-360degree-Smart-Home-Automation-Mi/32847815778.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Xiaomi-mijia-Aqara-air-conditioning-Companion-gateway2-work-with-Humanbody-window-door-sensor-smart-conditioner-mihome/32932216073.html

I have various other Xiaomi products at home, and they integrate really well with my Google Home Ecosystem, I just hope to see how reliable does the IR work with Air Con.

gcorgnet

1078 posts

Uber Geek

#2166925 24-Jan-2019 13:06

trig42:

I hope you find one, they are a good bit of tech. I upgraded to a Sensibo after using a Broadlink RM3 for a while (which was also OK - it was handy to be able to turn on/set the aircon when I wasn't home (or even from bed).

The Sensibo is better because if you (or someone else) happens to use the OEM remote, it will pick it up and keep it's state correct (and therefore, the App will know what the unit is doing). It also works with Alexa (which is the main reason I got one).

Cheers. I'm in it for a full on Home Assistant integration for which I think being able to manage state (which Sensibo does) is crucial. Home Assistant does support Sensibo so that seems like a hassle free option

Jaxson

8006 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2166948 24-Jan-2019 13:53

eugeneykc:

I have various other Xiaomi products at home, and they integrate really well with my Google Home Ecosystem,

Interesting to hear this. When I looked at their sensors and stuff a while back it relied on the Xiaomi app and had issues when run outside of China.

eugeneykc

101 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

#2167200 24-Jan-2019 22:01

Jaxson:

eugeneykc:

I have various other Xiaomi products at home, and they integrate really well with my Google Home Ecosystem,

Interesting to hear this. When I looked at their sensors and stuff a while back it relied on the Xiaomi app and had issues when run outside of China.

I set all app to use the China region server, and all my devices are working fine. Then I added Mi Home to my Google Home, and they work together well.

ashtonaut

614 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2167269 25-Jan-2019 06:55

trig42:
The Sensibo is better because if you (or someone else) happens to use the OEM remote, it will pick it up and keep it's state correct (and therefore, the App will know what the unit is doing). It also works with Alexa (which is the main reason I got one).

I’m curious - how does this functionality work? Does it rely on intercepting IR commands from the OEM remote?

fearandloathing

497 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#2167271 25-Jan-2019 07:13

gcorgnet:
Hey guys,

Wouldn't mind having a crack at smartifying my old dumb Fujitsu heatpump but the price for a brand new Sensibo unit is above budget.

Anyone has a spare Unit they're not using?

Cheers

Harvey Norman have it on sale at the moment
https://www.harveynorman.co.nz/home-appliances/heating-and-cooling/heat-pumps-and-air-conditioners/sensibo-sky-wifi-heat-pump-controller.html

sbiddle

30853 posts

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Biddle Corp

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#2167278 25-Jan-2019 08:00

ashtonaut:
trig42:

The Sensibo is better because if you (or someone else) happens to use the OEM remote, it will pick it up and keep it's state correct (and therefore, the App will know what the unit is doing). It also works with Alexa (which is the main reason I got one).

I’m curious - how does this functionality work? Does it rely on intercepting IR commands from the OEM remote?

Yes.

I don't have one buy know somebody who does. I've only got a Broadlink myself which does what I want but I've still never managed to get Google Assistant integration working correctly. I can turn the unit on/off by voice, but can't get it to change settings or go to a correct heating/cooling setting via voice.

The Sensibo really is just the benchmark when it comes to IR controllers, but has a price tag to go with it!

ashtonaut

614 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2167354 25-Jan-2019 11:04

OK, so on that basis I assume the sensibo needs to be physically located in proximity to the main unit, otherwise it won’t be able to sniff the IR commands from the main remote.

trig42

5796 posts

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#2167357 25-Jan-2019 11:11

ashtonaut: OK, so on that basis I assume the sensibo needs to be physically located in proximity to the main unit, otherwise it won’t be able to sniff the IR commands from the main remote.

Yes, and since it uses IR to control you Air Con, this shouldn't be an issue (placing it close to the unit).

It is USB powered, and just sticks to the wall, ideally below your Aircon unit.

gehenna

8435 posts

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#2167363 25-Jan-2019 11:15

ashtonaut: OK, so on that basis I assume the sensibo needs to be physically located in proximity to the main unit, otherwise it won’t be able to sniff the IR commands from the main remote.

Correct. Personally I'd go with a product like Sensibo that is known to work well with a variety of heat pumps. I managed to get my Logitech Harmony Hub to control my Fujitsu, but it's a bit limited. I had to learn the commands from the remote, and even then some of them just don't work. I can turn it off and on just fine, and change the fan speed, but other than that it's limited. So I guess the Xiaomi looks like it's similar in how it would work to the Harmony.

lachlanw

149 posts

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#2167719 26-Jan-2019 08:40

Hi I've got a spare unopened sensibo sky. $150 freight included.