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Turning a dumb AC unit smart (without losing my security deposit)

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Re: Turning a dumb AC unit smart (without losing my security deposit)

#41

Post by lstodd »

Guvante wrote: post #25
lstodd wrote: post #19

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It always blows my mind why those rich people even bother with TVs. I'm not rich by any measure, but still I can afford a projector, a screen and a couple KRK monitors.

Multi use rooms require TVs. Projectors cannot handle ambient light without being a fire hazard.

If you are rich you have single-use rooms. Hell, even I have a sleeping room, a cat room and a hacking room. It's not that expensive. The cat room doubles as a mini-cinema.

Ambient light is dealt with having nice thick blackout drapes.

This is not some rocket science, it was done for like a hundred years.

edit: actually in my former apartment I just bought a roll-down projector screen that completely covered the window. pull down - zero ambient light even in full sunshine.

Re: Turning a dumb AC unit smart (without losing my security deposit)

#42

Post by Terr_ »

QuercusMax wrote: post #22
EvanAnderson wrote: post #13

The "couple a stepper motor to a shaft" API is so much better than any "smart" appliance API. Speaking more seriously, I wish classes of appliances would expose some simple analog and digital interface pins in a standardized configuration to let users choose whatever automation or monitoring hardware they want. HVAC equipment does this with standardized thermostat terminals. I'd love to see that on other types of app…

Exactly. I don't want a "smart" washer / dryer / fridge / toaster. I want a standard interface I can build my own system around, or use someone else's that they've already built.

I wish lock-in was as taboo as medieval Christian attitudes towards usury.

Re: Turning a dumb AC unit smart (without losing my security deposit)

#43

Post by tentacleuno »

danudey wrote: post #18
scottlamb wrote: post #4

> The rest of this blog post is a walkthrough of a software engineer’s approach to home automation and building custom hardware, and let me tell you: both the final product, and the journey to get there, are hella jank. IMHO it's not that bad? With the disclaimer that I'm also a software engineer who dabbles very very lightly with electronics and has no mechanical engineering expertise. But the overall approach of do…

It does feel hella jank, but it's pretty obvious from the tone of the text that the author is fully aware of that. He went through every available option in order from reasonable to jank and this is the first one that worked. There's nothing wrong with jank as long as it's not going to burn your house down the way some of his other rejected ideas would have.

I'm curious: what other ideas did the author have, and why were they rejected? I can't find anything on their website.

Re: Turning a dumb AC unit smart (without losing my security deposit)

#44

Post by throwway120385 »

itslennysfault wrote: post #9
Reason077 wrote: post #6

Instead of attaching the motor bracket with a binder clip, consider sticking it down with some sort of removable adhesive? 3M command strips should be very strong/secure, while also allowing for adjustment and will detach without residue when the time comes.

I'd cut a block of wood to fit snuggly to the left of the knob, wedge it in place and screw the stepper in to that. .....or just screw into the AC unit somewhere discrete and hope no one notices.

Just putty over it and get a slightly matching high-gloss or semi-gloss enamel and nobody will notice it. I've put tons of holes in things in rentals over the years and basically nobody will care as long as you restore it to like condition when you leave.

Re: Turning a dumb AC unit smart (without losing my security deposit)

#45

Post by Rebelgecko »

EvanAnderson wrote: post #13

The "couple a stepper motor to a shaft" API is so much better than any "smart" appliance API. Speaking more seriously, I wish classes of appliances would expose some simple analog and digital interface pins in a standardized configuration to let users choose whatever automation or monitoring hardware they want. HVAC equipment does this with standardized thermostat terminals. I'd love to see that on other types of app…

Nowadays it's surprisingly easy to vibecode replacements to some shitty OEM apps (and fix bugs while you're at it). I've had pretty good luck with BT devices, even ones that dont use standard GATTs

Re: Turning a dumb AC unit smart (without losing my security deposit)

#47

Post by pudgywalsh »

I can't offer praise for controlling a mechanical thermostat with a poorly-implemented software thermostat.

If this was a remote control knob it might begin to make sense, but it isn't.

A NYC apartment with a 115V PTAC is by definition the size of a shoebox, is twisting a knob twice a day really that much of a burden?

Re: Turning a dumb AC unit smart (without losing my security deposit)

#48

Post by mardef »

andix wrote: post #39
mardef wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I use http://getmysa.com for this. they have their own app and scheduling, but i just automate mine via homeassistant

This doesn't look like it can control the AC unit via infrared. How did you solve that part?

They have a version for mini-splits that is an ir blaster.

Re: Turning a dumb AC unit smart (without losing my security deposit)

#49

Post by post_break »

arikrak wrote: post #36
post_break wrote: post #8

Assuming running a dual hose inverter portable AC isn't against the lease agreement it would probably pay for itself based on the power usage. Pretty neat hack regardless.

Portable ACs are generally less efficient than regular window ACs and PTAC units since the compressor is inside the room.

Yes, except for dual hose inverter ones.

Re: Turning a dumb AC unit smart (without losing my security deposit)

#50

Post by vel0city »

lstodd wrote: post #41
Guvante wrote: post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Multi use rooms require TVs. Projectors cannot handle ambient light without being a fire hazard.

If you are rich you have single-use rooms. Hell, even I have a sleeping room, a cat room and a hacking room. It's not that expensive. The cat room doubles as a mini-cinema. Ambient light is dealt with having nice thick blackout drapes. This is not some rocket science, it was done for like a hundred years. edit: actually in my former apartment I just bought a roll-down projector screen that completely covered the wind…

Lots of people (even exceptionally wealthy ones) don't want to always have to go to the theater room to go watch something. Lots of people like having the TV on in the same way one might think about having a radio on, its not necessarily a thing they're exclusively focused on.

Take a look at this house:

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/5619-Walnut-Hill-Ln-Dalla...?

Sure, it has a theater room with probably an incredible projector I'd imagine. It also has a bar with a big TV behind it. It also has a game room with several TVs mounted on the walls. In both of those situations, you wouldn't really want a projection setup. A brighter TV wins out in the end.

I've seen lots of TVs mounted in outdoor living room/kitchen arrangements. They're common to find in living rooms even for people who have separate theater rooms. I've seen them mounted in garages. TVs have uses other than just pure cinematic experiences. And I say that as someone who has personally pushed TV watching to an exclusive space in my home and made a point to not have TVs everywhere. Other people like different things.

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