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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)

#61

Post by yegle »

danudey wrote: post #17
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…

It always kind of blows my mind that I keep seeing "smart TVs" which have a bunch of integration options for high-end AV installations (rich people's houses, etc.) but no API that you can integrate with to just handle toggling channels/inputs/power states/volumes. (I did get my last Sony Bravia integrated with Homekit so that I could control inputs, volume, etc. via the Home app, but that's not really what I'm lookin…

I think the standard control for TV is the RS-232C port on the TV.

https://community.home-assistant.io/t/serial-projector-contr... from a quick search.

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

#62

Post by inigyou »

a-dub wrote: post #31
EvanAnderson wrote: post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The lack of feedback from the AC unit makes using a switched outlet potentially problematic. You really need to know the state of the compressor cycling before you go mucking with turning it on and off. (At least this was the case with the refrigeration compressors I am familiar with from my youth.) A current sensor could provide feedback but that goes beyond a regular smart switch.

i don't think that's true. i still have a thinkeco ac modlet that coned sent me years ago as part of some kind of "make your ac smart" promotion. if you turn those knobs to the off position while the compressor is running, does it actually go into some kind of orderly shutdown or does it abruptly cut power to the compressor?

I don't think its the shutdown that's the problem but the restart. If I fiddle with the thermostat on my fridge, it turns off in one direction, but if I turn it all the opposite way it won't come back on for a few minutes. I think this is the relevant interlock. Something about letting pressure equalize.

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

#63

Post by inigyou »

sublinear wrote: post #56

I'm pretty sure doing janky things to the AC you don't own is a lease violation. I'd gladly let them keep the security deposit so that evil companies like RealPage don't blacklist me.

You have to learn to ignore what the rules say and go after the practical reality. How will the landlord know you did this? They won't.

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

#64

Post by inigyou »

arikrak wrote: post #27

Another option would be to install a smart timer in the outlet. However, you need to ensure that the heat won't automatically go on when the device is turned off, and sometimes the outlets are non-standard formats.

TFA mentions this.

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

#65

Post by closeparen »

danudey wrote: post #17
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…

It always kind of blows my mind that I keep seeing "smart TVs" which have a bunch of integration options for high-end AV installations (rich people's houses, etc.) but no API that you can integrate with to just handle toggling channels/inputs/power states/volumes. (I did get my last Sony Bravia integrated with Homekit so that I could control inputs, volume, etc. via the Home app, but that's not really what I'm lookin…

In the professional A/V integration world, it's normal for displays and projectors to have serial port interfaces that can be driven by commands from e.g. a Crestron controller or video switcher. Just not as much of a home/consumer thing.

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

#66

Post by gwbas1c »

I don't understand why he can't just connect / disconnect the power? The thermostat is a bi-metallic strip.

Assuming the thermostat is controlling 120V AC:

1: There are plenty of cheap wireless thermostats for AC that you can buy off of Amazon. I have two, and they work great with space heaters.

2: You can use a 120V relay with those thermostats to control different voltages, amperages, ect.

---

BTW, controlling the dial for min cool, max cool, ect, could increase efficiency. Max cool is only needed if the unit's been off, or it's a super-hot day.

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

#67

Post by [deleted] »

ghaff wrote: post #40
Guvante wrote: post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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

>Multi use rooms require TVs That seems an overstatement. I now have one in my entire house (don't have kids). There's a fairly large TV panel on one wall in basically a sitting room. Otherwise I just use a computer. A relative basically has TVs in every room. I guess it maybe made sense when he was rebuilding anyway but it still seems excessive to me who might sit down to watch a movie or show but doesn't have live…

[deleted]

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

#68

Post by daniel5151 »

gwbas1c wrote: post #66

I don't understand why he can't just connect / disconnect the power? The thermostat is a bi-metallic strip. Assuming the thermostat is controlling 120V AC: 1: There are plenty of cheap wireless thermostats for AC that you can buy off of Amazon. I have two, and they work great with space heaters. 2: You can use a 120V relay with those thermostats to control different voltages, amperages, ect. --- BTW, controlling the…

I discuss this quite early in the writeup. There is a whole section on why a smart plug will not work here.

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

#70

Post by fy20 »

Alien1Being wrote: post #55
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.

Truly rich people do not have TVs. Or if they do own a ultra high end TV like a C Seed N1 they hide them away inconspicuously. https://www.cseed.com/en/indoor-tv/c-seed-n1-tv.html It is like eating cheap and nasty junk. If you are rich you avoid it or eat it discreetly...Or your acquaintances laugh at you.

If you want slightly more affordable (they have prices listed - starting at £6k for a 48" TV) there's also Bang & Olufsen:

https://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/gb/televisions

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