"Smart" ducted aircon controller upgrade

Lancerx on 05/10/2017 - 14:01

Hi all,

Had a Panasonic 14kw ducted system installed by Ford & Doonan a year ago. Currently only have the standard controller with very limited feature.

Looking to upgrade my aircon controller to those "smart" touchscreen panel e.g. AirTouch, Izone, & Advantage air. Or is there more brands out there I'm not aware of? The main features I'm looking for are WIFI remote control capabilities, temp sensors & more intricate timers program. Looking for a system that would be compatible with my Panasonic system with minimal extra parts required, as one would imagine this would be an expensive exercise.

Would appreciate any input from aircon experts here or from those who's using either of the controllers. Thanks!

P/S installers in WA may PM me for more details.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Davo1111 on 05/10/2017 - 14:35

    Have you checked to see if other devices can learn the remote? AFAIK there was a xiaomi device that can send the infrared remote - was called smart home or something like that.

    I believe there was also a temperature/power combo that just turned off/on the aircon when required (and had wiki connectivity).

    • Lancerx on 05/10/2017 - 14:39

      Well, my current remote still one of those wall panel button type. FYI, mine is a ducted unit, not then split system type. Are we on the same page?

      • Davo1111 on 05/10/2017 - 14:42

        ahh ok, no infrared remote. We are on the same page now :) my ideas wont help you :P

  • rexii2300 on 05/10/2017 - 15:04

    I looked into this for my ducted system. No luck here in Australia since all the systems are proprietary.

    If you are good with electronics you can tap into the switches on the panel. Your own controller can just then simulate the press of the buttons on the panel.

    2nd way is to get some wireless button pushers. Unfortunately they are not cheap either.

    retrofitting from the original supplier are ridiculously expensive.

    • Euphemistic on 05/10/2017 - 15:56
      +3

      My wireless button pushers were pretty cheap to get, but they cost a fair bit in food and clothing.

      • Apple96 on 05/10/2017 - 17:46
        +2

        that 9 month wait time till delivery tho

        • Euphemistic on 06/10/2017 - 08:08
          +1

          I've got a couple and the reliability is a bit of an issue. Sometimes they just don't work properly.

        • Apple96 on 06/10/2017 - 09:52

          @Euphemistic: that A.i. is developing huh :P

  • ESEMCE on 05/10/2017 - 15:07

    Broadlink blackbean will do the trick on the ultra cheap!

    EDIT: you don't have IR remote control on a system installed 12 months ago?

    • Lancerx on 05/10/2017 - 15:39

      I don't know if my wall control panel has IR or just hard wired to the ? I believe it's hardwired?

    • Succulent Synth on 05/10/2017 - 16:52

      I have a broadlink blackbean but you need the original remote to program it.

      I have an LG ducted system in the place I am renting but there is no remote so I am not sure how I can program the blackbean.

      • janowski on 08/10/2017 - 00:29

        I was in the same situation with no original remote for my wall panel. To solve it I downloaded some universal remote apps (Peel Remote, SURE, Anymote) and used the IR blaster in my phone to program the Broadlink. Works well but limited to the basic functions.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/10/2017 - 11:42

      Ducted AC is hardwired.

      • ESEMCE on 09/10/2017 - 07:27

        I'm still amazed that there's not a remote included!

  • [Deactivated] on 08/10/2017 - 11:44

    I had a similar situation and managed to source an out of production Daikin Skyfi wifi interface. I haven't installed it yet, but I connect it to OpenHab on a Raspberry Pi, and use Xiaomi humidity/temp sensors in every room to give me an average Temp. That will give the AC something to aim for, rather than the rubbish thermometer on the wall panel.

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