The Daikin Airbase is probably different to the multi-split wifi systems, and I think most new Daikin splits have gone cloud control only unlike the older Daikin or ducted systems.
I have a Daikin Airbase, and wrote a custom appdaemon app so I can have automated zone control (although limited to opening or closing a zone based on localised temperature). It works as intended, but obviously a little more work that something like an izone system.
Thanks. My zone/room control needs will be about as simple as they get. It’s basically cool/heat the living room during the day and the master bedroom at night…
I wasn’t sure about the local control state of things. Will do some more research.
Some systems have a separate zone controller from the actual A/C control. You can even get really cheap and basic ones that simply use switches to directly control the electric dampers. The great thing about those is that you can easily wire the dampers to an ESP based relay setup and still have buttons (as inputs to the ESP) to provide wall control in place of the original switches. I don’t think too many companies go for this anymore though because they mainly like to push their fancy wall mounted tablets etc.
Thanks for the tips. I was already a bit suspicious of this kind of thing.
ESPHOME based control is probably my ideal solution. Was hoping there might even be some models where you can easily wire in some kind of man-in-middle type set-up for state read/write type thing (UART?), but maybe I’m dreaming for AC.
I guess the good thing about air con is that the worse case is still tolerable from my perspective - IR hubs etc…
Yeah there’s one for MHI too but its much more complicated and probably voids the warranty
I bought all the bits but we went ducted MyAir eZone before I got to doing it
I picked up a Grid Connect blind controller HUBRF11HA on clearance from Bunnings while in Traralgon last week for $0.38 just to see what was in it.
Pulled it a part today, weird 3 pin security screws were a pain and it contains an ESP TYWE3S module with a Tuya MCU and an RF chip.
Not sure what it I’ll use it for but it is an approved device so if I load ESPHome and ignore the RF bits it would work as a mains powered detached button.
I had a Fujitsu ducted reverse cycle in my old house and had an add-on module you could buy which allowed for external control (though pretty basic, just on/off and fan speed from memory). I think someone had also been able to ‘hack’ the comms from the keypad to do a man-in-the-middle type control.
Intesis have a variety of useful gateways for different makes/models of AC.
I use one of their gateways with my ~9 year old Fujitsu ducted system.
Under the covers their gateway is an ESP32 with the necessary interface components to communicate over the 1-wire bus.
The nice thing with their solution is they’ve worked out all the nuances of the protocol and changes to modes/fan speeds/etc are reflected correctly between the indoor control panel(s) and HA.
They’re not cheap, but given they just work it was worthwhile IMO.
I have no use for a TXer plus no way of working out what the Tuya MCU is setup to do.
So far I have disabled the RF stuff and flashed ESPHome but I think I will swap the 8266 board for a C3 Super Mini and use the thing as a stand alone Bluetooth proxy.
My mate in Vic was going to see if there were any left and send them to me as my local store has the on clearance for $20, I think they are probably worth $0.38 plus a bit of postage.
I 100% get that.
Intesis did the hard part of understanding the protocols, so I expect you’ll get a good experience regardless of whether you interface via AC Cloud, or one of the other gateways.
