I recently put in a GE ClearView window unit in my homelab server room. It has Wi-Fi support via GE’s mobile app, but I was wondering if anyone has done any work trying to put these on a non-Internet routable Wi-Fi and sending commands to it directly?
I’ve found some git repos with code for integration with other GE appliances, but none of their AC units. It seems like most people who want to integration window or HVAC units into Home Assistant just build microcontrolers and solder them in.
Might be a fun project, but before I go getting out a multimeter out and start reverse engineering, I wonder if there is any work out there I’ve missed. Has anyone tried to reverse engineer the AC remote control protocol to try and control these devices locally/without “the cloud”?
Hello djsumdog.
Does HomeKit See it. HA found my GE AC thru Homekit integration (By itself)
@djsumdog, just wanted to reach out and see if you had made any progress? Looking at getting one of these as well and definitely would love HA integration.
One idea did come to me. Have you seen the air conditioner USB controller made by SMLight (they also make the excellent Zigbee & Thread coordinators)? I picked up a couple of these for our Midea U-Shaped AC as well as a Mr. Cool mini split. Both worked flawlessly. They were immediately picked up by HA and they give far better control than the OEM solutions did.
SMLight mentions that they work for a lot of other brands as well. Midea makes AC for a lot of brands. I can’t get info on whether they make the Clearview unit but Midea do apparently make other GE AC units. I also noticed on the SMLight product page that the unit can support Haier Climate - though this seems to require reflashing. Haier now owns GE and if Midea doesn’t make the Clearview unit, than I believe Haier does.
If there’s a USB interface on the GE Clearview, like most smart AC have now, you might consider giving this a try. You can order from several different vendors but there is a USA based one that offers it for the same price with inexpensive shipping. I purchased from them and they were great - it arrived in just a few days. If you don’t mind investing $17 or so (including approx shipping), it might be worth a try for getting it integrated w/HA.
Here’s the link to SMLight’s site: SLWF-01 WiFi Air Conditioners control module | ESPHome | Home Assistant | SMLIGHT Official Homepage (there’s more info about Haier Climate on a link on this page, if you’re interested)
Here’s the link to the CloudFree site: Ductless HVAC Wi-Fi Module - CloudFree
Please post if you decide to give it a go. I’d love to hear if it works. Also, would you mind posting is there is a USB interface on the Clearview? That would help to know, if you have a moment to share.
Hope this might prove helpful. Are you liking the AC itself?
I have had a couple, TLDR try to get most recent date code. Also buy from Home Depot they have 90 day return which saved me. Run a shit load of water or maybe vinegar through them at the end of the year before storage if you store it during winter. The pumps are a pain and I have had issues.
I see no USB port. I control it through SmartHQ app. If anyone figures out how to control over HA let me know. I have not tried.