He also runs an excellent ISP in the UK called AAISP which I can highly recommend (https://www.aa.net.uk)
AAISP build their own core & customer networking devices/routers from scratch (not Linux based) in the UK. They are fascinating to use - a completely different evolutionary tree to any other networking kit I've used. Some unique features.
I just have some IR LEDs on an esp8266 in the same room as my Daikin and run tasmota. It works perfectly. I have temp control and fully remote automation.
darkwater · 35m ago
How did you teach it the IR language it has to speak?
sambf · 15m ago
If it is like ESPHome, the IR sequences are included. Mostly from databases like IRDB [0]
I hear so many complaints about ISPs, but Andrews & Arnold really do make the world a better place.
dns_snek · 1h ago
As a more general approach for making any air conditioner "smarter", there is a SmartIR integration [1] for Home Assistant. It requires an IR blaster and a configuration file that defines IR code sequences for every possible AC state (temperature + fan speed + swing + etc) that you might want to use. Many models are already configured or you can try a few models from the same manufacturer and sometimes the codes are similar enough that you'll find one that works.
Once it's set up you get a nice climate control in Home Assistant, the only drawback is that the state displayed in HA will go out of sync if you use the physical remote.
How convenient, I just got installed a Daikin not even knowing it could have WLAN capabilities, discovered that it has, that is cloud-only but it wasn't like that til long ago. Currently I'm using this bridge to their cloud Onecta for Home Assistant (https://github.com/jwillemsen/daikin_onecta) and so far it's working great.
But this project is definitely nicer! But I don't fully understand how do I connect the ESP32 to the aircon. I see you can buy a cable on Tindie but... oh wait, I know see a badly illuminated part of the attached YouTube video where he does open the thing up and connect the cable but really, it's not that clear to me (especially considering there are a gazillion slightly different Daikin split models out there).
Any help appreciated (even if it's just a pointer to RTFM)
twtran · 2h ago
This project has been a godsent! The latest Daikin indoor units have a built-in WiFi module which only allows control through their cloud infrastructure. Besides it being a privacy and/or security issue, it's very slow and buggy (e.g. I've had two units reset their credentials after a power outage).
There are two caveats to going the Faikin way: you need to source or build your own cable that's compatible with your unit, and there's no access control (that I could find) for the web interface so you need to firewall and proxy it properly.
ragingroosevelt · 2h ago
There's an esphome config for them and esphome let's you set a password. I believe it supports encryption but I can't remember.
The faikins are really awesome. I have mine set up in Home Assistant and I have automations for them to do stuff to turn off if the outdoor and indoor temps are both pleasant. I also have it set up to turn off if any of my windows or exterior doors are left open for more than five minutes. But you can program them to do so much. The stock firmware does mqtt so it's quite versatile.
ohopton · 18m ago
These things are great, I've managed to get them into all my indoor units without too much trouble. If you've already got them integrated into Home Assistant check out Versatile Thermostat (you can find it in HACS), if you've got temp sensors in the rooms with your AC you'll get very good target temperature tracking, much better than the auto functionality built into Faikin.
looofooo0 · 2h ago
Nice project, but all over the EU it is forbidden to install your own split aircon, due to it is hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants.
iamkonstantin · 1h ago
This is false. You're welcome to install whatever air-conditioning system you want, the only requirement is that it needs to be deployed by a certified installer. Which makes sense, of course, we wouldn't want DIY setups that can say leak toxic chemicals or cause electrical fires all over the place.
whatever1 · 46m ago
They also do not allow not trained electricians to mess with 220V. Damn bureaucrats!
No comments yet
seszett · 1h ago
Well running the refrigerant pipes in a house is a pain anyway, it's certainly better left to a professional. And HFC greenhouse effect is a real thing, at least in the EU even auto shops must account for every gram of refrigerant they use when servicing auto airco.
But it doesn't have anything to do with this project.
numpad0 · 1h ago
Do you mean you can't own one or you can't DIY? I'm a bit confused since the process as I've seen it is rather laborious. You have to be a bit of a multidisciplinary man to be able to do it.
redrove · 1h ago
Not ALL over, there’s quite a few countries where you don’t have to sweat your nads off every summer.
https://www.revk.uk/
He also runs an excellent ISP in the UK called AAISP which I can highly recommend (https://www.aa.net.uk)
AAISP build their own core & customer networking devices/routers from scratch (not Linux based) in the UK. They are fascinating to use - a completely different evolutionary tree to any other networking kit I've used. Some unique features.
https://www.firebrick.co.uk/fb9000/
[0] https://github.com/probonopd/irdb
Once it's set up you get a nice climate control in Home Assistant, the only drawback is that the state displayed in HA will go out of sync if you use the physical remote.
[1] https://github.com/smartHomeHub/SmartIR/blob/master/docs/CLI...
But this project is definitely nicer! But I don't fully understand how do I connect the ESP32 to the aircon. I see you can buy a cable on Tindie but... oh wait, I know see a badly illuminated part of the attached YouTube video where he does open the thing up and connect the cable but really, it's not that clear to me (especially considering there are a gazillion slightly different Daikin split models out there).
Any help appreciated (even if it's just a pointer to RTFM)
There are two caveats to going the Faikin way: you need to source or build your own cable that's compatible with your unit, and there's no access control (that I could find) for the web interface so you need to firewall and proxy it properly.
The faikins are really awesome. I have mine set up in Home Assistant and I have automations for them to do stuff to turn off if the outdoor and indoor temps are both pleasant. I also have it set up to turn off if any of my windows or exterior doors are left open for more than five minutes. But you can program them to do so much. The stock firmware does mqtt so it's quite versatile.
No comments yet
But it doesn't have anything to do with this project.