Re: Thermostat recommendations?

[mcbill20@xxxxxxxxx]

Brad,
I will try to answer your questions:

1. You can connect it to your PC's serial port. It only uses pins 2, 3
and 7. If you are out of ports you can get a USB to serial adapter and
connect it to that. You may also be able to use RS-485 if you have a
long distance to connect. I'm not totally sure on this part so I'd
check with the manufacturer.

2. I don't know for sure whether or not they have an API but I believe
they have software that runs on a PC. I am controlling it from a VMS
system so I had to write all the software myself. The programming is
pretty straightforward.

3. If you don't know what type of furnace you have, I would either
check the thermostat type or get an HVAC person to check it for you.
You could use a two stage thermostat on a single stage furnace but it
would be a waste of money. And if you use a single stage thermostat on
a two stage furnace you miss out on the cost savings of running a two
stage furnace.

4. This thermostat is not compatible with X-10. I had originally
thought it could be used for either RS-232 or RS-485 but now I can't
find any info on the RS-485.

I hope this helps.

Bill