Re: Thermostat recommendations?

["Brett Griffin" <brett@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

HAI, does sell a pre-made cable for connecting the thermostat to a pc.



If i recall correctly they made a simple pc app to control the rc-series
thermostats.  If not they have published the protocols of their Omni
Protocol.  You could write this into a software app as needed.



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Brett Griffin, Technology Consultant

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-------------------------------------------


"Bradley Plett" <plettb@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:639fb1tjqan9hst87690b4tbp7qqgjl3re@xxxxxxxxxx
> Thank-you VERY MUCH for your post!  It really was a very helpful
> start.
>
> So I immediately did some reading on the RC-122, and once again came
> up with more questions that are answered neither by the documentation
> I've found nor by your response (well, you imply answers, but.... :-)
>
> 1.  How do I connect it to my PC?  All the stuff I found mentioned
> only connecting it to an Omni controller.  Do I need any thing other
> than the thermostat in order to connect it to my PC?  Does it plug
> right into an RS-232 or a USB port?  (Actually, I think
> http://www.homeauto.com/Products/Omnistat/rc122.asp answers this, and
> that it simply plugs into the RS-232 port, but it's always nicer to
> have confirmation.  :-)
>
> 2.  Assuming I can connect it directly to my PC, can I program it
> myself?  Do they provide any software or API?  I am a developer, and
> enjoy the programming aspect of this, but I'd still like to know that
> there is a starting point without having to buy more.  (Again, I think
> the link answers that, but....)
>
> 3.  When it comes to furnaces and air conditioners, how would I even
> know if I need a one-stage or two?  If I buy the two-stage thermostat,
> is it safe to assume that it will work even if my furnace or A/C are
> single stage?
>
> 4.  I assume that HAI's control system and protocol is not compatible
> with X10 nor RS-485, is that right?  I don't know how important this
> is, but I do want to have an eye on the future when purchasing.
>
> Thanks again!  I feel like I've made a giant leap forward due to your
> post.  :-)
>
> Brad.
>
> On 20 Jun 2005 21:26:37 -0700, mcbill20@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
>
>>I put one of these in myself a little over a year ago. I loked at quite
>>a few models but finally went with an RC-122 thermostat from HAI. I
>>have had no problems at all with it.
>>
>>The features that made me decide on this one were:
>>
>>- Serial port connection (this one can also do RS-485 I think)
>>- Compatible with their Omni series home automation controllers (I want
>>to get one when I can afford it).
>>- Can display outside temperature (either with external sensor or
>>update from the computer).
>>
>>Their protocol isn't that difficult, and if you are connecting it to a
>>PC they have a program you can use so you don't have to write any code.
>>
>>
>>I bought it from Worthington Distribution (http://www.worthdist.com).
>>Their prices are good and their service is excellent.
>>
>>BTW, unless you have a two stage furnace, you don't need this model--
>>it's about $40 more for the two stage if I remember correctly.
>>
>>I hope this helps.
>>
>>Bill
>>
>>Bradley Plett wrote:
>>> I am completely new to the world of home automation.  However, my
>>> thermostat needs to be replaced, and I would very much like to replace
>>> it with something that I can program from my PC.  Having said that, I
>>> don't really know where to begin.  Has anyone got any suggestions for
>>> me?
>>>
>>> Here is a further elaboration of my situation.  I would like,
>>> eventually, to put controllable dampers or flow controls or whatever
>>> they're called into the pipes from my furnace/AC so that I can control
>>> different zones separately.  However, I can't afford that right now.
>>> So, I want to start by replacing my thermostat, with a view to
>>> building the system out further if/when I can afford more.
>>>
>>> I have done a little reading on the net but it hasn't gotten me a lot
>>> closer to a solution just yet.  I've read a little about X10 and
>>> RS-485, but being new to this field, I generally get confused before I
>>> get very far.  Can someone offer me guidance as to exactly which
>>> components I'll need to buy now in order to hook up a thermostat to my
>>> PC and be able to control it?
>>>
>>> Thanks a lot!
>>> Brad.
>