Re: Thermostat recommendations?

[Bradley Plett <plettb@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

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.