Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandcruiser
Mostly, I seek input on the technical aspect: Can I wire into the compressor power source without frying something? that sort of thing...
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Wiring directly to the compressor could have undesirable consequences. Most all A/C systems have a built-in delay circuit to force a delay period between power-ups. If you took control of the compressor away from the existing circuit board you'd likely shorten the life of the compressor.
Your idea is a good one and the decisions that you want a device to make are a bit complex. A microprocessor like an Arduino should be able to do it. It's not a trivial task you are attempting, but sounds like it might be a good product. You'll need someone who is fluent in microprocessor development, hardware and software, and also someone with the savvy to read the schematics of the controller board of your mini-split(s). It may be the same person.
When you toggle the on/off button on your mini-split remote controller, the IR receiver on your wall unit receives the command, and sends it to some leg on some chip that begins the turn-on or turn-off sequence (but always inserts a delay before turn-on). That is the place you want your controller to intercede, not at the compressor level. That way, rapid changes of state will be buffered and will not harm your compressor.
But you have identified a worthy problem, and there are oodles of rentals and motels and they are shifting to mini-splits, due to lower cost of operation.
Good luck with this one, it could prove ecologically advantageous to us all, and economically advantageous to the successful designer of such a device.
Best Regards,
-AC_Hacker