Internet / wifi thermostats - Page 3

Daox · 11-18-13, 01:01 PM

That LockState looks like a rebranded Radio Thermostat CT-30. I did see the 3mFiltrete thermostat, but I saw it was made by Radio Thermostat. It looks identical to the CT-30 as well. Maybe they use different software though? I didn't compare features.

Thats really cool that the Radio Thermostat models have a programmable API! I bet you could really have some fun with that.

pinballlooking · 11-18-13, 01:12 PM

The software is completely different on the LockState thermostat. I agree it looks like the same thermostat but different firmware.
Even basic cloud Wi-Fi has to be paid for with the lock state version. The android client usually does not work and when it does it is very slow. The history section is all but worthless.
The Radio Thermostat android software works great and is not slow at all. The history section is just great it shows when the HVAC turn on how long it ran the temp outside and inside.

NiHaoMike · 11-18-13, 02:11 PM

Any idea about hacking it? Or better yet, maybe we should design an open source thermostat. I'm imagining something based around a Raspberry Pi with a control expansion module in the air handler (similar to Ecobee) to allow more fine grained control and monitoring than any regular thermostat.

Daox · 11-18-13, 02:37 PM

A DIY open source project is definitely doable. Its not overly complicated to program thermostat functionality and/or other functionality. The thermostats out there IMO are quite overpriced for the relatively limited functionality they provide.

pinballlooking · 11-18-13, 03:10 PM

I completely agree they are way too expensive for what they do.

I have a universal devices issy991 home automation device. It can send network resource post.
I will have to experiment with controlling the new thermostat with my home automation.

nkuck · 01-07-15, 07:25 PM

I have had a Nest for over a year, and swear that it paid for itself in about 6 months. The automatic away feature is great as I don't have to remember to set it before I leave the house. And the iOS app works well, allowing me to adjust the temp from wherever I might be so the house is ready for me when I get home. If I were on a regular schedule, it would program itself. You can manually enter a schedule, too.

mechanic · 03-10-15, 01:53 PM

I put an Ecobee Smart in almost a year ago and I like it very much, very easy to program - saved me a lot as I can set all the limits for geothermal stages, backup stage, etc. It can also control "smart plugs" so I use it to run and monitor usage on devices around the home like my hrv and hot water circulation pumps. Another advantage is the interface runs off 4 wires and the main device sits in the utility room saving you from having to run a bunch more wiring for some of the thermostats...

mechanic · 03-10-15, 10:15 PM

Just went on the ecobee site today and it looks like my thermostat and the more commercial style ones are gone. Now they just list a new ecobee3 which is a lot more Nest like and a simpler looking SmartSi. Too bad, I really like all the programability of the regular Smart and the option to expand/customize (remote sensor module add on allows you to add sensors, control other things like Hrv, graph outside data, etc) Oh well, I got mine, as long as they keep supporting it! Which so far they have been very good....

flavin · 02-29-16, 05:09 AM

Great info on Internet WiFi thermostats.

pinballlooking · 07-15-16, 09:48 AM

I have been through two 3M-50 they have all gone bad. So it was time for a Wi-Fi Thermostat that works. I read a tone of reviews and this is the one I bought.

Sensi Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat, UP500W for Smart Home, Works with Alexa
If you need a no frills easy to setup. I works great without a C wire. (The C wire provides power).

We have this at our lake place. I installed it at the beginning of summer and it was super simple to setup. It just works no fees. It can use batteries for Wi-Fi or a C wire. Batteries are lasting good so far.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

11-18-13, 01:01 PM	#21
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	That LockState looks like a rebranded Radio Thermostat CT-30. I did see the 3mFiltrete thermostat, but I saw it was made by Radio Thermostat. It looks identical to the CT-30 as well. Maybe they use different software though? I didn't compare features. Thats really cool that the Radio Thermostat models have a programmable API! I bet you could really have some fun with that. __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

11-18-13, 02:11 PM	#23
NiHaoMike Supreme EcoRenovator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,154 Thanks: 14 Thanked 257 Times in 241 Posts	Any idea about hacking it? Or better yet, maybe we should design an open source thermostat. I'm imagining something based around a Raspberry Pi with a control expansion module in the air handler (similar to Ecobee) to allow more fine grained control and monitoring than any regular thermostat. __________________ To my surprise, shortly after Naomi Wu gave me a bit of fame for making good use of solar power, Allie Moore got really jealous of her...

11-18-13, 02:37 PM	#24
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	A DIY open source project is definitely doable. Its not overly complicated to program thermostat functionality and/or other functionality. The thermostats out there IMO are quite overpriced for the relatively limited functionality they provide. __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

07-15-16, 09:48 AM	#30
pinballlooking Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: SC Posts: 2,923 Thanks: 172 Thanked 564 Times in 463 Posts	I have been through two 3M-50 they have all gone bad. So it was time for a Wi-Fi Thermostat that works. I read a tone of reviews and this is the one I bought. Sensi Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat, UP500W for Smart Home, Works with Alexa If you need a no frills easy to setup. I works great without a C wire. (The C wire provides power). We have this at our lake place. I installed it at the beginning of summer and it was super simple to setup. It just works no fees. It can use batteries for Wi-Fi or a C wire. Batteries are lasting good so far. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Attached Thumbnails __________________ Current project Aquaponics system , Passive Solar Greenhouse build To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Solar Install 12.5 Kwh- To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Mini Split installs - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. EV Chevy Volt - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

11-18-13, 01:12 PM	#22
pinballlooking Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: SC Posts: 2,923 Thanks: 172 Thanked 564 Times in 463 Posts	The software is completely different on the LockState thermostat. I agree it looks like the same thermostat but different firmware. Even basic cloud Wi-Fi has to be paid for with the lock state version. The android client usually does not work and when it does it is very slow. The history section is all but worthless. The Radio Thermostat android software works great and is not slow at all. The history section is just great it shows when the HVAC turn on how long it ran the temp outside and inside.

11-18-13, 03:10 PM	#25
pinballlooking Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: SC Posts: 2,923 Thanks: 172 Thanked 564 Times in 463 Posts	I completely agree they are way too expensive for what they do. I have a universal devices issy991 home automation device. It can send network resource post. I will have to experiment with controlling the new thermostat with my home automation.

01-07-15, 07:25 PM	#26
nkuck Lurking Renovator Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: USA Posts: 13 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have had a Nest for over a year, and swear that it paid for itself in about 6 months. The automatic away feature is great as I don't have to remember to set it before I leave the house. And the iOS app works well, allowing me to adjust the temp from wherever I might be so the house is ready for me when I get home. If I were on a regular schedule, it would program itself. You can manually enter a schedule, too.

03-10-15, 01:53 PM	#27
mechanic Apprentice EcoRenovator Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 117 Thanks: 10 Thanked 16 Times in 12 Posts	I put an Ecobee Smart in almost a year ago and I like it very much, very easy to program - saved me a lot as I can set all the limits for geothermal stages, backup stage, etc. It can also control "smart plugs" so I use it to run and monitor usage on devices around the home like my hrv and hot water circulation pumps. Another advantage is the interface runs off 4 wires and the main device sits in the utility room saving you from having to run a bunch more wiring for some of the thermostats...

03-10-15, 10:15 PM	#28
mechanic Apprentice EcoRenovator Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 117 Thanks: 10 Thanked 16 Times in 12 Posts	Just went on the ecobee site today and it looks like my thermostat and the more commercial style ones are gone. Now they just list a new ecobee3 which is a lot more Nest like and a simpler looking SmartSi. Too bad, I really like all the programability of the regular Smart and the option to expand/customize (remote sensor module add on allows you to add sensors, control other things like Hrv, graph outside data, etc) Oh well, I got mine, as long as they keep supporting it! Which so far they have been very good....

02-29-16, 05:09 AM	#29
flavin Lurking Renovator Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Montreal Posts: 7 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Great info on Internet WiFi thermostats.