Does this product exist?

[Lean L]

Right now I have a giant wall mounted AC for my cooling and heating solution.

This two decade old monstrosity actually works well but the thermostat is knob based and generally not great to control.

I've taken the unit apart to examine it and the controls seem like they are pretty simple. No relays, a few connector receptacles, potentiometer for the temp.

It is a Fredrich unit. Is there a device that would let me replace this thermostat with either a standard thermostat or a proprietary digital thermostat?

Thanks

 

[natto fire]

Are the wires going to the terminals red, by chance? You more than likely have a 24v thermostat leg to control the unit. There is a remote possibility it is a line voltage thermostat, but they are mainly used on supplemental heating in commercial/industrial settings.

If it is a low voltage control scheme, then you will have a wide variety of stats to choose from.

 

[Captante]

This two decade old monstrosity actually works well

If it ain't broke don't fix it?

 

[gamefreakgcb]

I saw a video a few days ago and the person in it had put a Nest Thermostat on the Wall AC/Heat unit. Worth a look just in case it may give you any ideas.

http://www.theverge.com/2015/6/12/8772103/smart-home-iot-top-shelf

And if that can work, then any digital thermostat from HD, Lowe's should fit. This is all IMO. I am not an HVAC expert by any means.

 

[Lean L]

If it ain't broke don't fix it?

AC works. I'm manual thermostat right now since the control scheme sucks.

Are the wires going to the terminals red, by chance? You more than likely have a 24v thermostat leg to control the unit. There is a remote possibility it is a line voltage thermostat, but they are mainly used on supplemental heating in commercial/industrial settings.

If it is a low voltage control scheme, then you will have a wide variety of stats to choose from.

The wires are of all different colors. There's probably 8 or 9 different connections. I would say the wires are pretty heavy duty. I'd guess 12-10 gauge. This also has a heater built in so I am not sure if it controls via 220V? Yes it also takes a 220V input.

I saw a video a few days ago and the person in it had put a Nest Thermostat on the Wall AC/Heat unit. Worth a look just in case it may give you any ideas.

http://www.theverge.com/2015/6/12/8772103/smart-home-iot-top-shelf

And if that can work, then any digital thermostat from HD, Lowe's should fit. This is all IMO. I am not an HVAC expert by any means.

That is the end goal but I am not sure how quite to do it or if it is possible.


I found the manual.

http://www.friedrich.com/sites/default/files/WallMaster_Service_Manual_2009.pdf

Pg 40 starts of the wiring diagrams. Looks like there are indeed relays to control it so it could just be about figuring out how to hook it all up.

I have no idea what I am reading at this point.

 

[Lean L]

Pg 43:

I have no idea what voltage the thermostat actually works on. Can this be done at all?

 

[natto fire]

Pg 43:

I have no idea what voltage the thermostat actually works on. Can this be done at all?

From that schematic, it looks like you are dealing with a line voltage thermostat, which severely limits your options, unless you are willing to drop coin on contactors. Google "line voltage thermostat" and you will get some options

 

[BurnItDwn]

You can build a robot that turns it on and off for you. Name him "Number 5"