HVAC Control: How to Control HVAC from iNELS system using Tasmota IR Controller

System Architecture

Items Required

1. iNELS Central Unit (CU) for Bus System or eLAN Gateway for Wireless System

2. iNELS Bridge (running MQTT broker, Home Assistant, NodeRed)

3. IR Blaster (MQTT supported) IR Blaster

Tasmota IR controller

4. iNELS System Units (Controllers, Actuators, Power Supply, etc.)

Configuration Steps

Step 1: Install and Program the iNELS System

1. Install the iNELS System: Follow the instructions to physically install all iNELS system units (controllers, actuators, power supplies, etc.).

2. Program the iNELS System: Use the iDM software to configure and program your iNELS bus system according to your requirements. FOr wireless system use iNELS App to configure the eLAN gateway.

Step 2: Connect CU or wireless Gateway to the MQTT Broker

1. Install and Configure MQTT Broker: Ensure that your iNELS Bridge is running an MQTT broker (e.g., Mosquitto). Configure the MQTT broker with appropriate settings for your network.

2. Connect CU or eLAN Gateway to MQTT Broker:

   • Access the configuration interface of the CU or eLAN Gateway.

   • Enter the MQTT broker details (IP address, port, username, password, etc.).

   • Save and apply the settings to establish the connection.

Step 3: Configure the IR Blaster and Connect to the MQTT Broker

1. Install and Configure IR Blaster:

   • Follow the instructions from the IR Blaster's documentation to set it up physically.

Buyers should make sure to check if their devices are supported by Tasmota's IR remote library prior to purchase. ATHOM provides pre-flashed Tasmota controllers, but cannot guarantee compatibility. Buyers should be aware that there is a risk of incompatibility and take their own precautions.

Please refer to the following link for the supported protocols and related information

https://tasmota.github.io/docs/Tasmota-IR/

https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/SupportedProtocols.md

• Access the IR Blaster's configuration interface (via web browser or app). Connect to your network by adding the wifi.

Go to the Main menu -> Upfate the Firmware

Then go to the Configuration page and confugure the Template.

Template:

{"NAME":"Athom_IR_Remote","GPIO":[32,0,0,0,1056,1088,0,0,0,576,0,0,0,0],"FLAG":0,"BASE":18}

GPIOs:

GPIO# Component

GPIO0 Button

GPIO1 None

GPIO2 None

GPIO3 None

GPIO4 IRsend

GPIO5 IRrecv

GPIO9 None

GPIO10 None

GPIO12 No

GPIO13 LedLink_i

GPIO14 None

GPIO15 None

GPIO16 None

FLAG None

• Enter the MQTT broker details (same as for the CU or eLAN Gateway).

• Save and apply the settings to establish the connection.

Step 4: Learn IR Commands

1. Enter Learning Mode on IR Blaster:

   • Access the IR Blaster's console .

2. Point Remote Control at IR Blaster:

   • Press the desired button on the IR remote control.

   • Observe the IR Blaster console for the captured IR command and protocol.

   
3. Record IR Commands:

   • Note down the IR command details and the associated protocol from the IR Blaster console.

Step 5: Test IR Commands via MQTT

1. Publish Test IR Commands:

   • Use an MQTT client to publish the captured IR commands to the appropriate MQTT topic.

   cmd/tasmota_F99867/IRSend

{"Protocol":"LG","Bits":28,"Data":"0x880832D","DataLSB":"0x1001C1B4","Repeat":0,"IRHVAC":{"Vendor":"LG","Model":"GE6711AR2853M","Command":"Control","Mode":"Cool","Power":"On","Celsius":"On","Temp":18,"FanSpeed":"Medium","SwingV":"Off","SwingH":"Off","Quiet":"Off","Turbo":"Off","Econo":"Off","Light":"On","Filter":"Off","Clean":"Off","Beep":"Off","Sleep":-1,"iFeel":"Off","SensorTemp":null}}

• Verify that the IR Blaster successfully sends the command to the target device (e.g., TV, AC, etc.).

1. Confirm Command Execution:

   • Ensure that the target device responds correctly to the IR commands.

Step 6: Create Automation in Home Assistant or Node-RED

Home Assistant (HASS)

1. Access Home Assistant:

   • Open Home Assistant interface via web browser.

2. Add MQTT Integration:

   • Go to Configuration > Integrations.

   • Add the MQTT integration if it is not already added.

3. Create Automation:

   • Go to Configuration > Automations.

   • Click on "Add Automation".

   • Define the trigger (e.g., button press on iNELS controller).

   • Define the action to publish the IR command to the MQTT topic.

   • Save the automation.

Node-RED

1. Access Node-RED:

   • Open Node-RED interface via web browser.

2. Add MQTT Nodes:

   • Add an "MQTT in" node to subscribe to the relevant iNELS controller topic.

   • Add an "MQTT out" node to publish the IR command.

3. Create Flow:

   • Connect the "MQTT in" node to a function node if any processing is needed.

   • Connect the function node to the "MQTT out" node.

   • Configure the nodes with appropriate topic names and payloads.

   • Deploy the flow.

Example Video ref

Example: Increase AC Temperature with iNELS Controller Button

1. Capture IR Command for Increasing Temperature:

   • Use the IR Blaster to learn the IR command for increasing the AC temperature.

   • Note down the command details.

2. Home Assistant Automation:

   • Trigger: Button press on iNELS controller.

   • Action: Publish the IR command to the MQTT topic controlling the IR Blaster.

3. Node-RED Flow:

   • Input Node: Subscribe to the iNELS controller button press topic.

   • Function Node: Create a message with the payload of the IR command.

   • Output Node: Publish the message to the MQTT topic controlling the IR Blaster.

By following these steps, you can control your iNELS system using an IR controller, allowing for seamless integration and automation with devices such as air conditioners, TVs, and more.