Hot Water Recirulating Pump w/ dishwasher & washing machine

[hart2hart]

I've got Hot water pump controlled by an Appliancelinc. It is controlled based on combination of time of day and if security system is armed away -- this all works great. In addition, there is a keypadlinc button set as a controller for the very rare very late night or very early morning shower.

 

Now to the question .... I could use the keypadlinc button when washing clothes or dishes outside program timing described above but life (according to my wife and me for that matter )with automation is supposed to be simpler and more energy efficient. Therefore, how can I sense either washing machine is running so I can adjust programs above (with another variable probably) to control Appliancelinc. I think I've got programming covered (famous last words) and am looking for how the experts would approach sensing/determining the machines are running without some overt action like pressing an extra button.

[Teken]

I've got Hot water pump controlled by an Appliancelinc. It is controlled based on combination of time of day and if security system is armed away -- this all works great. In addition, there is a keypadlinc button set as a controller for the very rare very late night or very early morning shower.

 

Now to the question .... I could use the keypadlinc button when washing clothes or dishes outside program timing described above but life (according to my wife and me for that matter )with automation is supposed to be simpler and more energy efficient. Therefore, how can I sense either washing machine is running so I can adjust programs above (with another variable probably) to control Appliancelinc. I think I've got programming covered (famous last words) and am looking for how the experts would approach sensing/determining the machines are running without some overt action like pressing an extra button.

 

I believe some people have used the Synchro Linc, Micro On/Off with Sense, or if budget allows the incorporation of the GEM with the energy module plug in to the ISY.

 

I use the ISY / GEM to detect the current state, running state, and idle state of the washer, dryer, dish washer, etc. At that point the ISY sends off a e-mail confirming the above is done its cycle etc.

 

Teken . . .

[hart2hart]

Thanks Teken. I had forgotten all about seeing the SynchroLinc announced -- had no use for it at the time.

 

Does anyone have time to post a screen shot or listing of the settings that can be controlled via ISY. I"m going to need to have someone pull dishwasher for access and want to make sure I can fine tune through ISY control. Otherwise, I'll have them install power plug place under sink next to it for easy access -- which I should probably do anyway.

[Brian H]

You may find this interesting. I believe some have used the CT-800 current sensor to trigger an I/OLinc.

http://cocoontech.com/forums/topic/1142 ... erfurnace/

 

I have a older revision SynchroLinc. I will add it to my ISY and see what options show up.

 

I see the Options where given to you by LeeG so I will not post it again.

[LeeG]

Here is the Options display of the SynchroLinc settings.

 

[hart2hart]

Best product support and advice from any company

[hart2hart]

Here is the Options display of the SynchroLinc settings.

 

[attachment=0]Synch.JPG[/attachment]

 

 

Lee:

 

Looks straight forward but so that I don't waste time is there any level of write-up that describes how these field interact? I've searched 10 times but can't get magic keywords.

 

Paul

[LeeG]

The only thing I find is what is on the SynchroLinc sales page.

[hart2hart]

Thanks. All I could find. Will just test.

[hart2hart]

Okay, I left most synchrolinc defaults but raised holdoff time thinking that would be the delay between events (knew it was not case when max it allowed was 17.085 seconds) and account for time washing machine was switching between phases in cycle. My Settings are in image. Log file of full washing cycle run follows and there were I believe 7 on and off cycles.

 

 

 

Base off state

Laundry Room / Laundry:Washer SynchroLinc Status 0% Tue 2014/04/22 05:44:24 PM System Log

 

Started cycle

Laundry Room / Laundry:Washer SynchroLinc Status 100% Tue 2014/04/22 05:50:59 PM System Log

Laundry Room / Laundry:Washer SynchroLinc Status 0% Tue 2014/04/22 05:56:08 PM System Log

Laundry Room / Laundry:Washer SynchroLinc Status 100% Tue 2014/04/22 05:56:26 PM System Log

Laundry Room / Laundry:Washer SynchroLinc Status 0% Tue 2014/04/22 06:12:00 PM System Log

Laundry Room / Laundry:Washer SynchroLinc Status 100% Tue 2014/04/22 06:12:18 PM System Log

Laundry Room / Laundry:Washer SynchroLinc Status 0% Tue 2014/04/22 06:14:00 PM System Log

Laundry Room / Laundry:Washer SynchroLinc Status 100% Tue 2014/04/22 06:14:17 PM System Log

Laundry Room / Laundry:Washer SynchroLinc Status 0% Tue 2014/04/22 06:16:00 PM System Log

Laundry Room / Laundry:Washer SynchroLinc Status 100% Tue 2014/04/22 06:22:18 PM System Log

Laundry Room / Laundry:Washer SynchroLinc Status 0% Tue 2014/04/22 06:26:07 PM System Log

Laundry Room / Laundry:Washer SynchroLinc Status 100% Tue 2014/04/22 06:26:25 PM System Log

Laundry Room / Laundry:Washer SynchroLinc Status 0% Tue 2014/04/22 06:28:07 PM System Log

Laundry Room / Laundry:Washer SynchroLinc Status 100% Tue 2014/04/22 06:28:25 PM System Log

Laundry Room / Laundry:Washer SynchroLinc Status 0% Tue 2014/04/22 06:34:08 PM System Log

end of cycle

 

Can I tune the synchrolinc setting to have a single on and off? ... or do I account for on/off state via a variable by accounting time required for change between phases using program(s)?

[LeeG]

I have not been able to get a single On/Off. The SynchroLinc is checking the current flow. The washer has too many On/Off cycles spread too far apart for a single On/Off.

[hart2hart]

Thanks Lee.

 

Going to have to reveal my ignorance --- What do Holdoff Time and Hysteresis mean in this context? What is the affect on system when each is changed up or down. I'd just be guessing at this point.

 

I looked at Smarthome page and they list values by different names as described in their software.

[hart2hart]

First time someone as user or DDI hasn't posted a response before I could get offlline .... What makes it really funny is I called Smarthome "Gold Line" and asked for advice. They said it was not common device and they were going to create lab so they could research and post how these variables interact.

 

BTW, I've got programs to take care of both devices and they works great with pseudo random 10 5 5 settings so I'm more curious than anything else.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hello hart2hart!

 

The problem is that we do not really know the answer! So very sorry.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[hart2hart]

Fully understand and not a problem. You guys are best. I was just amazed that smart home had no idea and it is their device.

[hart2hart]

Removed.

[shannong]

I'm using a Synchrolinc for my washer and dish washer. I use it to set a variable for when the washer is on and base actions on the variable instead of directly looking at the status or linking it with scenes. As you've already discovered, the washer has pauses as it switches cycles such as from wash to rinse that causes the Syncrolinc to turn off/on. In my programs I have a 2 minute wait included so the variable is on for the entire cycle and goes back to zero only after the washer/Syncrolinc have been off for the 2 minutes.

 

The settings are a mystery and I did a lot of googling trying to find the answer what the exact effect of Hysteresis and Holdoff provide. There was some documentation but it wasn't clear and in my testing the Holdoff seemed to have no effect. I would greatly appreciate you sharing whatever "gold" information you get from Smarthome.

 

I also tried the iMeter, but I don't recommend it. You have to poll it regularly to get a reading to set your variables. However, it can be handy for understanding the work load profile of a device you want to connect to a Synchrolinc if you're interested in more than just on/off and need to fine tune the thresholds.