Thermostat to control On/Off Module

[nato595]

I don't know why such a simple concept is stumping me and just not working...

I'm looking for the Program code to do this following:

If the temp is >= 80F

Then Set On/Off Module to ON

If the temp is <= 79F

Then Set On/Off Module to OFF

(and keep repeating this continuously).

I don't know which is better; to Query the temp every minute or so, or if every change in temp will potentially trigger the program.  Not sure how this works at a technical level.

 

Thanks in advance!!

[larryllix]

I don't know why such a simple concept is stumping me and just not working...
I'm looking for the Program code to do this following:
If the temp is >= 80F
Then Set On/Off Module to ON
If the temp is Then Set On/Off Module to OFF
(and keep repeating this continuously).
I don't know which is better; to Query the temp every minute or so, or if every change in temp will potentially trigger the program.  Not sure how this works at a technical level.
 
Thanks in advance!!

First. With Insteon you don't query devices unless you have system defect.

If temp > 80
Then set xxx on
Else set xxx off

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[nato595]

That's what I tried, nice and basic, but although I watched the temp of the thermostat change the module never switched on or off. I'm guessing it has something to do with the fact that the Admin Console of ISY never updates the temp shown unless I do a query. Shouldn't it update just as regularly on the screen as switches and other devices do?

[stusviews]

Yes it should, but it usually takes a 2º change or greater, so you programs should have a wider spread. You can't make the thermostat detect a 1º change.

[apostolakisl]

You should just put a program that endlessly queries the thermostat every 15 minutes.  As mentioned, thermostats for whatever reason don't report temp changes unless they are fairly large.  I find this to be quite stupid.  At the same time, the thermostat endlessly reports humidity chnages that are of no significance at all.

[stusviews]

5 minutes ago, apostolakisl said:

You should just put a program that endlessly queries the thermostat every 15 minutes.  As mentioned, thermostats for whatever reason don't report temp changes unless they are fairly large.  I find this to be quite stupid.  At the same time, the thermostat endlessly reports humidity chnages that are of no significance at all.

That depends on the thermostat. Some are more sensitive than others. The minimum gap allowed between heating and cooling determines the change that can be reported, usually a degree or two wider. The Insteon thermostat has a 2º gap, so a bit more is usually need to detect a change. Some thermostats have a 1º gap. I have one non-HA programmable thermostat that is sensitive to an amazing 0.9º.

And you are correct about the incessant humidity change reports. That's why I discontinued using Insteon thermostat even though they allowed full control.

[apostolakisl]

1 minute ago, stusviews said:

That depends on the thermostat. Some are more sensitive than others. The minimum gap allowed between heating and cooling determines the change that can be reported, usually a degree or two wider. The Insteon thermostat has a 2º gap, so a bit more is usually need to detect a change. Some thermostats have a 1º gap. I have one non-HA programmable thermostat that is sensitive to an amazing 0.9º.

And you are correct about the incessant humidity change reports. That's why I discontinued using Insteon thermostat even though they allowed full control.

I understand the need for hysteresis in a thermostat.  But that is no excuse for not reporting the change in temp.  Reporting the temp change to other devices shouldn't have anything to do with the thermostats internally set hysteresis for turning its own heat/cool on/off.

It just isn't the greatest thermostat in the world.  The hardware is quite capable, it is just bad firmware.  The sad thing is there is no reason that the firmware couldn't be better.  It wouldn't be more lines of code or anything.

[PhanTomiZ]

3 hours ago, nato595 said:

That's what I tried, nice and basic, but although I watched the temp of the thermostat change the module never switched on or off. I'm guessing it has something to do with the fact that the Admin Console of ISY never updates the temp shown unless I do a query. Shouldn't it update just as regularly on the screen as switches and other devices do?

How about this...

First create a scene with the Tstat cool ctrl and your on\off module as a responder.

Set Tstat to cool mode.

Now either through a program or manually set setpoint temperature of the Tstat to 80.  When the temperature hits 80 or more the module will come on.  When the Tstat hits 79 the module will shut off.

I use this method to control an oil filled space heater in my son's basement bedroom by using a motion sensor to adjust the setpoint temperature depending on occupancy.

Hope this helps

PhanTomiZ

P.s.  Admin console values may not change, but the operation of the scene will work.  In other words, your on\off module will cycle when temperatures go from 79 to 80 and 80 to 79, regardless of what the admin console is displaying.