Simple Program for a Dehumidifier

[Shadowen]

I am trying to run a simple program to turn on a Dehumidifier when it gets to humid.

Currently I am triggering off of an Insteon Thermostat (2441TH) and controlling the Dehumidifier using a Insteon On/Off Module (2635-222).

Here is the program I am currently running on the ISY:

If
	Module 'Climate' Temperature > 50 °F
    and Status 'Thermostat - Main' > 50% (Humidity)

Then
	Set 'Dehumdifier' On

Else
	Set 'Dehumdifier' Off

The problem that I am running into is that the Dehumidifier keeps flapping on/off at that 50% humidity mark.  I'd like it stay on long enough to drop the humidity to like 45%, so that it is off for a little bit (until the humidity rises above 50% again).   I tried inserting a wait after the ON command, but that doesn't seem to be working either.  I think that the Thermostat sends another humidity update and just starts the loop all over again at the initial If statement.

Can any ISY programming wizards suggest some ideas to help me figure out a better way to do this?

Regards,

[Bumbershoot]

28 minutes ago, Shadowen said:

I am trying to run a simple program to turn on a Dehumidifier when it gets to humid.

Currently I am triggering off of an Insteon Thermostat (2441TH) and controlling the Dehumidifier using a Insteon On/Off Module (2635-222).

Here is the program I am currently running on the ISY:

If
	Module 'Climate' Temperature > 50 °F
    and Status 'Thermostat - Main' > 50% (Humidity)

Then
	Set 'Dehumdifier' On

Else
	Set 'Dehumdifier' Off

The problem that I am running into is that the Dehumidifier keeps flapping on/off at that 50% humidity mark.  I'd like it stay on long enough to drop the humidity to like 45%, so that it is off for a little bit (until the humidity rises above 50% again).   I tried inserting a wait after the ON command, but that doesn't seem to be working either.  I think that the Thermostat sends another humidity update and just starts the loop all over again at the initial If statement.

Can any ISY programming wizards suggest some ideas to help me figure out a better way to do this?

Regards,

Take a look at this post.  This is used to power a bathroom fan used to exhaust humidity, but you could modify the concept for your purposes.  It uses variables, and it employs an hysteresis to keep the fan from flapping on/off/on/off...  I'm sure there are other ways to achieve this, but this works in my situation.

[PhanTomiZ]

I'm not a wizard, but I try and start with easiest and simplest way as I tweek it into more complicated iterations.

I use two seperate programs to accomplish getting rid of excess humidity in my basement bathroom.

Program 1

If humidity >50% and temperature >50°

Turn on the dehumidifier

Program 2

If humidity <46%

Turn off dehumidifier

PhanTomiZ

 

 

[io_guy]

You should always put a couple minutes wait before commands that cycle power to external devices.  Otherwise you run the risk of a faulty program, or sensor causing your system to cycle with every isy cycle.  Good way to kill an appliance.  

[larryllix]

In conjunction with io_guy above, a few minutes of off every cycle can allow some wicks/filters to soften  the scale  somewhat, as it re-wets itself more completely. The hardened scales can stop the water from wicking completely and wear out your wick/drum faster.

[Shadowen]

I can't believe I didn't think of using two programs. Thanks a lot for all the help!

Regards