Thermostat recommendation

[jduncc]

I have been using an Elk M1 for several years now and I have been extremely happy with it. I have mostly been using x10 for lighting control, I dabbled a while ago with insteon and ran into problems mixing them together so now I just assign x10 addresses with the switxhlinc modules. I recently purchased the e keypad app for iPhone, which rocks, and I have the urge to the my thermostats up and running with my automation system as well. What so you recommend that I use for that?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Steve]

Personally I really like the HAI RC1000/2000, but you have other choices including the Aprilaire and RCS.

 

[sic0048]

I use some of the older RCS TR-40 thermostats and really like them too. I also like that I can tie them into a RCS zone system in the future without having to replace all the units. That was a key selling point for me at the time. I'm not any closer to having a zoned system, but at least I won't have to buy new thermostats should I ever go that route.

 

[felixrosbergen]

I have Aprilaire T-Stats...they are ok..but a bit large IMHO. Pics in my showcase thread.

 

[pete_c]

I just switched over to the HAI OmniStat 2 1000 from the legacy RC80 (that I used for about 6-7 years). Probably will go to an OmniStat 2 2000 in FL. (maybe even one in the MW sometime in the future)

Other than the original power stealing issues relating to the RC80; its been working fine. I like the added features of the OmniStat II 1000.

 

[jduncc]

I just switched over to the HAI OmniStat 2 1000 from the legacy RC80 (that I used for about 6-7 years). Probably will go to an OmniStat 2 2000 in FL. (maybe even one in the MW sometime in the future)

Other than the original power stealing issues relating to the RC80; its been working fine. I like the added features of the OmniStat II 1000.

How do these hai thermostats talk to the elk m1?

 

[mustangcoupe]

I use a RCS 40 (I think) I picked up on ebay cheap NIB, looks great, works well, uses a rs485 interface into a elk serial module

 

[Steve]

All of the stats on the M1 pretty much communicate via a serial expansion (M1XSP), the RC1000/2000 do as well.

 

[KentDub]

I have a couple questions to add:

1. If I replaced my conventional thermostats with these, I would have to run new wires I assume to each thermostat for HA hookup?
2. I looked at the HAI installation guide but couldn't find pictures of the serial port, can anyone provide a picture?
3. If I had two of the HAI2000s, would I need a M1XSP for each?

Thanks,
Kent

 

[jduncc]

I have a couple questions to add:

1. If I replaced my conventional thermostats with these, I would have to run new wires I assume to each thermostat for HA hookup?
2. I looked at the HAI installation guide but couldn't find pictures of the serial port, can anyone provide a picture?
3. If I had two of the HAI2000s, would I need a M1XSP for each?

Thanks,
Kent

Good questions, I'm anxious to see the responses...

 

[pete_c]

If I replaced my conventional thermostats with these, I would have to run new wires I assume to each thermostat for HA hookup?

yes

I looked at the HAI installation guide but couldn't find pictures of the serial port, can anyone provide a picture?

Attached is an older and newer PDFs for the RC-80/Omnistat2 HAI thermostats.

If I had two of the HAI2000s, would I need a M1XSP for each?

For the Elk M1/HAI Omni stat connectivity look here:

ELK M1 to HAI Omnistat 2

 

[pete_c]

More documentation.

 

[jduncc]

Will the HAI Omnistat2 work with the wiring already in the wall or is additional wiring required to hook it up to elk? I know that I need a serial port expander for elk, and I already have that. Here is the thermostat I am considering:

http://www.smarthome.com/110748/HAI-Omnist...C-1000WH/p.aspx

 

[Steve]

Typically the answer is yes, it will work but there is a caveat. If you don't have a common wire then the stat does 'power stealing' and sometimes the HVAC unit won't supply enough for it to work. In that case you will need to either add a common wire or add the HAI 30A002 power supply module. Mine works without the common but I did have to turn down the LCD backlight brightness a bit to conserve some power. I've seen it go both ways so it really depends on your HVAC. If the question is the automation piece, then yes, you need a wire from the stat to where your XSP is for the serial comm and that won't be there.

 

[jduncc]

Typically the answer is yes, it will work but there is a caveat. If you don't have a common wire then the stat does 'power stealing' and sometimes the HVAC unit won't supply enough for it to work. In that case you will need to either add a common wire or add the HAI 30A002 power supply module. Mine works without the common but I did have to turn down the LCD backlight brightness a bit to conserve some power. I've seen it go both ways so it really depends on your HVAC. If the question is the automation piece, then yes, you need a wire from the stat to where your XSP is for the serial comm and that won't be there.

Ok, I can't get a wire from the downstairs thermostat location back to my wiring closet. What do I do in that case? What other thermostats are recommended that are wireless/etc?