a/c and programable thermostats

[caljim]

Has anyone here wired their wall mounted a/c to a programable thermostat to control day and night temps.

I've done a good search, but could not find anything directly related.

If youve done it,or can help sort it out---there will be much good karma for you

Caljim

 

[darkhollo]

I too am interested in this setup!

 

[cocktail frank]

if you have any electrical experience, you can do this.
wall t-stats for the most part are 24v.
you will need a transformer to achieve 24v.
then you will need either a relay or a contactor w/ a 24v coil.
this way the t-stat can open and close yer circuit.
obviously the line and load going to the a/c will come off the power points of the relay/ contactor.

only problem i forsee is the a/c.
if its older, w/ knobbies or manual pushbuttons, it can turn on w/ the power.
newer style a/c's must be turned on after power has been established.
if thats's the case w/ your a/c, this setup might not be applicable.

some fancier a/c's these days come w/ built in t-stats and timers.

 

[caljim]

Thanks for the info CF, were talking about the same thing. Just looking at doing it in different ways. let me explain.

Back in the day of the Advanced Nutrients forum their was a guy by the name of Big Pappa. He wired his old school a/c, with knobies and things, to a programmable wall t-stat. The wall mounted T-stat was driven by a couple of AA batteries and he cut the thermostat off of the a/c unit and sent two wires to the wall unit.

He used the wall mount units thermostat and programmable set up to do two things: 1.---he could put the thermostat where he wanted it to be---at the canapy, instead of inside the a/c itself.

2. The wall mount is programble and will let you run night and day cooling programs.

Now, I know that i can buy a unit that does this from IGS for $100, but I like to tinker and make my own gear when it's possible.

So all that being said---thats what I'm looking to do.