Browser-Controlled Thermostat
| This project is described in the Sep & Oct 2011 issues of Nuts & Volts: |
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The TCP/IP Experimenter Board, combined with a daughterboard that contains the HVAC and user interfaces... |
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Replaces your standard 4-wire thermostat with one that can be controlled with a PC or cell phone browser from anywhere in your house. With the proper firewall setup, you can also control it from anywhere in the universe you have Internet access.
Features
- Replaces standard 4-wire thermostat.
- Displays temperature (°F) and percent humidity. Uses Sensiron SHT11 sensor.
- Maintains simple user interface in the wall unit.
- Wall unit has backlight for the LCD display which is turned on briefly when a button is pushed.
- Web-browser access from PCs and smart phones (requires javascript).
- User-configurable start-up defaults.
- Sends email or text message on start-up or restart, such as after a power failure. (This feature does require access to a suitable mail server.)
- 7 PIC24 I/O lines available for custom use.
- Includes hardware dependent MPLAB project files.
- All on a 3” by 4” board that mounts on the TCP/IP experimenter board.
Documentation and Resources
The thermostat board includes instructions for modifying and compiling the application. Portions of code that are unique to the board and the MPLAB project files are included. Please note that you must download and install the Microchip MPLAB IDE, C30 compiler and Application Libraries to make changes and compile the application. Links and version numbers are included in the document, and below.
The manual can be found here. The latest update is 20 September 2011. I will be updating this as I get feedback from readers.
The MPLAB project files will be sent to you by email when you purchase the assembled thermostat.
The bill of materials for both the TCP/IP Experimenter board and the Thermostat can be found here.
Microchip download sites can be found here:
- MPLAB IDE - development environment which is required for managing projects.
- Compiler for PIC24 - requires registration and login. The free or evaluation version will work for this project.
- Application Libraries - these include the TCP/IP stack. Also download the help files on this page.
Availability - These are available now!
(You can click on the pictures to see a larger view.)
| Description | Price | Paypal Button | |
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Complete Web Thermostat, assembled and tested with software preloaded.
2-line vesion shown with backlight activated. • Includes TCP/IP Experimenter base • Includes SHT11 temp and humidity sensor. • Specify 2 or 3 Line LCD when ordering • Does not include case or faceplate. |
$205.00 | |
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Web Thermostat board (for those who already have the TCP/IP Base).
3-line vesion shown without backlight activated. • Includes SHT11 temp and humidity sensor. • Specify 2 or 3 Line LCD when ordering • Does not include case or faceplate. |
$125.00 | |
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Black faceplate and case. These can be painted to match the wall color. There is no text on this faceplate and it works best with the 3-line LCD. | $25.00 | |
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Ivory faceplate with black case. If ordered with the thermostat you will get white buttons. There is no text on this faceplate and it works best with the 3-line LCD. | $30.00 | |
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Thermostat Board - PCB only | $25.00 | |
| Brush Electronics Encrypting Bootloader - HEX file only. Includes supporting applications and documentation. This will work only with this hardware. |
$15.00 | ||
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I can make customized faceplates, with and without the text engraving. Some samples are shown.
A popular version is transparent grey acrylic that allows you to see the insides. I can also make over-size faceplates that can be mounted flush with the wall, placing the thermostat hardware inside it. (You still need to let the sensor hang outside.) Contact me for prices and options. |
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