Computer-driven, Open Source Based HVAC Control?

Posted by Cliff on Wednesday June 5, 2002 @06:12PM from the your-computer-the-thermostat dept.

richardtallent asks: "Other than various X-10 compatible products, has anyone found a consumer-level, computer-programmable thermostat? I could hack something out with some discrete components and a serial port, but I'd prefer a stand-alone, wall-mounted device that communicates via Ethernet or serial. GPL/LGPL/BSD-licensed software is a must; full documentation and a CLR, Java, or ActiveX interface library would be even better. With a fully programmable interface, I could set up any number of scenarios and variables based on DOW, time, work/school schedules, CPU temperature override, current or forecasted weather, electricity/gas rates, IR signals, remote control via DSL, etc. I could also automate alerts for replacing the filter, estimate costs before the bill arrives, etc." I have seen the home of the future. We will build them ourselves out of nifty little projects like these.

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My own bodge... by canthusus · 2002-06-05 19:26 · Score: 4, Interesting

This doesn't involve anything clever (like temperature sensing/control, like network communications), but it shows that you can bodge up a workable computer controlled controller quickly and easily. It's running on a laptop nailed to my wall, and has been going nine years now!
At risk of getting my site dash-slotted here it is.
(try not to mock too hard - it works!)