Overview
Split infrared controlled HVAC systems are quite common in Australia and New Zealand. The issue with these systems is that control is only one way, without any feedback what so ever. Furthermore each IR string contains code information about the mode, fan speed and set point within it. Given this, you must learn every single combination of IR code to get full integration into your home automation system.
The Chowmain Generic IR Thermostat driver enables us to integrate infrared controlled HVAC systems into the Control4 system with feedback from a dry contact (to sense if it is on/off) and temperature input from the Control4 Thermostat, Axxess Motion Sensors, Card Access Contact Sensor or Relays.
The driver also provides the ability to preset and schedule. This provides a total smart solution for what would be a one way system. Note this driver is only compatible with HVAC systems that utilize Celsius.
The two options we recommend for installation are as follows:
- Option A: 'Retrofit' via a Card Access Zigbee 2 IR device / Matterlink MultiX gateway
- Option B: 'New Construction' via hard wired connection from a Control4 Controller or IO Extender.
In both cases installation is recommended on the interior of the heat pump chassis to ensure a clean look. However if this voids the manufactures warranty a tidy exterior installation can easily be done.
Features
- Inbuilt Web server for control, setup and backup or IR codes.
- Ability to test IR codes via the Web setup page.
- Heat, Cool & Auto HVAC modes supported.
- Low, Medium, High & Auto Fan modes supported.
- 16 - 30 degrees of Set Point supported.
- Temperature Feedback from Axxess Motion Sensor, Control4 Thermostat, Card Access Contact Sensor or Card Access Contact Relay.
- Power State Feedback via dry contact input.
- Ability to preset
- Ability to schedule
FAQ
Can you give us some examples of how we could use this driver?
This driver is extremely useful for countries where IR based HVAC solutions are common. By combining it with 3rd party temperature inputs you get a fully integration IR HVAC solution within Control4.
Are there any other cool things we can do with this driver?
- This driver supports an optional contact input. This is useful for when the consumer utilises the existing IR remote control for feedback. It will set the mode to off when the unit shutter closes and to auto at the last setpoint when the unit shutter opens.
- This driver has an inbuilt webserver for setup and control. If the client is on their PC they can control their HVAC system by just visiting the URL specified in the properties page of the driver.
What hardware will this work on?
This will work on all IR based HVAC systems. Note that a 3rd party IR learner is required to learn the codes. Temperature input is compatible with the Control4 Thermostat, Axxess Motion Sensor, Card Access Contact and Card Access Relay.
Where do i find IR backup files for existing systems?
You can download IR backup files under the Downloads tab.
Why do you only support OS 2.6 and above?
OS 2.6 offers a superior security encryption algorithm and a new and improved driver format. We have decided to only utilise this new format to ensure that the integrity of this driver is not compromised and that we can provide the best dealer/user experience available.
I am using an EA Controller and have issues sending IR to my HVAC system
Control4 have advised us of a bug that effects control over IR based HVAC systems on EA controllers. They have created a patch to fix this issue for OS 2.8.2. This patch will be included in future versions of OS automatically. Please see knowledgebase article below if this effects you.
https://dealer.control4.com/dealer/knowledgebase/article/1618
Do you offer showroom discounts?
We offer dealers a free showroom licence for demonstration and educational purposes. See link below for T&C's and signup procedure.
I want to try this driver out before buying it?
All Chowmain drivers for Control4 come with a 90 day trial. Just add the driverCentral licencing driver and this driver and you're good to go. No registration required.
Do you offer other drivers?
We have hundreds of drivers. Many of which are manufacturer sponsored and free. Please visit our website to view all available drivers including FREE drivers.
Version #20221220 - 20-DEC-2022
Upgrade to new Diagnostics system with Submit Diagnostics, and automatic troubleshooting
Version #20210119 - 19-JAN-2021
Updated to new Driver Central licensing
Version #20200804 – 04-AUG-2020
Fixed scheduler for Sundays
Version #20200422 – 22-APR-2020
Fixed scheduler for non english locales
Version #20180704 – 04-JUL-2018
Added room temperature variable. Set this to the value of the input device's temperature variable. This means we can now support almost all temperature devices in Control4 now.
Version #20171106 - 06-NOV-2017
OS 2.10 broke our restore functionality. Fixed
Version #20170710 - 10-JUL-2017
Migrated to driverCentral.
Version #20170427 - 27-APR-2016
Fixed issue effecting gen 1 control4 thermostats
Added new axxess motion sensor driver
Version #20161015 - 15-OCT-2016
Fixed backup ir file load issues caused when there is no presets and schedules.
Version #20160902 - 02-SEP-2016
Fixed issue with presets
Version #20160627 - 27-JUN-2016
Fixed issue that effects turning off the unit when in fan mode
Fixed issue that effects updating the Extras page to the current swing mode.
Version #20160524 - 24-MAY-2016
Changed to single setpoint
Updated HVAC states to reflect what is happening.
Implemented Presets & Scheduling
Added ability to remove HVAC modes and Fan modes (useful for systems that only have Heat or Cool only)
Version #20160301 - 01-MAR-2016
Fixed init issue caused by heatmiser thermostat
Version #20160129 - 29-JAN-2016
Fixed issue with special heatmiser driver where it was listening into the wrong variable.
Version #20151215 - 15-DEC-2015
Added support for special heatmiser driver
Version #20151020 - 20-OCT-2015
Made improvements to licencing algorithm. Should resolve issues on OS 2.8 systems with intermittent internet connections.
Version #20151012 - 12-OCT-2015
Updated to supprt Control4 Thermostat V2 as temperature input.
Version #20150818 - 18-AUG-2015
Implemented Dealer Demo Licencing
Version #20150407 - 07-APR-2015
Resolved issue where logs on 2.6 systems would fill out controller storage causing system stability issues. This only effects systems where people have set the debug logs to 'print and log' or 'log' and have forgotten about it over longer periods of time.
Version #20150401 - 01-APR-2015
Rectified issue where licence data gets wiped on IR file restore.
Version #20141118 - 18-NOV-2014
Converted from C4I to C4Z
Version #20140923 - 23-SEP-2014
Added Fake Temperature feedback option which sets the temp to the set point value when on or 0 when off
Version #20140818 - 18-AUG-2014
Added Egauge and Saturn South Energy monitoring. This is used to determine if the HVAC unit is on or off
Version #20140624 - 24-JUN-2014
Added Card Access Contact Sensor Remote Sensor for input device
Version #20140522 - 22-MAY-2014
Initial Release