Re: [misterhouse-users] multizone HVAC w/ iButton.com

[Kieran A. <ka...@op...>]

Methinks thou dost attempt too much.

I've ben using mh for almost two years now and love what it can do. I've
also been unsuccessful in getting the mh/iButton interface working. So,
read the following under that context.

I work for an energy company, having started out with a tool box in the
field, repairing gas leaks and repairing appliances, including boilers
and furnaces. If you're doing a complete re-do of your heating plant, my
advise would be to use mh/iButton in a monitoring and reporting mode as
it applies to HVAC. See what type of UL and AGA approved devices are
available on the market, and investigate how you might be able to
interface to them.

You referenced your "gas boiler", so I assume you're using natural gas
(or propane?) as your fuel. I'd be cautious in writing scripts to
address the many issues in keeping my house warm. I believe there are
devices out there that would suit your needs, and this list is a good
place to start asking questions. But I wouldn't stop there.

I also wouldn't start with an assumption of what the final product will
look like or how it will behave. I'd start with an assumption of how the
available technologies can be utilized and then see what kind of system
can be created.

Your local HVAC specialists have a good understanding of the many codes
and standards that apply to your heating plant. If you share your dreams
with one of them, you may be able to exchange information that will
benefit the both of you without paying through the nose.

Sorry if this is long winded. Just my 2 cents.

Kieran


Daniel Moore wrote:

> I've just bought an old house and am undertaking some major HVAC
> improvements this summer - converting the ciculating hot water system
> into a multizone system -- changing over pipes and cast iron radiators
> to baseboard -- unfortunately the heating guys know nothing about home
> automation-- and I know nothing about zone valves & thermostats. I've
> seen some of us -- like Bruce Winter have been using iButton.com 's
> devices with success. -- What kind of signal should I provide to turn
> on a particular zone? -- What hardware to I use to relay between MH
> and the gas boiler? -- Where can I get it? (BTW. currently I'm only
> using Activehome & x10 devices) Assumed system:
> 1. Muti-zone sensors using ibutton arrangements s/a:
> www.solarbugs.com/home/ibutton.htm (parts: $15 DS9097U-009 or -S09 +
> DS1402D-DR8l for the serial interface, $3 DS1990A-F5  for 64 bit ID
> buttons, (5x - one for each zone) ibutton 1820, 150 ohm resisters -
> one, 150-ohm resistor should be in the signal path between the host
> adapter and each 1820 device- available: www.pointsix.com). 2.
> Muti-zone valves to direct hot water to a particular zone. (parts
> ???) 3. single fail-safe basic thermostat that will turn the boiler
> and all zones in case it detects a low temperature. -- like if the pc
> crashes. ps. can someone recommend a URL I can bone up on the basics
> of how a multizone heating system operates? Thanks for helping me get
> a HVAC clue!
>
>
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