An Alexa Compatible Thermostat, Anyone?
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M. Taylor
Dec 26, 2022, 5:02:05 PM12/26/22
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Hello Everyone,
Okay, I know that I have asked this question before but, now that I must buy
a new thermostat for my home, within the next week or so, as my 32 year old
model is starting to fail on a virtually daily basis, what Alexa compatible
thermostat do you either recommend and / or are currently using?
I am aware of the Nest brand models; I thought they were Google-only models
but I think they also can work with Alexa, right? Does anyone have any
experience with Nest / Alexa compatibility?
Also, I know that Honeywell makes Alexa models but, from what I have read on
the web, today, one must setup an online account with Honeywell before the
device can be used with Alexa. That sounds like a lot of trouble to me;
maybe.
The only thing I know for certain is that I want a model that will work with
Amazon Alexa, out of the box, because I do not want to use a third-party
app, is I can avoid doing so.
I have come to trust the Alexa app for iOS and iPad OS.
Mark
Okay, I know that I have asked this question before but, now that I must buy
a new thermostat for my home, within the next week or so, as my 32 year old
model is starting to fail on a virtually daily basis, what Alexa compatible
thermostat do you either recommend and / or are currently using?
I am aware of the Nest brand models; I thought they were Google-only models
but I think they also can work with Alexa, right? Does anyone have any
experience with Nest / Alexa compatibility?
Also, I know that Honeywell makes Alexa models but, from what I have read on
the web, today, one must setup an online account with Honeywell before the
device can be used with Alexa. That sounds like a lot of trouble to me;
maybe.
The only thing I know for certain is that I want a model that will work with
Amazon Alexa, out of the box, because I do not want to use a third-party
app, is I can avoid doing so.
I have come to trust the Alexa app for iOS and iPad OS.
Mark
Katrina Anderson
Dec 26, 2022, 7:52:35 PM12/26/22
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Hi Mark,
I have a Honeywell thermostat, which I access via Alexa to perform basic functions. Yes, I had to register with Honeywell and/or Total Connect Comfort (TCC), but I don't recall the process being difficult. I've had this thermostat for several years, and only recently discovered it could be accessed via Alexa. The process of connecting Alexa to the device was easy as I recall.
The thermostat can be accessed via the TCC app, which is very accessible via voiceover. When I first got the thermostat years ago, before I found out about the app, JAWS had trouble accessing all features (e.g. programming the device), so I relied on sighted help. However, JAWS had no problem at all with the website when I tried a year or so ago. Rarely go to the website though as the TCC app is great for programming, etc. And, again Alexa does a great job with the basics like ID of indoor temperature, changing the temperature, etc.
HTH
Katrina
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I have a Honeywell thermostat, which I access via Alexa to perform basic functions. Yes, I had to register with Honeywell and/or Total Connect Comfort (TCC), but I don't recall the process being difficult. I've had this thermostat for several years, and only recently discovered it could be accessed via Alexa. The process of connecting Alexa to the device was easy as I recall.
The thermostat can be accessed via the TCC app, which is very accessible via voiceover. When I first got the thermostat years ago, before I found out about the app, JAWS had trouble accessing all features (e.g. programming the device), so I relied on sighted help. However, JAWS had no problem at all with the website when I tried a year or so ago. Rarely go to the website though as the TCC app is great for programming, etc. And, again Alexa does a great job with the basics like ID of indoor temperature, changing the temperature, etc.
HTH
Katrina
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M. Taylor
Dec 26, 2022, 8:22:56 PM12/26/22
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Hello Katrina,
Thank you so much for confirming that the Honeywell app, for iOS, is VoiceOver compatible and that the Honeywell devices can be managed by Amazon Alexa. This is great info.
Mark
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Thank you so much for confirming that the Honeywell app, for iOS, is VoiceOver compatible and that the Honeywell devices can be managed by Amazon Alexa. This is great info.
Mark
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M. Taylor
Dec 26, 2022, 8:26:18 PM12/26/22
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Hello Andy,
I saw the Ecobee brand, online today, but got so confused because they have so very many models (smile). I am really interested in Ecobee so am so glad you confirmed that they are Amazon Alexa compatible.
Mark
-----Original Message-----
From: vip...@googlegroups.com <vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Andy Baracco
Sent: Monday, December 26, 2022 5:04 PM
To: vip...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: An Alexa Compatible Thermostat, Anyone?
The Ecobee smart thermostat works with Alexa.
Andy
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I saw the Ecobee brand, online today, but got so confused because they have so very many models (smile). I am really interested in Ecobee so am so glad you confirmed that they are Amazon Alexa compatible.
Mark
-----Original Message-----
From: vip...@googlegroups.com <vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Andy Baracco
Sent: Monday, December 26, 2022 5:04 PM
To: vip...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: An Alexa Compatible Thermostat, Anyone?
The Ecobee smart thermostat works with Alexa.
Andy
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M. Taylor
Dec 26, 2022, 8:34:03 PM12/26/22
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Hello Sarai,
This is most interesting. So, the model is called the Amazon Basic Smart Thermostat? The price is definitely right. I will look it up.
Thank you, Sarai.
Mark
-----Original Message-----
From: vip...@googlegroups.com <vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of sarai.bu...@gmail.com
Sent: Monday, December 26, 2022 5:18 PM
To: vip...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: An Alexa Compatible Thermostat, Anyone?
I have the amazon basics smart Thermostat. Cost $60 and works great.
-----Original Message-----
From: vip...@googlegroups.com <vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Katrina Anderson
Sent: Monday, December 26, 2022 6:52 PM
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This is most interesting. So, the model is called the Amazon Basic Smart Thermostat? The price is definitely right. I will look it up.
Thank you, Sarai.
Mark
-----Original Message-----
From: vip...@googlegroups.com <vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of sarai.bu...@gmail.com
Sent: Monday, December 26, 2022 5:18 PM
To: vip...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: An Alexa Compatible Thermostat, Anyone?
I have the amazon basics smart Thermostat. Cost $60 and works great.
-----Original Message-----
From: vip...@googlegroups.com <vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Katrina Anderson
Sent: Monday, December 26, 2022 6:52 PM
To: viph...@googlegroups.com; vip...@googlegroups.com
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M. Taylor
Dec 28, 2022, 1:37:13 AM12/28/22
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Hello James.
Thank you so much for the link. Yes, having tactile buttons is so very important to me. I shutter at the thought of having to completely depend upon an external device in order to adjust basic functions of the thermostat.
I will definitely give this a look.
Thank you again.
Mark
From: vip...@googlegroups.com <vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of James Bentley
Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2022 7:26 PM
To: vip...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: An Alexa Compatible Thermostat, Anyone?
I’ve had a Sensi model st55 for 2 years now.Be sure you get this cheaper $80.00, model available from Amazon. It has buttons that control selecting heat or air conditioning and changing the temperature and more. It also works with Alexa and there is an app for I Phone and I think, Android.
Note, the more expensive model is flat screen only. No buttons. The buttons are important for a blind person to use the thermostat in case your internet goes down.
The $80.00, thermostat with buttons is model ST55. Here is an Amazon link.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NB1OB0I/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=16b53869f5473df1c2e96eaa091b5ae3&hsa_cr_id=1865675060401&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=a4851b0d-8d87-4199-8c2b-32c4437daff2&pd_rd_w=8kn92&pd_rd_wg=ViTHK&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_0_bkgd
HTH,
James B
From: mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com <mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Wayne Scott
Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2022 3:48 PM
To: mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: An Alexa Compatible Thermostat, Anyone?
I highly recommendthe Sensi thermostat. It works with both Alexa and iPhone.
Wayne Scott
On Dec 27, 2022, at 2:23 PM, Katrina Anderson <mailto:kander...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
My Honeywell programmable thermostat has buttons around the visual display. I am able to do some basic things without the Internet, app or Alexa, but since I am totally blind, I have to rely on good notes (not enough space for braille labels). I am very pleased with this thermostat, and what is especially cool is that I had nothing to do with selecting it. The thermostat was selected/installed by the company/workers who installed a new furnace and AC 7.5 years ago. In case it would prove helpful, details about my thermostat follow:
Honeywell Thermostat Model and/or Serial #: Focus Pro TH6320WF
Above based on the Model 6000
Katrina
-----Original Message-----
From: mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com <mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of M. Taylor
Sent: Monday, December 26, 2022 2:01 PM
To: mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com
Cc: mailto:viph...@googlegroups.com
Subject: An Alexa Compatible Thermostat, Anyone?
Hello Everyone,
Okay, I know that I have asked this question before but, now that I must buy a new thermostat for my home, within the next week or so, as my 32 year old model is starting to fail on a virtually daily basis, what Alexa compatible thermostat do you either recommend and / or are currently using?
I am aware of the Nest brand models; I thought they were Google-only models but I think they also can work with Alexa, right? Does anyone have any experience with Nest / Alexa compatibility?
Also, I know that Honeywell makes Alexa models but, from what I have read on the web, today, one must setup an online account with Honeywell before the device can be used with Alexa. That sounds like a lot of trouble to me; maybe.
The only thing I know for certain is that I want a model that will work with Amazon Alexa, out of the box, because I do not want to use a third-party app, is I can avoid doing so.
I have come to trust the Alexa app for iOS and iPad OS.
Mark
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Thank you so much for the link. Yes, having tactile buttons is so very important to me. I shutter at the thought of having to completely depend upon an external device in order to adjust basic functions of the thermostat.
I will definitely give this a look.
Thank you again.
Mark
From: vip...@googlegroups.com <vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of James Bentley
Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2022 7:26 PM
To: vip...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: An Alexa Compatible Thermostat, Anyone?
Note, the more expensive model is flat screen only. No buttons. The buttons are important for a blind person to use the thermostat in case your internet goes down.
The $80.00, thermostat with buttons is model ST55. Here is an Amazon link.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NB1OB0I/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=16b53869f5473df1c2e96eaa091b5ae3&hsa_cr_id=1865675060401&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=a4851b0d-8d87-4199-8c2b-32c4437daff2&pd_rd_w=8kn92&pd_rd_wg=ViTHK&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_0_bkgd
HTH,
James B
From: mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com <mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Wayne Scott
Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2022 3:48 PM
To: mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: An Alexa Compatible Thermostat, Anyone?
I highly recommendthe Sensi thermostat. It works with both Alexa and iPhone.
Wayne Scott
On Dec 27, 2022, at 2:23 PM, Katrina Anderson <mailto:kander...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
My Honeywell programmable thermostat has buttons around the visual display. I am able to do some basic things without the Internet, app or Alexa, but since I am totally blind, I have to rely on good notes (not enough space for braille labels). I am very pleased with this thermostat, and what is especially cool is that I had nothing to do with selecting it. The thermostat was selected/installed by the company/workers who installed a new furnace and AC 7.5 years ago. In case it would prove helpful, details about my thermostat follow:
Honeywell Thermostat Model and/or Serial #: Focus Pro TH6320WF
Above based on the Model 6000
Katrina
-----Original Message-----
From: mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com <mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Sieghard Weitzel
Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2022 2:58 PM
To: mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: An Alexa Compatible Thermostat, Anyone?
Honeywell T9 or T10 would probably be my choice, we have a Honeywell T5 which has long since been discontinued, but it works well although it is a touch screen thermostat so if for some reason your internet goes down you would have a hard time setting anything on it, but I believe many smart thermostats would be the same way.
From: mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com <mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Sieghard Weitzel
Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2022 2:58 PM
To: mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: An Alexa Compatible Thermostat, Anyone?
-----Original Message-----
From: mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com <mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of M. Taylor
Sent: Monday, December 26, 2022 2:01 PM
To: mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com
Cc: mailto:viph...@googlegroups.com
Subject: An Alexa Compatible Thermostat, Anyone?
Hello Everyone,
Okay, I know that I have asked this question before but, now that I must buy a new thermostat for my home, within the next week or so, as my 32 year old model is starting to fail on a virtually daily basis, what Alexa compatible thermostat do you either recommend and / or are currently using?
I am aware of the Nest brand models; I thought they were Google-only models but I think they also can work with Alexa, right? Does anyone have any experience with Nest / Alexa compatibility?
Also, I know that Honeywell makes Alexa models but, from what I have read on the web, today, one must setup an online account with Honeywell before the device can be used with Alexa. That sounds like a lot of trouble to me; maybe.
The only thing I know for certain is that I want a model that will work with Amazon Alexa, out of the box, because I do not want to use a third-party app, is I can avoid doing so.
I have come to trust the Alexa app for iOS and iPad OS.
Mark
--
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M. Taylor
Jan 6, 2023, 2:20:21 AM1/6/23
to vip...@googlegroups.com, viph...@googlegroups.com
Hello James and Everyone,
I purchased the Sensi model st55 Smart Thermostat 2 days ago and had it installed early this morning.
In a word, it is amazing. The physical buttons are easy-to-use and allow for complete use of the thermostat just as was my old unit.
I did not configure the wireless settings until late this evening because the buttons work so well.
However, I now have the device setup to work with either Alexa or Siri. And of course, one can use the Sensi app which is remarkably VoiceOver accessible.
Now I will tell you that the Apple Home Kit setup was a thousand times easier than was Amazon Alexa. In fact, for the first time, I was truly disappointed with Alexa because, in my opinion, not only would a blind or low vision person be hard pressed to configure the unit without sighted assistance, but the process is unintuitive and convoluted. In addition, at the time of this writing, one cannot setup Alexa with the device until one uses the Sensi app to create an external account, etc. Ridiculous.
Apple Home Kit, on the other hand, was fast, simple, and could easily be configured by a totally blind person as long as the person had the security code which is included on a sheet of paper located inside the package. The best part? One does not need to install the third-party Sensi app in order to be up and running in minutes.
I have decided to use Siri to run the thermostat as doing so is intuitive and works flawlessly from all of my Apple devices including my Apple Watch.
I think the Sensi people must love Apple because, if one did not want to configure Home Kit, manually, to work with the device, one only has to point iPhone camera to a QR code located in the packaging which automatically launches Home Kit and begins the configuration process. Most impressive, to say the least.
While I love Alexa, this round definitely goes to Siri.
Thank you all for your contribution to this thread and, like James, I definitely recommend this $80 unit to anyone who is in the market for a new thermostat, WiFi enabled or not.
I purchased the Sensi model st55 Smart Thermostat 2 days ago and had it installed early this morning.
In a word, it is amazing. The physical buttons are easy-to-use and allow for complete use of the thermostat just as was my old unit.
I did not configure the wireless settings until late this evening because the buttons work so well.
However, I now have the device setup to work with either Alexa or Siri. And of course, one can use the Sensi app which is remarkably VoiceOver accessible.
Now I will tell you that the Apple Home Kit setup was a thousand times easier than was Amazon Alexa. In fact, for the first time, I was truly disappointed with Alexa because, in my opinion, not only would a blind or low vision person be hard pressed to configure the unit without sighted assistance, but the process is unintuitive and convoluted. In addition, at the time of this writing, one cannot setup Alexa with the device until one uses the Sensi app to create an external account, etc. Ridiculous.
Apple Home Kit, on the other hand, was fast, simple, and could easily be configured by a totally blind person as long as the person had the security code which is included on a sheet of paper located inside the package. The best part? One does not need to install the third-party Sensi app in order to be up and running in minutes.
I have decided to use Siri to run the thermostat as doing so is intuitive and works flawlessly from all of my Apple devices including my Apple Watch.
I think the Sensi people must love Apple because, if one did not want to configure Home Kit, manually, to work with the device, one only has to point iPhone camera to a QR code located in the packaging which automatically launches Home Kit and begins the configuration process. Most impressive, to say the least.
While I love Alexa, this round definitely goes to Siri.
Thank you all for your contribution to this thread and, like James, I definitely recommend this $80 unit to anyone who is in the market for a new thermostat, WiFi enabled or not.
Cris Ali
Jan 6, 2023, 11:08:55 AM1/6/23
to viph...@googlegroups.com, vip...@googlegroups.com
Does it require a C wire? Some smart thermostats require C wire to be installed.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jan 6, 2023, at 2:20 AM, M. Taylor <mk...@ucla.edu> wrote:
>
> Hello James and Everyone,
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "VIPhone, The Next Generation" group.
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Sent from my iPhone
> On Jan 6, 2023, at 2:20 AM, M. Taylor <mk...@ucla.edu> wrote:
>
> Hello James and Everyone,
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to viphone2+u...@googlegroups.com.
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M. Taylor
Jan 6, 2023, 12:06:29 PM1/6/23
to viph...@googlegroups.com, vip...@googlegroups.com
Hello Chris,
This particular thermostat has a terminal for a grounding wire but I do not know if one is required. I think not.
While not wanting to get off-point, I will say that I suspect that many thermostats, in order to be widely compatible, allow for a great many installation options.
For example, in the setup manual, for this model, it instructs the installer to insert 2 batteries into the unit before attaching it to the bass, that should already be mounted onto the wall. However, this unit, has a terminal, on the back, for a power cable. It's not actually called a power cable but I cannot remember the actual name of the cable. if one has such a cable already built into the house, as does mine, then batteries are not necessary.
I had a professional installer switch out my old thermostat for the new one. He did it in seconds and did not need to read the installation setup guide. These setup guys are written for the non-professional user, in most cases.
Mark
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/viphone2/MN2PR07MB59178E537896051CA2173FE2C1FB9%40MN2PR07MB5917.namprd07.prod.outlook.com.
This particular thermostat has a terminal for a grounding wire but I do not know if one is required. I think not.
While not wanting to get off-point, I will say that I suspect that many thermostats, in order to be widely compatible, allow for a great many installation options.
For example, in the setup manual, for this model, it instructs the installer to insert 2 batteries into the unit before attaching it to the bass, that should already be mounted onto the wall. However, this unit, has a terminal, on the back, for a power cable. It's not actually called a power cable but I cannot remember the actual name of the cable. if one has such a cable already built into the house, as does mine, then batteries are not necessary.
I had a professional installer switch out my old thermostat for the new one. He did it in seconds and did not need to read the installation setup guide. These setup guys are written for the non-professional user, in most cases.
Mark
Cris Ali
Jan 6, 2023, 6:06:22 PM1/6/23
to viph...@googlegroups.com, vip...@googlegroups.com
Thanks Mark. I did not get the point of having to install batteries before attaching to the base. Does that mean you have to take the thermostat off its base each time you need to change the battery? Does the app have a battery meter to let you know if the battery is weak?
Cheers,
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jan 6, 2023, at 12:06 PM, M. Taylor <mk...@ucla.edu> wrote:
>
> Hello Chris,
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/viphone2/003701d921f1%2435f16df0%24a1d449d0%24%40ucla.edu.
Cheers,
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jan 6, 2023, at 12:06 PM, M. Taylor <mk...@ucla.edu> wrote:
>
> Hello Chris,
M. Taylor
Jan 7, 2023, 1:36:20 AM1/7/23
to vip...@googlegroups.com, viph...@googlegroups.com
Hello Sieghard,
You're a funny man; however, in this instance, the batteries can be used to power the device if one does not have the C cable.
Obviously, when using the batteries as the power source, the device would remain active regardless of any external circumstance.
Mark
-----Original Message-----
From: vip...@googlegroups.com <vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Sieghard Weitzel
Sent: Friday, January 6, 2023 10:02 AM
To: vip...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: An Alexa Compatible Thermostat, Anyone?
Hi Mark,
The power lead is the so-called "C Cable" and many older installations with mechanical thermostats don't have a 3-wire cable, only a 2-wire cable since these old thermostats did not require power.
Also, maybe he should have read the manual because at least for the Honeywell thermostats the batteries are there for backup in case there is a power failure. Yes, I know that typically a furnace doesn't work if the power is out so why should the thermostat, but I guess maybe it's better for these things to remain powered on.
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You're a funny man; however, in this instance, the batteries can be used to power the device if one does not have the C cable.
Obviously, when using the batteries as the power source, the device would remain active regardless of any external circumstance.
Mark
-----Original Message-----
From: vip...@googlegroups.com <vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Sieghard Weitzel
Sent: Friday, January 6, 2023 10:02 AM
To: vip...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: An Alexa Compatible Thermostat, Anyone?
The power lead is the so-called "C Cable" and many older installations with mechanical thermostats don't have a 3-wire cable, only a 2-wire cable since these old thermostats did not require power.
Also, maybe he should have read the manual because at least for the Honeywell thermostats the batteries are there for backup in case there is a power failure. Yes, I know that typically a furnace doesn't work if the power is out so why should the thermostat, but I guess maybe it's better for these things to remain powered on.
The archives for this list can be searched at:
http://www.mail-archive.com/vip...@googlegroups.com/
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M. Taylor
Jan 7, 2023, 1:48:25 AM1/7/23
to vip...@googlegroups.com, viph...@googlegroups.com
Hello Chris,
Yes, that is exactly what it means. One would have to remove the device from the wall plate in order to replace the batteries.
However, this should not be a deterrent as I suspect that one would only need to change the batteries once a year, if that often.
Given the level of device detail that Apple Home Kit provides, I would not be surprised if it reported device battery level. Again, I do not know since I did not insert any batteries into my unit.
I will admit that, now that I've gotten the unit working with Siri, I find myself using Siri rather than the physical buttons to control the thermostat (smile).
I will force myself to use the buttons on the device, at least once a week, so that I continue to be comfortable doing so.
Mark
Your V iPhone list moderator is Mark Taylor. Mark can be reached at: mk...@ucla.edu. Your list owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara at cara...@caraquinn.com
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Yes, that is exactly what it means. One would have to remove the device from the wall plate in order to replace the batteries.
However, this should not be a deterrent as I suspect that one would only need to change the batteries once a year, if that often.
Given the level of device detail that Apple Home Kit provides, I would not be surprised if it reported device battery level. Again, I do not know since I did not insert any batteries into my unit.
I will admit that, now that I've gotten the unit working with Siri, I find myself using Siri rather than the physical buttons to control the thermostat (smile).
I will force myself to use the buttons on the device, at least once a week, so that I continue to be comfortable doing so.
Mark
The archives for this list can be searched at:
http://www.mail-archive.com/vip...@googlegroups.com/
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M. Taylor
Jan 8, 2023, 7:20:08 PM1/8/23
to vip...@googlegroups.com, viph...@googlegroups.com
Hello All,
Okay, as my final follow up to this thread, I did some research and discovered the following general facts:
1.
The C cable is also referred to as a Common cable. This is what my installer called it which is why I got a bit confused when writing about it, here , on-list.
2.
Many Smart Thermostats require a C cable because they have a touch screen which requires more power than a mere non-touch screen digital display.
3.
Generally speaking, if a home was built in the last 40 years or so, it will have a C cable available, in the wall.
4.
If a home does not have a C cable, there are several alternatives including using a phone cable as a C cable or, more simply, purchasing a very inexpensive (less than $100) C cable conversion kit from Amazon, that simply splits one of the H/VAC cables so that a C cable can be attached to the required terminal on the Smart thermostat.
5.
The Sensi Smart thermostat I purchased, while having a digital display, is not a touch screen so batteries can be used to power the display if one does not have a C cable readily available.
6.
On my model, one can disable the physical buttons via the Sensi iOS app, to prevent others from controlling the thermostat. While I have no need to do this, I can easily imagine several scenarios in which one might want to lock the thermostat.
7.
For those of us who are low vision, from within the Sensi app, the backlight of the thermostat display can be set to, on, so that it can be used as a kind of nightlight. I am finding this feature most useful.
8.
On the model I purchased, one can see and control the humidity as well as the temperature.
Okay, I think that is all I can contribute to this thread.
Mark
-----Original Message-----
From: M. Taylor <mk...@ucla.edu>
Sent: Friday, January 6, 2023 10:48 PM
To: 'vip...@googlegroups.com' <vip...@googlegroups.com>
Cc: 'viph...@googlegroups.com' <viph...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: RE: An Alexa Compatible Thermostat, Anyone?
Your V iPhone list moderator is Mark Taylor. Mark can be reached at: mk...@ucla.edu. Your list owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara at cara...@caraquinn.com
The archives for this list can be searched at:
http://www.mail-archive.com/vip...@googlegroups.com/
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Okay, as my final follow up to this thread, I did some research and discovered the following general facts:
1.
The C cable is also referred to as a Common cable. This is what my installer called it which is why I got a bit confused when writing about it, here , on-list.
2.
Many Smart Thermostats require a C cable because they have a touch screen which requires more power than a mere non-touch screen digital display.
3.
Generally speaking, if a home was built in the last 40 years or so, it will have a C cable available, in the wall.
4.
If a home does not have a C cable, there are several alternatives including using a phone cable as a C cable or, more simply, purchasing a very inexpensive (less than $100) C cable conversion kit from Amazon, that simply splits one of the H/VAC cables so that a C cable can be attached to the required terminal on the Smart thermostat.
5.
The Sensi Smart thermostat I purchased, while having a digital display, is not a touch screen so batteries can be used to power the display if one does not have a C cable readily available.
6.
On my model, one can disable the physical buttons via the Sensi iOS app, to prevent others from controlling the thermostat. While I have no need to do this, I can easily imagine several scenarios in which one might want to lock the thermostat.
7.
For those of us who are low vision, from within the Sensi app, the backlight of the thermostat display can be set to, on, so that it can be used as a kind of nightlight. I am finding this feature most useful.
8.
On the model I purchased, one can see and control the humidity as well as the temperature.
Okay, I think that is all I can contribute to this thread.
Mark
-----Original Message-----
From: M. Taylor <mk...@ucla.edu>
Sent: Friday, January 6, 2023 10:48 PM
To: 'vip...@googlegroups.com' <vip...@googlegroups.com>
Cc: 'viph...@googlegroups.com' <viph...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: RE: An Alexa Compatible Thermostat, Anyone?
Hello Chris,
Yes, that is exactly what it means. One would have to remove the device from the wall plate in order to replace the batteries.
However, this should not be a deterrent as I suspect that one would only need to change the batteries once a year, if that often.
Given the level of device detail that Apple Home Kit provides, I would not be surprised if it reported device battery level. Again, I do not know since I did not insert any batteries into my unit.
I will admit that, now that I've gotten the unit working with Siri, I find myself using Siri rather than the physical buttons to control the thermostat (smile).
I will force myself to use the buttons on the device, at least once a week, so that I continue to be comfortable doing so.
Mark
-----Original Message-----
Yes, that is exactly what it means. One would have to remove the device from the wall plate in order to replace the batteries.
However, this should not be a deterrent as I suspect that one would only need to change the batteries once a year, if that often.
Given the level of device detail that Apple Home Kit provides, I would not be surprised if it reported device battery level. Again, I do not know since I did not insert any batteries into my unit.
I will admit that, now that I've gotten the unit working with Siri, I find myself using Siri rather than the physical buttons to control the thermostat (smile).
I will force myself to use the buttons on the device, at least once a week, so that I continue to be comfortable doing so.
Mark
-----Original Message-----
>> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NB1OB0I/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encodi
>> n
>> g=UTF8&aaxitk=16b53869f5473df1c2e96eaa091b5ae3&hsa_cr_id=186567506040
>> 1
>> &pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=a4851b0d-8d87-4199-8c2b-32c4437daff2&pd_rd_w=8
>> n
>> g=UTF8&aaxitk=16b53869f5473df1c2e96eaa091b5ae3&hsa_cr_id=186567506040
>> 1
>> &pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=a4851b0d-8d87-4199-8c2b-32c4437daff2&pd_rd_w=8
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