Hardware Installation

This chapter describes the preparation and installation procedures for mounting the controller and its accessories at the deployment site.

Warning: Before installation, ensure the controller and the air conditioner are powered off!

Installation Requirement

Installation Locations
The controller supports multiple installation locations to suit different on-site environment:

Tip:
  • For wall mount, the controller's installation height should not exceed AC unit height, and preferably not less than 2 meters.
  • Make sure the controller is within the transmission range of the LoRaWAN gateway and with no metal objects nearby.
  • It is recommended that the controller be placed within 5 meters of the air conditioner (up to a maximum of 10 meters) and pointed toward the air conditioner.
  • It requires both external NTC sensor and external IR emitter when installing inside or at the back of the air conditioner.
Installation Method
The controller offers two categories of installation methods:
Surface Installation
Method Suitable Surface Description
Screw Mount Non-smooth surfaces (wood, concrete, etc.) For long-term installation. Before installation, check for concealed wiring and pipes
3M Tape Mount Dry, smooth, solid, clean surface (painted walls, glass, etc.) For fast and easy installation. Recommended application temperature: 20-40°C. In low temperatures, pre-warm the tape to approximately 30°C.
Concealed Installation
AC Type Installation Position
Wall-mounted Split Embedded in the unused drain pipe position of the indoor unit
Cassette/Ceiling AC Concealed inside the cassette decorative panel or within the gypsum ceiling
Floor-standing Cabinet AC Concealed at the back of the indoor unit
Environmental Conditions
  • Do not cover the controller surface, as this will disable the built-in IR and temperature sensors.
  • Avoid installation in direct sunlight or spotlight to reduce interference with IR signals.
  • When using battery compartment, operating ambient temperature should be 0 - 40°C.

External Accessories Selection

The controller supports various external accessories to extend functionality and adapt to different installation scenarios. All accessories below are sold separately.
Accessory When to Use
NTC Sensor
  • When the controller is concealed (back/inside AC unit) and built-in sensor cannot accurately detect room temperature.
  • When measuring AC outlet air temperature for operational status verification.
Current Transformer
  • When accurate AC on/off status detection is needed.
  • When estimating AC operating power and energy consumption.
  • Not recommended to use it when the controller is powered by batteries as it reduces battery life.
Note: It is primarily for checking AC on/off status and rough current measurement; it cannot perform precise power consumption testing.
IR Emitter
  • When the controller cannot be positioned to directly face the AC IR receiver.
  • When direct sunlight or spotlight interferes with IR signals.
  • In concealed installation scenarios, to ensure IR commands effectively reach the AC.
Battery Compartment
  • When no suitable DC power supply is available on-site.
  • Reduce wiring and installation costs.

Prerequisites

Check AC Compatibility
Confirm the AC brand is in the compatibility list and IR code learning verification is completed.
Check the Installation Conditions

Select the required mounting method and prepare the corresponding mounting accessories.

Check the External Sensors
Make sure the external sensors are connected to the controller and functioning properly.
Check the Power Supply
The controller can be powered by a DC power supply (3.6 to 7 V) or an optional battery compartment using the USB port. For battery power, make sure the battery compartment, its accessories, and three new AA 1.5V batteries (Recommended Brands: Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic) are ready.
CAUTION: Do not overload the device, otherwise it may cause the permanent damage.
Complete the Initial Test
Ensure the controller is tested well with the air conditioner and other necessary devices:

Install the External Sensors (Optional)

Insert the External sensors
  1. Remove the controller front cover.
  2. Connect the external sensors to the corresponding interfaces of the controller.

  3. Restore the front cover and pass the sensor cables through the holes at the top of the controller cover.

Install the IR Emitter
Typically, the IR emitter can be mounted within the IR-available range of air conditioner with cable clips. The installation method depends on your requirement:
  • Parallel Installation: Stick the IR emitter head near the AC IR receiver. This will not affect normal use of the original remote control.
  • Interventional Installation: Use the included IR-blocking tape to secure the IR emitter head onto the AC IR receiver, so the emitter sits between the tape and the receiver. In this way, original remote control becomes largely unusable and it is suitable for scenarios requiring centralized control.
Install the Current Transformer
  1. Open the current transformer to clip it around a single Live wire. Make sure the direction of the current matches the arrow on the current transformer, which flows from the outlet to the air conditioner.
  2. Close the clip with a slight “click” sound to make sure the clip firmly grips the wire.

Install the NTC Sensor
Mount the NTC sensor with cable clips. The installation position depends on your measuring requirement:
  • Ambient Temperature Detection: Place the sensor in a well-ventilated indoor area.
  • Outlet Temperature Detection: Fix the sensor near the AC air outlet to check air conditioner on/off status.

Prepare and Install the Battery Compartment (Optional)

If the controller requires battery power, follow the steps to install the batteries into the compartment, and deploy the battery compartment.

Install Batteries into the Battery Compartment
  1. Remove the battery compartment cover using a screwdriver.
  2. Install the batteries into the battery compartment.
    Note: Ensure all batteries are new and of the same brand. Using old or mixed batteries may shorten battery life or cause inaccurate battery level calculation.
  3. Reinstall the battery compartment cover.


The battery compartment is typically mounted beside the controller. Select one of the following mounting methods.
Mount with 3M Tape
  1. Apply 3M tape to the back of the battery compartment, avoiding touching the adhesive side with your fingers.
  2. Remove the liner and position the device to the target surface.
  3. Press firmly for at least 30 seconds to ensure full adhesion.


Mount with Screws
  1. Remove the battery compartment cover.
  2. Drill two holes in the wall aligned with the wall-mount holes of the battery compartment.
  3. Insert the wall plugs into the drilled holes.
  4. Fasten the battery compartment to the wall plugs with the supplied wall mounting screws.
  5. Reinstall the battery compartment cover.


Install the Controller

Select one of the following mounting methods.

Mount with 3M Tape
  1. Apply 3M tape to the back of the controller, avoiding touching the adhesive side with your fingers.
  2. Remove the liner and position the device to the target surface.
  3. Press firmly for at least 30 seconds to ensure full adhesion.


Mount with Screws
  1. Remove the controller cover.
  2. Drill two holes in the wall aligned with the wall-mount holes of the controller.
  3. Insert the wall plugs into the drilled holes.
  4. Fasten the controller to the wall plugs with the supplied wall mounting screws.
  5. Reinstall the controller cover.


Fixed onto the Battery Compartment
For aesthetic reasons, the controller can be mounted on top of the battery compartment.
  1. Remove the controller cover.
  2. Fasten the controller onto the battery compartment with the supplied screws.
  3. Reinstall the controller cover.