Orvibo AllOne IR Blaster Guide: Controlling Air Conditioner with openHAB

General
1

I recently embarked on a project to integrate my new air conditioner with my openHAB setup, and I’m thrilled to share my journey. The goal was to control my AC using an Orvibo AllOne IR Blaster, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Here’s how I did it, step by step.

Background

Before diving into openHAB, I relied on the INSTEON app for controlling lights and roller shutters. While it worked, it was cumbersome and often unreliable. Switching to openHAB has been a game-changer, offering a more streamlined and reliable experience. Now, I wanted to extend this control to my air conditioner, which only came with an IR remote.

Tools and Setup

To get started, I needed a few key components:

  • Orvibo AllOne IR Blaster: This device acts as the bridge between my AC’s IR remote and my openHAB setup.
  • Python Library: The excellent Python library created by Pavel Cherezov was essential for controlling the AllOne device.
  • openHAB: My smart home automation platform of choice.

Installation and Configuration

  1. Install the Exec Binding: This allows openHAB to run Python scripts, which is crucial for sending IR commands.
  2. Download and Set Up the Python Library: I transferred the orvibo.py file to my Raspberry Pi and set up the necessary static IP in my modem to ensure consistent network connectivity.
  3. Learning IR Commands: Using the terminal, I learned the IR codes for my AC’s on/off and powerful modes. This involved pointing the IR remote at the AllOne device and capturing the signals.
  4. Configuring openHAB: I defined Switch items in my items file to represent the AC’s states. These items trigger Python scripts to emit the learned IR codes.
  5. Setting Up the Sitemap: I created a dedicated frame in my sitemap for climate controls, making it easy to access the AC settings from my phone.

Final Result

After a bit of tweaking, the system works flawlessly. I can now control my air conditioner directly from my openHAB interface, and the reliability has been impeccable. It’s incredibly satisfying to see all these pieces come together seamlessly.

Conclusion and Future Plans

This project has been a rewarding experience, showcasing the versatility of openHAB and the Orvibo AllOne IR Blaster. I’m already brainstorming ways to expand this setup, such as adding more buttons for different AC modes or integrating it with my existing smart home routines. A huge shoutout to the openHAB community and Pavel Cherezov for their invaluable contributions!

If you’re looking to integrate legacy devices into your smart home, I highly recommend exploring the IR blaster route. It’s a fantastic way to bring older appliances into the modern smart home ecosystem. Happy tinkering!