Thanks, but this is not a normal HVAC, it is an in-window swamp cooler with a very simple 3-button remote. I am guessing the commands are PWM encoded so I can use a RasbPi to read them then emulate them. From what I have learned, the Arduino may not be fast enough for PWM frequencies required, so Pi it is.

My boat is floating fine. Using the hacked-remote approach is just adding in more things to go wrong. Reading and emulating it all with the one device makes for a tidy approach. And, decoding the IR is not that big a deal as I have the equipment to do it.

IF I wanted get really simple I could use RC-servos to push the buttons on the current remote. But again, I want to automate this all and that would just make a bigger mess. Keeping it all on the one processor board system, just makes more sense to me.

I don't have an Arduino, (I was going to buy one for this project, but I always research well before buying anything) but do have a Pi so I will use it.

I may buy an Arduino just to play with after this is working, but for now it looks like the Pi will be an easier approach.

Thanks, and I admit I am new to Arduino but NOT to programming (40+ years). Unless it is a severe limitation of the available Operating System AND programming functions, I can't see how that would be necessary instead of sending individual commands.

I have ordered the parts and will see what's what. But, I will be really disappointed at the Arduino if that is the case. At worst I can throw the Arduino away and use a RaspPi as it has a full function OS and programming functionality.

Thanks, I had already pulled (now sticky taped back together - {gasp}) the thing apart for doing that. But then after watching Pete B's videos, I thought I'd like to automate it with an Arduino so it would know if it is too humid outside, to be running.

Since my first post, I have thought about using the IR and getting the Arduino to send to an IR-Tx glued over the cooler IR-Rx. The current remote is pretty useless having to be so close and directly in front, so no big deal covering it up.

I need to record the output for each button press on the remote then have the Arduino replicate them.

Suggestions for where to get started with that?

Thanks

Newbie here and not sure which forum to put this in so will start here. We have a window mount evaporative cooler with remote control for System on/off, Pump on/off and fan low/high. It works OK, but sometimes it gets too cold and needs to be turned off for an hour. But, the poorly design system needs the remote directly in front and a max of about 7-feet.

I tried using a plug in thermostat, but the system will not start when power is applied. Probably to prevent false-starts after a power outage. Well, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, so the thermostat turns the cooler off at the low temp, but when it is time to turn back on, it reapplies power but the cooler will not start without a button press. To be fair, it does remember the last settings for Pump and Fan speed.

OK, getting a little long, but I am thinking of cutting into the lines to the fan and the pump and take control ignoring the remote system.

I saw Pete B's videos on Youtube and here I am. So, before reinventing the wheel, I thought I'd ask has it been done? I want to have inside and outside humidity and temp sensors as the cooler does not work at higher humidity levels and needs to be shut down.

I am a retired programmer and OK with building electronics but not so good at designing circuits. So, first question is, is there anything like this I can copy or extend?

If not, I am thinking an Arduino, two humidity/temp sensors, maybe a real time clock as I may later program it for Winter Summer etc and an 8-relay board. I like lots of relays for for additions.

Can anyone here please get me started with this project?

Thanks In advance.