** UPDATE **SDJ-VStat is now in the updater and has its own sub forum so I have removed the attachments and closed this thread.
** UPDATE Version 3.0.8.2 added. I think I have cured an issue with the OpenWindow device not setting back the target temperature in certain circumstances, mainly a restart. Also tidied up some redundant code for efficiency, hopefully without introducing new bugs. Only the main exe file has changed if you are updating.
** UPDATE Version 3.0.8.1 added. Minor update to include devices with 'weather' in their Device Type [String] to lists of sensors **
** UPDATE Version 3.0.8.0 added. Now has Cooling as well as Heating VStats **
I don't have any AC so testing has been a bit limited for the Cooling VStats. Treat as a beta. I have left the previous version attached for now just in case of problems. In addition to Cooling VStats some more configurable options added like editable mode names.
There are some additional image files so, to update, close the plugin and make sure you copy all the files as for a new installation.
The new features are described in the updated 'SDJ-VStat Quick Guide 3-0-8-0.pdf'
** UPDATE Version 3.0.7.1 added. Corrected bug see message #11 **
I wrote a Virtual Thermostat plug-in some time ago for my own use which I have been running for a couple of years now. Recently a number of users expressed interest in trying out the plug-in so I released versions privately for testing. A number of revisions and additions have been made to the plug-in following feedback, and so far nobody has reported any significant issues.
I have been getting more and more requests to try out the plug-in so decided it is worth opening it up to wider testing by posting it on the forum. I am busy at work at the moment so support may be sporadic but I will do what I can. Also note that this plug-in is very much designed to work the way I want it to and therefor may not suit every bodies needs.
If you want to use the plug-in it is totally at your own risk and I cannot accept responsibility for any consequences. The current version is beta software so you are advised to fully backup HS3 before installing. The attached Quick Guide gives brief details of setting up and using the plug-in so I suggest you read through that document first before proceeding.
General Description
Comparison with Real Thermostats
An important point to consider when using virtual thermostats is that they are totally dependent on HS3 being in operation and the plug-in running. Conversely most physical thermostats will continue to operate even if HS3 becomes unavailable, for instance due to a computer crash. Depending on what you are using the VStats for, you need to ensure that the implications of losing control are not serious.
My approach with a heating system is as follows:
Of course real thermostats aren’t 100% reliable either.
Installation and Upgrading
The SDJ-VStat plug-in runs on windows or linux. The scheduler program, VStat_Scheduler.exe, is a windows only program that has to be run on a windows PC but can interface with SDJ-VStat running on linux over a network connection. The scheduler is optional as there are other ways of creating and editing schedules discussed in the guide. The scheduler is only used to edit schedules, the schedules themselves run within the plug-in.
The plug-in is not currently in the HS3 updater so installation and upgrading has to be carried out manually. The downloaded zip file contains the following:
To install copy:
If you want to use the ‘VStat_Scheduler.exe’ this needs to either be copied to the HS3 root folder on a windows PC or alternatively it can be run from its own folder on the same PC or a remote PC with network access to your HS3 installation. If not in the HS3 root folder then you need to copy the following HS3 library files to the same folder as VStat_Scheduler.exe:
Enable the Plug-in from the ‘Plug-In>Manage’ page of the web interface. You may need to restart HS3 if the Plug-in is not in the list ready to be enabled.
Configuration and Use
I haven’t written a full guide to this plug-in but there is a Quick Guide which explains the setup and basic use of VStats.
Steve
** UPDATE Version 3.0.8.2 added. I think I have cured an issue with the OpenWindow device not setting back the target temperature in certain circumstances, mainly a restart. Also tidied up some redundant code for efficiency, hopefully without introducing new bugs. Only the main exe file has changed if you are updating.
** UPDATE Version 3.0.8.1 added. Minor update to include devices with 'weather' in their Device Type [String] to lists of sensors **
** UPDATE Version 3.0.8.0 added. Now has Cooling as well as Heating VStats **
I don't have any AC so testing has been a bit limited for the Cooling VStats. Treat as a beta. I have left the previous version attached for now just in case of problems. In addition to Cooling VStats some more configurable options added like editable mode names.
There are some additional image files so, to update, close the plugin and make sure you copy all the files as for a new installation.
The new features are described in the updated 'SDJ-VStat Quick Guide 3-0-8-0.pdf'
** UPDATE Version 3.0.7.1 added. Corrected bug see message #11 **
I wrote a Virtual Thermostat plug-in some time ago for my own use which I have been running for a couple of years now. Recently a number of users expressed interest in trying out the plug-in so I released versions privately for testing. A number of revisions and additions have been made to the plug-in following feedback, and so far nobody has reported any significant issues.
I have been getting more and more requests to try out the plug-in so decided it is worth opening it up to wider testing by posting it on the forum. I am busy at work at the moment so support may be sporadic but I will do what I can. Also note that this plug-in is very much designed to work the way I want it to and therefor may not suit every bodies needs.
If you want to use the plug-in it is totally at your own risk and I cannot accept responsibility for any consequences. The current version is beta software so you are advised to fully backup HS3 before installing. The attached Quick Guide gives brief details of setting up and using the plug-in so I suggest you read through that document first before proceeding.
General Description
• A Virtual Thermostat plug-in for HS3.
• A number of VStats (current max 20) can be setup, within the single plug-in, which can theoretically use any temperature sensor devices for input and control any On/Off switching devices.
• Each VStat can be configured to operate for Heating or Cooling.
• Each VStat has Day, Night and Away SetPoints.
• Each VStat has a 7 day schedule to automatically switch between Day and Night SetPoints at 15 minute resolution.
• The target temperature can be temporarily raised or lowered manually as well as toggled between Day/Night SetPoints.
• Away mode will interrupt the schedules and set the target temperature to the Away setpoint until Auto is reselected.
• Boost mode will force the controlled device on for a period of time in 15 minute increments.
• There is a separate (windows only) program for quickly creating and editing 7 day schedules for the VStats although they can also use schedules created and edited in the excellent EasyTrigger plug-in.
• A number of VStats (current max 20) can be setup, within the single plug-in, which can theoretically use any temperature sensor devices for input and control any On/Off switching devices.
• Each VStat can be configured to operate for Heating or Cooling.
• Each VStat has Day, Night and Away SetPoints.
• Each VStat has a 7 day schedule to automatically switch between Day and Night SetPoints at 15 minute resolution.
• The target temperature can be temporarily raised or lowered manually as well as toggled between Day/Night SetPoints.
• Away mode will interrupt the schedules and set the target temperature to the Away setpoint until Auto is reselected.
• Boost mode will force the controlled device on for a period of time in 15 minute increments.
• There is a separate (windows only) program for quickly creating and editing 7 day schedules for the VStats although they can also use schedules created and edited in the excellent EasyTrigger plug-in.
Comparison with Real Thermostats
An important point to consider when using virtual thermostats is that they are totally dependent on HS3 being in operation and the plug-in running. Conversely most physical thermostats will continue to operate even if HS3 becomes unavailable, for instance due to a computer crash. Depending on what you are using the VStats for, you need to ensure that the implications of losing control are not serious.
My approach with a heating system is as follows:
To protect my system against freezing if HS3 was to fail whilst I was away from home, I have cheap mechanical froststats hardwired in parallel for critical circuits. Most modern boilers have frost protection built in.
To avoid excessive overheating in the event of an HS3 failure, I use one of two alternative approaches. Some switching devices (e.g. Qubino) can be set using parameters to automatically turn off after a pre-set period of time if they don’t receive an On command. The VStats can be set to repeat On commands at least every 15 minutes when active to prevent the device turning off. If HS3 goes down the devices will turn themselves off after the pre-set period. Alternatively in some situations I have a cheap mechanical room thermostat set to a relatively high temperature hardwired in series for critical circuits.
To avoid excessive overheating in the event of an HS3 failure, I use one of two alternative approaches. Some switching devices (e.g. Qubino) can be set using parameters to automatically turn off after a pre-set period of time if they don’t receive an On command. The VStats can be set to repeat On commands at least every 15 minutes when active to prevent the device turning off. If HS3 goes down the devices will turn themselves off after the pre-set period. Alternatively in some situations I have a cheap mechanical room thermostat set to a relatively high temperature hardwired in series for critical circuits.
Of course real thermostats aren’t 100% reliable either.
Installation and Upgrading
The SDJ-VStat plug-in runs on windows or linux. The scheduler program, VStat_Scheduler.exe, is a windows only program that has to be run on a windows PC but can interface with SDJ-VStat running on linux over a network connection. The scheduler is optional as there are other ways of creating and editing schedules discussed in the guide. The scheduler is only used to edit schedules, the schedules themselves run within the plug-in.
The plug-in is not currently in the HS3 updater so installation and upgrading has to be carried out manually. The downloaded zip file contains the following:
HSPI_VStat.exe File
VStat_Schedule.exe File
html/images/SDJ-VStat Folder
VStat_Schedule.exe File
html/images/SDJ-VStat Folder
To install copy:
‘HSPI_VStat.exe’ file to your root HS3 folder
‘html’ folder to your root HS3 folder – This should add the SDJ-VStat folder with the icon files to the existing ‘//html/images/’ path.
‘html’ folder to your root HS3 folder – This should add the SDJ-VStat folder with the icon files to the existing ‘//html/images/’ path.
If you want to use the ‘VStat_Scheduler.exe’ this needs to either be copied to the HS3 root folder on a windows PC or alternatively it can be run from its own folder on the same PC or a remote PC with network access to your HS3 installation. If not in the HS3 root folder then you need to copy the following HS3 library files to the same folder as VStat_Scheduler.exe:
HomeSeerAPI.dll
HSCF.dll
Scheduller.dll
HSCF.dll
Scheduller.dll
Enable the Plug-in from the ‘Plug-In>Manage’ page of the web interface. You may need to restart HS3 if the Plug-in is not in the list ready to be enabled.
Configuration and Use
I haven’t written a full guide to this plug-in but there is a Quick Guide which explains the setup and basic use of VStats.
Steve
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