Faikin Faiktron WiFi smart controller kit for Actron

Local WiFi control for ActronAir ducted systems, through the wall controller you already have

• Made for ActronAir ducted systems with an LM7, LM8 or LM24 series wired wall controller (for example LM7-2W and LM78Z4)
• Connects to three terminals on the back of the wall controller: COMMON, POWER and KEY. Nothing changes at the indoor unit
• Your wall controller stays in place and keeps working. Changes made at the wall show up on your dashboard, and changes made on your phone show up on the wall
• Runs from the 12 V plug pack included in the kit, so you need a power point within reach of the wall controller. We are working on a solution that doesn't need the plug pack. Might be soon, might be far - that's development - and these with the plug pack are available now. 
• First production run: three hand-built units available now, more to follow
  
  

What you can control

• Power on and off
• Mode: auto, heat, cool and fan
• Setpoint in 0.5 °C steps, as a proper climate entity in Home Assistant
• Fan speed. Actron's CONT (continuous) fan setting appears as Auto in Home Assistant and Apple Home
• Zones: up to eight, each with its own on/off switch. Give them real room names such as Lounge or Main Bedroom
• Room temperature from the sensor on the module, or from a Bluetooth temperature sensor you place in the room
• Schedules in the module's built-in web page, or automations in Home Assistant
  
  

Works with

• Home Assistant, which finds the Faiktron automatically through MQTT discovery. No code or template sensors needed
• Apple Home, through built-in HomeKit
• Any other platform that speaks MQTT, including Node-RED, openHAB and Homebridge
• The built-in web page, which needs no internet connection, cloud account or app. Your phone or computer only needs to be on the same network
  
  

Before you buy

• Check your wall controller. Look for ActronAir and a model starting with LM7, LM8 or LM24 on the label or the circuit board behind it. If you are unsure, send us a photo of the front and back and we will confirm
• Check power. The Actron wall controller line cannot supply enough current to run WiFi, so the Faiktron is powered from the included 12 V plug pack. You need a power point close enough to the wall controller for the plug pack lead to reach, an extension cord, or a lighting circuit to tap into.
• Check voltage. Between COMMON and POWER on the wall controller you should measure less than 22 V DC. If yours is higher, stop and contact us.
  
• I only have AU/NZ adapters at this stage. The one shipped can be converted to any other - 100V to 240V and 50 to 60Hz compatible. 

Installation

1. Turn off power to the indoor and outdoor units at the switchboard.
2. Take the wall controller off its mounting plate and locate the COMMON, POWER, KEY and SENSOR terminals on the back.
3. Connect the Faiktron's three wires to COMMON, POWER and KEY. Leave SENSOR untouched.
4. Connect the 12 V plug pack lead to the Faiktron, refit the wall controller and restore power.
5. Join the Faiktron to your WiFi, then open its web page and run Auto-Calibrate. This takes a few seconds and teaches the module the exact signals your wall controller uses.

Safety warning: you are working on a live appliance's control wiring. If you are not comfortable opening the wall controller, please use a licensed installer.

What's included

• Faiktron smart controller module with the Actron adaptor fitted
• Three-wire lead for the wall controller terminals
• 12 V 1.5 A plug pack (Australian plug)
• Firmware preloaded and tested before dispatch
  
  

What this does not do

• It does not replace your wall controller. It works alongside it
• It cannot set the wall controller's own timer. Use the Faiktron schedule or a Home Assistant automation instead
• It does not run without the plug pack
• It does not report compressor, coil or fault data the way the Ninja does on Daikin systems. The Actron wall controller line carries button commands, not system telemetry
  
  

Specifications

• Connection: COMMON, POWER and KEY terminals on an ActronAir LM7, LM8 or LM24 series wall controller
• Power: 12 V DC from the included plug pack, about 1 W
• WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 GHz
• Control: built-in web page, Apple Home, Home Assistant and any MQTT client
• Size: 43 x 43 x 20 mm
• Enclosure: plastic
  
  

FAQ

Can it run off the wall controller's power instead of a plug pack?

Not yet. The wall controller line drops too far when the WiFi transmits, and the wall controller stops working. We are working on a low-power version that will not need a plug pack.

Will my wall controller still work?

Yes. The Faiktron presses the controller's buttons electronically, so everything it does is something you could do at the wall, and the wall controller keeps working as normal.

Do I need Home Assistant?

No. The built-in web page and Apple Home both work without it. Home Assistant gives you the most control, including zone automations.

Does it need internet?

Only for firmware updates. Local control keeps working with no internet connection.

I have a Daikin system, not Actron.

See the Faikin Ninja for Daikin ducted and Sky Air systems, or the Faikin Faikout for Daikin splits.