Good Halloween to all...

I have a customer who is handicapped (quad) and wheelchair and bed bound for life. I have him set up with an MX 850 with RF and we rigged up a strap on platform so to speak, that attached to his chair and his bed and with his limited mobility of his arm with a pointer, he can hit any button he wants.

He wants an IR controlled thermostat. I cannot find one. I do not want to do x-10. If there is such a thermostat then I could put the temp controls on the MX-850. It has to be simple and affordable. A simple IR receiver window on the front would be nice.

As a side note: This project was a challenge and we met and exceeded every expectation this customer had. We learned lots. If any of you good CI ever need any advice on a project such as this, please contact me. I have learned a great deal about the life of the handicapped and automation is key to their lives. I would be happy to lend my experience to other CI if they should happen on a project such as this.

I don't know of any IR controlled thermostat. You could use an RS232 thermostat with a Xantech IR to RS232 adapter.

A google search actually yielded some good info on this --

[Link: carelusa.com]

lists several products that at least at first glance look like they could be what you are looking for. I take it this is like a prototyping project because it is far from the usual project and everything needs to be custom. These guys might supply a sample, especially if you offer to write up how to apply their product for handicapped use. That could make them look good and even get a publishing credit for you!

Be sure the solution you use controls the Heat/Cool switch as well. It could make for a very Hot or Cold day if the outside temperature changes rapidly, and no one is around to flip the switch!

Also, might want to consider adding a puff tube to the solution. Could be wired in through a Xantech module, and made that a puf/sip could do different things based on mode. It would be really handy for things like volume up/dn, page turn when reading e-book, etc.

I love these kind of jobs! I've never felt so good as the couple like this I've done. You have a real positive impact on someones everyday life. A very satisfying feeling.

This message was edited by bcf1963 on 10/31/05 11:10 ET.

How about remote controlled ceiling fan? Or are they all RF controlled? I actually installed three ceilng fans for a paraplegic customer a few years ago that had the little cheapy rf remotes. He ran pretty warm most of the time & loved those fans . I don't know if any of those available use IR remotes. Aside from the frivolous toys we sell, there are some things we do that really help some people. Back in the car audio days we used to do alot of different remote controlled functions & quality of life stuff for handicap drivers. They would appreciate our creativety & ask us to do all kinds of different mods to their vehicles. Erik

for IR lighting and or fan control use the Lutron Maestro IR or Spacer system. They have dimmers and switches. The only problem is a switch would turn the fan on and off but not the fan speed

I know this is a UK company but I've tried these and they work great:

[Link: heatmiser.co.uk]

This model is 12v so use in any scenario is no problem. Very cool.

Stereoguy...and all others

THANKS so much. This one from the UK looks good. I will order one.

Surprising that it is hard to find an IR thermostat when air conditioners are fitted with IR.

nh-hifiguy - you're welcome.

Funny how a UK product can be helpful when all your stuff seems to hit the nail on the head so often - and we can't get it/find it!

Hope it works out for you, and your client.