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hacking_an_eq-3_model_n [2016/03/21 23:44] – [The Hack in Pictures] Grammar. Traumflughacking_an_eq-3_model_n [2018/05/27 16:10] (current) – external edit (unknown user)
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 The **[[http://www.eq-3.de/Downloads/eq3/downloads_produktkatalog/eqiva/pdb/CC-Heizkoerperthermostat-Model-N_Datenblatt_V2.2.pdf|EQ-3 Model N]]** ([[http://www.eq-3.de/Downloads/eq3/downloads_produktkatalog/eqiva/bda/142971_CC-RT-N_UM_GE_eQ-3_151027.pdf|2-language user manual]]) is a radiator thermostat which tries to be better than [[http://www.imi-hydronic.com/en-US/products-solutions/Thermostatische-Regelung/thermostatic-heads-and-radiator-valves/thermostatic-heads/Thermostatic-head-K/|mechanical counterparts]]. To some extents it certainly is, it has a clock built in and allows to program temperature changes (7 changes for each day of the week). There are similar models with built in Bluetooth and other fancy stuff, too. The **[[http://www.eq-3.de/Downloads/eq3/downloads_produktkatalog/eqiva/pdb/CC-Heizkoerperthermostat-Model-N_Datenblatt_V2.2.pdf|EQ-3 Model N]]** ([[http://www.eq-3.de/Downloads/eq3/downloads_produktkatalog/eqiva/bda/142971_CC-RT-N_UM_GE_eQ-3_151027.pdf|2-language user manual]]) is a radiator thermostat which tries to be better than [[http://www.imi-hydronic.com/en-US/products-solutions/Thermostatische-Regelung/thermostatic-heads-and-radiator-valves/thermostatic-heads/Thermostatic-head-K/|mechanical counterparts]]. To some extents it certainly is, it has a clock built in and allows to program temperature changes (7 changes for each day of the week). There are similar models with built in Bluetooth and other fancy stuff, too.
  
-===== How the Model N Works Inside =====+===== How the Model N Looks Inside =====
  
 Here are a few pictures from inside the device. After pulling out the dial wheel on the front (it's a snap requiring some force) and removal of 4 Torx screws found under the battery hatch it can be taken apart easily. Here are a few pictures from inside the device. After pulling out the dial wheel on the front (it's a snap requiring some force) and removal of 4 Torx screws found under the battery hatch it can be taken apart easily.
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 | {{ :eq-3:eq-3_model_n.jpeg?direct&200 |This is the Model N as it comes out of the box.}} | {{ :eq-3:eq-3_model_n_cover_removed.jpeg?direct&200 |The same with housing removed.}} | | {{ :eq-3:eq-3_model_n.jpeg?direct&200 |This is the Model N as it comes out of the box.}} | {{ :eq-3:eq-3_model_n_cover_removed.jpeg?direct&200 |The same with housing removed.}} |
-| {{ :eq-3:eq-3_model_n_actuator_visible.jpeg?direct&300 |Looking from the side, one can see the valve actuator. The slightly hidden tin can is a simple DC motor, driving the gearbox right of it. The right end of the gearbox is to be mounted on the radiator valve.}} | {{ :eq-3:eq-3_model_n_circuit_board.jpeg?direct&300 |This is the circuitry board of the Model N. Noticeable dirt on this brand new device. For details, see the following description.}} |+| {{ :eq-3:eq-3_model_n_actuator_visible.jpeg?direct&300 |Looking from the side, one can see the valve actuator. The slightly hidden tin can is a simple DC motor, driving the gearbox right of it. The right end of the gearbox is to be mounted on the radiator valve.}} | {{ :eq-3:eq-3_model_n_circuit_board.jpeg?direct&300 |This is the circuitry board of the Model N. No components other than the dial encoder on the back side. Noticeable dirt on this brand new device. For details, see the following description.}} |
  
 ==== Actuator Motor ==== ==== Actuator Motor ====
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 ===== Goal of the Hack ===== ===== Goal of the Hack =====
  
-One of the drawbacks of this model is the temperature sensor built right into the housing. As such it measures not general room temperature, but room temperature right next to the radiator, likely the warmest place in a room.+One of the drawbacks of this model is the temperature sensor built right into the housing. Openings for ventilation are really tiny. As such it likely measures not only general room temperature, but room temperature right next to the radiator, mixed with the temperature of the radiator valve. Measurement precision could be better.
  
-Everything electronic? Heck, then let's rip the sensor out and connect it back with a pair of long wires. This way, temperature can be measured anywhere. Sounds easy, right? With some soldering skill it is!+Everything electronic? Heck, then let's rip the sensor out and connect it back with a pair of long wires. This way, temperature can be measured anywhere. Sounds easy, right? With some soldering skill it pretty much is!
  
 ===== The Hack in Pictures ===== ===== The Hack in Pictures =====
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 During the modification a lot of pictures were taken, so let's speak these. During the modification a lot of pictures were taken, so let's speak these.
  
-picture picture |+{{ :eq-3:eq-3_model_n_thermistor_removed.jpeg?direct&300 |First step is to remove the Thermistor. Try to heat it on both sides, then shove it away.}} | {{ :eq-3:eq-3_model_n_wires_instead_of_thermistor.jpeg?direct&300 |Then solder a wire to each of the pads. Requires lots of flux and a steady hand :-)}} | 
 +| {{ :eq-3:eq-3_model_n_wire_hole.jpeg?direct&300 |Drill up one of the venting holes in the battery cover. Wires will go through here.}} | {{ :eq-3:eq-3_model_n_wiring.jpeg?direct&300 |Then make a knot into the wire pair and run it through the cover hole. This means to be a stress relief, so you don't rip the circuitry apart if you accidently trip over the wire.}} | 
 +| {{ :eq-3:eq-3_model_n_thermistor_on_wire.jpeg?direct&300 |After doing the wiring on the PCB side, solder the thermistor removed earlier back onto the other end of the wire pair. Again, this might take a few tries.}} | {{ :eq-3:eq-3_model_n_thermistor_insulated.jpeg?direct&300 |As you might mount the thermistor to some metallic surface, insulation of that is a good idea. This is Kapton tape, but its high temperature resistance isn't needed here.}} | 
 +| {{ :eq-3:eq-3_model_n_ready_with_external_thermistor.jpeg?direct&500 |Assemble everything back together and you're done. That's how the EQ-3 Model N with DIY'd external thermistor looks like.}} ||
  
 +With all this done, the Model N works just as before, just room temperature can be measured on a more meaningful position.
 ===== How the Result Works ===== ===== How the Result Works =====
  
hacking_an_eq-3_model_n.1458600240.txt.gz · Last modified: 2018/05/27 16:10 (external edit)