Ecobee Smart stat is awesome!

[DavyB]

Just installed 2 today. So much easier to install than the HW webstat systems we used to exclusively install. No more bus wires. The ease of monitoring,programing,and adjusting setpoints is unreal. I've never even seen the webportal before and walked my first customer through it without any prior knowledge of it. He looked over and told me that it looked like I've been working this program for years. So simple. Unlimited stat monitoring. No more 12 unit Webstats for me.

[BACnet]

That's a sharp looking product.

I just gave their site a quick once over but I'm not sure exactly how it works. (Didn't scan the manuals, I'll admit). Are these web servers that you patch into your home router or do they just get an internet connection and then call out to some centralized Ecobee server?

It does look like they don't speak any open protocol, but I can see why people would enjoy using one.

[DavyB]

That's a sharp looking product.

I just gave their site a quick once over but I'm not sure exactly how it works. (Didn't scan the manuals, I'll admit). Are these web servers that you patch into your home router or do they just get an internet connection and then call out to some centralized Ecobee server?

It does look like they don't speak any open protocol, but I can see why people would enjoy using one.

If you or your business has an onsite router you are online. You install a interface module between the unit and the stat (using existing wires where applicable) and 4 wires run to the stat. Link unlimited thermostats online. No central hub. so simple. I'm not gonna be doing service forever and this is the technology that will put enough dimes in my pocket to retire. And,, They're Canadian! Only good things have come from Canada right? Michael J. Fox, Maple syrup, anyone?? I did notice the stats are made in China. That kinda pissed me off but what do you do. This is the future, get with it or keep running expensive copper.

[BACnet]

Can you elaborate on the other module you have to buy to get online? This "interface module"? Part #, etc.

Thanks!

[DavyB]

Can you elaborate on the other module you have to buy to get online? This "interface module"? Part #, etc.

Thanks!

comes with it my friend. The module has all of your standard terminals 2stage cooling 3stage heating. works with conv. hp, geothermal, oil gas, boilers, whatever. Have you ever looked for a touchscreen stat that has remote sensing??? I have. Talk to HW it'll be out sooner or later. The Ecobee sells a CHEAP add on remote sensor board capable of handling up to 4 remote sensors to monitor your dwelling and average those temperatures for optimal system performance. I have to order the board for my bosses wineroom tomorrow. Check out the dry contacts if you feel like it, runs humidifiers, dehumidifiers, UVLIGHT, pan sensors? don't miss out. 3 year warranty? oh, a nifty little feature. Push the little weather button on the screen and it will give you a 5 day weatherforecast for your area. Accesses local weather monitoring equipment. Sorry If I sound like a salesman. I am a tech at heart, but sales is in my blood, and I know I will end up there someday.

[DavyB]

Telling you. Telling ya.

[DavyB]

I can see how warm it is, current setting, how long the units ran during the day, I'm excited. Best hvac invention thus far.

[crab master]

They're Canadian! Only good things have come from Canada right? Michael J. Fox, Maple syrup, anyone??

Man you first think of a dude, my first thoughts were Pamela Anderson and Shania Twain...:grin2:

I haven't checked out the stats your talking about but proliphix (http://www.proliphix.com/products-network-thermostats-commercial-series-imt550cw.htm) offers something very similar and I know there are more, but this is the only one I really looked into.

[BACnet]

comes with it my friend. The module has all of your standard terminals 2stage cooling 3stage heating. works with conv. hp, geothermal, oil gas, boilers, whatever. Have you ever looked for a touchscreen stat that has remote sensing??? I have. Talk to HW it'll be out sooner or later. The Ecobee sells a CHEAP add on remote sensor board capable of handling up to 4 remote sensors to monitor your dwelling and average those temperatures for optimal system performance. I have to order the board for my bosses wineroom tomorrow. Check out the dry contacts if you feel like it, runs humidifiers, dehumidifiers, UVLIGHT, pan sensors? don't miss out. 3 year warranty? oh, a nifty little feature. Push the little weather button on the screen and it will give you a 5 day weatherforecast for your area. Accesses local weather monitoring equipment. Sorry If I sound like a salesman. I am a tech at heart, but sales is in my blood, and I know I will end up there someday.


Mr Blake, I think that perhaps you misunderstood my question. It is clear that there is no ethernet connection on this stat, yet they can be put online. You mentioned
If you or your business has an onsite router you are online. You install a interface module between the unit and the stat (using existing wires where applicable) and 4 wires run to the stat. but when I asked about this "interface module" your response was simply that it comes with it. It would appear that you didn't understand my question.

Can you please elaborate on this "interface module" you mentioned? I assume it contacts dedicated servers on the Ecobee website. To log onto one of these, do you go to a generic Ecobee website or do you log directly onto a web page served up by the "interface module" you mentioned above?

What I'm trying to get at here is the differences between this approach and the Mamac approach.

Thanks in advance!

-B

[digo]

http://www.ecobee.com/wp-content/themes/ecobee/etc/EMSR2-12102010WEB.pdf

See pg 22, You create an account at ecobee.com/emsaccount
The Stat has a WiFi interface and it uses TCP Port 8089 to communicate with Ecobee's servers.

[BACnet]

Thanks digo, that's precisely what I was wondering. So it seems that they don't need the horsepower to serve the pages themselves, they simply need to be able to ping ecobee.com with data.

It's a slick way of doing it unless ecobee.com goes down for any period of time. I wonder how long they guarantee that they will keep the site for these devices up and running?

[lwarren]

If you have an Iphone there is a very nice app for the Ecobee stats that works great.

[lwarren]

They did have one failure earlier this year where their site was down for like a day I think. The CEO emailed everyone that is registered to let them know of the problem. I have had one installed in our company condo for about 8 months now with no problems.

[joey791]

We installed these on some of our shop units for testing http://www.networkthermostat.com/

[s2sam]

<snip>
It's a slick way of doing it unless ecobee.com goes down for any period of time. I wonder how long they guarantee that they will keep the site for these devices up and running?

Good day BACNet,

EcoBee is not the only one offering a web-portal access for data, as Digi, I believe, has been offering this service (for a fee) for some time. As I recall the Digi-user was charged per point per month.

In response to your comment about the servers going down... Beyond the obvious, there are other possible points of failure too:

1. The link between the stat and the local router
2. Local router failure
3. The site's Internet link (i.e. connection to EcoBee's servers)
4. Denial of Service Attack that prevents data to/from the EcoBee's servers

If you are only using the system to view the data, then the offline failure can be an inconvenience, but potentially not a big deal. However, if your system was controlling items/equipment via this method, then failure could be a real problem.

Cheers,

Sam

[DavyB]

Mr Blake, I think that perhaps you misunderstood my question. It is clear that there is no ethernet connection on this stat, yet they can be put online. You mentioned but when I asked about this "interface module" your response was simply that it comes with it. It would appear that you didn't understand my question.

Can you please elaborate on this "interface module" you mentioned? I assume it contacts dedicated servers on the Ecobee website. To log onto one of these, do you go to a generic Ecobee website or do you log directly onto a web page served up by the "interface module" you mentioned above?

What I'm trying to get at here is the differences between this approach and the Mamac approach.

Thanks in advance!

-B

Sorry, I didn't get back to you sooner. I had to dig out my wife's old laptop (what I'm typing on now) since my computer seems to have taken a dump. In regards to your question. As far as I can see, the interface module links (hardwired) the stat to the unit and provides all necessary terminals and dry contracts. I believe that the stat itself uses it's wifi radio to search for any available routers that are currently online. The EMS (energy management system) is accessed through a web portal on the ecobee website. email and password and you're in. I hope I answered your question. (probably too late.)

[DavyB]

At this time Ecobee recommends the equipment be used for residential and light commercial buildings. Probably until all of the possible pitfalls associated with routers and modems. Rember that the stat is still hardwired to the equipment so the local thermostat will still always be in control during a wifi comm. failure.

[DavyB]

Man you first think of a dude, my first thoughts were Pamela Anderson and Shania Twain...:grin2:

I haven't checked out the stats your talking about but proliphix (http://www.proliphix.com/products-network-thermostats-commercial-series-imt550cw.htm) offers something very similar and I know there are more, but this is the only one I really looked into.

lol, you suck Crab Committee! I hope nobody read this, lol!

[DavyB]

Just built a quote for 11 EMS stats. I guarantee they're sold! I figured asking my boss for 25% of commission on these stats would provide me with a supplemental income that I need, without side work. we'll see if I'm as bad as I think I am. I hold the record at Haddad Dodge in Bakersfield. 26 1/2 cars. Won a paid week to Cabo and everything lol. Took the ol' lady but it was still fun.

[CoolIsGood]

+1 for Ecobee. Wonderful thermostat.

It is also continuously evolving since the company automatically pushes out firmware updates through the internet.

[crab master]

lol, you suck Crab Committee! I hope nobody read this, lol!

Easy, you can pick on me since I gave you crap about dudes but the committee has nothing to do with this.

I was just messing with you anyway and likely you me but just want to be clear. :cheers:

[DavyB]

Easy, you can pick on me since I gave you crap about dudes but the committee has nothing to do with this.

I was just messing with you anyway and likely you me but just want to be clear. :cheers:

lololol, Sorry, CM, When I'm drinking, my fingers move faster than my brain. (explains the 2 boys). I meant no offense to any members of the controls committee or to you, or to crabs and/or their committies. Peace.

[DavyB]

+1 for Ecobee. Wonderful thermostat.

It is also continuously evolving since the company automatically pushes out firmware updates through the internet.

I plan on making a side-living with this company. I enjoy my time off and I feel I deserve it. This bad-a## company has givin me the oppurtunity to solve EMS issues easily at a reduced price from the BIG BOYS. Boss agreed to giving me 25% on the frontend of these stats. He has never asked me to sell one single thing for him since I started back in 08'.

[crab master]

Cool and best of luck to you. Let's us know how it goes.

[jodesign-ct]

We are in New england curious about ball park for what folks are charging to install eco bee ems (5 units) and residential units

thx

[CraziFuzzy]

I simply don't like the tie to ecobee.com. Too risky. Too easy to lose down the road. It really shouldn't be necessary either. I'm betting whatever ethernet/wifi capable processor that resides in that stat already would be able to serve up the web pages, it's not like a web page is a ton of bandwidth. About the only reason I can see for connecting to ecobee (or any server off the stat) would be for trendlogs... but honestly, how many home-owners even care about that? It's not like a tiny Flash chip would add much to the hardware cost, and it would allow the entire device to be self-sufficient.

[johntindale]

I've installed the Ecobee thermostat in several residences, and they let me do some testing on their light commercial stat before it hit the general public.
There are things I like about it- ease of use, attractive and user-friendly interface, and there are things I don't like about it- reliance on a customer portal, and inabilitiy to use the web interface behind a "walled garden"
It's nice for web-connected homeowners and small businesses who want trending info and remote login capabilities. I think there is a market for the product, and I think that Ecobee has found an appropriate niche.