ESP32 IR Air Conditioner Controller

A WiFi-enabled ESP32 device that controls Fujitsu air conditioners via infrared commands. Features a web dashboard for manual control, REST API for automation, and automatic WiFi fallback with hotspot configuration.

What it does

This device replaces your physical AC remote with wireless control:

• Manual Control: Web dashboard with temperature, mode, fan speed, and swing controls
• API Integration: REST endpoints for home automation systems
• Status Monitoring: Real-time temperature readings and AC status
• WiFi Management: Automatic hotspot fallback when WiFi connection fails
• API Key Management: Secure API access with key generation and management

Supported AC Models

Tested and confirmed working with:

• ASHG24KMTA (24,000 BTU unit) with AR-REW2E remote (0.5°C steps)
• ASHG09KMCC (9,000 BTU unit) with AR-REB1E remote (1°C steps)

Uses ARREB1E remote protocol for both units. The project can be modified to support other Fujitsu models or different AC brands by updating the IR command codes.

Hardware Requirements

📋 Complete Shopping List - All components with supplier links

🔌 Pin Layout Guide - Wiring connections and schematic

📦 3D Printable Case - Custom enclosure design

Software Setup

Prerequisites

• Visual Studio Code with PlatformIO extension
• ESP32 connected via USB

Installation

1. Open Project: Use PlatformIO Home → Open Project (important: don't just open the folder in VSCode)
2. Flash Device: Press Ctrl+Shift+P → "PlatformIO: Upload and Monitor"
3. Monitor Output: Watch terminal for hotspot credentials and IP information

Optional Pre-Configuration

Create airco-controller/data/config.json based on airco-controller/data/config_example.json to flash the device with WiFi credentials and settings pre-configured.

WiFi & Network Setup

Automatic Hotspot Fallback

• Triggers: No WiFi config OR WiFi connection lost for >30 seconds
• Hotspot Name & PIN: Printed on device bottom + shown in terminal during flashing
• Access Point: Connect to hotspot and navigate to 192.168.255.1
• Dashboard: Configure WiFi and access all device features

Normal Operation

Once WiFi is configured, access the dashboard at the device's local IP address (shown in terminal/hotspot setup).

Web Dashboard Features

• Manual Controls: Set temperature, mode (Cool/Heat/Dry/Fan), fan speed, swing, and powerful mode
• Status Display: Current temperature, AC state, WiFi connection info
• API Key Management: Generate, view, and delete API keys for automation access
• Quick Actions: One-click summer/winter mode presets

REST API

Complete API Documentation - Full endpoint reference with examples

Key endpoints:

• POST /api/ir/off - Turn off AC
• POST /api/ir/on - Turn on with settings (mode, temp, fan, swing)
• POST /api/ir/toggle-powerful - Toggle powerful mode
• GET /api/sensors - Get temperature and mode status (no auth required)

All control endpoints require API key authentication:

Authorization: ApiKey YOUR_API_KEY

Generate and manage API keys through the web dashboard.

Project Structure

• airco-controller/ - Main ESP32 firmware (flash this to your device)
• ir-receiver/ - Test module for capturing IR signals from remotes
• docs/ - Hardware guides and component lists
• models/ - 3D printable case files

IR Receiver Test Module

The ir-receiver/ folder contains a simple test program to capture and decode IR signals from your existing AC remote. Useful for:

• Verifying hardware connections
• Adding support for new AC models
• Debugging IR transmission issues

Flash this first if you want to test your hardware setup before installing the main controller.