Plans to sell pre-made vents?

[Daniel-dev22]

Any plans to sell pre-assembled vents? I would be interested in buying a bunch.

[TonyBrobston]

Hey @daniel-dev22 , thanks for reaching out.

I've been working towards offering assembled units and am getting pretty close to being ready to.

The last piece I would like to test and verify before offering an assembled unit is related to the furnace and whether the plastics will deform over time from the heat. The filament I have been printing with is 3DFuel Pro PLA+ which has a heat resistance of 85C or 185F.

I haven't had an opportunity to adequately verify because the weather hasn't been cold enough to turn my heat on.

From a few internet searches, it sounds like the typical temperature rise for a furnace is 40-70F. Assuming that is a valid temperature rise for a furnace, the return air would need to be 115F to produce a supply air of 185F. That temperature would be measured 1-2 meters after the furnace on the supply side and that temperature will drop as the air travels closer to the vent.

In short, the vent is likely ready. But, I want to do my due diligence and hopefully that makes for happy customers.

Currently I'm thinking I need at least a few weeks of colder weather to run my furnace and then I should feel more comfortable selling this solution. At that point I plan to add a listing to my store and will probably use a preorder model as I ramp up production.

I appreciate your interest and am excited to get this offering out there as soon as possible.

[Daniel-dev22]

Awesome I appreciate the due-dilligence, do you plan to offer them in all the sizes you have 3d models for on the readme?

Also, how would we find out when you're ready to start selling pre-orders on your store?

Lastly, any chance for White vents or only black is possible?

[TonyBrobston]

Awesome I appreciate the due-dilligence, do you plan to offer them in all the sizes you have 3d models for on the readme?

Yes. The hope would be to offer all the sizes I currently have models for. I imagine over time there will be other sizes added too, as people request less common ones.

I would prefer to only sell vents with one-piece shells, I created some snap-together solutions because of print bed size constraints, so I may start with 10-inch wide vents, while I acquire a larger printer and get it up and running.

The other thing that's hard to predict is how much demand there will or won't be. 3d printers are great for decentralized manufacturing, prototyping, and lots of one-offs. But another solution would likely be needed for high throughput if demand is high; that may have an effect on what sizes I offer, but we'll cross the bridge only if we end up there.

Also, how would we find out when you're ready to start selling pre-orders on your store?

I will do my best to make a post here when I add a listing to my store. Another option would be to "watch" this repo and I think GitHub will notify you. I plan to update the readme with a link to the listing on my store.

It looks like the store I'm using also has a newsletter setup (at the bottom of the page), I may use that someday.

Lastly, any chance for White vents or only black is possible?

Definitely.

I will likely offer other colors by request. These are all of the color options: https://www.3dfuel.com/collections/175ppla It's really just a matter of whether it makes financial sense to keep these stocked or order filament as orders come in and manage expectations that it may be a few weeks before a custom receives their product.

I'd also like to eventually offer wood tops. I did a prototype out of Oak and Purple Heart. The CNC I'm currently using is not great for throughput, so I'd need to invest in another machine.

[Daniel-dev22]

I appreciate the thorough responses.

The white and wood finish looks awesome. I just clicked "watch" the repo so hopefully that works.

I'm going to measure the registers I have and see how many there are I think it is close to 20. Some small, some big. Not a big deal if I can't get all of them switched to this if there's a size constraint. Even 85% coverage will still make a difference in directing air flow.

Any idea on how much they could cost? You don't have to commit to it just to get an idea of cost would be great.

[TonyBrobston]

I appreciate the thorough responses.

I do my best to be detailed.

I'm going to measure the registers I have and see how many there are I think it is close to 20. Some small, some big. Not a big deal if I can't get all of them switched to this if there's a size constraint. Even 85% coverage will still make a difference in directing air flow.

I'll be interested to hear what you have for sizes.

Any idea on how much they could cost? You don't have to commit to it just to get an idea of cost would be great.

I'm not 100% sure, but I can definitely give you some thoughts. Things are always subject to change. But in general, I desire to sell something that's cost is proportional to it's value and something that is worth my time. I don't expect to cost more than the competition.

In the hopefully near future I plan to write a Home Assistant Integration to offer a complete local solution that also monitors Delta T to help insure the longevity of a user's HVAC system. From what I can tell, this is something that is lacking with the competition. I do have another repo that is a proof-of-concept proving out the local control.

[TonyBrobston]

I accidentally hit the "Comment and close", but meant to keep this open.

[Daniel-dev22]

When I'm back in town I'll get some measurements and pictures and post them here.

[TonyBrobston]

As of yesterday, I ordered a larger 3D printer kit. Hopefully in the next few weeks it will be up and running.

This will enable me to print one piece vent tops and vent shells.

[Daniel-dev22]

As of yesterday, I ordered a larger 3D printer kit. Hopefully in the next few weeks it will be up and running.

This will enable me to print one piece vent tops and vent shells.

Awesome, I will try to take some measurements today/pictures.

[veaceslavc]

Also interested in pre-made 4x10 vents. Subscribed to get a notification when available. Thanks for the great work and diligence in implementing it.

[TonyBrobston]

Another update. I have gotten my larger printer kit together and have been able to print.

After some more review I realized I was looking at the annealed temperatures for 3DFuel's Pro Pla+, though annealing really isn't a great option because the printed part do not keep their form after being annealed. I haven't had any issues with the vents I've printed, they've seen a month or two of heat so far.

However I am going to move on to ABS, which will hopefully be the last change before offering assembled vents. I will soon be testing ABS on my larger printer. I expect some warping issues that I will hopefully be able to resolve with halogen lamps and/or a heated enclosure.

I wish things could move faster. I'm not a fan of making excuses, so they'll be ready as soon as they're ready. Just know that I'm working at it and you guys will be the first to know when I get there.

[Daniel-dev22]

Any progress? Also will we able to set a percentage open/closed with these vents or is it either fully open or closed?

I'm in desperate need of 2 for now (small vents I need to get the dimensions). I am essentially roasting a bedroom just to keep the temperature in the rest of the house lol.

[Daniel-dev22]

Another update. I have gotten my larger printer kit together and have been able to print.

After some more review I realized I was looking at the annealed temperatures for 3DFuel's Pro Pla+, though annealing really isn't a great option because the printed part do not keep their form after being annealed. I haven't had any issues with the vents I've printed, they've seen a month or two of heat so far.

However I am going to move on to ABS, which will hopefully be the last change before offering assembled vents. I will soon be testing ABS on my larger printer. I expect some warping issues that I will hopefully be able to resolve with halogen lamps and/or a heated enclosure.

I wish things could move faster. I'm not a fan of making excuses, so they'll be ready as soon as they're ready. Just know that I'm working at it and you guys will be the first to know when I get there.

Here are the interior and exterior dimensions of these 2 vents.

as well including pictures.

[Daniel-dev22]

@TonyBrobston any update?

[TonyBrobston]

@Daniel-dev22 The dimensions above look right. My house also has mainly 4x10 vents and I believe the opening measures to roughly 4x10. In some cases I think they may be undersized or oversized, which seems to be due to the opening cut in the sub-floor.

We are planning to list the vents on our website in the near future. I'll be sure to update you here when we do.

[Daniel-dev22]

@Daniel-dev22 The dimensions above look right. My house also has mainly 4x10 vents and I believe the opening measures to roughly 4x10. In some cases I think they may be undersized or oversized, which is seems to be due to the opening cut in the sub-floor.

We are planning to list the vents on our website in the near future. I'll be sure to update you here when we do.

Sounds good, thank you.

[Daniel-dev22]

@Daniel-dev22 The dimensions above look right. My house also has mainly 4x10 vents and I believe the opening measures to roughly 4x10. In some cases I think they may be undersized or oversized, which seems to be due to the opening cut in the sub-floor.

We are planning to list the vents on our website in the near future. I'll be sure to update you here when we do.

Any updates on this?

[Daniel-dev22]

Just checking in on any updates? @TonyBrobston

[AwokenByMyFears]

Hi, @TonyBrobston I'm also interested in the pre-assembled units. Thanks for putting together all this information.

[TonyBrobston]

@Daniel-dev22 @veaceslavc @AwokenByMyFears

My apologies for the radio-silence. I had taken a break from this project for a few months. In the last few weeks I've started working on it again.

We're excited to launch our first vent as an assembled unit. I've listed the 4x10 for now, but will work on adding the rest as I have time. If you are looking for a specific size (option from our list in the readme), please let me know and I'll prioritize those.

Our price is little bit higher than I original anticipated; I hope that as we continue down this path we'll find some savings on cost and pass that on to the customer.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

https://brobston-creations.mybigcommerce.com/yet-another-smart-vent-4x10/

[Daniel-dev22]

@Daniel-dev22 @veaceslavc @AwokenByMyFears

My apologies for the radio-silence. I had taken a break from this project for a few months. In the last few weeks I've started working on it again.

We're excited to launch our first vent as an assembled unit. I've listed the 4x10 for now, but will work on adding the rest as I have time. If you are looking for a specific size (option from our list in the readme), please let me know and I'll prioritize those.

Our price is little bit higher than I original anticipated; I hope that as we continue down this path we'll find some savings on cost and pass that on to the customer.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

https://brobston-creations.mybigcommerce.com/yet-another-smart-vent-4x10/

Will these come pre-flashed with esphome out of the box?

[TonyBrobston]

@Daniel-dev22 @veaceslavc @AwokenByMyFears My apologies for the radio-silence. I had taken a break from this project for a few months. In the last few weeks I've started working on it again. We're excited to launch our first vent as an assembled unit. I've listed the 4x10 for now, but will work on adding the rest as I have time. If you are looking for a specific size (option from our list in the readme), please let me know and I'll prioritize those. Our price is little bit higher than I original anticipated; I hope that as we continue down this path we'll find some savings on cost and pass that on to the customer. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. https://brobston-creations.mybigcommerce.com/yet-another-smart-vent-4x10/

Will these come pre-flashed with esphome out of the box?

Yes.

It should be as simple as: Power the vent on, connect to the access point the vent broadcasts, enter your wifi credentials, assuming it successfully connects, and mDNS works correctly on your network, the vent should be discovered by Home Assistant.

[Daniel-dev22]

@Daniel-dev22 @veaceslavc @AwokenByMyFears My apologies for the radio-silence. I had taken a break from this project for a few months. In the last few weeks I've started working on it again. We're excited to launch our first vent as an assembled unit. I've listed the 4x10 for now, but will work on adding the rest as I have time. If you are looking for a specific size (option from our list in the readme), please let me know and I'll prioritize those. Our price is little bit higher than I original anticipated; I hope that as we continue down this path we'll find some savings on cost and pass that on to the customer. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. https://brobston-creations.mybigcommerce.com/yet-another-smart-vent-4x10/

Will these come pre-flashed with esphome out of the box?

Yes.

It should be as simple as: Power the vent on, connect to the access point the vent broadcasts, enter your wifi credentials, assuming it successfully connects, and mDNS works correctly on your network, the vent should be discovered by Home Assistant.

What's your current lead time to ship?

Also does it have a built in temperature sensor?

[TonyBrobston]

What's your current lead time to ship?

Right now these are made to order, so it depends on how many are ordered.

To error on the safe side, I'd say from the time of ordering to dropped off to USPS it would be about a vent a day. Probably slightly longer for smaller orders and slightly short for larger orders. As we start to market these and see more orders, we will start to manufacture the more common sizes prior to the order.

Also does it have a built in temperature sensor?

It does not. This is something I contemplated and at least for now, decided against.

My thinking is that the temperature at the vent is not really a good representation of the temperature of the room. Right now I have one Shelly H&T (https://www.shelly.com/en-us/products/shop/shelly-h-t-white/shelly-h-t-black) in each room; while these are somewhat affordable there are certainly less expensive options.

[Daniel-dev22]

My thinking is that the temperature at the vent is not really a good representation of the temperature of the room.

Yeah it's not a good representation of the temperature of the room but it's useful as a measure or the temperature/moisture coming out of the register.

[TonyBrobston]

Yeah it's not a good representation of the temperature of the room but it's useful as a measure or the temperature/moisture coming out of the register.

I think that's fair.

I'll experiment with adding a temperature sensor. I'd like to use the same temperature sensor I'm using in this project's sibling project (https://github.com/BrobstonCreations/delta-tango), the DS18B20.

If I went the direction of temperature and humidity, I would have to research to see if I can find a sensor that's viable.

I picture this temperature sensor coming out of the bottom of the vent, to measure duct/register air temperature. Though I could also picture it coming out the top, though that feels a bit wonky as it would be unclear whether it is meant to read duct air temperature or the room air temperature, when the intent I believe is to measure the duct air temperature. Whether this temperature sensor exists or not, I would envision the user having a temperature sensor somewhere in the room that best represents the temperature of the room.

Let me know your thoughts on this.

[jlk]

I've had good luck with DHT22s over the years. Looks like esphome supports it out of the box https://esphome.io/components/sensor/dht.html

[Daniel-dev22]

Yeah it's not a good representation of the temperature of the room but it's useful as a measure or the temperature/moisture coming out of the register.

I think that's fair.

I'll experiment with adding a temperature sensor. I'd like to use the same temperature sensor I'm using in this project's sibling project (https://github.com/BrobstonCreations/delta-tango), the DS18B20.

If I went the direction of temperature and humidity, I would have to research to see if I can find a sensor that's viable.

I picture this temperature sensor coming out of the bottom of the vent, to measure duct/register air temperature. Though I could also picture it coming out the top, though that feels a bit wonky as it would be unclear whether it is meant to read duct air temperature or the room air temperature, when the intent I believe is to measure the duct air temperature. Whether this temperature sensor exists or not, I would envision the user having a temperature sensor somewhere in the room that best represents the temperature of the room.

Let me know your thoughts on this.

Yeah I think temperature/humidity if feasible would be perfect as it would let me know how much moisture might be in the duct if the fan is running maybe it shouldn't the humidity is too high and it should turn off to avoid increasing the rh in the house for example. Temperature is helpful as well for statistics purposes and others.

I think coming out of the bottom would be logical so it's both not seen and is probably more accurate as it's literally in the duct. If someone wants to measure the temperature of the room the register isn't the place for that they would place a sensor somewhere else in the room. The register simply lets you know what's coming into the room when the system is running in terms of Temperature/Moisture but not the temperature or humidity in the room.

[TonyBrobston]

I went ahead and ordered some of these to experiment with: https://esphome.io/components/sensor/aht10

I think the biggest difficulty is figuring out where to put it, but I'll play around in CAD and see what I can come up with. I'll let you know as I have some results. Probably in a few days, but could be longer.

[Daniel-dev22]

I went ahead and ordered some of these to experiment with: https://esphome.io/components/sensor/aht10

I think the biggest difficulty is figuring out where to put it, but I'll play around in CAD and see what I can come up with. I'll let you know as I have some results. Probably in a few days, but could be longer.

Awesome interested in the results. Hopefully it works out and I'll place an order in the next 2 weeks to get 2 vents to play after I hopefully sell these keen vents.

[TonyBrobston]

Awesome interested in the results. Hopefully it works out and I'll place an order in the next 2 weeks to get 2 vents to play after I hopefully sell these keen vents.

I was able to find a few minutes to hook this sensor up to a D1 Mini and was able to use ESPHome to read temp and humidity. The next step is to figure out how to fit in/on the vent.

[Daniel-dev22]

Awesome interested in the results. Hopefully it works out and I'll place an order in the next 2 weeks to get 2 vents to play after I hopefully sell these keen vents.

I was able to find a few minutes to hook this sensor up to a D1 Mini and was able to use ESPHome to read temp and humidity. The next step is to figure out how to fit in/on the vent.

That's great to hear. Hopefully it fits somewhere useful lol.

[TonyBrobston]

I just wanted to give an update. I modeled the little temp/humidity sensor in CAD and found what I think will be a good spot for it. I haven't modified the piece, though it should be straight forward. Then I need to print, update the electronics, and ESPHome config, then test. Things have gotten pretty busy for me; so likely I will get to this later this week, but it could take a bit longer. It is on my radar and will get done, I'm just not sure how timely that will be.

[Daniel-dev22]

I just wanted to give an update. I modeled the little temp/humidity sensor in CAD and found what I think will be a good spot for it. I haven't modified the piece, though it should be straight forward. Then I need to print, update the electronics, and ESPHome config, then test. Things have gotten pretty busy for me; so likely I will get to this later this week, but it could take a bit longer. It is on my radar and will get done, I'm just not sure how timely that will be.

Awesome. Hopefully it works out to integrate it into the setup, would this sensor be offered as an additional option on the site?

[TonyBrobston]

Awesome. Hopefully it works out to integrate it into the setup, would this sensor be offered as an additional option on the site?

I think this will just become a standard part of the vent. Seems valuable the more I think about it; it's a little bit more cost and effort to install, but otherwise I think it's a positive addition.

[TonyBrobston]

Small update. I finished the revisions to add the temp/humidity sensor to part of the electronics enclosure.

Not everything is modeled, but you can see where the temp/humidity sensor would be exposed to the air coming from the vent duct.

I'll hopefully get one of these printed later today. I've only done a preliminary test of the temp/humidity sensor and in theory it should integrate fine with the other electronics; but I'll need to test before I can 100% confirm. I'll hopefully have this done in the next few days, I'll update you when I do.

[Daniel-dev22]

Small update. I finished the revisions to add the temp/humidity sensor to part of the electronics enclosure.

Not everything is modeled, but you can see where the where the temp/humidity sensor would be exposed to the air coming from the vent duct.

I'll hopefully get one of these printed later today. I've only done a preliminary test of the temp/humidity sensor and in theory it should integrate fine with the other electronics; but I'll need to test before I can 100% confirm. I'll hopefully have this done in the next few days, I'll update you when I do.

Awesome progress on this. Hopefully testing goes well 🤞

[Daniel-dev22]

Small update. I finished the revisions to add the temp/humidity sensor to part of the electronics enclosure.

Not everything is modeled, but you can see where the temp/humidity sensor would be exposed to the air coming from the vent duct.

I'll hopefully get one of these printed later today. I've only done a preliminary test of the temp/humidity sensor and in theory it should integrate fine with the other electronics; but I'll need to test before I can 100% confirm. I'll hopefully have this done in the next few days, I'll update you when I do.

Hi, any updates on this?

[TonyBrobston]

@Daniel-dev22 Sorry for the slow reply. I've had a lot going on between work and other projects.

I took some time this morning to work on this again. I haven't put the electronics into the vent, though I did mock them up.

More importantly, I got the two ESPHome configurations merged together and flashed to this chip and everything seems to be working as expected.

[Daniel-dev22]

@Daniel-dev22 Sorry for the slow reply. I've had a lot going on between work and other projects.

I took some time this morning to work on this again. I haven't put the electronics into the vent, though I did mock them up.

More importantly, I got the two ESPHome configurations merged together and flashed to this chip and everything seems to be working as expected.

Awesome. When you have 2 4x10 white vents with the temp/humidity sensor integrated if you can let me know that would be great.

[Daniel-dev22]

@TonyBrobston any updates on the vents? I am ready to buy 2 white 4x10s to start with, that have the temperature sensors integrated.

[TonyBrobston]

@TonyBrobston any updates on the vents? I am ready to buy 2 white 4x10s to start with, that have the temperature sensors integrated.

I'm currently on a trip. The earliest I'd get to things is the last week of December. I don't know of exactly when I will, but I do plan to. I imagine early January. Unfortunately business stuff hasn't been a huge priority lately, but I am interested in producing some and see where it goes.

[hidden0]

Just wanted to say it's awesome this email thread is still going. I asked you some questions forever ago and still occasionally check in on things.

On Tue, Nov 28, 2023, 11:47 AM Tony Brobston @.***> wrote:

@TonyBrobston https://github.com/TonyBrobston any updates on the vents? I am ready to buy 2 white 4x10s to start with, that have the temperature sensors integrated.

I'm currently on a trip. The earliest I'd get to things is the last week of December. I don't know of exactly when I will, but I do plan to. I imagine early January. Unfortunately business stuff hasn't been a huge priority lately, but I am interested in producing some and see where it goes.

— Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/BrobstonCreations/yet-another-smart-vent/issues/21#issuecomment-1830379187, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AAPPG4QCRJK36J4X7O5FSYLYGYPTRAVCNFSM6AAAAAAQ42ZWE2VHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMYTQMZQGM3TSMJYG4 . You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread.Message ID: @.*** com>

[Daniel-dev22]

@TonyBrobston any updates on the vents? I am ready to buy 2 white 4x10s to start with, that have the temperature sensors integrated.

I'm currently on a trip. The earliest I'd get to things is the last week of December. I don't know of exactly when I will, but I do plan to. I imagine early January. Unfortunately business stuff hasn't been a huge priority lately, but I am interested in producing some and see where it goes.

Thanks for the update. I hope you enjoy your trip!

[skl111]

@TonyBrobston I am finally at the point where I want to replace all my supply vents with smart vents and I don't want to use flair. I have a few questions. Have you thought about adding a version that uses fans to boost the air flow in certain rooms? Have you thought about adding vertical louvers? Do you plan to sell pre-assembled hardware kits excluding the vent & louvers?

[Daniel-dev22]

@TonyBrobston any updates on the vents? I am ready to buy 2 white 4x10s to start with, that have the temperature sensors integrated.

I'm currently on a trip. The earliest I'd get to things is the last week of December. I don't know of exactly when I will, but I do plan to. I imagine early January. Unfortunately business stuff hasn't been a huge priority lately, but I am interested in producing some and see where it goes.

Hi @TonyBrobston any updates on production?

[Daniel-dev22]

@TonyBrobston

If I buy 2 4x10 vents off the site even without the extra temperature/humidity sensors added can they be shipped?

[ssalahi]

Hi @TonyBrobston , Your store seems to be down. Any plan to bring it back online? I an interested in 10x4 went and don’t care about the temp sensor. (With/without it will work) Or even, the parts kit would be great as I have 3D printer myself and can do the rest. (Although prefer not to 😄)

I really prefer not to buy parts one by one from different locations!

[TonyBrobston]

@TonyBrobston

If I buy 2 4x10 vents off the site even without the extra temperature/humidity sensors added can they be shipped?

@Daniel-dev22

He Daniel, sorry for the delay. If you go ahead and order these I'll get them put together and sent to you.

[TonyBrobston]

Hi @TonyBrobston , Your store seems to be down. Any plan to bring it back online? I an interested in 10x4 went and don’t care about the temp sensor. (With/without it will work) Or even, the parts kit would be great as I have 3D printer myself and can do the rest. (Although prefer not to 😄)

I really prefer not to buy parts one by one from different locations!

@ssalahi Sorry about that, the store is back up.

It is up to you how you'd like to order things. The options that are on the site are currently what I'm offering. I plan to expand the sizes at some point; I have all the work done, I just haven't posted the option to the store. I'm not currently offering to assemble the electronics, so that kit comes disassembled, but if you order a whole vent that will come assembled.

Let me know if you have any other questions.