Support for MCZ pellet stove

[benoitdendrael]

Would it be possible to add the support for MCZ pellet stove ? I don't know if others would be interested. I have equipment and time to help you with testing and debugging. Best Regards.

[maxwellhadley]

It should be possible - I added support for this and other thermostat types to the node-rfxcom package a while back, so it's mainly a question of designing the Node-RED 'API'. What sort of messages would you expect to be able to send to the stove? (there is no support for receiving MCZ messages in the RFXtrx433E). How would you expect to configure the node, e.g. set the number of fans? What use cases do you envisage?

I would probably add a new node type 'rfx-heating-out' to handle the MCZ and the other supported thermostat types as well, so the node would have to be more general, though.

[benoitdendrael]

Thank you for your reply, I saw the functionality of thermostat4 in the node-rfxcom package, so I thought it would be possible to integrate it into the Node-RED ‘API’.

I think we need to be able to select the MCZ model type (numbers of fan) number of fans/device address -> in the topic like "rfx-blinds-out" and we can use a message like a list of parameters (a string) for send the functionality like this beep=0,1 / mode=0,1,2,3 / flame power=1,2,3,4,5 / fan speed 1=0,1,2,3,4,5,6 / fan speed 2=0,1,2,3,4,5,6 / fan speed 3=0,1,2,3,4,5,6.

I envisage to use Node-RED ‘API’ to control my pellet stove, Sending start / stop, power of fire and ventilation commands according to the temperature of the room. If needed I can do a little documentation on the orders that can be sent to the MCZ Pellet Stove.

[maxwellhadley]

That would be helpful. I had a look at the MCZ manual when I added thermostat4, and if I remember correctly, there are some limitations, like you must have at least one fan at non-zero speed, that should be observed?

What would also be helpful is a 'history' of the commands you expect to be sending to the stove during the day, to control it in the way you want.

[benoitdendrael]

Here is a small recap of the no-air mode and the principal commands that i send to the stove during the day. Usage of zero fan speed.pdf

Don't hesitate if you need more informations or tests about the MCZ stove.

[benoitdendrael]

Max, how long do you think you can add the "'rfx-heating-out" function ? I am really interested in this!

Best regards,

[maxwellhadley]

I haven't forgotten! A lot of other things going on at the moment so my time is limited, but I will be working on it when I get a chance

[maxwellhadley]

Benoit,

From the RFXCOM SDK documentation, the fan speed value can be 0 to 6, where 6 means 'auto'. But in the RFXCOM user guide, it states:

13. MCZ pellet stove. In the Type2 firmware zip file which is available on the downloads page you will find a special firmware RFXtrxMCZ.hex that enables you to know the ID of the your MCZ remote. Flash the RFXtrxMCZ.hex firmware in your RFXtrx433(E) and start RFXmngr. Transmit a command with the MCZ remote and you will receive the information. The ID in this example is 81 3F 22

Packettype    = Thermostat4
subtype       = MCZ pellet stove 2 fans model
Sequence nbr  = 0
ID            = 0x813F22 decimal:8470306
Beep          = Yes
Fan1 speed    = 1
Fan2 speed    = 7
Flame power   = 1
Command       = Off
Signal level  = 6  -72dBm

Flash now Type2 or Ext firmware in your RFXtrx433(E) and you can control your MCZ stove using the received ID. Important: remove the batteries from the original remote before you start using the RFXtrx433 to control the MCZ stove!

Where the fan speed reads as 7!

Please can you try this out using your MCZ remote and find out what the actual range of fan speeds received by the RFXCOM is, including the 'auto' setting? Could you also please explain to me what the 'auto' and 'eco' stove modes are used for? I assume that if you are using to Node-RED to control the stove, it will always need to be in 'manual' mode (or 'off') so the room thermostat function can be implemented in Node-RED itself.

[maxwellhadley]

I had an answer back from RFXCOM - the user guide is wrong, fan speeds are always 0 - 6.

However, maybe you could explain the difference between AUTO and ECO mode? When would you choose either of those (assuming most of the time Node-RED is in control of the stove)?

[benoitdendrael]

Hello Max, Exciting news!! :+1: I have made tests and I confirm that the fan speed is between 0 and 6 (0 = off and 6 = auto) For the choice of the mode 'auto', 'eco', 'manual' I have made tests and it does not seem to be any distinction for the pellet stove between 'auto', 'eco', 'manual'. With RFXCOM, I use the auto mode to start it and the off mode for shutdown. 'AUTO', 'ECO', 'MANUAL" are modes defined in the remote control, but with node-red only one mode is is useful as auto or manual. I am available for any clarifications or tests. Have a nice day!

[maxwellhadley]

Benoit,

Which model stove do you have? I've been looking around on the MCZ site for manuals, and they differ a lot. They even make WiFi-connected models now!

[benoitdendrael]

Yes, they now manufacture wifi models! :+1:

But I have the VIVO 80 Pellet 2012 generation,

This is the link for the VIVO 80 Manuals of use and installation

And I have the service manual MCZ for installation Service-Manual_EN.pdf

[maxwellhadley]

MCZ support added in version 2.5.0