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Do I have to build my own touchscreen thermostat?
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this post was submitted on 26 Dec 2024
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Which are all things you can easily do with an RPi and some simple python. My response was to OP stating that embedded systems are hard.
If you’re using a specific embedded system and want to make it pretty, sure that could pose some issues, but if you want to make something functional that matches what a smart thermostat can do, there’s not much behind it.
Programmers love to oversimplify things; "do easily with an RPi and some simple Python" is kinda meaningless. Like, yes, an RPi is a general purpose computer and Python is turing complete, thanks.
For one, UI/UX is actually hugely important for a consumer device and definitely nontrivial, but on top of that, there is way more that goes into creating custom hardware than a bill of materials (which isn't just saying "Raspberry Pi") and choosing a programming language...
A thermostat is controlling a very expensive device that runs on a highly flammable gas that costs me real money to use. I want 0 serious bugs. I also want 100% uptime. A poorly made "smart thermostat" is way worse then the old school analog metallic ones imo. I also want my partner to be able to control the temperature in the house. These devices are actually not simple at all and I assume that's the reason there isn't a good open source/open hardware solution.
Embedded systems aren't some mystical impossible thing - contrary to the previous commenter I actually find working with them easier then designing GUIs - but the commercially available devices are definitely nontrivial to recreate
Hugely agreed. I'm a huge proponent of DIY / open-source / self-hosting / repurposing etc...but also I realize if I duct-tape-engineer something that "requires a little fiddling until it works" and I'm the only one who can competently use it, I'm setting up the rest of my household for failure when (not if), for whatever reason, I'm not there to babysit it or walk them through it.
Just like anyone can “easily” rebuild their transmission or patch a piece of leaky copper pipe or bake an apple pie from scratch or hit a bullese from 50 yards out.
What’s easy for you isn’t easy for everyone.