I Hacked My AC Remote with a $5 Chip (ESPHome IR Blaster Climate Control)

PCBWay Manufacturing - https://pcbway.com/g/7Mb2rj

My GREE air conditioner's official Wi-Fi module died, leaving me with a "dumb" AC and a useless remote. Instead of replacing it, I hacked it back to life for just a few dollars!

In this video, I'll show you the entire journey of building a DIY ESPHome IR Blaster to restore full smart control to my 7-year-old GREE AC directly in Home Assistant. I went through three different prototypes (NodeMCU, ESP32, and finally a minimal ESP-01) to find the perfect, cheapest, and most discreet solution.

You'll learn how to decode IR signals, flash ESPHome, and use the powerful Climate IR component for reliable control. The final device is a tiny, hidden module that brings local, cloud-free automation back to my living room.

Support my work on Patreon so I can continue producing free content and tutorials!
https://www.patreon.com/taste_the_code

Tools and materials for the video:
NodeMCU development board - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3hdOWbL
ESP32 WROOM Development Board - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c311zVzF
ESP01 Module - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c2zmsybb
ESP01 Programmer - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4W6vJ2N
IR Transmitter Diode - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c32uCb65
IR Receiver - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3UJOYYz
Mini Step Down Module - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4KTYGZf
Mini Breadboards - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3VHvUAh
Mini PC for Home Assistant - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3LG4oZP
Bench Power Supply - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4FHcrVF
Digital Multimeter - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3cgi9LR
Soldering Station - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3Q9ssy5

3D Model of the Case is available here:
https://makerworld.com/en/models/2000408-esp01-esphome-ir-blaster#profileId-2153836

Configuration YAML is available here:
https://www.tastethecode.com/replacing-a-broken-ac-wi-fi-module-with-an-esphome-ir-bridge


My recording gear:
Canon M50 Mark ii - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_msvmkJ0
GT10 Pro 5G Android Phone - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oDnXmQm
Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mrcbfIa
USB Condenser Microphone - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mq9STfG
Tripod - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Eynn5TP
Phone tripod mount - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oDTOzCe


I Hacked My AC Remote with a $5 Chip (ESPHome IR Blaster Climate Control)
#ESPHome #HomeAssistant #IRBlaster #GREEAC #DIY #SmartHome #HomeAutomation #ESP8266 #ESP01 #RepairHack #ClimateControl #IoT #3DPrinting #tastethecode


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Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
01:25 - Sponsored Section
02:43 - Getting IR codes
04:12 - ESPHome Prototype
06:15 - IR Climate Component
08:58 - Moving to ESP01
10:02 - Flashing ESP01
10:38 - Final IR Blaster
12:13 - 3D Printed Case
14:32 - Installation
15:10 - Conclusion and next steps


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