New Thermostat or stay with SMXII?

dtfeld

dtfeld

Water Contrails
GOLD Sponsor
Jun 5, 2016
5,614
Milton, GA
Boat Info
410 Sundancer
2001
12" Axiom and 9" Axiom+ MFD
Engines
Cat 3126 V-Drives
Bought a new Citimarine 16k BTU AC, and as part of that I bought a new touch screen thermostat w/ wifi capabilities to replace the current SMXII control panel. This should allow me to monitor/adjust the cabin temp remotely. Looks pretty good.

upload_2022-6-6_21-47-30.png


However, the install require me to cut a 2"x 3" hole somewhere, and patch up the existing hole where the SMXII panel was. I was considering having a plate built, but this thing is pretty deep requiring almost 1" behind the unit.

upload_2022-6-6_21-54-49.png



Staying with the current SMXII is a possibility, but remembering keystrokes to program it is a PITA, plus they are old and failing.

Anybody install one and have any advise or pictures of the install?
 
I cut a new hole where my SMXir was to mount the MarinAire control panel...took a similar size hole to what your Citimarine unit is needing...

upload_2022-6-6_22-19-57.png
 
firecadet613 said:
I cut a new hole where my SMXir was to mount the MarinAire control panel...took a similar size hole to what your Citimarine unit is needing...

View attachment 128164
Click to expand...

Mine is located on a vinyl/upholstery covered panel. I guess I'll have to cut/bevel the edges back? I would assume the surrounding area is faded...
 
dtfeld said:
Mine is located on a vinyl/upholstery covered panel. I guess I'll have to cut/bevel the edges back? I would assume the surrounding area is faded...
Click to expand...

Ah, that makes it tough. Mine is on wood.

Screenshot_20220606-232603_Chrome.jpg
 
dtfeld said:
Bought a new Citimarine 16k BTU AC, and as part of that I bought a new touch screen thermostat w/ wifi capabilities to replace the current SMXII control panel. This should allow me to monitor/adjust the cabin temp remotely. Looks pretty good.

View attachment 128157

However, the install require me to cut a 2"x 3" hole somewhere, and patch up the existing hole where the SMXII panel was. I was considering having a plate built, but this thing is pretty deep requiring almost 1" behind the unit.

View attachment 128158


Staying with the current SMXII is a possibility, but remembering keystrokes to program it is a PITA, plus they are old and failing.

Anybody install one and have any advise or pictures of the install?
Click to expand...
D817F118-41FD-415B-AEA3-BEFBBA2756E7.jpeg

works great. I used one of those oscillating tools to open the hole up, very easy. I only changed ours because the old smx controller had a remote and my wifes new smart tv remote would shut the ac off all the time.
 
Shenanigans77 said:
View attachment 128183
works great. I used one of those oscillating tools to open the hole up, very easy. I only changed ours because the old smx controller had a remote and my wifes new smart tv remote would shut the ac off all the time.
Click to expand...
That looks good.

Heading to the boat to get the AC installed and wired. I have a wood panel right next to the current location, so I might have to look and see if I have the room to get it installed.

Not sure of what to do with the old SMXII location if I remove it, maybe some strategically placed artwork.
 
I replaced my thermostat's with that SmartTouch one as well. Did it for both the stateroom and Salon. Let me know if you get it to be used remotely. I had thought it needed another board that I could never find and gave up. Cool controller though, you will like it.

As for the remote panel, use a piece of black starboard. I also think Citimarine sells a conversion plate.
 
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Going to need a plate for sure. The good news is the width of the old cutout is perfect for the new remote. I think black starboard plate made, or possibly a technografix would burl.

20220607_114804.jpg
20220607_165719.jpg
20220607_180948.jpg
 
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Since you asked in the title of the thread, I’d stick with the SMX controller and not mess with that existing cutout. But apparently, that’s just me.
 
ZZ13 said:
Since you asked in the title of the thread, I’d stick with the SMX controller and not mess with that existing cutout. But apparently, that’s just me.
Click to expand...

Its not too late, but I bought this hoping to be able to monitor cabin temps remotely (and adjust away from the boat), run on a schedule (cut power consumption).

The SMX cable isn't comin out, and I have the 4pin to 6 pin converter as it was already installed on the old AC unit.

We'll see.
 
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What about wrapping a plate with the same vinyl material? Might blend in a little better. Anybody know the color/brand?
 
SKybolt said:
I replaced my thermostat's with that SmartTouch one as well. Did it for both the stateroom and Salon. Let me know if you get it to be used remotely. I had thought it needed another board that I could never find and gave up. Cool controller though, you will like it.

As for the remote panel, use a piece of black starboard. I also think Citimarine sells a conversion plate.
Click to expand...

I did get is connected up to my onboard access point, but couldnt get the app ip and running. In oder to get all this to work, I need to set up DDNS on the Peplink...Its going to take a little research, but I think I'll get it. Ran out of time today.

This Citimarine AC is NOT a "drop in" replacement. Everything is on the wrong side, so all the water and drains needed to be extended, and the duct work needs to be extended. I spent about 2 hours searching for a section of 6" flex duct...none to be found withing a 1 hour drive of the boat. Evidently, its in short supply and a guy goes out on Tuesdays and Thursdays and buys everything he can for his business at all the local HD and Lowes..
 
dtfeld said:
I did get is connected up to my onboard access point, but couldnt get the app ip and running. In oder to get all this to work, I need to set up DDNS on the Peplink...Its going to take a little research, but I think I'll get it. Ran out of time today.

This Citimarine AC is NOT a "drop in" replacement. Everything is on the wrong side, so all the water and drains needed to be extended, and the duct work needs to be extended. I spent about 2 hours searching for a section of 6" flex duct...none to be found withing a 1 hour drive of the boat. Evidently, its in short supply and a guy goes out on Tuesdays and Thursdays and buys everything he can for his business at all the local HD and Lowes..
Click to expand...

If you still need the duct I have a bunch. PM me if you need it.

Not sure DDNS will work because of the cell network, but worth a try. I wasn't able to get it to work. Only through a VPN (phone) did it work for me. But didn't set it up ...
 
SKybolt said:
If you still need the duct I have a bunch. PM me if you need it.

Not sure DDNS will work because of the cell network, but worth a try. I wasn't able to get it to work. Only through a VPN (phone) did it work for me. But didn't set it up ...
Click to expand...

I found the duct back by the house this evening, so I'm good to go on that front.

Remote access via cellular looks to be hard and expensive...Just sent you a PM on this.
 
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