Smart Aircon controller?

[JBussell]

I have a standard ducted A/C with a wall remote (see photo).

The unit didn't come with the optional IR remote.

I would like a smart controller for it to turn it on when I'm out. There's lots of products out there but they require the IR remote.

Is there any way of adding a smart controller to it?

I have asked the manufacturer but they don't stock the remote.
Unfortunately it's a non standard brand, Prelude PD09M12.

[Shonky]

I see a few options

1) Figure out the IR protocol - either find someone with the right remote or buy one (ebay?) if you can or perhaps you can get lucky trying existing known protocols for off brand AC controls? Are there "universal" remotes for AC?

2) Intercept what the unit does itself to control the system, which could be a fairly significant reverse engineering work.

3) If you just want on/off would some kind of switchbot be good enough? Alternately some kind of ESP32 or similar that connects to the internal power push button and "presses" it electrically for you. That wouldn't be too complex and could probably also detect and report if the unit is on or off.

If you just want on/off that can make it a lot simpler in terms of control. If you want to get into setting temps, controlling zones etc it's becomes a bit more complicated

What amount of control does it have? Do you have many/multiple zones? Does the controller measure temperature itself?

[ajb]

In my part of the world a "standard ducted A/C" would have simple contact closure inputs that the thermostat activates to call for cooling (or heat) and run the fan, so it's very easy to fit a replacement thermostat with built-in app support if that's what you want.  Is that not the case here?  I know a lot of mini split systems use proprietary control links to enable more complex control algorithms, so it wouldn't be out of the question to see it on whole-house systems.

[SeanB]

There are universal AC remotes, very common item, as AC remotes do tend to be lost, destroyed by leaking batteries, or simply fail because they get abused. Sub $10 item the last time I bought one, and with 1001 models listed as being controlled by it.

That one, though marked "Prelude", it is likely a badge job on a common generic remote, made by a few Chinese companies.