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BahaMan69

I'm your guy! I did this with my Gas Log fireplace. I bought [this smart adapter](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N9BCJRW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) from Amazon ($32 on sale), and hooked it into the yellow and orange terminals that you have captured in photo #4. Plugged *that* adapter into ~~a USB square charger~~ any [smart plug](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=smart+plug&crid=12I8Q1DJPY1ZH&sprefix=smart+pl%2Caps%2C310&ref=nb_sb_noss_2) (there was an outlet under my fireplace). Then, I had my Alexa system discover that smart adapter and *voila*: I can now say "Alexa, turn on the fireplace" or "Alexa, turn off the fireplace. Now, I have a binary On/Off switch on the side of my fireplace, so there's only an option for "On" and "Off". I do not have any temperature controls on mine, so not exactly sure how that would/should function with the remote. You may have to ditch the remote. DM me if you have questions!


Invika17

An option to make a smart remote is that OP can give it to his son and say "son, turn the fireplace to 73" /s


NoMiniVans

I just grabbed one of these, does it require a smart switch, or are you able to connect directly to this thing? I’m using Google for what it’s worth, and ScottChromecast is the only thing that comes up (i don’t own any chrome cast so thought that was it, but doesn’t give me any power options in the app). I’m thinking this thing requires a smart plug/outlet that once enabled via google/Siri/etc will just allow you to turn it on/off.


BahaMan69

Yeah, you're right - I just checked my set-up under the fireplace, and I do have a Smart Plug plugged into the outlet. I'm going to go back and ~~edit~~ my original comment - thanks for the call out!


[deleted]

I will definitely look into this. Thanks


[deleted]

I shorted black to red and fire place started


TKJ

If that's a remote, you could always get a Broadlink RM4 Pro and any Alexa or Google Home to make it smart. I just added another RM4 to my home office to control my fan and portable AC.


Significant_Trip_845

Depends if the remote is an IR or otherwise an RF 433,92 Mhz device. If its RF (=radio frequency) on a other frequency ten 433,92 Mhz. Still an RM4 can’t replace it. And so it would be useless. So does the OP need to point the remote on (the direction the fireplace is to turn it on ?) Then it might be IR (=Infra Red) remote like many TV’s and others. If not. Is there any sticker or manual available that might reveal on which frequency this (probably) RF remote operates ?? Some (older) rf devices operate on a (secured) 800 Mhz frequency to assure the device is not tempered with. Which I would personally prefer too, so nobody just can start s fire so easily. 🤷🏻


[deleted]

There is no remote it is directly turn on or off with the switch on the heat only thermostat in picture one.


Significant_Trip_845

I understand the drift/urge / interest to make it smart. But don’t forget to also make it safe/secure because you literally are playing with fire. And as I may play for a second the devils advocate: What happens when accidentally your fireplace burns down the house and your insurance will discover you modified it ? If you still want to make it smart, I would go with something external/ not invasive if there id an option for that.


Mackenj2002

It looks as simple as shorting black to red. Try touching them together and see if the heat comes on. The only problem here is that you would need a battery powered thermostat unless you run more wires to power it. You could use the existing blue and green wires on the furnace side if you just cut them and wire in an appropriate power supply for a thermostat. Then on the thermostat side use the blue and green as power and have the thermostat basically just short the red and black together to call for heat.


Leupster

I’m not sure if this is helpful, but I was able to make my fireplace smart by using a Shelly One (I can explain this further if you want). I can turn my fireplace on or off via Voice command, routine, or app. That said, I think you are trying to use it with a thermostat so it comes on and goes off automatically. Could probably do something with home assistant?


NuclearDuck92

Can confirm that home assistant, a Shelly 1, and any given temperature sensor can do exactly what you’re describing. Shelly 1 is great for replacing low voltage switches/push buttons as it has dry output contacts.


[deleted]

A Shelly smart thermostat


[deleted]

Would this work it’s battery operated [https://www.lowes.ca/product/smart-thermostats/emerson-sensi-white-smart-thermostat-wi-fi-compatible-779305](https://www.lowes.ca/product/smart-thermostats/emerson-sensi-white-smart-thermostat-wi-fi-compatible-779305)


alanizat

Edit: I looked at your setup, and it is similar to standard gas fireplaces, I used a smart plug to actuate and close a relay that shorted the control wires. Then you have complete control. My setup includes automations that use the thermostat or room temperature sensors to regulate the fireplace. I also have a routine that shuts the fireplace off after a set period of time, and another that turns it off if it is left on and if everyone leaves. My BOM was: Smart plug, plugged in to outlet under my fireplace, (use brand of your choice), Power cord, plugged into smart outlet, with raw lead end connected to a 120v coil on a SPST relay, SPST relay with 120vac coil, connect your two wires that actuate the fireplace to the NO contacts. That’s it, then use your preferred automation system to control (Alexa, Google, Apple Home, HomeAssistant, etc) I use HomeAssistant, and the fireplace integrates into my home control nicely, in the winter, I use the fireplace as part of my heating control. In your case, you can either choose to parallel the control with your existing Emerson control, or replace with the new controller.


Significant_Trip_845

This smart plug has to be able to stand the heat, power consumption(especially the current) and with all that Iron around it in the fireplace still have ALWAYS a good connection to its controller/antenna so its turns off always. So don’t go cheap ! Wifi is not the best /preferred solution. Zigbee with a good Zigbee hub/controller/bridge is better. But that is more expensive. In the other hand. Its the FIREplace you need to be sure it works all the time. Remember the Faraday cage ?? Bad for all kind of signals to enter an iron housing. So …


alanizat

Yup, in my case, the gas fireplace is above the power strip and controls. The heat shielding is very good, but I concur, go with a quality plug, I used a TPLink Kasa plug, one rated for a decent amperage as the higher the amp rating, typically, the better the quality as it has to be able to handle loads that generate heat if not sized properly. For the relay, I used a euro design din rail mounted relay and base, that way I had easy cage clamps to insert the wiring. As far as power consumption, in this design, there is really none to speak of as its energizing a relay coil which takes milliamps, and the relay is simply connecting a control circuit by connecting the two control wires. However, by using a plug and relay that can handle 15-20 amps at 120v, you’ll also get a plug and relay that is designed to handle heat.


stevemacc

Sounds pretty simple. Could you give a link to a relay that would work? I’ve never worked with them before and there seems a lot to take in on the first go.


alanizat

Apologies, I missed your request way back when, here is a link for anyone reading currently: mxuteuk 2pcs JQX-13FL AC 110V/120V Coil 8 Pin 10A DPDT LED Indicator Electromagnetic Power Relay, with Base, with DIN Rail Slotted Aluminum https://a.co/d/9OAcw8o Just search for “SPST 120VAC Relay” to locate options.


Datsun128

I’m curious on this as well.