How to make your "Dumb" Mini-Split Smart for $20.99

I recently installed the cheapest 110v minisplit / heat pump I could find on Amazon. It works great but the remote leaves a lot to be desired. Thanks to www.Smartlight.me/ I was able to install an ESP-32 based controller to connect my mini split to Home Assistant for cheap! Cheaper than if I were to try and make it myself! This wifi enabled mini split reports the temperature in the room and lets me toggle additional modes, better and cheaper than most IR based alternatives on the market!
Smartlight.me had great customer service and I would not hesitate to order from them again.
FYI - I've seen some folks that claim to have been able to brute force the USB dongle to connect without cutting the tabs. Try at your own risk!
Dongle Link: smartlight.me/...
Slim Utility Knife from Amazon: amzn.to/456LxqF
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The Dongle should work with Senville, Midea, Neoclima, Idea, Electrolux, Beko, Maxicool, Mr.Cool, Pioneer, Remko, Mitsui, Pitsos, and Comfee Mini-Split Heat Pump Type Air conditioners.