My dorm HVAC controller has a USB port

"CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)" (ccpbb)
10/04/2016 at 11:33 • Filed to: None

Are there any HVAC-savvy opponauts that can explain why there’s a USB port on the HVAC controller?

DISCUSSION (18)

E90M3 > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
10/04/2016 at 11:34

Plug your phone in and see if anything happens.

Jcarr > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
10/04/2016 at 11:36

Firmware updates probably. Our thermostat has a USB port. I used it to do this around Christmas:

Kinja'd!!!

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
10/04/2016 at 11:37

Hack the system. Control your dorm temp. Be the king of cool(air). You have the power. Use it wisely.

404 - User No Longer Available > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
10/04/2016 at 11:44

Looks like it’s for programming.

http://www.bapihvac.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/LSBASE_LSPLUS_ALC.pdf

Discrete laptop communication jack that can be accessed without removing the cover.

jimz > 404 - User No Longer Available
10/04/2016 at 12:12

They used the wrong connector for that, it should be a type B.

deekster_caddy > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
10/04/2016 at 12:18

Local management. If allowed, gives techs a place to access the system if the main building controller is locked up somewhere.

404 - User No Longer Available > jimz
10/04/2016 at 12:19

I think it’s probably deliberate. So the average Joe doesn’t just connect a printer A-B cable. Plus it needs some sort of adapter.

Klaus Schmoll > E90M3
10/04/2016 at 12:54

“Just put it in and see what happens.” The universal advice boys are giving other boys since the dawn of time.

450X_FTW > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
10/04/2016 at 12:58

Be lucky you have a thermostat in your dorm at all. Ours was pump so much heat into the building that if youre on the 3rd or 4th floor, you’d have your windows open during winter

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > 450X_FTW
10/04/2016 at 13:01

Yeah I will very be and thanks for all the info btw. I’ll be looking into how to get the cables and software to see what I can explore..

itschrome > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
10/04/2016 at 13:11

These board are mutli purpose. Basically a generic IO board that is purchased and flashed with mfg specific firmware. The usb is there but most likely not utilized, often still powered. Techs like to charge their phones off them. Other wise probably useless in this setup.

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
10/04/2016 at 13:15

I work in building automation. Try hacking into it with hyperterminal, passwords probably pass or 1234 or something

miadaman? yes please > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
10/04/2016 at 13:32

Depends if this is a network thermostat. If it’s an actually DDC, then it is used for firmware diagnostic and to access programming. If it’s just a simple ON/OFF controller then it’s most likely just a access jack used to give technician access to the bus the thermostat is sitting on.

Either way, nothing will happen if you plug it in to your PC :/

Dave the car guy , still here > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
10/04/2016 at 13:38

That’s where the government plugs in its listening device, transmitter and/or camera. Big Brother is watching you. :)

450X_FTW > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
10/04/2016 at 13:56

My guess it unlocks a secret hidden room behind a wall that is prepped for doomsday

sonicgabe > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
10/04/2016 at 14:01

To keep you from messing with it.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > 450X_FTW
10/04/2016 at 14:55

This is confirmed.

We used to open our windows in the winter to cool the damn place down. On the 6th floor....of a 12 story dorm building.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
10/04/2016 at 14:57

Diagnostic, or maybe to install firmware updates or something.