Ronbrink

I got sea sick watching the DERUBIS video!

Back to last months swing rack builds with Phase 2 of that project; custom swing away racks for my two Wavian Jerry Cans and spare 30# propane tank. Had some supply delays, but now finding time seems to be an issue and thus, I will report as the builds progress. I completed fabrication of the primary driver side swing out carrier hinge and tack welds on the passenger side assemblies. Here’s a few pics:

And the Truma for that matter! EDIT: Dometic Penguin ll, as well!

Good idea! It also claims ‘The smart air conditioner controller is compatible with over 20,000 models of mini-splits, window, or portable units’. Maybe there will be some owners of SOB units willing to try the Cielo Breez Max and report their findings.

The Cielo has to be positioned for line-of-sight with the Atmos controls in the air distribution panel. And yes, an AC outlet or USB port is needed in close proximity; however it is equipped for hardwiring. When learning how to use the Cielo, I sat at the dinette and plugged into an AC outlet via the supplied 5V adapter; the supplied base stand for flat surface staging was also used. Being a wall-mount is best securement in a rolling earthquake, I first tried it on the forward bulkhead to the upper left of the wet bath door, but didn’t like the cord dangling down the wall and it seemed a bit less responsive due to the distance. I then placed it between the two curbside upper cabinets near the under cabinet USB ports above the cooktop, but the 90° orientation didn’t work as well and there would be concerns of rising heat if cooking. Finally I placed it as shown in the pic, whereby the cord runs in and out of the galley cabinet and plugs into said USB port. I used Velcro for the mount, and may eventually hardwire the Cielo through that upper cabinet and tap into the wiring within the access screw port for a cleaner installation. As positioned, the Cielo is in clear view from bed, and I like that the backlight is dimmable or can be turned off.

As I understand it, the Cielo line of products is primarily marketed for mini splint air conditioners, but obviously found to be comparable with other types. SDG that sells and installs the Drieha Atmos 4.4 uses these IR Cielo thermostats in some of the Class B RVs they mostly deal with. I haven’t read of any other brands of rooftop units being controlled by a Cielo, but guess it may be possible. I agree, a perfect solution!

The Cielo is independent of the remote and actually turns OFF the power to the Atmos 1° below the low temp setting then turns ON the power to the Atmos 1° above the high setting. There is zero power draw during the shutdown period. When using the thermostat, the remote must be turned OFF and the phone app used to control. The remote can be used for normal operation of the unit, but for enhanced features like Comfy Mode the app is used. Selecting the proper temp setpoint will determine if the fan or compressor runs longer at shutdown. I will address that another time. There is also a Comfy Max Mode, which mimics a home HVAC set for heat/cool, but I think the fan is continuous. Did this answer your question?

As eluded to in the above quote and my recent comment made in @rideadeuce’s July 18, 2024 post entitled First highway roadtrip with Atmos 4.4 => MI, I am pleased to share the following information gleaned from other SOB forum and FB members. I learned that the Cielo Breez Max is the only wall-mounted thermostat compatible with the Atmos, which has a programmable Comfy Mode that can turn power off based on either temperature or humidity setpoints. For further information on its use and features search ‘Cielo Breez Max Detailed User Manual / Gemaire Distributors’. The Cielo Home app utilizes WlFi for initial settings and preferences, and to pair the Atmos remote. In said mode, once custom temperature or humidity comfort ranges are dialed in, the Atmos will turn on power when the high setting is exceeded and subsequently turn off power when the lower setting is exceeded. This is ‘HUGE’, whereby 1) both the the fan and compressor cycle on and off in sync at startup and shutdown, respectively and thus, the fan doesn’t run continuously so no more dreaded humidity spikes and 2) there is an energy savings benefit, especially when running on the house batteries. There are other benefits like being able to control and monitor the Atmos from anywhere, but the two aforementioned have been my main focus. That said, I have not yet conducted batt run durations, but will report findings when I do so. After several tests under varying weather conditions and device settings at my Houston residence, I find this Cielo a ‘keeper’! I currently have three Comfy Temperature templates for Day, Nite and Storage; and one Comfy Humidity, which I tested this morning. I also moved the end of the thermistor outside of the air distribution cover to test temperature sensing; still evaluating. I found this mounting location best, given there is a power cord.

Ditched the bayonet style waste hose years ago, very pleased with this cam lock system. The hose keeps its shape, no snaking around when in use or while stowing away. The valve head has to be aligned at the curbside top notch of the rear opening for adequate clearance of the valve handle. Also made up a clear silicone hose with a terminal valve that cam locks onto the discharge pipe to primarily manage gray water, as needed. However, I generally keep it attached to the discharge pipe with the end valve closed; makes it easy to see if there is a valve leak from either holding tank, think no surprises!

I made the above comment a couple months prior to purchasing and installing the Atmos, and will preface the following based on my expertise gained, thus far. I no longer think the Atmos 4.4 is a very good replacement choice; it is in fact a ‘great’ replacement choice. I am extremely satisfied with its performance and quietness in comparison to the former DPll 11K, and will offer my take on the two aforementioned points of interest: 1) like most other roof-mounted RV air conditioners, including the Truma Aventa upgrade option, humidity levels will rise as the fan continues to run when the compressor turns off. As many perceive and I concur, increased levels are the direct result of accumulated moisture residuals being evaporated off the unit’s coil fins and subsequently introduced back into the cabin interior, and not from outside air being pulled in during the compressor’s off cycle. High humidity significantly affects comfort level and can cause condensation, both factors we would all like to avoid and struggle with all too often. Even though the Atmos has a Dry Mode specifically designed to quickly drop humidity levels and proven very effective, this mode is for short term resolution and not meant for continuous runtimes. Some SOB owners have installed a relay to enable the fan to turn off in sync with the compressor; an effective measure, but at risk of voiding warranty. Others, self included, use a dehumidifier with varying degrees of success to control excessive humidity; 2) the Atmos has not caused any cycling concerns, especially short cycling which some have expressed as a potential issue with the larger size. This unit gets very cold with measurements as low as 56° at the plenum cold air discharge, comparable to that of my home HVAC. That said, the unit is mostly run on Low fan speed, thus allowing for longer runtimes to further combat humidity concerns. For the record, I personally choose the reasonably priced Atmos for both its features and improved efficiency, important factors to consider with hopes of maximizing runtimes on the house batteries. Admittedly, I was very disappointed to learn that OTT decided to install 11K units beginning in the 2020 year model purchased; thinking the 13.5K was better suited for our Texas heat, a real bummer. Needless to say, when the Atmos emerged it was a no-brainer; goodbye Dometic! For those that are taking time to read this and not already aware, I am passionate about my Atmos, and now even more so! I recently learned of a way to have the unit turn off, and thus the fan when the compressor reaches a desired setpoint. Preliminary test results are conclusive in resolving the previously discussed 1) POI. Standby!

Gonna snag me one!

We spend a lot of time away from our campsite. I like having cold foods and drinks (think beer), and frozen treats in the Dometic dual zone when venturing out for the day. So we’re out-and-about and the question comes up “whats for supper”? “Oh, let me take a couple of ribeyes out of the freezer, should be thawed by the time we get back to camp”! ‘Nuff said.

With the Savana readied to roll our COW to a scheduled destination, last week’s trip went very well; credit to the many upgrades and mods in the past few months. Here’s a few pics: Loading modular box at COW Barn containing camping gear. Improved safety chain management with newly installed hammerlock coupling links. Newly configured 7-pin and DC-DC connection cables. Ready for takeoff. Smooth landing at destination. Camp R&B, Guadalupe River SP, Spring Branch, Texas. Trailhead parking for an evening bike ride. Morning coffee inside the Savana from a rear passenger captain seat. Wash station setup.

I’m not aware of anyone commenting on mods to the Truma or short cycling issues, not to say there hasn’t been any discussion. Thanks for you response, very enlightening!

I have hopefully found a work around for both the fan control and thermistor issues, specific to the Atmos. Pending implementation measures and findings may be of interest to anyone considering this replacement unit.