Connecting to the AC

[SpatialJ]

You recommend using an extension cable instead of plugging into the AC Board directly. Why is that and would the PCB allow to solder a "direct" connector as well or are the solder pads on the wrong side to do that?

Thanks,
Johannes

[hberntsen]

My AC has a convenient cover that is easy to remove ( see https://github.com/hberntsen/mhi-ac-ctrl-esp32/blob/master/images/before-mount.jpg ). The cable with JST connector I soldered to my board is about 5 centimetres which is too short to reach the main board from that area.

The extension cable is convenient: it allows me to remove the board completely from the AC with just opening the cover. The main board with the CNS connector is hidden much further away inside the AC. So unplugging the board from that extension cable is easier.

[hberntsen]

You could solder a connector on either side, though you need to check the orientation yourself. My board is based on https://github.com/ginkage/MHI-AC-Ctrl-ESPHome/blob/master/JLCPCB/Hardware.md . That one shows how you can solder a connector directly on it.

Another example here: #18