Display Panel
The display panel has four push buttons,
an OLED display to show the current status, and allows for a richer user experience,
and a red LED to attract attention to abnormal states.
Buttons
The four buttons are as follows:
POWER | UP | DOWN | SET |
|---|---|---|---|
Boost Back Restart (10sec) | Setpoint + Up Left Config Mode (3sec) | Setpoint - Down Right Local App (3sec) | Next Screen Select Set Toggle |
Saver Screen
Normally a screensaver will show to prevent the OLED display from burning, it will display the current temperature or time depending on which Option is selected. Pressing any button will exit the screen saver. The screensaver timeout can be set on the System screen.
Status Screen
The Status screen is the overall system view. It shows the current water temperature, time, connection state, mode, pump and element status, and the status message.
Boost Mode
To increase the water temperature at any time activate boost mode by pressing the POWER button when on the Status screen. A "heating" icon will show.
The setpoint can be viewed and adjusted by pressing the UP or DOWN buttons.
Boost mode will deactivate once the setpoint is reached or a maximum of 2 hours has passed. To manually deactivate, press the POWER button. If your element deactivates too quickly see Boost Standby on the Options menu.
Mode Screen
Use the UP and DOWN buttons to select a different mode, and then press SET.
Modes
| SETPOINT | The Geyserwala Connect will act as a traditional geyser. It will attempt to keep the water temperature at the setpoint at all times. Please note that this mode will use a lot of energy, however it may be handy from time to time, for example when you have guests come to stay. View and adjust the setpoint using the UP and DOWN buttons when on the Status screen. If your system has solar capabilities, it will continue to heat independently of this mode. |
| TIMER | The Geyserwala Connect will heat water according to the Timers set on the Local and Web apps. Use the Boost mode to increase the water temperature at any other time. If your system has solar capabilities, it will continue to heat independently of the timers. |
| SOLAR Solar collector or PV panel | This is an eco mode, the Geyserwala Connect will ignore your timers, but will continue to heat water from the sun. Use the Boost mode to increase the water temperature when you need more hot water. This is a great mode for saving energy as you only pay for what you intend to use. |
| STANDBY No solar | The Geyserwala Connect will ignore your timers. Use the Boost mode to increase the water temperature when you need more hot water. If you have a thermosyphon system then the water will still be heated by the sun. |
| HOLIDAY | This is used to disable your system when you go away. The behaviour depends on the model you have installed.
|
Pause Element
You can temporarily prevent your system from using electricity from 1 to 8 hours.
System Screen
Here you can adjust installation settings and perform system actions. Use the UP, DOWN and SET buttons to move around in this menu.
| Set Timers | Add, remove and adjust your timers for Timer mode. Note that adjusting timers from the Apps is more convenient. |
| Local App | Show the Local app connection information. |
| Config Mode | Put the Geyserwala Connect into Config Mode. |
| Brightness | Adjust the display brightness. |
| Screensaver | Adjust the screen saver timeout. |
| Set Time | (Optional Real Time Clock module is fitted) Set the current date and time. |
| Setpoint Max | You can reduce or increase the maximum temperature of the setpoint and timers from 65 ℃ to anywhere between 30 to 75 ℃ |
| Model | Select the system model you are installing on, see Model Selection. |
| Features | If the system has additional features, is non-standard or an older model, see Feature Selection. |
| Differential | (Geyserwise Delta-T. Max only) Set the solar collector switching temperature, see your original system's manual for more detail. |
| Antifreeze | (Geyserwise Delta-T, Max only) Set temperature at which you wish to protect your solar collector from freezing, see your original system's manual for more detail. |
| DC Max Temp | (Geyserwise TSE1 or Dual with PV solar panel only) Set the tank temperature at which heating from the PV panel is disabled. Be sure to increase this from the default value to maximise the use of your PV panel. |
| LDR Min | (Geyserwise Dual with LDR sensor only) Set the light sensor value at which the heating element will switch to DC mode. |
| Options | Adjust the user options, such as showing the time on the screen saver, rather than the temperature, see Options. |
| Update FW | Trigger a firmware update. |
| Clear Counters | Zero the element and pump usage counters. |
| Factory Reset | Clear all settings, to setup from the beginning. |
| Enable Element | (When element has been disabled remotely) Manually enable the element if it has been disabled by the external-disable automation signal. |
Metrics Screen
Use the UP and DOWN buttons to page up and down to view the element and pump usage metrics.
Info Screen
Use the UP and DOWN buttons to page through the technical system information.
Config Mode Screen
This is used for setup and maintenance when you need temporary access via the Config app. In this mode the Geyserwala Connect will create a WiFi hotspot that you can connect to.
Press and hold the UP button for three seconds. You will see the name and a QRCode for the config WiFi hotspot called Geyserwala-... . Connect your phone or laptop to that WiFi hotspot. You may get a popup that says "Sign in to WiFi network", this will directly open the Config app. If not, press the DOWN button to show the address and a QRCode, it will always be http://192.168.4.1/.
To exit Config Mode press the POWER button, or use the button on the menu bar in the Config app.
For the purpose of maintenance, Config Mode is an easy way for a service technician to gain remote control without needing the WiFi credentials. The Geyserwala Connect will by default exit Config Mode after 1 hour, and then reconnect to the configured WiFi.
Local App Screen
As part of the Cloud-Free ethos of the Geyserwala Connect you can connect directly to it on your home network from any phone, laptop or tablet without the need for internet or relying on third party clouds or servers.
Press and hold the DOWN button for three seconds. You will see an address and QRCode for the Local app. Then open the web address shown from your phone, laptop or tablet. Since this is a local link your device must be on the same WiFi network.
On many home networks it is also possible to just open the mDNS address http://geyserwala.local/. If you have varying degrees of success, then using the IP address is a better choice. However, depending on your router the IP address can still change from time to time, typically after your router has been power cycled. Most routers do have the capability to assign an IP reservation to a device. The task will however depend on the type of router, a quick internet search should help. The Geyserwala Connect can also be configured with a static IP on the Settings page, however this should be considered the last option as it is easy to get this wrong.
Faults
When there is an unusual mode or system fault the LED will blink to attract your attention. A message will show on the bottom of the display.
App
The Geyserwala Connect app is available as a Progressive Web App in two forms, the Web and the Local app.
The Web app gives remote control from anywhere via the Thingwala cloud servers. See Adding a Web App.
The Local app operates independently of any external servers, and gives the option for privacy focused and fully independent control. It is however only available when you are connected directly to your home network. See the Local app.
Status Page
Boost Mode
To increase the water temperature at any time activate boost mode by tapping the switch. The setpoint can be adjusted by tapping the value and then using the slider. Boost mode will deactivate once the setpoint is reached or a maximum of 2 hours has passed.
Modes
The current mode can be changed by tapping the Mode button. The modes are described above.
Pause
If you wish to disable the element temporarily, tap the element light and set the number of hours you want it to be disabled for. To cancel the pause tap the element light.
Timeline
The timeline shows the past 24 hours of activity. It can be a great way to understand the performance of your system.
Element Usage
The Element Usage shows the past 14 days and 52 weeks of element usage in hours. At a glance it can be used to identify trends in your energy usage, and optimise the way you use your system. Remember if you wish to estimate the energy usage in kWh you will need to multiply by the hours by the power rating of your element, typically 2, 3 or 4 kW.
Timers Page
Timers can be set on the Timers page. Each timer has a start time, an end time, a target temperature, and a filter to indicate the days of the week where it applies.
Feel free to overlap timers, if two timers are active at a point in time the highest target temperature will be used. This can be useful to set a minimum baseline temperature over wide periods of time, then you can add narrower time windows with higher target temperatures for specific times. Or you could simply rely on boost mode to heat water only when you need it. Another idea for your pensioner parents, to keep them away from that scary distribution board. The way you shape your Geyserwala Connect timers is up to you.
Timers will only work if the Geyserwala Connect is in Timer mode, the timer is marked as active, and the time is known to the device.
For more dynamic heating schedules it is possible to integrate the Geyserwala Connect with an automation system.
Active Timers
All new timers are active, this feature allows you to individually deactivate a timer.
System Page
Only available via Config Mode and in the Local app.
In everyday use of your Geyserwala Connect, there is nothing here you need to touch. This page allows you to configure the original system's parameters. And also has various maintenance features.
Info
Here you will see a variety of technical details pertaining to the installation and operation of your Geyserwala Connect.
Metrics
The Geyserwala Connect accumulates various tallies to give you more information about the operational data and energy used by your system.
Online Firmware Update
If you have for some reason disabled the automatic updates, here you can check for a new version and choose to update.
Custom Firmware Update
A manual update of the Geyserwala Connect firmware can be done by following these steps.
- Download the appropriate "firmware.bin" from here [releases],
- Open the Local app [see Access the Local app],
- Click and then select the page [see System page],
- Scroll down to "Custom Firmware Upload"
→ click (select the file you downloaded above), - Wait for the upload to fully complete,
- Scroll down to "Restart"
→ click , and then click .
Actions
After changing some settings it is necessary to restart the device.
Settings Page
Only available via Config Mode and in the Local app.
In everyday use of your Geyserwala Connect, there is nothing here you need to touch.
WiFi
As a smart device your Geyserwala Connect needs access to your home WiFi. Set or change your WiFi Name and Password here.
Cloud
The Token is used to link your Geyserwala Connect on the Thingwala Console. This gives you the ability to control your Geyserwala Connect from anywhere on the internet, and other added value services. Should you wish to unlink your device from the cloud, just delete the token and restart your device.
Device
The device Name is displayed in the Local app, this can be set if you have more than one Geyserwala Connect in your home.
The device Hostname is the name used to represent your Geyserwala Connect on your home network. It is also the name used for mDNS. Which means that you can use http://geyserwala.local/ to access the Local app, on many home networks. If you have multiple Geyserwala Connects and changed the Hostname then replace "geyserwala" (e.g. http://hotwater.local/ ).
Thresholds
Be sure to set these up in accordance with your system, see the System Screen for more detail.
Local App
The Local App and JSON REST API can be disabled. It can be re-enabled using Config Mode.
If you wish to restrict access to the Local app via your home WiFi, you can set a Password. This password will apply to the JSON REST API too.
MQTT
This is for integration into home automation systems which make use of the MQTT messaging protocol. Further details are here.
Time
The Geyserwala Connect uses dedicated time servers on the internet so that your timers never go wrong. The default settings are sufficient for most cases.
Most IoT devices do not have an on board real time clock, as is the case for the Geyserwala Connect. When the device restarts it will need to be able to connect to the configured time server to fetch the current time. Once it has successfully fetched the time the device will keep track with good accuracy for many weeks. It will also periodically attempt to fetch an update from the configured server, but if this fails it will continue with the time that it has.
If the device is unable to get the time after it has restarted, it will keep trying every few minutes until it is successful. If the Geyserwala Connect does not know the time the timers will not run, and some of the automation features will fall back to a more primitive default behaviour. Once the time is fetched successfully, normal operation will resume.
Should you wish to protect your Geyserwala Connect from being without the time, the NTP Host can be set to fetch the time from a local network device such as the router.
The Set Time button is only applicable when the optional Real-Time Clock (RTC) is installed.
Network
It is normally not necessary to set these, they are available for custom installations. If you wish to enforce a fixed IP address for your device, it is preferable to do this on your network router.
Reporting and Quality
We are continuously improving the capabilities of the Geyserwala Connect. If Auto Update Firmware is enabled, the Geyserwala Connect will seamlessly upgrade to the latest features.
Report Usage Statistics enables the Geyserwala Connect to report usage information back to the Thingwala servers so that we can use the data to better understand the challenges in water heating and further improve the service. If you have Auto Updates enabled, you will receive these improvements for free. If you do not wish to share your data feel free to disable it, this will not affect the behaviour or performance of your Geyserwala Connect.
Installation
Fit the PCB
To fit the Geyserwala Connect you will need a star screw driver - preferably a PH2.
- Remove the two screw covers on the front of the display panel located at the bottom. Any sharp object will do. Prise them out gently, ensuring you do not injure yourself or damage the display panel.
- Remove the two screws from the front of the display panel.
- Lift off the display panel, and gently unplug the comms cable. Be sure to only pull on the white connector, to avoid damage to the cable.
- On a suitable work surface, remove the four screws that hold the PCB in place. The screws can be very tight, apply a firm force and turn anti-clockwise.
- Remove the Geyserwala Connect PCB from its packaging. It is preferable to only hold the PCB by the edges.
- Put the PCB in place, align the holes with the mounting studs and replace the four screws.
- Plug the Geyserwala Connect onto the comms cable. Note that the connector only goes in one way, and should go in easily if correctly aligned.
- Hang the display panel on the backing plate. Replace the two screws.
Configure the PCB
Model Selection
The Geyserwala Connect is compatible with several geyser controller systems, it must be configured to work with your model.
The first time a Geyserwala Connect is installed, it will start in the Model selection menu. Use the UP and DOWN buttons and then press SET. The Model can be changed at any time on the System screen.
Note for the older Geyserwise Max model: if you get an E7 error, then select the TSE model and enable the "Collector" feature below.
Feature Selection
If your system is non-standard, has additional features or is an older model you may need to adjust the features. The Features menu can be found on the System screen.
| Collector | Disable this for Delta T or Max without a solar collector Enable this for the older Max where you selected the TSE model, if the system has a solar collector. Note: The Collector is only relevant to systems which have the water-filled solar collector with a pump. |
| PV Panel | Enable this for the TSE1 with PV, MPPT and DC element |
| LDR Sensor | Enable this for the Dual if the LDR sensor and PV with DC element is installed |
Options
There are some options you can use to customise your Geyserwala Connect, they can be changed on the System screen.
| Time on Saver | Show the current time on the screen saver, rather than the temperature. |
| Boost Standby | In default configuration Boost will deactivate when the setpoint is reached or 2 hours have passed. Boost Standby can be set from 1 to 6 hours to keep Boost active for longer. It can be helpful on systems where the temperature probe is mislocated, the temperature overreads and Boost deactivates too quickly. |
| Offline Mode | Use the Geyserwala Connect without WiFi. Requires an optional Real Time Clock module to be fitted. If the WiFi Name and WiFi Password are set the Geyserwala Connect will emit a WiFi access point with those credentials to provide access to the Local app. |
| Element LED | When enabled the red LED will show when the heating element is on. |
| Ignore E4 | When enabled the original system's E4 "Heating failure" fault will not be reported. Enabling this setting is at your own risk. |
| Ignore E8 | When enabled the original system's E8 "Collector probe failure" fault will not be reported. Enabling this setting is at your own risk. |
System Parameters
Settings such as the timers and other system parameters can be stored in the original display panel. If you do not wish to use the defaults, you will need to re-enter them via the Settings page on the Local app or on the System screen. For more detail see How do I copy settings from my old device?.
Setup
Connect to WiFi
Connect to the Config app by activating Config Mode.
Enter your WiFi Name and WiFi Password.
If you intend to use the Web app, you can optionally enter a Cloud Token now. To get one see Adding a Web App below.
Press the POWER button to exit Config Mode.
The Geyserwala Connect will stop the Config WiFi hotspot, and try to connect to the WiFi you configured. It should quickly connect, and show a solid WiFi icon at the top right of the display. If not, see I'm seeing a blinking WiFi icon? in the FAQ.
Using the Local App
If you do not want to use the Thingwala servers to access your Geyserwala Connect, then you can use the Local app. It can be installed to look like a normal app, using the "Add to Home Screen" or "Install App" option on your web browser. It will of course only be accessible when your phone, laptop or tablet is connected to your home network.
Adding a Web App
For normal app control of your Geyserwala Connect from anywhere you need to setup a Web app.
Sign Up at the Thingwala Console, and Sign In.
Browse to the Geyserwala management page.
Click "Link a new Device" to add a new Cloud Token. And then click on the token to copy it, either to your clipboard or send it to yourself using a messenger like WhatsApp.
You must enter the token into the Cloud Token field on the Setting page of either the Config app or the Local app, see above for how to do this.
Think of the token like a password that allows your Geyserwala Connect to access the Thingwala cloud servers. When you set the token the Geyserwala Connect will immediately link to the cloud if you used the Local app, and after you have exited Config Mode.
Once the Geyserwala has restarted and is showing a cloud icon at the top right of the screen. Return to the Geyserwala management page. Refresh the Devices list to see your new device.
Click "Add a Web App", select your new device and any others you wish to use via this web app. And once added click the link to open or share the Web app.
To install the Web app to look like a normal app, open the link and use the "Add to Home Screen" or "Install App" option on your web browser.
If you added multiple Geyserwala Connects to a Web app just tap the title bar to switch between devices.
Maintenance
Restart
After some configuration changes the Geyserwala Connect will indicate that it requires a restart.
A restart can be performed from the System screen. Or press and hold the POWER button for 10 seconds.
Factory Reset
Erase the settings and reset your Geyserwala Connect to the factory defaults.
A factory reset can be performed from the System screen. Or press and hold the SET button for 10 seconds.
If the above options are not possible: hold the SET button, power on the board, and keep holding for 10 seconds until the LED flickers, then release.
Customisation
Integration
The Geyserwala Connect offers several open APIs for integration and automation. For more details see the Integration page.
Offline Mode
The Geyserwala Connect can operate without WiFi by selecting the Offline Mode option. In this mode, it emits a local WiFi hotspot that a phone or laptop can connect to in order to access the Local App.
This mode is useful in temporary scenarios where the user is waiting for internet access to be connected, or permanently in remote locations. The time can be set from the Settings page on the App, and will persist while the device remains powered. For permanent Offline Mode use, a Real-Time Clock (RTC) module should be added to maintain timekeeping across power cycles, see Real Time Clock below.
The WiFi name and password used are those configured in the WiFi settings.
Real-Time Clock
The Geyserwala Connect - like most IoT devices - gets the time from the internet. This has several advantages: the time does not need to be set manually, it is highly accurate, and there are no batteries to replace. However, for installations where internet access is not available, the Geyserwala Connect supports the addition of a DS3231 Real-Time Clock (RTC) module to maintain timekeeping. Please contact Product Support for more information.
Modbus RTU / RS485
The Geyserwala Connect offers an RS485 port for Modbus RTU integration. Please see Product Support for more information.
Manufacturers
The Geyserwala Connect has been developed independently by Thingwala. It is designed for compatibility with selected geyser controller systems. Thingwala is not affiliated with or endorsed by any third-party manufacturer. Users should continue to rely on the original manufacturer's manual and authorised service providers for matters relating to the underlying system.
Geyserwise
Geyserwise refers to the name of the controller system for which compatibility information is provided. References to this name are made only for identification and compatibility purposes. The Geyserwala Connect is compatible with the Delta T, Dual, Max, TSE1 and TSE (2 and 3 digit display) models.
Geyserwise Manuals
Users may need to refer to the original Geyserwise manual for information relating to system behaviour, maintenance and fault finding. For convenience, links to the relevant Geyserwise product pages and manuals are provided below:
Geyserwise Service Providers
For support or installation of a Geyserwise controller, users should consult Geyserwise's own installers and distributors.