Venstar T2150 Programmable Thermostat
Thank You
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing your new Venstar EXPLORER Mini® thermostat. This guide is intended to help you install and setup the basic features of your Thermostat. For a full owner’s manual and installation guide, visit venstar.com.
Compatibility
Venstar EXPLORER Mini® Thermostat is designed to work with 24V systems requiring both the R & C wires. This includes gas, electric, oil, forced air, variable speed, heat pump and radiant heat. It can control:
- Heating: one and two stages (W1 & W2)
- Cooling: one and two stages (Y1, Y2)
- Heat pump: with auxiliary and emergency heat (Y, W1, O/B)
- Fan (G)
- Power (C, R)
Contents
Necessary Tools
Step 1 – Power Off Current System
- Go to your home’s circuit breaker panel and switch the furnace and air conditioner breakers off.
- To confirm power is off, adjust the temperature on your current thermostat. If the system does not respond accordingly, power has probably been successfully shut off.
WARNING: Failure to follow this step can result in personal injury and/or death from shock and electrocution.
Step 2 – Remove Faceplate
Remove the faceplate of current system. Most faceplates snap-off or feature small screws that will need to be removed.
WARNING: If you see large thick electrical wires, wire nuts, or if your system is labeled 120V or 240V DO NOT PROCEED. THIS THERMOSTAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THESE SYSTEMS
WARNING: Failure to follow this step can result in personal injury and/or death from shock and electrocution.
Step 3 – Before you go any further
Determine what your existing wiring and equipment situation is before you disconnect any wires. If you are unsure of what type of system you have, you may need to seek professional support.
- If you have a Heating only system without Air Conditioning, the Venstar EXPLORER Mini thermostat will require 3 wires. These 3 wires are: R (24Vac), C (24Vac) and W (Heat). Most Heating only systems use very simple thermostats that only require 2 wires the R (24Vac) and W (Heat). The EXPLORER Mini thermostat requires 3 wires to the thermostat. In this case an Add-A-Wire accessory will not work and it will be necessary to install another wire for the C (24Vac) connection.
- If you have a single stage fossil fuel heater with air conditioning, the Venstar EXPLORER Mini will require 5 wires for independent fan control. They are R (24Vac), C (24Vac), W (Heat), Y (Cooling), and G (Fan). You may connect only 4 wires, as instructed below, to the EXPLORER but will give up independent fan control. The fan will still operate with a Heating or Cooling demand.
- If there are only 4 wires present that are connected to the existing thermostat, there are at least 3 options available to connect the Venstar EXPLORER thermostat, they are:
- Use the 4 wires as instructed below and note that the fan will only operate with a Heating or Cooling demand.
- Pull new thermostat wire from the HVAC equipment to the thermostat so that there are at least 5 wires available.
- Purchase and install a Venstar Add-A-Wire accessory (ACC-0410).
- If you have a multi stage HVAC system comprised of a fossil fuel heater with air conditioning the Venstar EXPLORER Mini will require the 5 wires mentioned above (R, C, W, Y, and G) plus an additional wire for each additional stage of Heating or Cooling. You may reduce the 5 wire requirement to 4 if you give up independent fan control, or use the optional accessory; Add-A-Wire.
- If you have a heat pump without aux heat the Venstar EXPLORER will require 5 wires: R (24Vac), C (24Vac), W1/O/B (reversing valve), Y (1st stage compressor), and G (fan). If there are only 4 wires present that are connected to the existing thermostat, there are at least 3 options available to connect the Venstar EXPLORER thermostat, they are:
- Use the 4 wires as instructed below and note that the fan will only operate with a Heating or Cooling demand.
- Pull new thermostat wire from the HVAC equipment to the thermostat so that there are at least 5 wires available.
- Purchase and install a Venstar Add-A-Wire accessory (ACC-0410).
- If you have a heat pump with aux heat the Venstar EXPLORER Mini will require 6 wires: R (24Vac), C (24Vac), W1/O/B (reversing valve), Y (1st stage compressor), W2 (Aux Heat) and G (fan). If there are only 5 wires present that are connected to the existing thermostat, there are at least 3 options available to connect the Venstar EXPLORER thermostat, they are:
- Use the 5 wires as instructed below and note that the fan will only operate with a Heating or Cooling demand.
- Pull new thermostat wire from the HVAC equipment to the thermostat so that there are at least 6 wires available.
- Purchase and install a Venstar Add-A-Wire accessory (ACC-0410).
MAKING 4 WIRES WORK when 5 are required (without the optional Add-A-Wire accessory)
- If you have an all-electric heat system with air conditioning, this method is not an option. You must either pull new wire or use the optional Add-A-Wire accessory (ACC-0410).
- If you have a single stage fossil fuel heater with air conditioning, and you would like install the Venstar EXPLORER Mini using only 4 wires, follow the directions below. You will need a screwdriver along with a 3” or 4” long piece of thermostat wire to use as a jumper.
- Make sure the power is off as step 1 on page 4 instructs you.
- Follow step 4 on page 9 “Label and Disconnect Wires” at the thermostat. Please note the color and the corresponding wire designator with each color. An example is the R wire is red and the W wire is white and so on. You will need this for the next step at the HVAC equipment.
- At the equipment end of the thermostat wires, locate the terminals that the wires are attached to.
- Remove the “G wire” from the terminal marked G.
- Place the “G wire” on terminal C.
- Place one end of the jumper on terminal G.
- Place the other end of the jumper on terminal Y.
Please note that there will be more than 1 wire on terminal Y. - Connect the wires to the terminals on the EXPLORER Mini backplate taking care to make sure that each wire from the HVAC equipment is connected to the same terminal designation on the EXPLORER Mini backplate. For example: the “C wire” from the HVAC equipment should be connected to the “C” terminal of the thermostat. The “R” wire on the equipment terminal should be connected to the “R” terminal on the EXPLORER Mini backplate, and so on.
MAKING 5 WIRES WORK when 6 are required (without the optional Add-A-Wire accessory)
- If you have an all-electric heat system with air conditioning, this method is not an option. You must either pull new wire or use the optional Add-A-Wire accessory (ACC-0410).
- If you have a multi stage system that requires 6 wires, and you would like install the Venstar EXPLORER using only 5 wires, follow the directions below. You will need a screwdriver along with a 3” or
4” long piece of thermostat wire to use as a jumper.- Make sure the power is off as step 1 on page 6 instructs you.
- Follow step 4 on page 9 “Label and Disconnect Wires” at the thermostat. Please note the color and the corresponding wire designator with each color. An example is the R wire is red and the W wire is white and so on. You will need this for the next step at the HVAC equipment.
- At the equipment end of the thermostat wires, locate the terminals that the wires are attached to.
- Remove the “G wire” from the terminal marked G.
- Place the “G wire” on terminal C.
- Place one end of the jumper on terminal G.
- Place the other end of the jumper on terminal Y.
Please note that there will be more than 1 wire on terminal Y. - Connect the wires to the terminals on the EXPLORER backplate taking care to make sure that each wire from the HVAC equipment is connected to the same terminal on the EXPLORER backplate. For example: the “C wire” from the HVAC equipment is connected to the “C” terminal of the thermostat and so on.
Step 4 – Label & Disconnect Wires
| Wire from the old thermostat terminal marked |
Function |
Install on the new thermostat connector marked |
Wire Color |
| G or F | Fan | G | |
| Y1, Y | Cooling | Y1 | |
| W1, W | Heating | W1/0/B | |
| Rh, R, M, Vr, A | Power | R | |
| C | Common | C | |
| O/B | Rev. Valve | W1/O/B* | |
| W2 | 2nd Stage Heat | W2 | |
| Y2 | 2nd Stage Cooling | Y2 | |
| Ck1 | Dry Contact Switch | CK | |
| CKGND | Dry Contact Switch | R |
O/B is used if your system is a Heat Pump.
Step 5 – Remove Current Backplate
Step 6 – Mount New Base
- Gently separate the display from the base by pulling first from one side, then the other until the two pieces unsnap. A small screwdriver may be used, very carefully, to start separating the two pieces.
- Position the base against your wall, and determine if wall anchors from current thermostat align with screw locations of new base.
- If base does not align with existing anchor holes, mark new screw locations with a pencil. Drywall: Drill 3/16″ hole for the anchor Plaster: Drill 7/32” hole for the anchor
- Pull wires through opening in base and secure to the wall using provided screws.
TIP: Use a level to ensure thermostat is properly aligned before marking screw locations.
Step 7 – Connect Wires
Match your previous wire configuration to the new base. One by one, connect each wire by inserting the metal end into the corresponding slot and tightening the screw.
Step 8 – Check Dip Switch
Ensure which switch is correct for your system. Dip switches are located on the back of the thermostat
- This switch (GAS or ELEC) controls how the thermostat will control the Fan (G) terminal in heating mode. When GAS is chosen, the thermostat will not energize the Fan (G) terminal in heating. When ELEC is chosen the thermostat will energize the fan in heating.
- For Heat Pump Only
When the GAS/EL or HP dip switch is for HP, this dip switch (O or B) must be set to control the appropriate reversing valve. If O is chosen, the W1/O/B terminal will energize in cooling. If B is chosen, the W1/O/B terminal will energize in heating.This dip switch configures the thermostat to control a conventional gas/electric system or a heat pump. If your system is anything other than a heat pump, leave this switch se for GAS/EL. - This dip switch the thermostat to control a conventional gas/electric system or a heat pump. If your system is anything other than a heat pump, leave this switch set for GAS/EL.
Step 9 – Attach Thermostat
Align the pins on the thermostat circuit board with the corresponding holes below the wiring connectors and push the top and the bottom of the plastic housing enclosing the display until it clicks into place, top and bottom.
Front of thermostat should click into place easily. If you encounter resistance do not apply excess force – remove check that the pins are straight and ensure there are no wires in the way and retry.
Step 10 – Switch Power/Circuit Breakers Back On
Turn your furnace and air conditioner breakers back on at your breaker panel.
Step 11 – Set Up Wi-Fi Connection
Overview
At minimum, the fi rst 3 tasks below must be completed to access your thermostat remotely from a browser. The 4th step is optional (highly recommended) and only is needed to access your thermostat(s) from
a mobile device.
These steps are:
- Successful connection to a local Wi-Fi Access Point with internet access.
- Confirm receipt of a Skyport generated verification email (this only occurs once during the Skyport account setup).
- A 6-digit code obtained from the thermostat is successfully entered into a Skyport account.
- Successfully download and install the Venstar Skyport app on your mobile device(s).
Your thermostat operates on the 2.4 Ghz, Wi-Fi b/g/n band.
TABLE OF BUTTON PRESSES TO ENTER MENUS
- TO ENTER MENUS BUTTON PRESS
- Setup Steps………………………..MODE & FAN/OVERRIDE for 5 seconds
- Time Schedule…………………..MODE & Up for 2 seconds
- Emergency Heat………………..Up & FAN/OVERRIDE for 2 seconds
- Lockout Buttons……………….MODE, Up & Down for 2 seconds
- Calibration………………………….MODE & Down for 2 seconds, then MODE
- Wireless Setup…………………..FAN/OVERRIDE for 5 Seconds
Quick Start – Connect to Wi-Fi
The EXPLORER Mini thermostats are joined to a Wi-Fi network with the help of the Venstar Configurator App. This app may be downloaded from your mobile device’s app store. Once the EXPLORER Mini thermostat is installed the Configurator App will facilitate connection to the access point in 6 steps as outlined below.
- Select “Setup Wi-Fi” on the Configurator App.
- Press and hold the FAN button for 5 seconds. When “Wireless Setup” appears on the display, release the FAN button. Then press the COOLER button on the thermostat to configure Wi-Fi settings. Select “continue” on the Configurator App.
- Go to the settings of the mobile device. Select Wi-Fi, then select the EXPLORER MINI thermostat (THERMOSTAT-XXXX). Enter the password: 123456789 when prompted. Return to the Configurator App and select “Continue”.
- Select the access point of your building or home to join.
- Enter your password and select. Then press “Continue†in the lower right corner to complete the setup.
- When completed, the scrolling display of the thermostat will confirm a successful Wi-Fi connection in addition the full Wi-Fi symbol will appear on the display.
Quick Start – Connect to Skyport
Although there is more than one way to create a Skyport account, the steps below illustrate account creation from a browser. To create a Skyport account a thermostat must be joined to the account.
If the thermostat is connected to the local Wi-Fi Access Point, but you do not have a Skyport account, you may create an account and join the thermostat to the account by doing the following:
- 1. Open your browser to: http://venstar.skyportcloud.com
2. Select “Create account now” - Follow on screen instructions to create an account and add a thermostat to the Skyport account.
If the thermostat is connected to the local Wi-Fi access point but not yet joined to an existing Skyport account, you may join the thermostat to the account by doing the following:- Log in to your Skyport account.
- Select the “Location” you want to add a thermostat into.
- Select the “Thermostat tab”.
- Select “+ Add Thermostat”. A screen will ‘pop-up’ asking for a six digit code.
- Press and hold the fan button on the thermostat for 5 seconds.
- Press the Warmer button on the thermostat.
- A six digit code will appear on the thermostat’s display.
- Enter the six digit code into your Skyport account.
Once you have connected to Skyport, and you have standard HVAC equipment, you should be ready to use the thermostat to control your equipment. Skyport will maintain the correct time and date on your thermostat. If you would like to set up a program/schedule to maintain the desired temperature at various times of the day, you can do this manually at the thermostat. The complete manual is available to help you on the Venstar website at: Venstar.com. It is much easier to setup the time period program/schedule on the Skyport Web App. To make these adjustments and more to your thermostat from Skyport follow these steps:
- Login to your Skyport account
- Choose the location where your thermostat is installed (the left column)
- Click on the Thermostat tab
- And click on the Setup button
You now may select and customize the thermostat. To start from this screen; select one of the buttons on the left.
A quick summary of these buttons is as follows:
- Profile – Here you can name or change the location of the thermostat
- Runtime Data – Here you can view Heat and Cool runtimes
- Sensors – Here you can view all sensors and pair wireless sensors to the thermostat
- Notifications – Here you setup email reminders and alert from Skyport
- Alerts – Here you can view current alerts for the thermostat
- Schedule – Here you can set up, edit and enable/disable your time period schedule program
- Thermostat Settings – Here you can alter the installation setup of the thermostat
Troubleshooting
Use the following troubleshooting guide to diagnose common problems. If you are still having problems or are unsure please visit www.venstar.com/thermostats or e-mail customer service at [email protected]
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
| The air conditioning does not attempt to turn on. | The compressor timer lockout may prevent the air conditioner from turning on for a period of time. | Adjust the Compressor Min. Off Time to “0”. |
| The cooling setpoint is set too high. | Lower the cooling setpoint or lower the cooling setpoint limit. | |
| The display is blank. | Lack of proper power. | Make sure the power is on to the furnace
and that you have a 24 vac between R&C. |
| The heating does not attempt to turn on. | The heating setpoint is set too low. | Raise the heating setpoint or raise
the heating setpoint limit. |
| When using a residential heat pump the heat comes on instead of the air conditioning. | The thermostat reversing valve dip switch is set incorrectly. | Set the reversing valve dip switch to the opposite position. |
| When calling for air conditioning both the heat and cool come on. | The thermostat equipment dip switch is configured for “HP” and the HVAC unit is a gas/electric. | Set the equipment dip switch for “gas”. |
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
| The thermostat won’t connect to the access point. | Wrong password. | Enter the correct password. |
|
Access point offline. |
Bring access point online. |
|
|
Can’t connect to Skyport |
No internet connection on access point. |
Restore internet. |
|
Firewall restrictions |
Check firewall settings. |
|
|
Can’t get a 6 digit pairing code. |
Thermostat already in account. |
Factory default thermostat. |
|
Remove from Skyport account. |
Warranty
One-Year Warranty – This Product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship. If it appears within one year from the date of original installation, whether or not actual use begins on that date, that the product does not meet this warranty, a new or remanufactured part, at the manufacturer’s sole option to replace any defective part, will be provided without charge for the part itself provided the defective part is returned to the distributor through a qualified servicing dealer. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT INCLUDE LABOR OR OTHER COSTS incurred for diagnosing, repairing, removing, installing, shipping, servicing or handling of either defective parts or replacement parts. Such costs may be covered by a separate warranty provided by the installer. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLYTO PRODUCTS IN THEIR ORIGINAL INSTALLATION LOCATION AND BECOMES VOID UPON REINSTALLATION.
LIMITATIONS OF WARRANTIES – ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES (INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY) ARE HEREBY LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE PERIOD FOR WHICH THE LIMITED WARRANTY IS GIVEN. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SOTHE ABOVE MAY NOT APPLYTO YOU. THE EXPRESSED WARRANTIES MADE IN THIS WARRANTY ARE EXCLUSIVE AND MAY NOT BE ALTERED, ENLARGED, OR CHANGED BY ANY DISTRIBUTOR, DEALER, OR OTHER PERSON WHATSOEVER. ALL WORK UNDERTHE TERMS OF THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE PERFORMED DURING NORMAL WORKING HOURS. ALL REPLACEMENT PARTS, WHETHER NEW OR REMANUFACTURED, ASSUME ASTHEIR WARRANTY PERIOD ONLYTHE REMAINING TIME PERIOD OF THIS WARRANTY.
THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:
- Normal maintenance as outlined in the installation and servicing instructions or owner’s manual, including filter cleaning and/or replacement and
- Damage or repairs required as a consequence of faulty installation, misapplication, abuse, improper servicing, unauthorized alteration or improper
- Failure to start due to voltage conditions, blown fuses, open circuit breakers or other damages due to the inadequacy or interruption of electrical
- Damage as a result of floods, winds, fires, lightning, accidents, corrosive environments or other conditions beyond the control of the
- Parts not supplied or designated by the Manufacturer, or damages resulting from their
- Manufacturer products installed outside the continental S.A., Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada.
- Electricity or fuel costs or increases in electricity or fuel costs for any reason whatsoever including additional or unusual use of supplemental electric
- ANY SPECIAL INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL PROPERTY OR COMMERCIAL DAMAGE OF ANY NATURE Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above may not apply to you.
FCC Compliance Statement
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for an intentional radiator, pursuant to Part 15, subpart C of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference in radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving
- Increase the separation between the equipment and
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that of the
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or TV technician for
Notice: Only peripherals complying with FCC limits may be attached to this equipment. Operation with noncompliant peripherals or peripherals not recommended by Venstar is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception. Changes or modifications to the product, not expressly approved by Venstar could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FCC – INDOOR Mobile Radio Information
To comply with FCC/IC RF exposure limits for general population / uncontrolled exposure, the antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. This Device complies with Industry Canada License-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) this device may not cause interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication. We, Venstar, declare under our sole responsibility that the device to which this declaration relates: Complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC ID: MUH-SKYPORT8 IC: 12547A-SKYPORT8
These numbers can be located on the inside of the thermostat backplate, in the upper right corner. Patents Issued & Pendin Printed on recycled paper. P/N 88-1234 12/17 rev. 2
Reference
Download Manual:
Venstar T2150 Programmable Thermostat Quick Start Guide
OTHER MANUALS
Venstar T2150 Programmable Thermostat Product Specifications Guide
