Venstar EXLORER Mini Original instructions

Owner’s Manual
& Installation
Instructions
7 Day Programmable •Up to 2-heat & 2-cool
with
Wi-Fi
and
Local API

FCC Compliance Statement
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 the 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 antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that of the
receiver.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio orTV technician for help.
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.
Follow the Installation Instructions before proceeding. Set the
thermostat mode to “OFF” prior to changing settings in setup
or restoring Factory Defaults.
CAUTIO
N
i

This Explorer Mini thermostat has the ability to receive updates to its firmware.
Periodically firmware updates are released by the manufacturer to add features
and/or performance enhancements.This manual was produced reflecting the
most current firmware/feature set at the time of publication, firmware rev. 1.0.
Firmware releases after rev. 1.0 may not be adequately depicted in this manual.
Please refer to the appropriate website or contact your place of purchase to learn
about changes to the thermostat after firmware release 1.0.
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.
Cet appareil est conforme avec Industrie Canada, exempts de licence standard
RSS(s). Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes: 1) ce
dispositif ne doit pas causer d’interférences, et 2) ce dispositif doit accepter
toute interférence, y compris les interférences qui peuvent causer un mauvais
fonctionnement de l’appareil.
En vertu des règlements d’Industrie Canada, cet émetteur de radio ne peut
fonctionner en utilisant une antenne d’un type et maximale (ou moins) Gain
approuvé pour l’émetteur par Industrie Canada. Pour réduire les interférences
radio potentielles aux autres utilisateurs, le type d’antenne et son gain doivent
être choisis afin que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (PIRE) ne est pas
plus de ce qui est nécessaire pour une communication réussie.
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.
MUH-SKYPORT8
ii

Table of Contents
Installation Instructions..........................................................1
Wire Connections.....................................................................2
Thermostat Backplate .............................................................3
Dip Switch Settings .................................................................4
Connect to Wi-Fi.....................................................................10
Front Panel...............................................................................13
Display......................................................................................14
Basic Operation......................................................................16
User Setup................................................................................17
Backlight Operation .......................................................19
Setpoint Limits.................................................................20
Service Filter....................................................................21
Installer Setup.........................................................................22
Programming a Daily Schedule...........................................29
About Advanced Features & Operation..............................31
Turning On The Time Period Program.................................31
Advanced Setup Table...........................................................35
Follow Installation Instructions carefully. Disconnect
Power to the Heater/Air Conditioner before removing
the old thermostat and installing the new thermostat.
CAUTION
IMPORTANT
© Copyright 2018, All Rights Reserved T2050
iii

Auto-Changeover: A mode in which the thermostat will turn on the
heating or cooling based on room temperature demand.
Cool Setpoint: The warmest temperature that the space should rise
to before cooling is turned on (without regard to deadband).
Deadband: The number of degrees the thermostat will wait, once a
setpoint has been reached, before energizing heating or cooling.
Differential: The forced temperature difference between the heat
setpoint and the cool setpoint.
Heat Setpoint:The coolest temperature that the space should drop
to before heating is turned on (without regard to deadband).
Icon: The word or symbol that appears on the thermostat display.
Mode: The current operating condition of the thermostat (i.e. Off,
Heat, Cool, Auto, Program On).
Non-Programmable Thermostat: A thermostat that does not have the
capability of runningTime Period Programming.
Programmable Thermostat: A thermostat that has the capability of
runningTime Period Programming.
Pre-Occupancy Purge: Fan operation prior to Occupied 1.
Temperature Swing: Same as Deadband.
Time Period Programming: A program that allows the thermostat
to automatically adjust the heat setpoint and/or the cool setpoint
based on the time of the day.
iv
Glossary of Terms

Installation Instructions
1
Remove and Replace the old thermostat
To install the thermostat properly, please follow these step by step
instructions. If you are unsure about any of these steps, call a qualified
technician for assistance.
• Installation tools: Small flat blade screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver,
wire cutters and wire strippers.
• Make sure your Heater/Air Conditioner is working properly before
beginning installation of the thermostat.
• Carefully unpack the thermostat. Save the screws, any brackets,
and instructions.
• Turn off the power to the Heating/Air Conditioning system at the main
fuse panel. Most residential systems have a separate breaker or
switch for disconnecting power to the furnace.
• Remove the cover of the old thermostat. If it does not come off easily,
check for screws.
• Loosen the screws holding the thermostat base or subbase to the
wall and lift away.
• If you have a smart phone handy, take a photo of the wiring for
future reference.
• Disconnect the wires from the old thermostat. Tape the ends of the
wires as you disconnect them, and mark them with the letter of the
terminal for easy reconnection to the new thermostat.
• Keep the old thermostat for reference purposes, until your new
thermostat is functioning properly.

Installation Instructions
2
Wire Connections
If the terminal designations on your old thermostat do not match those
on the new thermostat, refer to the chart below or the wiring diagrams
that follow.
Wire from the Install on the
old thermostat Function new thermostat
terminal marked connector marked
G or F Fan G
Y1,Y Cooling Y1
W1, W Heating W1/O/B
Rh, R, M, Vr, A Power R
C Common C
O/B Rev. Valve W1/O/B*
W2 2nd Stage Heat W2
Ck1 Dry Contact Switch CK
CKGND Dry Contact Switch R
* O/B is used if your system is a Heat Pump.

SCALE 1 : 1
Installation Instructions
3
The Explorer Mini Thermostat Backplate
R 24 VAC return
GFan relay
W1/O/B 1st stage heat circuit
W2 2nd stage heat circuit
Y1 1st stage compressor relay
Y2 2nd stage compressor relay
C24 VAC common
CK1 Dry Contact
IMPORTANT: This thermostat requires both R (24 VAC Return) and C (24 VAC
Common) wires be connected to the backplate terminals to operate properly.
To remove the thermostat backplate:
Gently separate the display from the
base by pulling from the center.
R G Y1 W2 W1/O/B Y2 C CK1

GAS/EL
HP
OR
GAS/EL HP
ON
123
ON
123
OR
OBBO
ON
12 3
ON
12 3
GAS ELEC
OR
GAS ELEC
ON
12 3
ON
12 3
1
GAS
O
GAS/EL
ELEC
B
HP
ON
23
1
GAS
O
GAS/EL
ELEC
B
HP
ON
23
Installation Instructions
4
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 configured for
HP, this dip switch (O or B) must be set to control
the appropriate reversing valve. If Ois chosen, the
W1/O/B terminal will energize in cooling. If Bis
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 set for GAS/EL.

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5
Installation Instructions
1 Stage Heat, 1 stage Cool
1
GAS
O
GAS/EL
ELEC
B
HP
ON
23
1
GAS
O
GAS/EL
ELEC
B
HP
ON
23
Dip Switch Settings
R G Y1 W2 W1/O/B Y2 C CK1
C
W2
W1
O or B
Y2
Y1
G
R
Thermostat
HVAC
Equipment

SCALE 1 : 1
6
Installation Instructions
2 Stage Heat, 2 Stage Cool
1
GAS
O
GAS/EL
ELEC
B
HP
ON
23
1
GAS
O
GAS/EL
ELEC
B
HP
ON
23
Dip Switch Settings
R G Y1 W2 W1/O/B Y2 C CK1
C
Y2
W1
O or B
W2
Y1
G
R
Thermostat
HVAC
Equipment

SCALE 1 : 1
7
Installation Instructions
Single Stage Heat Pump with AUX Heat
1
GAS
O
GAS/EL
ELEC
B
HP
ON
23
1
GAS
O
GAS/EL
ELEC
B
HP
ON
23
Dip Switch Settings
*Reversing valve choice, O or B, is dependant on the type of valve installed
in the heat pump.
R G Y1 W2 W1/O/B Y2 C CK1
C
W
O or B
Y2
Y1
G
R
Thermostat
HVAC
Equipment
*

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8
Installation Instructions
Dual Stage Heat Pump with AUX Heat
1
GAS
O
GAS/EL
ELEC
B
HP
ON
23
1
GAS
O
GAS/EL
ELEC
B
HP
ON
23
Dip Switch Settings
*Reversing valve choice, O or B, is dependant on the type of valve installed
in the heat pump.
*
R G Y1 W2 W1/O/B Y2 C CK1
C
Y2
W
O or B
Y1
G
R
Thermostat
HVAC
Equipment
Aux heat will turn on
with second stage of
heatpump heating

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9
Installation Instructions
Heat Only - with Venstar 2-Wire Kit - ACC0436
1
GAS
O
GAS/EL
ELEC
B
HP
ON
23
1
GAS
O
GAS/EL
ELEC
B
HP
ON
23
Dip Switch Settings
R G Y1 W2 W1/O/B Y2 C CK1
C
W2
W1
O or B
Y2
Y1
G
R
Thermostat
HVAC
Equipment
BROWN WHITE
BLACK
Input
120 VAC
BLACK
RED
ORANGE
24 VAC
Isolation
Relay
ACC-0437

10
At minimum the first 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
mobie device.
These steps are:
1. Successful connection to a local Wi-Fi Access Point with internet
access.
2. Confirm receipt of a Skyport generated verification email (this only
occurs once during the Skyport account setup).
3. A 6-digit code obtained from the thermostat is successfully entered
into a Skyport account.
4. 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.
Wi-Fi Symbol Legend
When the only the ‘dot’ of the Wi-Fi symbol appears = not
connected to an access point.
When the full Wi-Fi symbol appears = connected to an
access point.
When the full Wi-Fi symbol appears and the ‘dot’ of the symbol is
flashing = connected to Skyport.
Connect to Wi-Fi Overview

11
Connect to Wi-Fi Overview
ICON
Wi-Fi Setup
The Venstar Configurator App is needed to configure the Wi-Fi Settings
of this thermostat
• Download the Venstar Configurator App
from your mobile device’s App Store.
• Open the Venstar Configurator App
- Choose the Explorer Mini thermostat by sliding the
thermostat pictures at the top of the apps’ display
to the left until you see a picture of the Explorer Mini.
- Press and hold the OVERRIDE button of the thermostat for
approximately 5 seconds to enter Wi-Fi setup screens.
- Press the cooler button to setup Wi-Fi.
- Follow the instructions that appear on the Venstar
Configurator App.
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”
3. Follow on screen instructions to create an account and add a
thermostat to the Skyport account.
Create Account Now

12
Connect to Wi-Fi Overview
Join a Thermostat to Skyport
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:
1. Log in to your Skyport account.
2. Select the “Location” you want to add a thermostat into.
3. Select the “Thermostat tab”.
4. Select “+ Add thermostat”. A screen will ‘pop-up’ asking for a
six digit code.
5. Press the OVERRIDE button on the thermostat for 5 seconds.
6. Press the Warmer button on the thermostat.
7. A six digit code will appear on the thermostat’s display.
8. Enter the six digit code into your Skyport account.
Wi-Fi Status Screens
Press and hold the OVERRIDE button on the thermostat for 5 seconds.
When “Wi-Fi Setup” appears on the display, press the MODE button.
Pressing the up or down button will sequence through the following
information:
• AP Name
• AP Signal Strength
• IP Address
• Skyport Status
• API Status

Front Panel
13
1Backlit Display
2Up/Warmer, Down/Cooler Buttons
3Mode Button
4Override Button
5Heat or Cool Indicator
Heat = Red, Cool = Green
1
3
2
4 5

Display
14
1Mode Indicators
Selects the operational mode of the equipment.
HEAT - Indicates the heating mode.
COOL - Indicates the cooling mode.
AUTO - Indicates the system will automatically changeover
between heat and cool modes as the temperature
varies.
OFF - Indicates heating and cooling are turned off.
2 Clock with Day of the Week
Indicates the current time and day. This clock is also used to
program the time period schedules.
3Room Temperature Display
Indicates current room temperature.
4Desired Set Temperature
Indicates desired room temperature(s).
2
3
4
1
1
1
4

Display
15
5 Occupied and Unoccupied icons
Indicates the part of the time period program.
6 Setup icon
Indicates the thermostat is in the setup mode.
7 Fan icon
When only the FAN icon is displayed, the fan is always
on. If the FAN is not on the display, then the FAN is in
Auto mode and will run only when necessary to heat
or cool.
8 Locked icon
Indicates the thermostat’s control buttons have
been locked.
9 Override icon
Indicates OVERRIDE is enabled.
6
9
5
8
7