Venstar EXPLORER Technical manual

1
Thank You
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing
your new Venstar EXPLORER®thermostat. This
guide is intended to help you install and setup
the basic features of the EXPLORER®Thermostat.
For a full owner’s manual and installation guide,
visit Venstar.com.

2
Compatibility
Venstar EXPLORER®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, two and three stages (W1, W2, W3)
• Cooling: one and two stages (Y1, Y2)
• Heat pump: with auxiliary and emergency heat (Y, W1, O/B)
• Fan (G)
• Power (C, R)
• Humidifier or dehumidifier (HUM, DEHUM)
• Dual fuel systems (heat pump with furnace, T3900 only)
• Whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers
WiFi Network
& Password
Screw Driver Pencil
Leve
lP
liers
Hammer or Drill
(3/16" or 7/ 32" drill bits)
Thermostat Thermostat
Base
Drywall Anchors
and Screws
This Quick Start
Manual
Contents
Necessary Tools

3
Step 1 - Power O Current System
1) Go to your home’s circuit breaker panel
and switch the furnace and air conditioner
breakers o.
2) To confirm power is o, adjust the
temperature on your current thermostat.
If the system does not respond
accordingly, power has probably been
successfully shut o.
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-o 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.
Side View
Wall Thermostat

4
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.
A. If you have a Heating only system without Air Conditioning, the
Venstar EXPLORER 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 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.
B. If you have a single stage fossil fuel heater with air conditioning,
the Venstar EXPLORER 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:
1. Use the 4 wires as instructed below and note that the fan will
only operate with a Heating or Cooling demand.
2. Pull new thermostat wire from the HVAC equipment to the
thermostat so that there are at least 5 wires available.
3. Purchase and install a Venstar Add-A-Wire accessory
(ACC-0410).

5
C. If you have a multi stage HVAC system comprised of a fossil fuel
heater with air conditioning the Venstar EXPLORER 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.
D. 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:
1. Use the 4 wires as instructed below and note that the fan will
only operate with a Heating or Cooling demand.
2. Pull new thermostat wire from the HVAC equipment to the
thermostat so that there are at least 5 wires available.
3. Purchase and install a Venstar Add-A-Wire accessory (ACC-0410).
E. If you have a heat pump with aux heat the Venstar EXPLORER 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:
1. Use the 5 wires as instructed below and note that the fan will
only operate with a Heating or Cooling demand.
2. Pull new thermostat wire from the HVAC equipment to the
thermostat so that there are at least 6 wires available.
3. Purchase and install a Venstar Add-A-Wire accessory (ACC-0410).

6
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 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.
1. Make sure the power is o as step 1 on page 4 instructs you.
2. 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.
3. At the equipment end of the thermostat wires, locate the
terminals that the wires are attached to.
A. Remove the “G wire” from the terminal marked G.
B. Place the “G wire” on terminal C.
C. Place one end of the jumper on terminal G.
D. Place the other end of the jumper on terminal Y.
Please note that there will be more than 1 wire on terminal Y.
4. 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 designation on the EXPLORER
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 backplate, and so on.

7
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.
1. Make sure the power is o as step 1 on page 6 instructs you.
2. 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.
3. At the equipment end of the thermostat wires, locate the
terminals that the wires are attached to.
A. Remove the “G wire” from the terminal marked G.
B. Place the “G wire” on terminal C.
C. Place one end of the jumper on terminal G.
D. Place the other end of the jumper on terminal Y.
Please note that there will be more than 1 wire on terminal Y.
E. 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.

8
Step 4 - Label & Disconnect Wires
1) One by one, apply a label
designated to each wire
you disconnect from
your current thermostat.
TIP: Before disconnecting any wires,
take a photo of your current wire
configuration with your mobile device.
Wire from the Install on the
old thermostat Function new thermostat Wire
terminal marked connector marked 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
W3 3rd Stage Heat W3
H, Hum Humidity HUM
D, Dehum Dehumidity DEHUM
Ck1 Dry Contact Switch DRY CONTACT
CKGND Dry Contact Switch DRY CONTACT
* O/B is used if your system is a Heat Pump.

9
Step 5 - Remove Current Backplate
Unscrew the current backplate and
remove it from the wall. Be careful
not to let the wires fall into the wall.
Step 6 - Mount New Base
1) 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.
TIP: If needed, wrap the wires
around a pencil or pen to keep
them from falling inside the wall.
2) Position the base against your
wall, and determine if wall
anchors from current thermostat
align with screw locations of
new base.
3) 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
4) 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.

10
Step 7 - Connect Wires
1) 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.
TIP: Use pliers to straighten wire before
inserting into new base. Be sure to cut any
excess wire so that the insulation extends to
the terminal block. When the wire is installed
properly to the terminal block, there should
be no copper exposed.
lPliers
This Quick Start
Manual

11
Step 8 - Check Dip Switch
1) Ensure which switch is correct for
your system. Dip switches are located
on the back of the thermostat
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
1. When GAS/EL or HP is set for GAS/EL:
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.
2. When GAS/EL or HP is set for HP:
This switch (GAS or ELEC) defines the Aux Heat type.
When GAS is chosen, the auxiliary heat will not be
allowed to run during heat pump operation. When
using a Dual Fuel system, set this switch for GAS
(T3900). When ELEC is chosen, up to two stages of
auxiliary strip heat will be allowed to run.
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 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 set for GAS/EL.

12
Step 9 - Attach Thermostat
1) 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.
Step 10 - Switch Power/Circuit Breakers Back On
Turn your furnace and air conditioner breakers back on at your
breaker panel.
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.
Side View
Wall Thermostat

13
Step 11 - Set Up Wi-Fi Connection
(Using the optional Wi-Fi module)
Overview
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 mobile 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.

14
1 2
Quick Start - Connect to Wi-Fi
The EXPLORER 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 thermostat
is installed with the optional Wi-Fi Module, the Configurator App will
facilitate connection to the access point in 5 steps as outlined below.
Press the “Setup
Wi-Fi” button.
Press the “Accessory Setup”
button on the thermostat.
Then press the “Cooler”
button to start the setup.

15
3 4 5
Go to the settings
of the mobile
device. Select Wi-Fi,
then select the
Explorer thermostat
(THERMOSTAT-
XXXX). Enter the
password: 123456789
when prompted.
Return to the
Configurator App.
Select the access
point to join.
The Wi-Fi icon
appears on the
display when
successfully
connected.
Quick Start - Connect to Wi-Fi (continued)

16
Quick Start - Connect to Skyport
If the thermostat is connected to the local Wi-Fi Access Point, but not
yet joined to a Skyport account, you may join the thermostat to an
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
4

17
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:
1. Login to your Skyport account
2. Choose the location where your thermostat is installed (the left column)
3. Click on the Thermostat tab
4. 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 reminder and alert notifications
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

18
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
[e-mail]
Problem
The air conditioning does
not attempt to turn on.
The display is blank.
The heating does not
attempt to turn on.
When using a residential
heat pump the heat comes
on instead of the air
conditioning.
When calling for air
conditioning both the heat
and cool come on.
Possible Cause
The compressor timer
lockout may prevent the air
conditioner from turning on
for a period of time.
The cooling setpoint is set
too high.
You may have selected Free
Cooling in settings.
Lack of proper power.
The heating setpoint is set
too low.
The thermostat reversing
valve dip switch is set
incorrectly.
The thermostat equipment
dip switch is configured for
“HP” and the HVAC unit is a
gas/electric.
Solution
Adjust the
Compressor Min.
O Time to “None”.
Lower the cooling setpoint
or lower the cooling
setpoint limit.
If you don’t have a damper,
and special duct work
installed, turn o this
feature in settings.
Make sure the power
is on to the furnace
and that you have a 24 vac
between R&C.
Raise the
heating setpoint or raise
the heating setpoint limit.
Set the reversing valve
dip switch to the
opposite position.
Set the equipment
dip switch for “gas”.