Table of Contents 1 Welcome! 2 Overview - What is in the System? - Thermostat User Interface - LCD Display 3 Basic Functions Using the Thermostat - Configuration - System - Fan Mode - Mode - Adjusting the Set Temperature - Schedule Settings and Schedule Hold - Input Lock 4 Using the Portal - Understanding the Icons - Using the Icons on the Left Column - On the Dashboard Page (Home Page)
Welcome! Thank you for choosing the TrickleStar TS2501 Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat.We are your smart partner in optimizing comfort and maximizing savings for your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. You can now remotely control and monitor the heating and cooling systems in your home and business from anywhere.If you have any inquiries about TrickleStar products or need technical...
Overview What is in the System? Congratulations on the purchase of your new TrickleStar Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat. This Thermostat offers a wide range of options to monitor and control your HVAC system, via: - the Thermostat - the TrickleStar Portal (Portal) - the TrickleStar App (App) on your smartphone Thermostat Portal This User Manual will guide you through the Thermostat features using the Thermostat, Portal and App. You can check the list of features and the location from which to perform the features by referring to “Feature List” from pages 50 to 56. Note: If you have not installed your Thermostat, refer to the Installation Guide.
Mode Home Indicator Mode: Home LCD Display Away Indicator Mode: Away The Thermostat has a bright LCD display, which makes it easy to read and adjust the settings for the Thermostat. Sleep Indicator Mode: Sleep System System Off Indicator System: Off Heat Indicator System: Heat Cool Indicator System: Cool Auto Indicator System: Auto E.Heat Indicator System: Emergency Fig 6-A Heating...
Page 7
Thermostat LED Display Fan Mode Fan On Indicator Fan: On Fan Auto Indicator Fan: Auto Fig 7-A Mode Mode Mode Scheduling Home Indicator Home Indicator Mode: Home Mode: Home Schedule On/Hold Indicator Indicates Holds/ Away Indicator Away Indicator Flashing - Temporary Hold Mode: Away Mode: Away Schedule in Progress...
Page 8
Wireless Connection Wireless Connection Wi-Fi Indicator Indicates Wi-Fi connection and signal strength Bluetooth Indicator When connected to one or more occupancy sensors. Flashes: Thermostat is scanning for occupancy sensor Fig 8-A Other Indicators Other Indicators Other Indicators Humidity Indicator Display the room humidity Humidity Indicator in percentage Display the room humidity...
Page 9
Flashes: Temporary Hold Setpoint Temperature Schedule Indicator Indicator Indicates a schedule is Display the setpoint in progress temperature Fig 9-A TrickleStar Logo Speedometer Brand (Always on) Speedometer for Setpoint Temperature Key-Lock Indicator Indicates the input is locked Hold Indicator Indicates Permanent Hold / Vacation Hold.
Page 10
Jog Dial Backlight Jog Dial Backlight Jog Dial Backlight White In configuration mode or setting mode Green When there is demand response activity Fig 10-A When Emergency Heating is Jog Dial Backlight turned on (heat pump only) Blue When Cooling is turned on Orange When Heating is turned on When Emergency Heating,...
Basic Functions Using the Thermostat If you have never connected your TrickleStar Thermostat to the Portal, your Thermostat will work as a simple non-programmable thermostat. You can manually set the basic functions such as System, Fan, Mode and Setpoint Temperature on the Thermostat using the Jog dial and Side button. You can check the list of features which the Thermostat can perform by referring to “Feature List” from pages 50 Note that you can only set or view the advanced features such as schedule via the Portal or App.
Configuration After you have installed the Thermostat and completed the Start-Up Configuration, you can still change the configuration for your system. When you change the configuration, the Thermostat will automatically upload the changes to your Portal account, if you have one. Enter Configuration Mode Press the Side button for 10 seconds to enter the Configuration Mode. Fig 12-A...
Page 13
Step 01 - Wi-Fi Provisioning This display appears if: 1) Your Thermostat has never been connected to the Portal. You can connect your Thermostat to the Portal, or press the Jog dial or Side button to skip this step. 2) Your Thermostat has been connected to the Portal but has lost connection with the Portal after System Reset. Check your router and reconnect to the Portal. 3) Your Thermostat has been factory reset or Wi-Fi setting has been reset Fig 13-A Note: To reconnect your Thermostat to the Portal, select "Devices", then click on your "Device Name". Select "Settings", then click "Info and Time Zone". At “Connected Network (SSID)”, click “Configure”.
Page 14
Step 03 - Select Fan Control Option 1. Rotate the Jog dial to select: • “HG” for gas heating. • “HE” for electric heating. 2. Press the Jog dial or Side button to confirm your selection. Fig 14-A Step 04 - Select Heat Pump Reversing Valve Option 1. Rotate the Jog dial to select: • “o” for a system in which the reversing valve is energized in cooling. • “b” for a system in which the reversing valve is energized in heating. 2. Press the Jog dial or the Side button to confirm your selection. Fig 14-B...
Page 15
Step 05 - Test the Connection of Each Output This step helps you to check if the output terminals were connected correctly and securely. During the connection test, check if your HVAC equipment connected to the respective output terminal is turned on. 1. Rotate the Jog dial clockwise to turn on the output as follows: ● : All outputs off ● : Only Y1 is on, all others off Fig 15-A ● : Only Y2 is on, all others off ● : Only W1 is on, all others off ● : Only W2 is on, all others off ● : Only G is on, all others off ● : Only O/B is on, all others off ● : Only ACC is on, all others off After you rotate the Jog dial, there may be a few seconds delay before the HVAC equipment turns on. This is not a malfunction.
Page 16
2. Press the Jog dial or Side button to end the connection test. All the outputs will be turned off. When you have completed the configuration, the Thermostat will enter Normal Operation and you will see this display on the Thermostat. Fig 16-A Note: If you want to test the connection of the output again, you need to restart the configuration. Press the Side button for 10 seconds to enter the Configuration Mode.
Home Indicator Mode: Home Away Indicator Mode: Away Sleep Indicator System Mode: Sleep Press the Side button to enter System. Then rotate the Jog dial to select the System you want. Press the Jog dial or the Side button to confirm your selection. Note that some System may not appear depending on your HVAC system. Off The system is turned off and the Thermostat will only display the room temperature and room System humidity. Off Indicator Heat The system will turn on the System: Off heating system when the room temperature drops below the "Set Heat Indicator Temperature (Heat)". System: Heat Cool The system will turn on the cooling system when the room Cool Indicator temperature rises above the "Set System: Cool Temperature (Cool)".
After you have confirmed your selection for the System, the Thermostat will prompt you to select the Fan. Rotate the Jog dial to select the Fan you want. Press the Jog dial or the Side button to confirm your selection. The Thermostat will return to Normal Operation. Thermostat LED Display Fan Mode On The fan is turned on all the time. Fan On Indicator Auto Fan: On The fan will automatically turn on and off. Fan Auto Indicator Fan: Auto Fig 18-A Scheduling Schedule On/Hold Indicator Indicates Holds/ Flashing - Temporary Hold Schedule in Progress Indicator Indicates running schedule...
Mode Press the Jog dial, then rotate the Jog dial to select the Mode you want. Press the Jog dial or the Side button to confirm your selection. The Thermostat will return to Normal Operation. Home Select this setting when Mode you are at home and active/awake. Home Indicator Away Select this setting when you Mode: Home are not at home. Away Indicator Sleep Select this setting when you Mode: Away are at home but inactive/ asleep. Sleep Indicator Mode: Sleep Fig 19-A System Off Indicator System: Off Note: Heat Indicator • If your Thermostat is not connected to the Portal, the Fan and Mode you selected are used System: Heat until you manually change their settings again.
Adjusting the Setpoint Temperature Before you adjust the Temperature, select the System. Rotate the Jog dial clockwise to increase the temperature and counterclockwise to reduce the temperature. Once you have selected the Temperature the indicator will flash in the display. The Thermostat will automatically save the setting after 5 seconds, or you can press the Jog dial or Side button to save your setting. Increase Temperature Reduce Temperature Fig 20-A Note: • If your Thermostat is not connected to the Portal, the Setpoint Temperature you selected is used until you manually change the setting again. • If your Thermostat is connected to the Portal and you have set a daily schedule, the Setpoint Temperature you selected is used until it is automatically changed by your next schedule event.
Schedule Settings and Schedule Hold Set a schedule (Schedule Setting) If your Thermostat is connected to the TrickleStar Portal, you can create a daily/weekly schedule by changing the Fan, Mode and Setpoint Temperature profiles. Note that you can only create a schedule on the TrickleStar Portal. Your Thermostat will automatically follow the schedule you have created. Override a schedule (Schedule Hold) You can override a Schedule Setting if necessary. Use the Jog dial and Side button on the Thermostat to change the Fan, Mode or Setpoint Temperature. The schedule will be on Hold. There are three types of Hold: • Temporary Hold: The setting is used until the next schedule starts, or when you cancel the Temporary Hold. • Permanent Hold: The setting is permanent until you cancel the Permanent Hold. • Vacation Hold: The setting is used until the preset end date and time, or when you cancel the Vacation Hold. Note: • Press the Jog dial for 3 seconds to cancel the Temporary Hold, Permanent Hold or Vacation Hold and return to current schedule.
Page 22
You can see the Hold indicator and Schedule indicator on the LCD display as follows: Fig 22-A Types of Hold Hold Indicator Schedule Indicator No hold (Schedule is activated) Temporary Hold Flashes Permanent Hold Vacation Hold...
Input Lock You can lock the Thermostat to avoid unintentional changes to your settings. Activate the Input Lock mode via the Portal or App as follows: • Portal: Select “Devices”. Click on your “Device Name”. Select “Settings”. Click on “Display and Other Settings”. At Input Lock, click to select “On”. • App: Select “Devices”. Tap on “Unlocked”.“Locked” appears. The Key-Lock indicator appears on the LCD display and the Thermostat is in Input Lock mode. The Jog dial and Side button will not respond to any input. When you press the Jog dial or Side button, the Key Lock indicator flashes to remind you that the Thermostat is in Input Lock mode. Jog dial Side Button Fig 23-A Press the Jog dial or Side button for three seconds to unlock the Thermostat. The Key-Lock indicator disappears from the LCD display and the Thermostat is no longer in Input Lock mode. You can now use the Jog dial and Side button to change your settings.
Using the Portal The Portal supports the entire set of features, other than those which need manual setting on the Thermostat. You can follow the step-by-step instructions on the Portal easily. You can also check the list of features which the Portal can perform by referring to “Feature List” from pages to 56. Fig 24-A Note: If you have not created a Portal account, create one at: portal.tricklestar.com...
Understanding the Icons Most icons in the portal have their name. For example: The Dashboard icon with its name. If the icon does not have its name, move your cursor to the icon and the name appears. For example: Move your cursor to the Control icon and “Control” appears. If the name does not appear when you move your cursor to the icon, click the icon and you can see the name or be directed to the function. For example: Click the Settings icon and click on “Settings”, you will be directed to “General Settings” where you can change the settings for Message, Power and Other. Click the Messages icon and you are directed to “Messages”. Click on the Name at the top right and click on “Account”, you will be directed to “Account Settings” where you can change your account details, account password or delete your account. Click on the Name at the top right and click on “Sharing”, you will be directed to “Site Management and Sharing” where you can view all your Sites and their corresponding Devices, add new delegation or add new site ownership transfer. Note: • If you do not understand the information or setting, move your cursor to , and the explanation appears.
Using the Icons on the Left Column You can select the icons on the left column to perform a specific task as follows: Fig 26-A Select this Icon Show the basic settings for your connected devices and to change the settings. Show your connected devices so that you can select and change the settings for the device. Update your vacation details and to enable/disable the vacation schedule for your connected devices. Integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
On the Dashboard Page (Home Page) 1. Select “Dashboard” to show the basic settings for your connected devices. 2. Click on the icons to change the settings. Fig 27-A Note: You can also check the list of features which the Portal can perform by referring to “Feature List” from pages to 56.
On the Devices Page 1. Select “Devices” to show your connected devices. 2. Click on the device that you want to change the settings. Fig 28-A 3. Select the category as shown in the table below. 4. Click on the items to change the settings. Fig 28-B...
Page 29
Select Control Change the basic settings such as Setpoint Temperature, System, Fan, Schedule, and Mode. Modes Change the settings for each Mode and for Vacation such as Setpoint Temperature (Heat and Cool) and Set Fan (Heat and Cool). Schedules Show your daily/weekly schedule and to add/edit/delete a schedule event. Usage Show the average HVAC system Run Time and Usage History for your device by week/month/year. Settings Change the settings for your (1) HVAC Settings, (2) Fan, Accessory and Free Cooling, (3) Display and Other Settings, (4) Info and Time Zone. Sensors Refresh sensor data, add new sensor, unpair sensor(s), enable/disable the sensor(s), and to change the settings for the sensor(s). Services Change the settings for Alerts and Reminders. Note: You can also check the list of features which the Portal can perform by referring to “Feature List” from pages to 56.
On the Vacation Page 1. Select “Vacation” to update your vacation schedule for your connected d evices. 2. Update your vacation details and enable/disable the vacation schedule. Fig 30-A Note: You can also check the list of features which the Portal can perform by referring to “Feature List” from pages to 56.
On the 3rd Party Integration Page 1. Select “3rd Party Integration” to integrate with the Amazon Alexa, and Google Home. 2. Click “Configure” accordingly to integrate with the 3rd party system you want. Fig 31-A Note: You can also check the list of features which the Portal can perform by referring to “Feature List” from pages to 56.
Using the App The App is handy when you want to check or change the Thermostat settings immediately. You can tap on the icons, then select the setting you want easily. Check the list of features which the App can perform by referring to “Feature List” from pages 50 to 56. Download the TrickleStar App to your smartphone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Fig 32-A Note: To use the App, you need to have a Portal account. If you have not created a Portal account, create one at: portal.tricklestar.com...
Using the Icons at the Bottom Row You can tap on the icons at the bottom row to perform a specific task as follows: Tap on the icon Show the basic settings for your selected device and to change the settings. Show your daily/ weekly schedule and to enable/disable your vacation schedule. Show the settings or information for Sensors, Mode, Device Info, and Services. Fig 33-A...
Tapping on the Devices Icon You can tap on the “Devices” icon to show the basic settings for your selected device and to change the settings as follows: Tap on the icon Change the System. Change the Fan. Change the Mode. Change the Schedule/Hold Type. Indicate if the App is working at a different network (Cloud) or same network (LAN) with the Thermostat Lock or unlock the Thermostat (Input Lock). Fig 34-A...
Tapping on the Schedules Icon You can tap on the “Schedules” icon to show your daily/weekly schedule and to enable/disable your vacation schedule. Fig 35-A...
Tapping on the Info Icon You can tap on the “Info” icon to show the settings or information for Sensors, Mode, Device Info, and Services as follows: Tap on the icon Show the information for your sensors and to enable/disable the sensors. Show the settings for each Mode and for Vacation such as Set Temperature (Heat and Cool) and Fan (Heat and Cool). Show the information for your device. Show the settings for Alerts and Reminders. Fig 36-A...
Using Menu Tap on the icon and you will see more options: Select Change your account information. Select the connected devices. If you have multiple sites, it will show all Sites name. Tap on your desired Site, it will show all connected devices in that Site. Update your vacation settings and enable/disable the vacation schedule. Check and delete your messages. View or change the General Settings for the Thermostat. Check the App’s version and to access the TrickleStar Website, Privacy Policy, and Terms and Conditions. Sync the information from the Portal. Fig 37-A Log out from the App.
Maintenance System Reset After a circuit breaker tripping or main switch tripping, the Thermostat will automatically reset its system. System reset will not change the configuration, the Wi-Fi setup and settings on the Thermostat and your Portal account. The Thermostat will automatically reconnect to your Portal account, if you have one. If your Thermostat is not working as your expectation, or you need to system reset your Thermostat, use a paper clip to press the System Reset Pinhole at the bottom of your Thermostat. During system reset, the Thermostat will perform a System Check and try to recover the connection to the Cloud based on previous Wi-Fi settings. If connection to Cloud is successful, the LCD display will return to Home Screen for Normal Operation. Fig 38-A System Reset Pinhole...
Page 39
System Check Display Processor Firmware Version TrickleStar Bootloader Version Wi-Fi Version Home Screen for Bluetooth Version Normal Operation Fig 39-A...
Factory Reset If you need to reset your Thermostat to factory default settings, press the Jog dial and Side button simultaneously for 15 seconds until “01” appears and “AP” flashes on the LCD display. During factory reset, the thermostat will take about 45 seconds to start up and speedometer will show the progress. All users or device settings will be deleted and reset to factory default. Side Button Dial Fig 40-A...
Page 41
When the factory reset is completed, the Thermostat will perform a System Check. Then, the LCD display will show the Start-Up Configuration. System Check Display Processor Firmware Version TrickleStar Bootloader Version Wi-Fi Version Start-Up Configuration Bluetooth Version Fig 41-A Next, you need to manually delete your device in the Portal. At the Portal, select “Devices”, tick on the checkbox besides the Device Name, then click “Delete”. Click "Add New +" to add your Thermostat. Then, follow the steps in the Thermostat Setup Wizard. Refer “Configuration - Step 01 to Step 05” from pages 13 to 16 to complete the Start-Up Configuration.
Configuration and Reset You can perform configuration and reset on your Thermostat as follows: Type of Reset Method Page 1) HVAC System • Press the Side button for 10 seconds. Configuration To reconfigure the Thermostat for the • At the Portal, select: Devices -> Device Name -> connected HVAC Settings -> HVAC Configuration Items -> Configure system or change the and Test selection for...
Page 43
3) Factory Reset To reset your • Press the Jog dial and Side button simultaneously Thermostat to factory for 15 seconds until “01” appears and “AP” flashes on the LCD display. default settings. All user and device settings will • At the Portal, select “Devices”, tick on the check be deleted and reset box besides the Device Name, then click “Delete”.
Firmware Update The Portal will occasionally transfer a firmware update to your Thermostat. During the firmware update transfer, the Thermostat will change to Disconnected Mode and the Wi-Fi indicator on the LCD display will continuously “rolling” to indicate the download process. Fig 44-A Fig 44-B...
Page 45
When the firmware download is completed, the Thermostat will install the update automatically. The installation progress will be shown on the LCD display from 00 to 99 percent. When the installation is in progress, all other Thermostat functions will be stopped including Heating/Cooling, Schedule and Sensor operations. The Thermostat, Portal and App will not respond to your input. Fig 45 -A...
Page 46
When the installation is completed, the Thermostat will perform System Reset or resume Normal Operation and reconnect to your Portal. Fig 46-A Note: The firmware update cannot be initiated on the Thermostat, and it cannot be canceled or postponed.
Cleaning the Thermostat Clean your Thermostat with a microfiber cloth, dampened with clean water. Wipe the housing surface as well as the screen. Note: • Do not spray any water or liquid directly onto your Thermostat. • Do not use soap or any type of cleaning chemicals on your Thermostat.
Info and Time Zone -> Connected Network (SSID) -> Configure. All previous Wi-Fi connection data will be cleared. The Thermostat If the TrickleStar Portal request for the DSN number, refer to cannot be registered your photo of the label at the bottom of the Thermostat. You will via the TrickleStar find the DSN number at the label.
Page 49
• Depending on the internet connectivity, it may take a few The Thermostat If the TrickleStar Portal request for the DSN number, refer to on the Thermostat but minutes to reflect the changes on the Portal or App. This is not cannot be registered your photo of the label at the bottom of the Thermostat.
Feature List This Feature List shows the location you can perform the listed features. The Portal supports the entire set of features, whereas the App and the Thermostat unit only support a limited set of features. This Feature List is created based on the Portal structure so that you can find the features you want easily. — — Available Available Not available Not available Features Thermostat Portal Apps Basic Features Start-Up Configuration System Fan Mode Mode Setpoint Temperature System Reset Factory Reset Advanced Features Dashboard General Settings Message Setting • Receive System Notifications • Receive Schedule Events • Receive DR Events • Receive Device Errors and Warnings • Receive Configuration Events Power Setting • Cost Per kWh Other Setting • Currency...
Page 51
Features Thermostat Portal Apps • Date Format • Time Format Messages Account • Account Settings • Change Password • Delete Account Sharing • Site Management • Delegation • Ownership Transfer Wi-Fi Smart Thermostats • No. of Device Outdoor Temp. (Location) • Current Temperature • hi temperature • lo temperature Thermostat "Device Name" • Online / Offline • System • Current Setpoint • Mode • Fan • Humidity • Room Temperature Devices...
Page 52
Features Thermostat Portal Apps Modes • Set Temperature (Heat) • Set Temperature (Cool) • Set Fan (Heat) • Set Fan (Cool) Schedules • Schedule Overview • Add Schedule Event • Edit Schedule Event • Delete Schedule Event Usage • Run Time • Usage History Settings • HVAC Configuration Items - HVAC System - Fan Control Option - Heat Pump Reversing Valve Option - Configure and Test • HVAC Settings - HVAC Type - Number of W (Heating) and Y (Cooling) Stages - Compressor Lock Out in AUX Heating - Auto Season Changeover - Auto Season Changeover Delay - Auto Season Changeover Tolerance Range - Compressor Minimum Turn Off Time - Compressor Minimum Turn On Time - CONV/AUX Heating Minimum Turn Off Time - CONV/AUX Heating Minimum Turn On Time - Upstage timer 2 - Upstage timer AUX1 - Upstage timer AUX2 - Span 1 - Span 2...
Page 53
Features Thermostat Portal Apps - Span AUX1 - Span AUX2 - High Balance Point - Low Balance Point - Anti-Freeze - A/C Overcool Fan, Accessory and Free Cooling • Fan Settings - Residual Cooling Fan Delay - Residual Heating Fan Delay • Accessory Configuration - Accessory Type - Accessory Control Polarity - Humidifier Runs with Equipment - Humidifier Runs in System - Humidifier Calls for Fan - Dehumidifier Runs with Equipment - Dehumidifier Runs in System - Dehumidifier Calls for Fan - Humidity Setpoint - Home - Humidity Setpoint - Sleep - Humidity Setpoint - Away - Hysteresis for Humidity Control - Ventilator Run Time - Off - Ventilator Run Time - Home - Ventilator Run Time - Sleep - Ventilator Run Time - Away - Ventilator Manual Override Enabled - Ventilator Manual Override Duration - Pre-Occupancy Purge Period • Free-Cooling - Enabled - Maximum Outdoor Temperature - Maximum Outdoor Humidity...
Page 54
Features Thermostat Portal Apps Display and Other Settings • Display Settings - Temperature Display on LCD - Input Lock - LCD Active Time - LCD Brightness - Home - LCD Brightness - Sleep - LCD Brightness - Away - Icon Hints • Other Settings and Features - Auto-Recovery - Maximum Heat Set-Temperature - Minimum Cool Set-Temperature - Room Temperature Offset - Alert - Low Temperature - Alert - High Temperature - Alert - Low Humidity - Alert - High Humidity Info and Time Zone • Device Info - MAC Address - Serial Number - Device Name - Firmware Version - Type of Connection - Connected Network (SSID) - LAN IP Address...
Page 55
Features Thermostat Portal Apps Sensor Settings • Thermostat Temperature Sensor - Weighting • Occupancy Sensor General Settings - Occupancy Detection - Absence Detection Sensitivity - Occupancy Detection Sensitivity - Occupancy Detection Restart Time • Occupancy Sensor 1 - Name - MAC Address - Serial Number - Weighting - Occupancy Detection - Status - Temperature - Occupancy - Battery Voltage Services Alerts • Low Temperature Alerts - Temperature Setpoint • High Temperature Alerts - Temperature Setpoint • Low Humidity Alerts - Humidity Setpoint • High Humidity Alerts - Humidity Setpoint Reminders • HVAC Maintenance - Receive service reminder • Furnace Filter - Receive filter change reminder...
Page 56
Features Thermostat Portal Apps Vacation • Vacation dates • Devices • Status 3rd Party Integration • Amazon Alexa • Google Home...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the TS2501 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers