What You Need
One board, one cable — about $15–20 total per unit. Everything you need to build a Serin controller.
1. ESP32 Board (Required)
Choose one of the two supported boards. Both work with ESPHome and HomeKit firmware.
Not sure which board? See the board comparison on the home page.
2. CN105-to-Grove Cable (Required)
This cable connects the ESP32 board to your Mitsubishi unit's CN105 port.
Option A: Pre-assembled Cable
Pre-assembled cables coming soon. Check Discussions for updates.
Option B: Build Your Own
You can assemble a cable from these parts. See the wiring reference for the pinout.
| Part | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| JST PAP-05V-S | 5-pin connector housing (CN105 / HVAC side) | DigiKey |
| Grove HY2.0-4P cable | 4-pin connector with wire (device side) | DigiKey |
You will also need crimp terminals (JST SPHD-002T-P0.5) and a crimping tool, or you can solder the wires directly.
3. USB-C Data Cable (For Flashing)
Needed once to flash the firmware. You probably already have one.
- Must be a data cable, not a charge-only cable.
- Test it by connecting a phone — if your computer detects it, the cable works.
Shopping List
| Item | ~Price (USD) | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| ESP32 Board (NanoC6 or Atom S3 Lite) | $7–8 | M5Stack Store |
| CN105-to-Grove Cable | $5–10 | DigiKey (DIY parts) |
| USB-C Data Cable | — | You likely have one |
| Total: ~$15–20 per unit | ||
Multiple Indoor Units?
You need one board and one cable per indoor head. Each indoor unit has its own CN105 port. A 3-zone system needs 3 of everything above.
Optional accessories
- USB-C data cable — only needed for initial flashing; after that, updates are done over WiFi (OTA).
- Label maker or tape — helpful for labeling cables in multi-unit installations.
- Multimeter — useful for verifying 5V power on the CN105 port if troubleshooting.
Next Steps
- Check compatibility — verify your Mitsubishi unit has a CN105 port.
- Flash the firmware — install ESPHome or HomeKit firmware from your browser.
- Wire it up — connect the cable to your HVAC unit.
Disclaimer
Prices are approximate and may vary by region and seller. Links are provided for convenience and are not affiliate links. This project is provided as-is, with no warranties or liability.