By Eamonn Ryan derived from a SAIRAC Johannesburg Centre TechTalk on 12 February
In the February SAIRAC Johannesburg Centre TechTalk presented by Robert Fox, SAIRAC national president with over 31 years of experience, he discusses the critical differences between open-source and proprietary solutions for HVAC systems. As a senior cost and design estimator at Club Refrigeration, Fox has extensive insight into both the challenges and benefits associated with each system. This is Part 8 of a ten-part series.
Python and JavaScript will continue to play important roles in the future. Pressfoto/Freepik.com
Q: Can you explain more about how Node-RED works with Raspberry Pi?
When you buy a Raspberry Pi, it comes with a default operating system. You can install Node-RED on it, which allows you to program and control different systems. As I mentioned before, it’s not just about the coding—it also lets you design the user interface for your system at the same time. This makes it easier to work on your project because you’re managing both aspects in one place. While Node-RED is great for home projects, I wouldn’t recommend it for large-scale commercial applications. It’s perfect for systems that are more DIY or for learning, but in a commercial setting, I would stick to more professional solutions.
Q: What do you think about the future of open-source tools in the commercial sector?
There’s definitely a place for open-source tools, and they’re growing in popularity. However, for big commercial projects, open-source solutions like Node-RED might not be the most reliable or scalable option, especially when it comes to mission-critical systems. While Raspberry Pi and open-source tools can make things much easier and more affordable for home and small-scale applications, they might not provide the level of support and robustness that larger systems need. Still, the fact that open-source tools like this are available opens up a lot of possibilities for learning and experimentation.
Q: What are your thoughts on AI and its potential role in programming?
Python is a great language to start with, and using AI tools like ChatGPT, Meta AI or DeepSeek can definitely help with coding, especially for beginners. These tools can assist in debugging and help you understand what might be wrong with your code. I think in the future, programming will rely more heavily on languages like Python and JavaScript. AI can help speed up development, but the fundamental skills—like understanding the logic behind your code—are still essential. AI can assist, but it can’t replace the need for human understanding, especially when it comes to complex, real-world systems.
Q: Where do you see the industry going in terms of programming languages and tools?
It’s difficult to forecast exactly where the industry is going, but it’s clear that tools like Node-RED, Python, and JavaScript will continue to play important roles in the future. As the demand for automation and system integration increases, programming will become more accessible, and we’ll see more open-source tools emerging.
Q: How can people get started with learning programming for HVAC and controls?
The key is to start small and experiment. You don’t have to dive straight into expensive systems like PLCs right away. Platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi are perfect for learning the basics of control programming without breaking the bank. There are plenty of resources online to help you get started, and once you understand the fundamentals, you can gradually move on to more complex systems. It’s all about experimentation and finding what works for you.
