This issue brings Stromquist training back into focus, highlights the full Engineered Solutions department, and points readers toward The Control Room on YouTube. We also share tips to help customers find what they need faster, look at ways to cut HVAC energy costs, and note upcoming Distech price increases.
Welcome to The Control Room Archive
Catch up on all previous editions of The Control Room, Stromquist's monthly Building Automation newsletter. Whether you missed an issue or want to revisit key insights, industry updates, product highlights, or fun moments—we’ve got you covered.
Industry News & Insights
Browse recent issues and jump into the topics that matter most right now.
This issue simplifies smoke control, explores the value of centralized gas control, and shares where you’ll see the Stromquist team in 2026. You’ll also find two quick BAS tech tips, a look at Belimo’s next generation of field devices and app experience, future trends in control panels, and a reminder that lunch and learns are a great way to keep learning.
AHR 2026 takeaways, a “no do-over” flow meter spotlight, a message from Sales Engineering, a quick TEC3000 fix, UL 864 smoke control insights, and a rapid look at Honeywell Forge—all in one issue.
Eclipse changes — Distech tips
We’re kicking off the New Year with a mix of optimism and practical insights to help you hit the ground running. In this issue, we share why we’re excited about what’s ahead, break down how to navigate RMAs without the usual headaches, and offer tech tips for troubleshooting common Distech issues.
We also take a closer look at what’s happening with Eclipse flame safeguards, highlight a quick win for driving energy savings with smart valves, and wrap things up with a bonus on Belimo’s PDH-credit courses to keep your skills sharp.
From the conversation on how AI is changing the industry, to discussions about Ovenpak Burner, we’ve packed this issue with insights to get you ready for the New Year.
Inside you’ll find a new product identification tool that lets you navigate Maxon and Eclipse burner assemblies, the JACE 8000-to-9000 license transfer program that is ending soon, and even Product talk with J.R. Venegas from DwyerOmega.
No “On The Bucket” in this issue, but we do introduce one of our What Do We Have Here videos.
In this issue, we cut through price increase season—what’s changing, what’s not, and how to protect your margins. We also unpack a hot topic we keep seeing in the field: not all BACnet routers behave the same—we show you what to watch for so jobs don’t stall.
You’ll get a default ports cheat sheet you can actually use on-site, plus a quick look at REFLEX®, the safety net that helps keep sensors honest when conditions drift. From the SRAPPA floor, we share what universities are planning for BAS modernization—and where integrators can plug in.
We also spotlight Belimo Gas Monitors, and remind you that if a project’s getting hairy, Stromquist’s Engineered Solutions can right-size it fast.
No “On The Bucket” in this issue—back soon.
In this issue, we dig into the evolution of secure BAS networking and what contractors need to do now to stay ahead. We also show you how to strip out the complexity around data center monitoring and share fast BACnet tweaks that make real-world jobs less painful. Plus, we break down why SACV continues to outperform traditional VAV solutions, and what the ECL LON sunset means for open jobs.
We also introduce a new YouTube series built for field pros who want quick, visual learning without the fluff.
And Tosibox has rebranded. Here’s what you need to know. There was no On The Bucket in this issue.
In this issue, we highlight a special JACE 9000 promotion and tips for getting your TC500 online. You’ll also find guidance on preparing for the upcoming cooling season and insights into the latest FX controller shake-up.
OTB: Rob Allen sits down with Chuck Chittick, VP of Distribution at Stromquist, to discuss his career journey, personal passions, leadership philosophy, and views on the industry’s future—plus a few scotch recommendations.
Fast Installs, Fresh Ideas, & Forgotten Tech
This issue brings you the latest updates from Distech Controls, along with practical tips on what to check if your burner won’t start. We also dive into Demand Control Ventilation and revisit the thermostat that time forgot.
OTB: Rob Allen interviews Patrick Kiernan of Johnson Controls on his military background, leadership style, and career journey—highlighting culture, relationships, simplicity, learning from failure, and the value of strong industry partnerships.
Students hack HVAC
This issue explores the future of smart buildings, spotlights a game-changing thermostat, reveals how firmware can make or break your install, and uncovers the chaos students can cause when they outsmart their sensors. Plus, don’t miss gas detection upgrades, chiller maintenance must-knows, and fast product insights to keep you sharp.
OTB: We’re shaking things up this month with a product spotlight instead of our usual interview. Get to know the TC300—Honeywell’s sleek, intuitive commercial thermostat that’s making waves in light commercial applications.
Tridium's big updates
This issue highlights new Niagara updates from Tridium, a DIN rail power supply from Functional Devices, an interview with Steve Stanitzke, controller wiring tips, a thermostat energy fail, smart airflow control, free PDH credits from Belimo, and upcoming training opportunities.
OTB: Rob Allen talks with Steve Stanitzke of Belimo about his journey from Michigan to HVAC sales leadership, covering family, music, mentorship, supply chain challenges, bold business moves, and the culture driving Belimo’s growth.
Changing the game
This issue features T1L tech, a VAV box with 100:1 turndown, a chat with Steve Smitherman, RM7890 alarm fixes, CO detection myths, power management insights, a hidden product gem, and a final call for Lock 650/670 orders.
OTB: Rob Allen interviews Steve Smitherman about his journey from car enthusiast to HVAC leader, touching on scouting, family, project management, and how AI and innovation are reshaping the industry.
Proactive Cybersecurity
This issue covers AHR 2025 highlights, a preventable cyber-attack, an interview with Scott Hamilton, secure remote access tips, a BAS dilemma, Stromquist’s top AHR picks, and an extended AX-N4 trade-up promo.
OTB: Rob Allen talks with Scott Hamilton, SVP at Distech & Atrius, about leadership, family, customer relationships, smart building tech, and the future of sustainability.
Vulnerable OT
This issue dives into OT network vulnerabilities, device-level cybersecurity, a conversation with David Witherspoon, IAQ sensor tips, return placement warnings, a CCT install guide, AHR Expo news, and a $500 giveaway for your feedback on The Control Room.
OTB: Rob interviews Honeywell’s David Witherspoon, who shares lessons on leadership, mentorship, and the impact of technology in HVAC.
Unlock a Smarter 2025 with The Control Room
This issue covers a top resource for System Integrators, syncing Niagara software expirations, a chat with Eric Stromquist, workflow tips, a quirky BAS topic, an Atrius Facilities tool highlight, and a chance to win $500 by giving feedback on The Control Room.
OTB: Rob Allen and Eric Stromquist explore Eric's journey from his early life in Atlanta to becoming a prominent figure in the HVAC industry, including leadership, integrity, technology, and the future of sales in the age of AI.