That is an RC-E5 wired remote. The wired remote is connected to the indoor unit by a two conductor wire... This connection at the indoor unit feeds into the IR Remote control circuitry after the IR receiver/ signal amplifier... The system is (almost) literally a remote control transmitter/receiver with wires in place of the IR emitter and IR receiver.
This wired remote is an optional accessory... The primary control is a wireless remote control... These units operate in exactly the same manner as a mini-spit or portable AC system...
A less destructive path to integration would be a Broadlink RM Pro or RM3 Mini and the RC HVAC application that I have in BETA... HERE
