Smartphone Controlled WiFi Relay

[jocanon]

I want to build a control box to switch my outdoor low voltage lights on & off from my smart phone. Does anyone out there know of a schematic that shows how to build a simple on/off relay to switch 12v via WiFi? Then there is the problem of how to get the app on my phone to send the switching signal. Here is an example of what I want to do, but I would like to build it myself versus buying this one because it will be cheaper and I will have the flexibility to put as many or as little channels as I want on it. I can't imagine it would be too difficult to build. I just don't know how I would control it from my phone...is there an app to send signals over WiFi to switch the relay? I wouldn't be surprised if this project is already designed by someone...so if anybody out there knows where it is and can point me in that direction, it would be much appreciated, thanks!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/8-Channel-...-Module-WIFI-Remote-Control-Kit-/221153856828

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

I can't imagine it would be too difficult to build.

You need to imagine better!

Certainly a non-trivial task, involving processors and programming.

 

[jocanon]

You need to imagine better!

Certainly a non-trivial task, involving processors and programming.

Ok, ok...point taken...but is it possible for a novice to tackle in a reasonable amount of time (like say no more than 40 hours invested)? Better yet, is the project already done by someone else???

 

[Reloadron]

I agree with Nigel in that there is no simple. Having your home send a SMS Text or email to your smart phone can be relatively easy but connecting to your home through your smart phone and managing any home automation is not that simple. I doubt you will find anything simpler than a store bought home automation system. A Google of "home automation system" will bring up dozens of hits on the subject but as to any do it yourself? I know of none that are simple to build.

Ron

 

[Brevor]

I would like to build it myself versus buying this one because it will be cheaper

No Way, You can't design and fabricate a PC board like that and get all the parts for less than $95.

 

[jocanon]

What about just a simple on/off switch that can be controlled via RF? That should be easy, right?

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

What about just a simple on/off switch that can be controlled via RF? That should be easy, right?

Yes, buy a wireless doorbell.

 

[jocanon]

Yes, buy a wireless doorbell.

And do what with it? I don't want a doorbell...I want to switch low voltage lighting.

 

[dougy83]

Perhaps one of these? **broken link removed**
RF multi display/pattern mode controller + remote, <$3 delivered.

 

[jocanon]

Perhaps one of these? **broken link removed**
RF multi display/pattern mode controller + remote, <$3 delivered.

That might be the perfect solution. I just wonder, can it control an LED flood light? It says it is for LED strip lights...is there a difference between strip lights and like say a larger LED flood light...or does it just go by the amount of amps? Looking at the specs, I would not be drawing more current than it is rated for so I should be OK, right?

 

[dougy83]

I think the controller is a PWM controller (also supports 100%/0% i.e. On/Off) without current limiting (max 12A). You will need to limit the current to your flood light external from the unit if the light doesn't do that. If the flood light is rated for 12V operation, then it would have the current limiting built in already.

 

[jocanon]

this is the light:

**broken link removed**

 

[Reloadron]

And do what with it? I don't want a doorbell...I want to switch low voltage lighting.

Joe, all I got is many of the building block kits that are out there.
**broken link removed**(Available from Lowes)

• A self-monitored energy control system that includes free basic monitoring
• Monitor and control lights and thermostat from your smartphone, computer or tablet
• Easy DIY installation and setup
• Features thermostat, smart plug and wireless hub
• Compatible with upgraded service packages and other Iris™ enabled devices sold separately

Then we have this one, Build a Cheap Home Automation System in 10 Minutes with Ninja Blocks

Most systems like this that work with a smart phone are web based systems. The Ninja Blocks is a pretty simple and at about $200 one of the lower priced systems. They will allow you to turn your lights on and off plus monitor things in the home and do a great deal more.
The only simple way to do this using a phone and not even a smart phone would be to hack a home phone answering system where after the phone is answered you punch in a code and the answering machine allows you to hear your messages. Rather than hear messages hack the thing for maybe a single channel out to turn your lights on or off. That would not really be a smart phone application as any cell phone would work or any phone calling in. Web based smart phone systems need a web to communicate through. That is why most systems like this have a monthly fee, you are paying for the IP access. I think Ninja Blocks is free but you buy their hardware for a few hundred bucks starter kit.

Ron



https://www.lowes.com/pd_388555-41166-KIT650_0__?productId=3735299

 

[jocanon]

... I doubt you will find anything simpler than a store bought home automation system...

The home automation on this site has my attention. I was wanting to do this on the cheap, but looking at this has me thinking future expandability...I could eventually add other things to it. So maybe I will fork over a little more cash. Any recommendations on what equipment I should get from them in order to switch low voltage lights over the web and via smartphone app that would also be expandable to operate multiple items in the future as I add more receivers (open and close garage, HVAC, lock doors, indoor lights on/off, etc...)?

 

[Reloadron]

Yeah, these things are modular making for easy expansion. Start small and cheap and add modules as you expand. Just becomes a matter of budget. When I think "remote" I see it as you are in New York and want to automate something in your home in Gilbert, Arizona.
Also nice is you can also monitor things in your home as well as control things.

Ron

 

[jocanon]

Yeah, you may have introduced me to my next addiction...I mean hobby! Sounds like fun. So any recommendation on hardware I should get for to start out? There are a lot of options and it is a bit overwhelming for someone new to it.

 

[Reloadron]

Yeah, you may have introduced me to my next addiction...I mean hobby! Sounds like fun. So any recommendation on hardware I should get for to start out? There are a lot of options and it is a bit overwhelming for someone new to it.

The best I can suggest would be start simple and cheap.
The various modules all seem to support different groups of things. The Ninja Blocks was just an example and the cheap stuff is mostly open source making it inexpensive. You may want to sit down with a pencil and paper and list things you want to control like outlets for lights and so on. Then things you may want to monitor like temperatures etc. Once you have a good basic list then start looking at systems and cost as well as the building block modules. A Google of things like Home Automation and DIY Home Automation bring up dozens of links. My read on all of this stuff is all the systems have good and bad points. Find a system where the bad points don't effect what you want to do. While I haven't really played with this stuff I have read a little about it.

Ron

 

[jocanon]

cool, thanks!

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

And do what with it? I don't want a doorbell...I want to switch low voltage lighting.

Replace the bell with a relay, switch what you want - and add latching if you need it. Basically it's just a VERY cheap way of getting a simple wireless system.

 

[winxpcn]

If you only want to do simple task such as switch On/Off relays, the product in video might be what you need

Of course you can buy a whole smart home system, but it might be a little overkill.