Control three power sockets from a PC wirelessly

I found a cheap wireless remote control that controls three independent power sockets.

Using the transmitter circuit board and connecting it to a LaunchPad development board I was able to remotely control the three 110V sockets using a PC. The system can operate on four channels so it would be possible to operate 12 individual sockets; unfortunately I do not have enough IO pins on the LaunchPad but I will point out how this can be achieved.

Because the transmitter is wireless there is no need to go anywhere near the 110V circuitry so this is a safe hack even for someone with very little electronics experience.

I did not do this with any particular use in mind but you might use it for controlling Christmas lights, periodically turning on/off lamps in your house while on vacation etc.

Once you have the PC in charge it is also possible to control the sockets from an internet connection or mobile phone. See the last page on suggestion on how this might be achieved.

Step 1 Hardware

The hardware you will need for this hack is the Holiday Living 3 Ct. Indoor Wireless Remote System (http://www.lowes.com).

In addition you will need the Texas Instruments Launchpad development kit
(https://estore.ti.com/MSP-EXP430G2-MSP430-LaunchPad-Value-Line-Development-kit-P2031.aspx).

The remaining parts are
1N4001 diode
prototyping breadboard(s)
hookup wires

Comments

[manudhiman6]

I want to make my own circuit that will receive the Signal via a java code from Bluetooth device either mobile or a PC, that will control the switches on or off.
Will you please help me out. Please!! Please!! Pleaseeeeeeeee!!

[dlginstructables]

Great idea and nicely done! Do you know how much power these remote swtiches draw when they are idle?

[Layout]

Sorry I don't know, and I don't really have any convenient way of measuring it. When idle they would only be powering the receive circuit and the LED (which is always lit regardless of whether the switch is active or not).