Build a Smart Home With a Wifi Wireless Switch by Apple App Control

Now smart home has become a fashion, so I follow this trend and to make my house a true smart home. I have searched for about the smart home gadgets for some time, finding that there are lots of wireless switch, wifi switch, app switch or wifi socket products, of which the price vary from around 20 dollars to more than 100 dollars. If I want to make my “smart home” project successful, I have to buy at least 10 wifi switches, oh! not a small budget. And considering that if I buy different brands, I might come across an avoidable problem- must download different APPs. Of course, I will not do such silly things. However, some people may not aware of this issue and then they buy many brands. This is a bug that everybody hates. Therefore, there are two things on my mind: 1. I must limit my costs 2. I must choose just one brand.

However, as a DIY lover, I have considered about making a same effect wifi switch like gadget of my own. There are usually two ways to achieve my goal. 1. X10, it is a common solution that a micro controller will controlled the home appliances. Actually, I don’t like this much. 2. As @Shabaz reminded me that “I can use a remote power strip (as used in server rooms). It normally has a connection to the network via Ethernet (probably serial interface ones still exist too) so that you can switch power on/off to individual or multiple appliances.” I realize that this is an integrated system, yes, for the professional electronic guys, this is a way. However, the costs is not low, and it is not a good solution for individual DIY.

There must be a better way. I have always thinking that I should find a PCB like half-finished wifi switch, which is convenient to install. I search and search for such a smart thing, finally, I find this amazing gadget from Itead Online shop, it is being crowdfunded in IndieGoGo now at a very good price. It is just the thing I want. Without hesitation, I ordered several, one with shell, other two are just the boards.(Which I will DIY for 5 volts power supply, I will tell you later) They only costs me half less than those wireless switches!

Step 1: How This Wireless Switch Looks Like?

This is how it looks like, I provide you both the board and shell.

Step 2: Working Principle

Ok, let me give you a brief introduction about this gadget(just name it wifi adapter). This wifi adapter is very convenient, you can use it directly the moment power on. I connect the cables of the wifi adapter with appliance and the power according to the instructions.

So this is the work principle: The wifi adapter connects to an appliance and the power, press the start button on the wifi adapter, the adapter will automatically search for the available wifi. Download their free APP(IOS or Android). Search and add the device. See my borrowed pic.

Step 3: Connect to Work

I can click the ON/OFF switch icon to control my appliance. Also, I can check the appliance status and set as many timer schedules as I like. I can share my device with my family, then they can control the devices together.

Now I am very happy. I have one adapter to connect with my kettle. So I can boil water 10 minutes before I get home. I have another one to connect with the air conditioner, which can be remote open 5 minutes before I get home. One to connect with my water heater, I can control it to work any where any time now. Another one to connect with my bedroom bulbs. I will never worry about have forgot to turn my light off now. It make my life so convenient and carefree. Just follow the instructions, even the girls can install it easily. Now the not-very-smart traditional appliances become smart. And I can use the APP to control everything. Please see the picture of connecting the wifi adapter with a fan to test. I wonder why this smart thing is unknown. It’s inexpensive and easy install, easy control. I think I must tell everybody about it. Well, it’s set to used for AC current. While I am thinking if it is possible to DIY it to use for low power supply, say 5 volts. So that I can control my electronic things easily. I find it out that this is possible, and I'm going to post it next instructable. As many people ask me for a link in my other website, I think you can get some info from here.

Comments

[RobertoM62]

Excelente, me ha funcionado para lo que lo necesitaba. Lo compre por ebay y me llego el producto que esperaba.

[OdinH1]

This is more astroturfing than an instructable....

[Tooraj]

Sorry, but the board looks like a vaporware! The reference on the web site is to a crowdfunding attempt yet to start soon. The board can't be ordered from the web site! So technically speaking, this is just a marketing pitch and not an instructable, because we can't build anything described here today!

[jast83]

Thank you very much for sharing with us. Sorry for many questions, its just very nice project and want to know more about it.

What is the WiFi chip? ESP8266 ?

ESP8266 does not provide any encryption, how are your smart things protected against hacks ? Do they implement any security layer?

[MacNewton]

Good Project! My only concern is with liability if it fails and you end up with a fire and damage to your house, will your home insurance cover you? Most of my projects are DC Remotes, external low-voltage devises. No house A/C power. Even with store bought WiFi/AC devices that can be found in some stores do not have Canadian or USA certification. Safety should always be on the top of any DIY project. That said if you're not going to keep the devise plugged in and you're only experimenting I see no problems.

[FatuousJeffrey]

Although I would not call myself an expert, I do work in the insurance industry. At least in the US, it is extremely unlikely that you would be denied a claim on a homeowners policy for DIY wiring done by the homeowner in their own home unless they can show you intended to cause a fire. You insurance generally covers your own negligence as long as there was no malicious intent. People do careless or stupid things sometimes. That's part of what insurance is for.

That said, insurance coverage is probably not your first concern if your house goes up in flames.

[ElsieZ]

Hi Mac, it's not dangerous to use the board without shell for someone like me, however, for those who don't know electricity and electronics much, I suggest buying with shells and let the electrician install. For me, I can use my own Acrylic boxes. Actually, I can order those with shells, but I want to do DIY to make the wifi switch board under 5V. That means I will be able to control my electronic toys through the APP. You are right, safety first. Thanks for your consideration and advice!

[MacNewton]

Good feedback Elsie. Safety First is a good rule.

Thats said I will let you in of a past project that I did a few years ago. I modified a X10 module and used it in my work shed back of my house. To make a long story short, it failed and caused a small file on my work bench. The shed was a Write-Off'. The fire departments investigators determined that it was cased by the X10 module.My house insurance declined to cover the cost of a rebuild. I did some research after this happened and found out that insurance companies investigate all fires to find the cause of the fire. If they find any item that does not meet Underwriters Laboratories UL standards and have a Recognized Component Mark (UL) Icon.

They will follow through with a more detailed investigation. They then check with NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) and see if the devise have a certification.

I am a long time technologist (Retired) and have built hundreds of projects covering a very wide area of interest. Now it's just a hobby. The amount of new products on the market is fantastic and low cost compared to a few years ago.

DIY projects like yours helps and encourages younger people to get involved. instructables.com is an excellent source of information. If you build something that someday can be developed into a startup it my pay off in the long run.

I encourage your to see if you can get a temporary prototype certification so that you can be sure that what you're using is safe and does not interfere with you home coverage.

[DanmeiY]

Wow, Elsiez.

That's fantasy.

Where can I buy it?

[ElsieZ]

I noticed that what I ordered are belong to the first sample batch. Maybe you can go to that guy@iteadr 's link to have a look: http://www.itead.cc/smart-home

[amaoz]

How did you buy it?
You are work for that website?
This product is coming soon!

[ElsieZ]

I am VIP, so I can buy the first batch samples. You may register their website and become a member. Maybe you can get some free samples if you are the early bird.

[hyperhippo]

Very nice! Can you list the parts please?

[seamster]

Very nice!