HackerBox 0054: Smart Home

Greetings to HackerBox Hackers around the world! HackerBox 0054 explores home automation through smart switches, sensors, and more. Configure Sonoff WiFi smart switches. Modify smart switches to add programming headers and flash alternate firmwares. Set up Home Assistant, MQTT, and integrate smart home hubs like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Assemble DIY WiFi smart nodes using Wemos ESP8266 modules. Configure WiFi smart nodes as switch control points, sensors points, or both. Explore multiple sensor options for smart home operations. Experiment with pulse oximetry and heart-rate monitoring.

This guide contains information for getting started with HackerBox 0054, which can be purchased here while supplies last. If you would like to receive a HackerBox like this right in your mailbox each month, please subscribe at HackerBoxes.com and join the revolution!

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Step 1: Content List for HackerBox 0054

• Two Sonoff Basic WiFi Smart Switches
• Two Wemos D1 Mini ESP8266 Modules
• Two Wemos D1 Mini Relay Shields
• Two Wemos D1 Mini Prototype Shields
• Two Mains AC to 5V DC Power Adapters
• FTDI Serial USB Module
• MAX30100 Pulse Oximeter Heart Rate Module
• MH-SR602 PIR Motion Sensor Module
• Water Sensor Module
• Two DS18B20 Digital Temperature Sensors
• Two 4.7K Resistors
• Male-Female DuPont 10cm Jumpers
• Exclusive Vinyl Webcam Spy Blocker Sheet
• Exclusive HackerBox HackLife Iron-On Patch

Some other things that will be helpful:

• One or two two-prong AC extension cords
• Soldering iron, solder, and basic soldering tools
• Computer for running software tools

Most importantly, you will need a sense of adventure, hacker spirit, patience, and curiosity. Building and experimenting with electronics, while very rewarding, can be tricky, challenging, and even frustrating at times. The goal is progress, not perfection. When you persist and enjoy the adventure, a great deal of satisfaction can be derived from this hobby. Take each step slowly, mind the details, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

As always, we request that you review the HackerBoxes FAQ. There, you will find a wealth of information for current and prospective members. Almost all of the non-technical support emails that we receive are already answered in the FAQ, so we really appreciate it if you have a quick look.

Step 2: Home Automation With Sonoff Smart Switches

Sonoff Basic Smart Switches are remote control power switches that support Smart Home functionality by switching power for almost any electrical device according to messages sent over WiFi. Sonoff Basic Smart Switches comprise an ESP8266 WiFi microcontroller, a power relay to switch the load on and off, and a tiny AC to DC power converter to supply the microcontroller and relay from the same line that is being switched.

CAUTION: Smart switch devices connect to your home mains power. Mains power can be dangerous. You should understand the implications of connecting devices to mains power. Do not ever work on a device while it is connected to the mains power source. Do not attempt to adjust, modify, or program a device while it is connected to a mains power source. If you lack the experience or comfort to safely work with mains power, please have someone with the proper expertise join in to help you out. SAFETY FIRST!

A good starting point, is to put together a "switchable extension cord" as shown in the drawing. Note that an AC mains power line has an N (NEUTRAL) CONDUCTOR which is usually WHITE. It also has an L (LINE, LIVE, HOT) CONDUCTOR that is usually BLACK. There may also be a G (GROUND) CONDUCTOR that is usually GREEN or BARE METAL. The N CONDUCTOR connects to the wider plug blade and the ribbed or marked insulating jacket. Keep these in mind while connecting to the L and N screw terminals of the Sonoff Smart Switch.

Be sure to screw down the plastic housing ends of the Sonoff Smart Switch so that the teeth inside grip onto the insulating jacket of the mains conductors. This provides a strain relief that helps prevents a live wire from being pulled loose which could then cause damage or injury. If the cord or appliance being switched has a third GROUND conductor, be sure the ground on both sides of the Sonoff Smart Switch are connected together (bypassing the switch).

The default app that communicates with, and controls, Sonoff Smart Switches right out of the box is eWeLink.

Step 3: Hack the Sonoff

There are solder holes for a header on the board inside the Sonoff smart switch. The header includes power, ground, TX, and RX. These can be used to reprogram the ESP8266. The button on the Sonoff Smart Switch connects to GPIO0, so it can be used to boot the ESP8266 into programming mode.

It is suggested to use a female header on the Sonoff Smart Switch board. Since there are high voltages on the board while in use, we do not want a bent male header pin to short anything out.

Remember to completely disconnect the mains power supply before opening the Sonoff smart switch. Once the switch had been programmed, seal it completely back up into its housing prior to reconnecting the high voltage mains supply.

Video: Connecting to the Sonoff Header

There are a number of different firmwares that can be loaded onto ESP8266-based Smart Switches for your hacking pleasure. One of the most popular is Tasmota (see About Tasmota on the project's site).

Video: Loading Tasmota to Sonoff

Video: Complete Guide to Tasmota

Step 4: Home Assistant and MQTT

Home Automation Software facilitates control of common appliances found in a home, office, or sometimes a commercial setting, such as lights, HVAC equipment, access control, sprinklers, and other devices. It usually provides for scheduling tasks, such as turning sprinklers on at the appropriate time, and event handling, such as turning lights on when motion is detected.

Two common Home Automation platforms are Home Assistant and openHAB. They are both open source and very full featured. We will look more into Home Assistant.

Video: Home Assistant Beginners Guide

MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is a lightweight, publish-subscribe network protocol for transporting messages between devices.

Video: Understanding MQTT in Home Assistant

Video: Connecting 8266 Devices with MQTT and Adafruit.io

Video: Home Assistant with Alexa and Google Home

Step 5: DIY Smart Switch With Wemos D1 Mini

The Wemos D1 Mini is a popular ESP8266 module with built in WiFi support and USB interface. It can be easy programmed via the Arduino IDE and other platforms supporting the ESP8266.

An ESP8266 module, such as the Wemos D1 Mini, can be connected to a relay to provide the same functionality as the Sonoff Smart Switch. Such a configuration also provides serval additional GPIO pins. These IO pins can support connection of sensors (inputs), indicators/actuators (outputs), additional relays, and various other devices.

Furthermore, the relay can be used to switch any type of signal, not just the powering mains voltage. Switching other signals can support controlling air conditioning systems, irrigation/sprinklers, garage doors, access/gate locks, and low voltage lighting such as landscape or pool lights. There are many examples online of projects like these.

The Wemos D1 Mini can be powered by any adequate 5V supply, such as a "wall wart" phone charger, via the microUSB port. Alternatively, a small AC to DC power adapter (very much like the one built into the Sonoff Smart Switch) can be used for power. However: Extreme care must be taken when carefully connecting mains power to the power adapter. Also, an enclosure must be provided to protect and isolate the power adapter before the mains power is activated.

Project: Control a Wemos D1 Mini Relay over WiFi

Video: Loading Tasmota on Wemos D1 Mini

Step 6: Sensors Useful for Home Automation

Motion Sensor

The MH-SR602 is a passive infrared sensor (PIR sensor). PIRs measure infrared (IR) light radiating from objects in their field of view. They are most often used in PIR-based motion detectors. PIR sensors are commonly used in security alarms and automatic lighting applications. All objects with a temperature above absolute zero emit heat energy in the form of radiation. Usually this radiation isn't visible to the human eye because it radiates at infrared wavelengths, but it can be detected by electronic devices such as PIRs.

This example demonstrates how to use a PIR motion sensor module in an Arduino project. Since the MH-SR602 PIR Motion Sensor operates in the voltage range of 3.3V-15V. It can be used with 3.3V supply and signaling with the Wemos D1 Mini (ESP8266) or with a 5V Arduino.

Water Sensor

This demo project for the Water Sensor pretty much speaks for itself. The sensor module operates with either 3.3V or 5V. The output can be sensed using any analog input pin and the Arduino analogRead() function.

Temperature Sensor

The DS18B20 is a temperature sensor that can be used in a variety of applications. The sensor communicates using the 1 wire (I2C) bus and only requires one 4.7K pull up resistor to operate. This example project demonstrates interfacing the DS18B20 with the Wemos D1 Mini.

Step 7: Pulse Oximeter and Heart-Rate Monitor

Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive method for monitoring a patient's oxygen saturation. Though its reading of peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) is not always identical to the more desirable reading of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) from arterial blood gas analysis, the two are correlated well enough that the safe, convenient, noninvasive, inexpensive pulse oximetry method is valuable for measuring oxygen saturation in clinical use.

The MAX30100 (or MAX30102) is an integrated pulse oximetry and heart-rate monitor biosensor module. It includes internal LEDs, photodetectors, optical elements, and low-noise electronics with ambient light rejection. The MAX30100 provides a complete system solution to ease the design-in process for mobile and wearable devices.

This example project illustrates interfacing the MAX30100 module to the Wemos D1 Mini.

NOTICE: The MAX30100 module, as with any DIY solution, is only intended for educational experimentation and demonstration purposes. These demonstration units are absolutely not medical devices and should not be relied upon for diagnosis or any other clinical purpose. Always consult your licensed medical practitioner for more information.

Step 8: Hack the Planet

We hope you are enjoying this month's HackerBox adventure into electronics and computer technology. Reach out and share your success in the comments below or on the HackerBox Facebook Group. Also, remember that you can email [e-mail] anytime if you have a question or need some help.

What's Next? Join the revolution. Live the HackLife. Get a cool box of hackable gear delivered right to your mailbox each month. Surf over to HackerBoxes.com and sign up for your monthly HackerBox subscription.

Comments

[mrGman123]

Has anyone had any luck with the MAX30100. I think I got a bad one
This is all I get from serial monitor.
I was really excited about getting this device too.

Initializing...
MAX30102 was not found. Please check wiring/power.
Soft WDT reset
>>>stack>>>
ctx: cont
sp: 3ffffde0 end: 3fffffc0 offset: 01a0
3fffff80: 3fffdad0 3ffee580 3ffee3bc 40201079
3fffff90: feefeffe feefeffe feefeffe feefeffe
3fffffa0: feefeffe 00000000 3ffee5a8 40202834
3fffffb0: feefeffe feefeffe 3ffe84ec 40100e35
<<<stack<<<
ets Jan 8 2013,rst cause:2, boot mode:(3,6)
load 0x4010f000, len 3456, room 16
tail 0
chksum 0x84
csum 0x84
va5432625
~ld

[larpyboy]

I had the same result - the initialization routine is failing during setup( ), so it's going into an infinite loop until the board's watchdog timer fires and resets it.

don't know why the initialization routine is failing, although it could have something to do with different sensor types (we have MAX30100, and the library is for MAX 30105)

[ArtsyEngineering]

LOVE the Sonoff's running Tasmota. Had a motion activated light strip running my stairs within 15 minutes of finishing the mod. Highly recommend checking out this video for using external sensors (including the PIR motion sensor that was included): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsatPkC2Hf0

[lmperkins]

I found this guide very useful for flashing and configuring a Sonoff with Tasmota. It was quick and easy and required a minimum of adjunct programs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDnNI5wkNNY

[Racer1TN]

I can successfully upload the Tasmota.bin file from the github repository. I cannot get either the scanner or the termite program to show any login prompt. Also of note, the transmit and receive had to be connected (crossed) in both directions to get programing to begin. Any suggestions?

[phobomancer]

there doesn't seem to be 4 pin female headers in the kit to solder to the sonoff boards are they hidden some where in the rest of the kit?

[james.fiorito]

I used Advanced IP Scanner (free) to get the IP Address of the Sonoff basic after I flashed tasmota and added it to my network. The <name>.local address from the video never worked for me. If you use Advanced IP Scanner, you can find the device by the Manufacturer: Espressif Inc. Go to the IP shown and you will enter the tasmota configuration screen.