Welcome to Synthiam!

The easiest way to program the most powerful robots. Use technologies by leading industry experts. ARC is a free-to-use robot programming software that makes servo automation, computer vision, autonomous navigation, and artificial intelligence easy.

Get Started
USA
Asked — Edited

110 Vac Outlet Turned On By An Ezb

I want a voice or Auto Position command to turn on a lamp or a radio in a room.
This outlet is in a remote area.

Can anyone advise me what I can use? Wireless is the way I want to go. I would prefer to not do to much hacking if possible.

Ron R


ARC Pro

Upgrade to ARC Pro

Become a Synthiam ARC Pro subscriber to unleash the power of easy and powerful robot programming

#1  
There are many many ways to do this, but the easiest is to get a WeMo switch: http://www.belkin.com/us/F7C029/p/P-F7C029/# and an IFTTT acount (ifttt.com) and build a trigger with the "Maker" channel which accepts simple HTTP get commands to trigger the WeMo channel. Then in scripting you can use the HTTPGet( url ) command to trigger the event.

Only thing is that your EZ-B must be in client mode because ARC will need to have internet access. However, almost all solutions except those that have proprietary RF dongles on the PC or some kind of serial device on the EZ-B (either of which would require much more hacking) will at least require the PC to be on the home network, so client mode is almost a requirement no matter what.

Alan
#3  
There is an API for the WeMo, but not simple HTTP request method. IFTTT bridges the gap with the maker channel that allows you to send simple HTTP requests to any other IFFFT channel including the WeMo channel.

You could also trigger with the Twitter channel, and probably some others that I am not aware of.

Someone could probably easily write a WeMo plugin that would work on the local network without requiring IFTTT or internet access, but Ron specifically asked for a minimal hacking solution.

Alan
PRO
USA
#4  
Thanks for the reply Alan,

My idea will be a stationary robot for now. Verbal commands will operate items in the room. Once navigation becomes available, it will move around.

I wanted to avoid WiFi, but good to know. I also want to know if anyone else has ever done it? It looks like I may have to hack a wireless device, and drive a controller with relays.

Ron R
#5  
@Jstarnes1 did an automated fish feeder that I believe was a 110v device. Some others have done various integrations to different home automation systems. But, yes, most will involve relays and building or hacking components.

Alan
Login to post a comment