
jstarne1
Just like the title says I need a wireless solution to turn outlets on and off. Specifically that ezb V4 can trigger. I don't want to have one ezb for every single outlet , that just seems silly because I would need like 5 to 10 ezb just to turn things on and off. I would like either a kit , module or even a schematic that I can buy the items and build it myself.
Ideas? Schematics?
Basically this is a wireless substitute for using a tip 120.circuit or a tip122 wired switching circuit and relay. Obviously wires running throughout the house isn't ideal especially since I rent.
Ezb are 99 dollars each so remember this needs to be more economical then having a ezb on every single wall / outlet.
OK so ezb , signal wires or ttl serial connection to a wireless module that can trigger multiple Outlet modules.
The least expensive option for outlet and switch automation is X10 powerline (there is better more reliable stuff, but X10 is cheap). There are wireless solutions, including a serial device called the Firecracker that can plug into a serial port (or a USB to RS232 adapter) and can be triggered by the command line, something easily done by ARC). It communicates with an X10 wireless tranceiver that then controls X10 switches or outlets.
If your PC is in a fixed location, there are also controllers that plug directly to serial or usb and eliminate the need for the wireless transceiver.
I have a box of X10 and Smarthome stuff I am not using. I could probably get you started so you just need to buy switches and outlets, and I have a few of those. I would trade for either robot bits and parts or a future 3d print (might need some small custom bits when I start building my Steampunk dog).
Alan
www.amazon.com/Channel-Wireless-Control-Receiver-Momentary/dp/B00FFVO8DO/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=11C4KJ38TXJZQJP6288D
This may be a solution that you are looking for?
This is the X10 tranceiver.
The neat thing about this is that not only can you control lighting etc via the V4 you can still also use the X10 RF keypads like this one
If you can make up a simple circuit on stripboard, I could send you a pre-programmed PIC, you will also need simple AM transmitter module but they only cost a couple of bucks.
Tony
With 15 years of use I can not stress the point of how much I would avoid the x10 brand.
There are a lot of other products that do what x10 does. Insteon is similar but higher quality in my opinion. z-Wave is another good one. I would recommend those if you want to do full on home automation.
If you just want to let your robot control a couple of things in the home, then you might be interested in hacking something like this (which is what I am planning to do):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Pack-Indoor-Wireless-Remote-Control-Electric-AC-Power-Outlet-Switch-Socket-/201006738714?pt=Home_Automation_Modules&hash=item2eccef6d1a
It gives you 3 remote outlets and a remote control which you could hack to electronically control the 6 switches for on/off (3 on/off, 1 for each module). You probably would not want to have the EZb futz with that many I/o lines, but rather have a PIC module or a standard microcontroller communicate serially with the EZb. That module also comes in a 5 outlet pack. Lowes and Home Depot carry things like that as well. The same remote controller hacking concept could also apply to x10 or any of the other brands.
My custom PIC is a serial connection to the V4 so it would just use 2 port lines or the UART.
Tony
@Toymaker, I have heard before that the x10 stuff made for the UK market is higher quality and better performing than the US stuff. I suspect they user better components to handle the higher voltage (230 vs 110).
Josh, I will put together a box of stuff for you. Send me your address again? (alan@thetechguru.net) I recommend taking @Toymaker up on his offer of a PIC you can drive from a v4. I'll send my transmtters, but that sounds like a really elegant solution for controlling from ARC.
Alan
The X 10 idea does seem to be the most viable for a wireless solution. I emailed you as well Alan/thetechguru
Here is the AM transmitter hybrid that you will need, your (license exempt) frequency will be different to the UK (433Mhz) probably 315Mhz
cpc.farnell.com/quasar/qam-tx2-433/mini-transmitter-module-am-433mhz/dp/RF00326?in_merch=Products%20From%20This%20Range
Tony