So my brother just told me about this place and it looks like a lot of fun. I was thinking about making remote (IR, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, something…) control light switches. Using the 110 coming from the switch on the wall. If someone would collaborate with me on a wiring diagram and help me get started that would be great.
They make off the shelf devices that do roughly what I think you want to do. http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Remote-C … B001AS4NQS for example.
Of you could do a 3-way switch (2 switches, one light) type of thing with one switch being the actual 110v wall switch, and the other being the rf controlled switch (relay or triac).
You’d also need a little power supply to go with the rf-switch to step the 110AC down to your LVDC of preference.
The rf/digital portion should be fairly straight forward (nrf24l01+ to an atmel is standard stuff), however the AC portion and the electrician stuff (how does a 3-way switch work?) is not obvious to me. maybe google knows…
[EDIT]: yes, in fact, google does know. http://www.misterfixit.com/3wayswch.htm Its fairly straight forward, actually. Looks like a 3-way switch is just a SPDT relay.[/EDIT]
Looks like you can get started pretty easily. Have a look at the
XBee – http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc … ts_id=9063
arduino http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc … cts_id=666
and the relay squid http://www.liquidware.com/shop/show/RS/RelaySquid
How many of each you need depends on what you want to do.
I want to control the wall switch not a plug. I have another project in mind that would use that.
I want to use arduino since my brother knows a little about it and might could help.
I was wondering how to get started it is just one two-way wall switch.
I saw something that a guy made that hangs off the switch plate… not want I am looking to do. I want something in the wall hook in parallel with the light switch so both could control the light.
Haven’t decided on what wireless device to use. I guess I will start with whatever is easiest.
Dsmiley3:
I want to control the wall switch not a plug. I have another project in mind that would use that.I want to use arduino since my brother knows a little about it and might could help.
I was wondering how to get started it is just one two-way wall switch.
I saw something that a guy made that hangs off the switch plate… not want I am looking to do. I want something in the wall hook in parallel with the light switch so both could control the light.
Haven’t decided on what wireless device to use. I guess I will start with whatever is easiest.
Not sure what your really trying to accomplishing here? If the wall switch is CLOSED how will your remote switch OPEN the path across the switch if the two are wired in parallel? Only one switch can control the light.
If I understand you correctly you want a change in the state of the switch, whether its the remote or the existing wall switch, to change the state of the light. I would wire the ac line through a relay controlled by your arduino. I would then use the existing switch and wire it to a small signal line to your arduino. The arduino would then monitor both the existing wall switch and your remote for a change in state and then change the state of the relay.
Does this sound like what you had in mind?
If I understand you correctly you want a change in the state of the switch, whether its the remote or the existing wall switch, to change the state of the light. I would wire the ac line through a relay controlled by your arduino. I would then use the existing switch and wire it to a small signal line to your arduino. The arduino would then monitor both the existing wall switch and your remote for a change in state and then change the state of the relay.
Does this sound like what you had in mind?
Yeah that is what I have in mind. now I just need to know what parts are needed and how to program the thing.
The time for finding parts will come. First, you need to make a block diagram and then a rough schematic without any specific parts. Stay focused on narrowing down exactly what you want to do, it will make things so much easier in the long run. When you have a schematic then you can fill it in with specific parts. If you post your block diagram and/or schematic we can help you choose parts or fill in the gaps for you.
ok sounds like a plan. I will work on that. I was also thinking of throwing together a small prototype with LEDs first off before I go messing with the real thing.