As I was replacing one mechanical Christmas tree light controller that turns on/off lights at fixed times that no longer worked, it occurred to me that for next year, I could use a microprocessor like an Arduino to control the lights, and then I'm not bound by having to have the lights turn on at the same time each day. A quick search around shows there are many potential solutions. Most of the home automation stuff is too expensive (IMHO) for the type of application I have it mind, particularly since we have at least 4 different controllers (one outside, 3 in separate rooms) already. Now, the control stuff I will iterate on at a later time, but I was wanting to think about what would be needed for an Arduino to just turn an A/C socket on/off.
So, the ideas I've come up with so far include:
- Buy a commercial unit that has an IR button to turn it on/off, and use an Arduino to act as the remote. Most of these have learning circuits, so I wouldn't have to reverse engineer the protocol for the remote (which isn't hard in any case). I would have to attach the Arduino IR emitter so that it stays focused on the control light, but that isn't hard. Figure about $5 (US) for the cord parts. Here is one such unit: http://www.ebay.com/itm/280848606944?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649
- By the same vein, I could use a radio based solution, though there, the problem is figuring out what type of signal is used. I would imagine, one solution is to hack the remote control, so that it is controlled via the Arduino.
- Use a relay and make my own wiring, as in Controllable Power Outlet - SparkFun Electronics. I really, really would prefer not to go hacking mains circuits wires. Also, if you follow their advice of using a GFCI outlet boosts the price than using an IR controller;
- Adafruit offers a powerswitch tail (Powerswitch tail 2 : ID 268 : $25.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits), which be ideal, but it is on the pricey side.
- I could use the X10 controllers. I used these years ago, when I was doing a GCC port to an embedded target to control the board. I suspect, I long since got rid of them, since I no longer had the controller when I changed jobs, so I would have to buy new versions. However, if I had to buy new, the price kicks back up. Also, I remember vividly that in the old days at least, once X10 got your email, they would spam it forever.
Are there other solutions I missed that don't involve me hand making cables/plugs/etc?