I've got an electronic bed heater, which makes my bed warm before I step in. This works really really well, if you remember to turn the bloody thing on.. which is a problem for me So I want to automate it, but I do not know how.
The picture I've added is the controller, 6 being the highest setting, 0 is off. On the side is the duration of it bring on. It is now on 3 so the heater will turn off automatically after 3 hours.
I have only programmed LEDs and a Bluetooth module working together before so I do not have any experience on this sort of stuff, so any help would be highly appreciated.
The other picture is how the heater roughly looks like, it isn't the same model as I have but I do not know how to call it so here is a picture to illustrate what I'm talking about
What is the smartest thing to do to automate turning the thing on?
Open up the controller and wire it up with an arduino?
Maybe control the already existing switches with servos?
Maybe something completely different?
There are relays that can be controlled by an Arduino called Power Switch Tail that might simplify turning the blanket on and off. Add a Real Time Clock (RTC) for keeping time of day.
That's a tough one. That kind of thing has a very highly-optimised electronics section. Where you might think of reducing the transistor count to reduce the cost, this thing probably has no transistors at all.
The electronics inside that box and the box itself have undergone rigorous testing to ensure that it is extremely unlikely that you could ever touch any part that's at mains potential. Opening it up and wiring an Arduino to it obviously voids that certification. Now you are free to experiment on your own and electrocute yourself but the mere fact that it's certified should give you pause to think "Can I build my additions to the same standard of safety?"
I would suggest that you find a setting on the controls that puts it permanently on. Then switch off the incoming power under Arduino control. There used to be in the USA a product called "Power Switch Tail" which made it really easy to control a mains outlet with an Arduino.
You can build the equivalent yourself very easily. Just buy a standard electrical box and standard inlet and outlet plugs and sockets. (I like IEC connectors myself.) Then put a solid-state relay in the box. The SSR is easy to control and easy to wire up so it's safe.
I've looked at the power switch tail, but that can only handle 120 volts, and where I live there is 230 volts.
I came across this thing, an esp8266 WiFi module with relay. This will probably work too right?
It looks somewhat reasonable. By making it wireless you can increase the safety easily. No wires enter or leave the box except the standard mains wiring.
Thanks a lot everyone! Probably have to wait a month (or two) before it gets to my house, but then I'll have a nice project to work on. Although at that time of year an already warmed up bed is probably not as nice..
You might want to take a look into "Klik Aan Klik Uit", which is a home automation system.
I've seen this passing by in this forum because you can control it using an Arduino.
It'll set you back some Euros, but you'd have it within a week or so.
I'm sure there's lots of similar solutions, but you'll find this at your local Gamma.
Make sure to get all you need and not just the switch without a controller/transmitter.
So I want to automate it, but I do not know how.
