After playing around with LED strips and Arduino for a while, I have decided to take on a bigger project.
My media cabinet has around 15-16 devices (Sat box, Sound system, xbox etc etc) that mostly sit in the power save mode. At any one point I may have only 3-5 devices in use (on most days).
My goal is to turn power off to the devices not in use completely and easily. I know they have the remote control power strips but remembering which device is on which socket is painful. I plan to use Amazon Alexa to control power to these.
Here is my plan:
1x Amazon Alexa (Already available)
2x ESP8266 12E Wemos modules
2x 8 channel relay modules
2x 8 socket Generic Power Strips
2x Either flip or push on-off buttons to power off all relays.
I am thinking I would put the electronics in some project box; hack the power strips so that each socket is fed individually from each relay. This means 8 wires could be coming from the relay modules to each power strip.
Pretty much everything is clear in my head except that I am thinking if I should latching relays instead of the regular ones. This is for two reasons: 1. Saving power 2. Generating less heat.
My questions are:
1: Does that seems like a sound plan? Any major issues you see?
2: What relays you recommend? I am in the UK. Don't want to spend an arm and a leg.
3: Is there a way to manually trigger a latching relay? For example, if Amazon Alexa is on holidays, can I add buttons to trigger these relays? Will these require additional pins?
You need to get on Google - there is software on line to make an 8266 mimic commercial devices so you don’t need to also build a skill for Alexa - that’s the easiest way.
So yes you can use , eg an Ecodot to control your own devices
Easier still you can buy switching “ smart” devices for Alexa
hammy:
You need to get on Google - there is software on line to make an 8266 mimic commercial devices so you don’t need to also build a skill for Alexa - that’s the easiest way.
So yes you can use , eg an Ecodot to control your own devices
Easier still you can buy switching “ smart” devices for Alexa
Thank you for your reply.
That's exactly my plan so that I don't have to create my own skill.
Do you recommend any particular relays?
I have looked at the smart devices. I don't really want to feed power to 15 additional devices if possible. Also, it will be costly; Around £8 per smart device. (and no fun building the solution)
larryd:
“Easier still you can buy switching " smart" devices for Alexa”
YES!
Save up some money and buy ‘certified outlets’, lots on Amazon.
If you DIY you will be sued into oblivion when your apartment catches fire and everyone in the condo block take you to court.
Many options on internet.
Yes, you are correct. There are many options available, but what's the fun in that? I believe I am pretty competent with electrical work so I do not plan to cause any fires. Also, good thing here in the UK we still do not have the north american culture of suing your neighbor if they simply give you a dirty look.
Having said that, I would be interested in an off the shelf solution if a power strip has 8 sockets. To me 4 simply isn't enough. I will need to buy 4 strips and then a multi-plug to connect all 4 to the wall socket. I have not come across any smart power strips out there with 8 sockets.
1: Does that seems like a sound plan? Any major issues you see?
The ESP does not have enough outputs to drive that many relays...
Do you have the skills to work safely with mains and to know when what you have done is / is not safe?
Hack the power strips so that each socket is fed individually from each relay.
Have you looked inside the power strip? In my experience of them the are designed with solid conductors that link everything together. You'd have to cut them into little bits, I think that would probably make all the socket contacts very loose, at least, I think it would on the ones I've seen the insides of.
None of my business of course, but the idea of having a microphone in my house that is permanently on and linked to a super computer running AI capable of understanding speech is completely mad. Nicolae Ceaușescu would have made every house have one.
Yes, I am very much capable of working with mains. I have done complete house wiring and know my limits very well.
Yes, I will have to cut the metal strips inside the power strips and solder wires. Depending on the strip I choose, cut pieces will not be loose.
I have seen esp modules with 10 odd pins available. I am thinking for an 8 socket strip, I will need 10 pins. 8 for relays, one for power switch and one for led perhaps.
Regarding having an always listening mic at home, I was like you as well. Until I found out that new smart phones are already doing the same. There is no such thing as privacy unless perhaps if you are in some jungle living off of land.
I have seen esp modules with 10 odd pins available. I am thinking for an 8 socket strip, I will need 10 pins. 8 for relays, one for power switch and one for led perhaps.
Ah, OK. Perhaps I misread, I thought you needed 16 per ESP.
Until I found out that new smart phones are already doing the same.
