hi,
I want to make a network of Bluetooth sensors (temp, humidity, CO2, lumen, PAR), connecting to the master that controls the fans, lighting, CO2 generator, evaporator, pump, air conditioner. the whole is to operate under a WIFI network and be able to read and control via the internet. I would like to add that I am an electrician making smart homes, but this is my first trip with arduino.
Thanks for help
Hi Kielsi,
Sounds like an interesting project!
So you are after a network of Bluetooth sensors that report back (via bluetooth) to a master Arduino node. That node is equipped with a wifi module that is connected to the house wireless network. This network is configured in a way that you can trigger certain events inside the home (fans, lighting, evaporator etc) from the internet. Did I get the general gist of your project?
The only thing I am confused about is the bluetooth equipped sensors, but this could be my ignorance talking. Correct me if I am wrong. I found some interesting wifi relays. Google this to get an idea : ESP-01S Relay Module, these are wifi. However I am a fan of using the good old wire whenever possible. Saying that I purchased my first ESP8266 to give it a shot and experiment with. Still, let me reiterate: wire is King for reliability and production environment.
Your project has few levels of difficulty. I have been working on a similar project myself apart from the house automation.
You will need some basic knowledge about static and dynamic IPs and port forwarding (allow control of the house from the internet) and general computer networking. No need for a cisco certificate here.
Figure out which exact sensors you will be using - some could be more reliable compared to others etc But you could have that covered already due to your background - correct my if I am wrong.
Next would be to write the server code that will allow you to control it via some sort of requests. I am personally using a web server and just GET requests with a command code + PIN. I would personally create a standard aka framework (not that I am bragging but this is what I am doing now - fun process as I get to figure out all of the potential use case scenarios I can think of) to keep everything the same just in case you will be deploying many of these + for ease of configuration and troubleshooting.
The other part will be to keep the arduino running 24/7 and be responsive (you don't want it to freeze and do nothing). Based on my experiments this is possible but you need to use a good PSU and I use a UPS to top it up. Could be overkill but I got my nano to run without a problem for 115 days (still going - deployed outside my house). Also you will need to code several checks that will restart the arduino in case there is a problem like a memory leak, software error etc Watchdog is a good start + I configure the burnout to 4.3v. I deliver the power to the arduino with PPPE.
A good enclosure would not hurt. Something water proof would be ideal. At least something that would keep the dump away as per usual these smart devices are not installed in the kitchen or bedroom, but rather in the basement where the rats live.
Write a web based client (also working on this myself) to manage the house with ease without knowing all of the boring stuff of command codes, syntax etc This last step is more for the user of the house rather than the technician that will be fixing the issues or configuring it to begin with.
It is late here... I think I am going to end here before I start talking nonsense. Feel free to shred me if you think I wrote something stupid / dumb. I am always amazed how little I know.
Regards
Matt