hello
i'm planning my next project, wich is control the lamps on my house (by pir sensor, by timming, and by android application)
my first question regarding this kind of project is:
should i use one arduino with wifi module (as 'server') and use individual relay next to each lamp in each room?
or should i use one arduino (as 'server') and individual wifi module + relay on each lamp in each room?
The first option requires stringing wire to each lamp from the central Arduino which could get expensive. The second option, to me, is more attractive. Google "wireless relays" or "wifi relay" to see what is available.
You might want to look into something like the X-10 system that uses the house power wiring to send signals.
I always recommend starting with one of the standard protocols (such as X-10) and then BUY the switches/dimmers/outlets even if you want to build the main controller. Plus if you want to add another controlled light or outlet in the future, you just order it and install it and you're done in a couple of days without having to build anything.
There are lots of engineering & construction challenges building a switch that works locally or remotely, fits into an existing outlet box, operates without re-wiring your house, and looks good. And, I doubt you can build it for the cost of buying it.
...I've got a combination X-10/Insteon system with about 10 controlled lights & outlets, a master timer-controller, a few manual remote controllers around the house, and one motion sensor that controls one light. The master timer is programmed from the computer, then it runs stand-alone. My system doesn't have a Wi-Fi or any "permanent" connection to a network, but that could be added if I wanted it.
I didn't build any of it myself, except I built a "sunrise dimmer" and a little "gentle wake-up beeper" that plugs-into a controlled-outlet. The home-automation system just turns it on to start the dim-up sequence 5-days a week so the thing I built doesn't need a real-time clock. (This was built with a different microcontroller a long time ago.)
should I use one Arduino with WiFi module (as 'server') and use individual relay next to each lamp in each room?
or should i use one Arduino (as 'server') and individual WiFi module + relay on each lamp in each room?
Nowadays you do not use an "Arduino with WiFi module". The ESP8266 modules are already substantially more capable than an Arduino Nano (which is the more practical version of the UNO) so you just use the ESP8266 module alone.
i bought the esp32 to act as the server, now my question is how many clients the esp32 can handle? (i searched the internet and the answer are not conclusive)
i was thinking in use the esp32 to control several wifi-relay-module (as sugested by Paul__B)
Paul__B:
Nowadays you do not use an "Arduino with WiFi module". The ESP8266 modules are already substantially more capable than an Arduino Nano (which is the more practical version of the UNO) so you just use the ESP8266 module alone.