I would like to turn LED candles off/on using my current HA software. I have never done an Arduino project before and I have gone through some of the beginner resources on this site.
Project:
Using Wifi (could be zwave) send off/on commands through the Arduino Plugin under IndigoDomo to an LED candle. Not expecting any input regarding IndigoDomo but if you have some, Im all ears.
I have started to assemble my parts list:
PRO Mini 3.3
Single 18650 (3.7v) Battery
Wifi or zwave communications module that works with Arduino
LED candle (what ever battery powered version available)
IndigoDomo SW and Plugin (Have this already)
Goal is to run the PRO Mini off the 18650 battery in low power mode to get 100+ days of use. Tie the Arduino into IndigoDomo using the plugin then run a script from Indigo to consolidate the on/off timing and interface.
Not certain if the ProMini is the best for my solution but it was what somebody was using in another project (dated).
Why two processors (ProMini and WiFi).
A WiFi board, like the ESP-01, is likely all you need.
Know nothing about HA protocols, so I leave that to others.
Leo..
Quick glance at the ESP10. Might be an issue getting the HA (Home Automation) software to talk with the ESP8266 ESP-10 module. I've asked the question on the HA forum to see if it has been done before. I'm assuming the ESP-10 just looks like another IP address on the network but the devil is in the details
There is a huge pool of information for the ESP8266 on the net.
The difference between small boards and a WeMos D1 mini or NodeMCU is no built-in upload capability, less I/O, and less memory. But you don't need much for a candle.
I suggest you buy a basic $5 WeMos D1 mini, and start learning.
You will soon find out that it can do much more than you need.
Leo..
ACEIRMC ESP8266 ESP-12 ESP-12F NodeMcu Mini D1 Module for WeMos Lua 4M Bytes WLAN WiFi Internet Development Board Base on ESP8266 ESP-12F for Arduino,Compatible with WeMos D1 Mini
I was confused with ESP32 but from what I can tell I don't need the speed.
assumption:
to have the ESP ("the wifi module") available for IndigoDomo 7/24h it must be active all the time.
if the LED candle is also sourced by that 18650 you will not gain 100+ days runtime.
But I'm confident that you don't need a pro mini and an ESP. If you need Wifi ... use an ESP only and omit the pro mini.
The "NodeMCU" is a makerfriendly board - do your tests and programming with it.
For a later stage in a battery driven system you might order a stand alone ESP8266 12E.
@noiasca Thanks. I was planning on using separate batteries but you bring up an interesting point for V2.
I'm still unfamiliar with the naming convention of everything ie: wemos D1, arduino, NodeMCU, esp8266, etc, and how it all fits together. Hopefully I'll have the parts today and can start to get a better understanding.
I've been watching a few videos but still a little lost in how to close a low power circuit (candle on/off sw) without a relay. A relay is OK but is a bit more power...maybe a "normally open" and run it in low power mode until it has been activated.
what kind of LED do you want to switch on precisely?
Are you aware of that you could control a common 5mm LED with a microcontroller to flicker like a candle?
@noiasca I had watched a video about blynk (sp) but was concerned about how it might look. It is definitely a possibility as it simplifies the coding/wiring but complicates the architectural look as the candles will be visible in lanterns. The fake flame candles (Costco, BBB) are pretty good but if I can easily pull the led component out and replace.... trick might be getting the right temp/effect (I'm not much of a coder but a good cut/paste'r:)
Was successful in loading the drivers and writing a little routine to blink the LED on the board. Drivers were an issue as I loaded the CP210 but needed the CH340. Lots of fun. Thank you both for your guidance.
The more I think about it my issues is that what I've downloaded from github is NOT zip'ed so maybe my question is less about github and how to get a library added to IDE that isn't zipped.
