Here’s a little show and tell of my Android controlled home automation box. It’s a small extension box that’s controlled by an Android smartphone. You can turn the individual outlets on by tapping a button from the app or use the speech recognition app, found from my previous tutorial. I’ve teamed up with my friends and built a custom app for out home automation prototype project. My former classmate/ fellow ible member “treyes4” built something similar.
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It’s just a prototype so don’t expect much from this version. I assure that next version would be explained more thoroughly.
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I’ll be gone for a while: I’ll be posting a video once I get back from the international trade and business competition hosted by FedEx (school related). I posted this guide early, since the home automation contest deadline is due today. There’s a lot of unexplained areas in this guide, without the prior knowledge, this project would be difficult to execute. Just ask questions below, I’ll answer them through my phone. Once I get back, I’ll edit and update this guide. Sorry for the inconvenience.
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Step 1: Bill Of Materials
If your having trouble in finding them, I’m sure RadioShack has all of them. If you want to buy online try searching on Amazon or DealExtreme.
Thing that you’ll need:
– Android Phone & App
– Arduino UNO (a clone works fine)
– Low Power/ Switching Power Supply
– Dot Matrix Solderless Breadboard
– HC-05 Serial Bluetooth Module
– 2N3904 NPN Transistor (5x)
– 2.2k Ohm Resistor 1/4 (5x)
– 6V Relays (5x)
– Jumper Cables
Step 2: Find A Good Enclosure
I bought my enclosure from Alexan, a local electronics/ hobby store. This project is a prototype, the perfect enclosure would be an enclosure big enough to house an Arduino prototyping board and a small switching-PSU.
Step 3: Glue The Sockets Together
Align the outlets then use superglue to hold them temporarily. Hot glue can be used to strengthen the bond. After gluing, start to link a common rail. The linked rail work’s like a common ground although this is AC ~ so it’s not.
Step 4: Align & Measure The Sockets
Align the AC sockets together then acquire the dimensions of the array of sockets.
Step 5: Transfer The Measurements
Transfer your measurements by using a marker and ruler.
Step 6: Grind And Drill The Enclosure
Use your hacksaw or rotary tool to cut off the plastic that you’ve marked. Use a metal file to even out the edges.
Step 7: Construct The Relay Circuit
I constructed my DIY relay circuit. Obviously this is a complete prototype, I used a perfboard for mounting my components on. This is dangerous, exposed AC line can cause death through electrocution. Before attempting this project, be sure you’re qualified to execute the task. My next version in the future would probably include solid state relays mounted on a custom PCB.
Step 8: Wire The PSU
The PSU will serve as your Relay and Arduino’s power supply. I bought mine from ebay.
Specs: 12v (1 Amp)
For more detail: DIY Android Home Automation Box
