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Universal SMS or email device for line-powered devices

Former Member

I know with "smart home" technology coming along, there may be a device out there for this already.  Why buy it when it can be built!  I'd like to try and build something that "piggy-backs" on a plug-in device (i.e. clothes washer/dryer, dishwasher, etc...) that can monitor the amount of current/power being used.  From there, when the current/power usage goes up by a certain percentage (user configurable) an SMS/email is sent out from this piggy-back device (wifi, cell-phone, etc...) to a specific person.  My thoughts on using current/power for monitoring is simply out of a universal standpoint.  Instead of building something specific (modifying an existing appliance) this device can be used universally.  Shoot, even a coffee maker would be awesome.  Especially when you're as deaf as a post like me and could use a visual notification.  The main thing I'm thinking of is a way to remotely notify someone when, say a load of laundry is done.  Or, your coffee maker is done but you're in another room and can't hear it.  The current will first rise (indicating the start of the operation) and then fall (indicating the end of the operation).  A clothes or dish washer will be a bit more difficult, since they cycle on/off so often.  Maybe device profiles can be used to ensure there's enough time to account for the gap between cycles on a washing machine.  Just a thought.

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    Truth is, I am working on something similar to that. There are different models including a light switch, an extension cord, a plugin box, etc. They all attach wi-fi, monitor Wh used and allow you to turn the power off from a computer or cell phone. The intent is to capture current Wattage, Watts over the last Hr, and average watt hours for a given unit

     

    All in something smaller than the light switch on your wall.

  • 0 in reply to Former Member

    That sounds like a great idea!  Especially for the power-conscious user that wants to keep that electric bill down on top of staying green!  However, the reason I posted this as a question originally is that I am having trouble coming up with an idea for the completed enclosure.  I've sourced some of the parts to sense the house-current paired with an Arduino.  Then, I'm thinking of building this into a wall-wart, or doing an in-line box similar to a laptop power supply design, or even molding a pass-through plug with everything in it if I can get the parts down small enough.  The in-line idea is where the power will pass through unimpeded by my device, but will be monitored with the Arduino, and then process SMS/email messages from the device.  I'm hoping to keep this as simple as possible with as few as parts as possible in an effort to keep the build cost down.  Your idea sounds amazing, but a bit over my budget for the build.  I'm hoping to build something simple that just notifies when the appliance plugged into it is turned off, or drawing minimal power (idle) so you know when it is being used (or when the device has completed its task).  The more relays and control modules I add, the more the build cost goes up which is why I'm not getting as fancy as your build.  Hopefully this makes sense.  All told my perspective on the idea is a way of adding simple "smart" technology to "dumb" appliances to help with knowing when they are active or not, and then notify you based on how you configure the device (washing machine, coffee pot, etc...).  Again, your idea sounds awesome with the ability to control the devices remotely, especially with WiFi implementation.  Good luck and hope to see it in the forum (if not already)!

  • 0 in reply to Former Member

    Well, Im not seeing it as expensive. The parts cost me $20 with out the OLED display and $25 with the OLED Display. I am looking at printing the enclosure with a 3D printer. The size is small enough to fit inside a standard light switch but could be built as a wall wart, inline box, a bar plug, or even a pass through plug. I am designing it with a max current of 10A though a different relay would bump it up to 25A.

     

    If you are just looking for small and only to monitor the power usage you can use the Arduino mini ($3), the USR WIFI232-T ($16), and an ACS712 Hall Effect Current Sensor($2). So around $21 from china (E-Bay Listings) and those are buying them in singles. I tend to order 5 or 10 at a time to keep the price down.

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    Thank you!!  That's just what I was looking for!  From what I can tell, the ACS712 is fairly simple to setup based on the datasheet.  Between that, the Arduino Mini, and the USR WIFI232-T... that can be packaged in just about anything!  Thanks again!  That helped me out a LOT!

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    Just a follow-up to this.  I started the project, but couldn't get far after a house, a family, and everything else that gets in the way of geek-related projects I want to do.  LOL!  Anyway, element14's The Ben Heck Show would you guys be able to try something like this for a build idea?  If not just a wireless/SMS monitor system, maybe add the control option to the device to allow you then switch off the "dumb" device wirelessly once the device complete's it's cycle/process?  Just hoping something like this can come to fruition.  I'm sure there's already a device like this out there knowing that the internet of things is just saturated with devices.  Have a good one everyone!