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  • Author Author: Former Member
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Build a Smart Home with a wireless Wifi Switch like Adapter by Apple App Control

Former Member

Now smart home has become a fashion, so I follow this trend and to make my house a true smart home. I have searched for about the smart home gadgets for some time, finding that there are lots of wireless switch, wifi switch, app switch or wifi socket products, of which the price vary from around 20 dollars to more than 100 dollars. If I want to make my “smart home” project successful, I have to buy at least 10 wifi switches, oh! not a small budget. And considering that if I buy different brands, I might come across an avoidable problem- must download different APPs. Of course, I will not do such silly things. However, some people may not aware of this issue and then they buy many brands. This is a bug that everybody hates. Therefore, there are two things on my mind: 1. I must limit my costs 2. I must choose just one brand.

 

However, as a DIY lover, I have considered about making a same effect wifi switch like gadget of my own. There are usually two ways to achieve my goal. 1. X10, it is a common solution that a micro controller will controlled the home appliances. Actually, I don’t like this much. 2. As @Shabaz reminded me that “I can use a remote power strip (as used in server rooms). It normally has a connection to the network via Ethernet (probably serial interface ones still exist too) so that you can switch power on/off to individual or multiple appliances.” I realize that this is an integrated system, yes, for the professional electronic guys, this is a way. However, the costs is not low, and it is not a good solution for individual DIY.

 

There must be a better way. I have always thinking that I should find a PCB like half-finished wifi switch, which is convenient to install. I search and search for such a smart thing, finally, I find this amazing gadget from Itead Online shop. It is just the thing I want. Without hesitation, I ordered several, one with shell, others are just the boards.(Which I will DIY for 5 volts power supply, I will tell you later) They only costs me half less than those wifi switches!

This is how it looks like:

image

 

Ok, let me give you a brief introduction about this wifi wireless switch. This wifi adapter is very convenient, you can use it directly the moment power on. I connect the cables of the wifi adapter with appliance and the power according to the instructions.

So this is the work principle:

The wifi adapter connects to an appliance and the power, press the start button on the wifi adapter, the adapter will automatically search for the available wifi. Download their free APP(IOS or Android). Search and add the device. See my borrowed pic bellow:

image

I can click the ON/OFF switch icon to control my appliance. Also, I can check the appliance status and set as many timer schedules as I like. I can share my device with my family, then they can control the devices together.

image

Now I am very happy. I have one wifi switch to connect with my kettle. So I can boil water 10 minutes before I get home. I have another one to connect with the air conditioner, which can be remote open 5 minutes before I get home. One to connect with my water heater, I can control it to work any where any time now. Another one to connect with my bedroom bulbs. I will never worry about have forgot to turn my light off now. It make my life so convenient and carefree. Just follow the instructions, even the girls can install it easily(if they know electricity well). Now the not-so-smart traditional appliances become smart. And I can use the brain-APP to control everything. Bellow is the picture of connecting the wifi adapter with my fan to test.

image

I wonder why this wifi switch is unknown. It’s inexpensive and easy install, easy control. I think I must tell everybody about it.

Well, it’s set to used for AC current. While I am thinking if it is possible to DIY it to use for low power supply, say 5 volts. So that I can control my electronic things easily. Their customer service told me that I can make it. And I am waiting for their schematic. I will come back to tell you about my works.




Parents

  • The more I look at this article, the more suspicious I become.

     

    I find this amazing gadget from Itead Online shop.

    Nobody else can!!! Even google:

    image

     

     

    They only costs me half less than those wifi switches!

    So somewhere between 10 and 50 dollars?

     

     

    Ok, let me give you a brief introduction about this gadget(just name it wifi adapter).

    Why not call it by its real name!

     

     

    Download their free APP(IOS or Android).

    What app?

     

     

    See my borrowed pic bellow:

    Why not a real pic?

     

     

    And I can use the brain-APP to control everything.

    Brain-APP? Could't find that!

     

     

    I wonder why this smart thing is unknown.

    I wonder:

    image

     

     

     

    I think I must tell everybody about it.

    The fact is... You haven't really told us ANYTHING have you.

    (Apart from the name of a website.)

Comment

  • The more I look at this article, the more suspicious I become.

     

    I find this amazing gadget from Itead Online shop.

    Nobody else can!!! Even google:

    image

     

     

    They only costs me half less than those wifi switches!

    So somewhere between 10 and 50 dollars?

     

     

    Ok, let me give you a brief introduction about this gadget(just name it wifi adapter).

    Why not call it by its real name!

     

     

    Download their free APP(IOS or Android).

    What app?

     

     

    See my borrowed pic bellow:

    Why not a real pic?

     

     

    And I can use the brain-APP to control everything.

    Brain-APP? Could't find that!

     

     

    I wonder why this smart thing is unknown.

    I wonder:

    image

     

     

     

    I think I must tell everybody about it.

    The fact is... You haven't really told us ANYTHING have you.

    (Apart from the name of a website.)

Children
  • in reply to gadget.iom

    I also searched and couldn't find it. I did find products from other supliers which were safely enclosed and complete with plug and socket tails, as well as wifi operated plugs - all quite expensive though

  • in reply to gadget.iom

    hi,Paul, I get them from the Taobao shop. I don't think they are now offering for overseas market. But, hey, maybe they will be available soon.

    Price is far more less than you think. When refer to the overseas, things will be different, you know express fee is very high.

     

    I want to post the pic about the APP but don't know why  fail twice.The name is Coolkit.

     

    I don't know how to name it, it is just a wifi switch like adapter.image

  • in reply to neilk

    I will try to find out when this wifi adapter available for overseas market. And will let you guys know. Yes, that's why I say that building a smart home with those wifi sockets or wifi switches will be a big budget.

  • in reply to gadget.iom

    Strangely each post by Elsie includes reference to ITEAD Studio.

     

    I have used ITEAD and do use them for the Brick modules.

    Personally I've found them very good to deal with.

     

     

    However this is simply marketing, and unfortunately the product number (IM120525005) isn't on their site.



    I agree that proper electrical safety is important.

    Tying the mains cord, isn't safe or recommended. (just as the comments about girls capabilities ...)



    If you want us to demonstrate this in a safe manner, then make a couple available.


    Mark