Creating an Outdoor Timer That is WiFi or BlueTooth enabled?

Hello,

I would like to update my outdoor electric timer switch to be blue toothed/wifi/smartphone enabled.

We have a typical mechanical timer (picture to be taken and attached later today) for our pool pump. This device simply turns the power on or off to the pump depending on the time of day/night. I would like to be able to set this functionality from my mobile device. Additional functionality is desired such as monitoring power draw, indicating clogged pump (heavy draw) or no water (low draw). and even the pi camera to view the basket attached to the pump.

The mobile app I will address elsewhere but the digital interface between the 110 volt circuit and the plug is confusing to me. Could this even be possible with a Pi (or a Pi and other accessories?) It seems possible in theory but in practice that may be another matter.

Thanks,

Vince

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0 Problemchild over 11 years ago

Get your self one of these (BV503) I've been playing with one ant they are cool!

Just add one of those Relay boards that are all over the EBAYs

The WIFI module is a linux machine and you can even program it using a basic like language ...not bad at all!!!
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0 vd0gg1t over 11 years ago in reply to Problemchild

Hi John,

The BV503 looks like a very interesting option. Why reinvent the wheel, right? As I posted to Doug, I need to gain some experience working with relays but your right, ebay does have a lot to choose from. Thanks for the pointers. Now I have to make some commitments.

Thanks,
Vince
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0 vd0gg1t over 11 years ago in reply to Problemchild

Hi John,

The BV503 looks like a very interesting option. Why reinvent the wheel, right? As I posted to Doug, I need to gain some experience working with relays but your right, ebay does have a lot to choose from. Thanks for the pointers. Now I have to make some commitments.

Thanks,
Vince
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0 mconners over 11 years ago in reply to vd0gg1t

I agree that the BV503 looks like it would be fun to play with, but for the cost a raspi and Amazon.com: Edimax EW-7811Un 150 Mbps Wireless 11n Nano Size USB Adapter with EZmax Setup Wizard: Computers & Accessorie… may be a cheaper option. And you get the full power of an os underneath. As John did suggest you could use NTP to get the time. You could still add the relay boards as John also suggested.

You might even be able to get by with the model A.

Sounds like a fun project.

Good Luck,
Mike
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0 vd0gg1t over 11 years ago in reply to mconners

Hi Mike,

Yes, this is similar to what they used in the raspberry pi videos, so that is what I was expecting to use. There is always a different configuration, the latest configuration may (or may not) be the best, and whatever is chosen will be obsolete by the time I am done but I need to decide on specifics soon. Thanks for your input, I like the K.I.S.S. principle. The BV503 is interesting but having the operating system available and an "open" approach the better for me at least at this point. updating original post next.

thanks,
Vince
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