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Creating an Outdoor Timer That is WiFi or BlueTooth enabled?

vd0gg1t

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

    Hi Vince,

    Cool idea.

    I just designed a module based on an ARM Cortex M0 that has a Bluetooth interface, a GPS based real time clock and an optically isolated triac output. It also has a light sensor if you want to detect day/night. It could easily be programmed to control the pump schedule and a smart phone could be used to edit the schedule or directly control the pump. If your pump requires more than 1 amp, the the small triac in my module would need to drive a larger external triac or relay. I will likely be blogging about the module here in a week or so, although my application for it is a smart thermostat. I guess you could use a clamp-on current sensor to monitor pump current or you could use pressure sensors to monitor status.

    Doug

Reply
  • 0

    Hi Vince,

    Cool idea.

    I just designed a module based on an ARM Cortex M0 that has a Bluetooth interface, a GPS based real time clock and an optically isolated triac output. It also has a light sensor if you want to detect day/night. It could easily be programmed to control the pump schedule and a smart phone could be used to edit the schedule or directly control the pump. If your pump requires more than 1 amp, the the small triac in my module would need to drive a larger external triac or relay. I will likely be blogging about the module here in a week or so, although my application for it is a smart thermostat. I guess you could use a clamp-on current sensor to monitor pump current or you could use pressure sensors to monitor status.

    Doug

Children
  • 0 in reply to dougw

    Douglas the Lack of an RTC  would be a pain and I for one have used GPS just for the RTC function however if you

    go for WIFI especially if the device is quite intelligent I would suggest saving the money and using  NTP protocol to set the time maybe even from your local router if  it supports it or more programatically have the GUI control app have the functionality to push the time to the dumb device or have it capable of polling the tablet

  • 0 in reply to dougw

    Thanks Doug! This is just the direction and support I was looking for. My pump is 1 amp so that is good. I have a steep learning curve with relays (no experience at all) but necessity is the mother of invention. I will be looking for your blog and review the tutorials. more to come. (haven't forgotten about the picture just too busy fixing the pool connections. pvc, latex gloves and purple primer, yum! image)