Best USB or Bluetooth Switch Modules for Android-Controlled Light Project

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#1 21663652 08 Sep 2012 10:52

Ann Lee Watson Ann Lee Watson

Anonymous

Post #1
21663652 08 Sep 2012 10:52

Hi dear pals! I would like to share an idea I would be working soon,

The system consists in an Android App which you can click "play" and turn on the light or "stop" to turn off.

The thing is [B]which components would you use in "A"? [/B]

is there any easy commercial switcher for "A" (usb or bluetooth)?

Thanks in advance!
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#2 21663653 09 Sep 2012 01:12

Pieter Kruger Pieter Kruger

Anonymous

Post #2
21663653 09 Sep 2012 01:12

Interesting. Depending on your experience, it could be quite challenging.

For starters, you could look at something like this:
http://au.element14.com/microchip/dm240415/kit-development-starter-android/dp/190198001
Use it to receive the command from Android and switch the light via a relay.

A more generic solution would be an embedded webserver connected to a wireless network. You browse to the
units IP address from your browser on the Android device and switch the light via the website. The nice thing about
this solution is there is no cable to the Android device, and you could switch the light from any device on the network, i.e. PC, iPad, other Wifi enabled phone etc.

I did a similar project with a Rabbit Semiconductor webserver, to open/close the garage door, give ambient temperature, read status of other inputs etc. A lot of fun.

Have fun!
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#3 21663654 09 Sep 2012 02:34

Ann Lee Watson Ann Lee Watson

Anonymous

Post #3
21663654 09 Sep 2012 02:34

Thanks for the reply,

I am I.T. engineer (not an expert in electronics) :)

In the beginning I wanted to have "Android + USB relay controller" but seems what I need is "Android + microcontroller + relay"

Your microcontroller board looks nice but the "IOIO" seems smaller, more cute, cheaper and more fun https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10585

Finally I think "A" would be: IOIO board + 230v/16Amp relay + connector

do you think this is a good solution?
#4 21663655 10 Sep 2012 01:04

Pieter Kruger Pieter Kruger

Anonymous

Post #4
21663655 10 Sep 2012 01:04

I have not used this board myself, but it looks very handy. Keep the following in mind:

1. You may need an external power supply since your Android device may not be able to supply
enough current to switch a relay to switch the lamp. (i.e. a 5V or 3.3V supply.)
2. It seems you would have to write the Android app yourself. This can be done with the software
development kit being freely available, but is a little learning curve. :o)
3. You would have to drive the relay via a transistor, don't connect it directly to the IOIO board.

Finally I think “A” would be: IOIO board + 230v/16Amp relay + connector

Seems correct, assuming your Android device can supply enough current to drive the relay (via a transistor). The relay should have 5V-6V coil voltage and a 230V/16A contact rating. (Obviously the 230V end is the dangerous bit and you have to be very careful with that.)
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#5 21663656 10 Sep 2012 01:28

Ann Lee Watson Ann Lee Watson

Anonymous

Post #5
21663656 10 Sep 2012 01:28

Thanks Pieter part of the considerations you said have in mind,

what I guess I gotta do is:

IOIO board + its 2 pins of power supply + MOSFET for -> 230v/16A relay + 230v/16A connector + $5 mini usb bluetooth + one of the tested mobile devices (preferly under 100 Eur "Samsung Galaxy Y" or "HTC Desire S") + protective cover against water and dirt (its a buried outdoor device)

Total cost of the system: around 200 Eurs :D

Two issues:

1º) I doubt a $5 mini usb bluetooth connector is fiable enough to work 24/7/365

2º) Would be needed a fan to keep it "fresh" even when its a buried device?

I will be carefull with the 230V thanks fot the advices
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#6 21663657 11 Sep 2012 21:10

Pieter Kruger Pieter Kruger

Anonymous

Post #6
21663657 11 Sep 2012 21:10

In your last post you mentioned:

Two issues:

1º) I doubt a $5 mini usb bluetooth connector is fiable enough to work 24/7/365
2º) Would be needed a fan to keep it “fresh” even when its a buried device?

What is the mini USB bluetooth connector you are referring to? If this is not going to be plugged in and removed several times a day, what is the problem with it?

What do you mean by 2)? Since the device will not be dissipating a lot of power, heat should not be a problem even
if it is enclosed and burried. No fan required.

What is your application for this?
#7 21663658 12 Sep 2012 00:57

Ann Lee Watson Ann Lee Watson

Anonymous

Post #7
21663658 12 Sep 2012 00:57

Thanks again Pieter, IOIO v2 is gonna be launched soon,

the thing its gonna be a prototype meant to work the whole year, I mean

1º) unwired plugs are always less reliable as wired, and the $5 one would heat a lot and break since its meant to work as industrial design the whole year, but aint found documentation about this supposed issue

2º) You may be right, but in South Spain even when its buried we reach more than 40ºC so should consider which kind of protective cover fits better also ;)

Have a nice day!
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Topic summary

The discussion focuses on selecting suitable switch modules for an Android-controlled light project. The proposed system involves an Android app sending commands to a relay to control a 230V/16A light. Recommended solutions include using a microcontroller board such as the IOIO board combined with a relay and appropriate connectors. Key considerations include the need for an external power supply to drive the relay via a transistor or MOSFET, as the Android device alone may not supply sufficient current. Bluetooth connectivity via a mini USB adapter was considered but raised concerns about reliability for continuous operation. Thermal management was discussed, with the conclusion that a fan is likely unnecessary even for buried outdoor installations, though protective casing suitable for high ambient temperatures (e.g., 40°C in southern Spain) is advised. Alternatives like embedded webservers with Wi-Fi control were also mentioned for more generic, cable-free operation. The IOIO board was favored for its size, cost, and ease of use, with the upcoming IOIO v2 noted. The total estimated system cost is around 200 Euros, including the Android device (e.g., Samsung Galaxy Y or HTC Desire S), relay, IOIO board, and Bluetooth adapter.
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Best USB or Bluetooth Switch Modules for Android-Controlled Light Project

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