wifi controlled relay with scheduler not phoning home to a server in China?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: BlackICE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2023, 04:45:05 am
content: I'm searching for a wifi controlled relay with scheduler that I can turn on and off manually, or based on a schedule. All of the ones that I have found are controlled by web servers hosted in China which from a security viewpoint is far from ideal. Are there any hosted by a US company with servers in the US, or self hosted with something I can put on a linux box preferably a docker image?

author: Mr.B
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 05, 2023, 05:00:18 am
content: I run a Raspberry Pi running *Home Assistant* for all of my home automation.This allows me to schedule such things as lights and power for various appliances, and also manual control from my cell phone.Buy a device that runs on *Tuya*.Yes, I know, Tuya connects to a backend server in China...However, it is very easy to reflash the devices to talk directly to your Raspberry Pi and not the server in China.Google: Tuya ConvertYou appear to be Linux friendly, so you will find it pretty easy.And go to the *Home Assistant* website for loads of useful information.

author: Shonky
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2023, 05:02:06 am
content: Anything that can run Tasmota can do what you want with self contained timers ie no server needed. But has all local WiFi control too.https://tasmota.github.io/docs/Timers/A ESP32 based device could do.If you're looking for something pre built switching mains be aware a lot of the newer stuff is not Tasmota compatible.

author: BlackICE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2023, 05:10:22 am
content: My immediate need is to only switch low current contact on or off. No mains power. I have programed ESP32 but would rather buy one if available for a low cost. Not really a linux person, but well versed in computers and networking in general. I know what I want to do but lack the knowledge of what linux command to use. Chatgpt helps a lot in that area.

author: darkspr1te
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2023, 05:13:10 am
content: I use HomeAssistant and then buy specific tuya smart devices with either a esp32 or Bk based wifi chipset, then i can use openbk firmware or esphome firmware and there is no phone home.for openbk devices seehttps://www.elektroda.com/rtvforum/forum390.htmlThe forum has guides on flashing, some devices can be flashed via the CloudCutter tool but most others require the BK device to be opened and soldering required to flash. i would read the guides before choosing a device so you already know whats needed to flash (often a serial adapter at ttl voltages 5v or 3.3v) , these devices seem to be more common now and more diverse than the esp32 based products in terms of gimmicks eg. colour lcd's .for esp32 based and homeassitant ,https://community.home-assistant.io/Theres a lot more standalone products aimed at industry controlling with reliability in mind using the esp32 so expect these devices to have some extra features if you buy industrial control types and often have modbus over tcp/ip so adding to Homeassitant is super easy as writing a few lines in a xml file. My local siemens industry controls showroom has some very nice built switching systems but the price is high, nothing there is less than $300 and only a few pump controllers have lcd's the rest are just a few leds for status and the rest is done via the server. I gotta admit that the siemens unit replacement system is really good, if you have a few units in a control panel and one goes down when you replace the old one you can press and hold it's reset button to start the reset and connect routine and then on any other unit in the control panel you just press the reset once briefly and it will pair the new unit in place to the wifi so no app is needed on install to replace existing unit.there are many types of these devices from Panel mounted with lcd and buttons to panel mount one switch and one bind button then there more astatic units like wall sockets, light switches (modern ones run no neutral so can fit even single wire light switch and work) as well as plug into light sockets types , extension cables types and more.I use the LCD panel mount types a lot around the school I run and a home assistant instance to control schedules which runs on a x86 SBC and ssd.If you are looking for a device that does not require a external server for schedule operation you can use openbk devices which have a basic code interpreter and you can write simple schedules. Not sure about esp32 devices as i personally only have the openbk based one's.darkspr1te

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2023, 06:28:37 am
content: Yeah, buying off the shelf things that have a ESP32/8266 and then reflashing it to open source firmware is pretty common.And the price is usually pretty good. And you can check out the clearance/PCB-safety when you reflash them and improve it if you feel its lacking. Or replace cheap china relays with pin compatible Omron or whatever

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2023, 06:33:11 am
content: The one annoying thing about a home assistant setup is finding really nice wall-plate control panels for around the house.With some LED indicators, dimmer slider, push buttons, maybe a little OLED display for status etc..The electronics isn't that hard but finding something that actually LOOKS nice is almost impossible.And then you need some sort of link to communicate the wall plate back to home assistant.They do exist, but they are way too expensive.If anyone sees any from china based on esp32/8266 that actually look nice and have LEDs,Buttons,Sliders (needs all 3), Let me know!

author: ralphrmartin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2023, 05:33:31 pm
content: I second the Tasmota recommendation. You can find out more about Tasmota here:https://tasmota.github.io/docs/I use Tasmota wifi controlled smart plugs to turn on and off various equipment - you can set various timers, and override them manually. You can even set them to come on and off at sunrise and sunset. While you can convert existing ESP8266 and ESP32 deivces, these guys sell smart plugs with Tasmota already installedhttps://athom.aliexpress.com/store/5790427or just relays if that suits your needs betterhttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006142011237.htmlThe software runs on the ESP8266 itself and you connect over wifi. No need for a server (but you can use MQTT if you want to / need to).

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2023, 05:48:03 pm
content: I have lots of these $3 smart plugs, they run a BK7231N mcu, similar to a esp8266, and the SmartLife app.They can be flashed to OpenBeken and used in Tasmota/HomeAssistant.For $3 is a great deal!But I'm using them as-is. I like risk!