It’s now fairly easy to find the hardware to create WiFi or Bluetooth controlled relays, but you usually have to design your own enclosure and Android app, and if you’d like something that’s ready to use out of the box TinySine wireless relays such as TSRB430 (Bluetooth) or TSRW430 (WiFi) might be an interesting option. There;s also a version with USB control.
TSRB430 / TSRB430 / TSRU430 specifications:
- 4x Omron G8P 30A/250VAC | 20A/28VDC relay; SPST-NO (normally open) types.
- Connectivity – XBEE module either:
- Bluetooth Bee module based on CSR BC417143 Bluetooth 2.0 chipset
- Roving Networks WiFi Bee module with 802.11 b/g radio
- USB Bee module with a CP2102 USB to UART chip
- Power Supply – 12V/1A via 2.1mm jack with positive core polarity
- Dimensions – 122mm x 87mm x x 31mm (board)
There are also versions with 2 and 8 relays. I kind of wish they had models taking 220V AC input instead of 12V, as I’ve recently setup a WiFi relay for a water pump with NodeMCU, and I had to use an external power supply making things a little messier than necessary… The case provided is not splash proof either, but at least it can be wall-mounted. This kind of boards are better with some safety certifications such as UL or TUV, but I could not find any references to those on the website.
Android or iOS apps are available as apks (Wifi or Bluetooth) or on the Apple Store, and all let you turn on or off the relay, and the Android apps also allows you to set timers up to 24 hours. The company did not feel it important to release the app source code to let their customer easily modify it however… But at least the commands set to control the XBEE module is provided in the user’s manual, so you could always roll your own, or even exchange the XBEE module with another using your preferred standard. A Windows based “test program” can also be used instead
The modules are probably not quite as cost optimized as they could have been, but still relatively affordable with TSRW430 selling for $79, TSRB430 for $69.00, and TSRU430 for $59.95, with all three models including an enclosure. Shipping is not included and adds about$10 for air mail shipping by Hong Kong post. You can also browse their website as they have many models. Alternatively some TinySine relays are sold on eBay and Amazon US.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
