Home/Office Automation with Arduino + Bluetooth

Ubdate of this article here

This instructable offers a detailed description and implementation of using an Arduino for Home/Office Automation and Efficiency. This project is designed and intended to make life simpler, make things easier for the elderly and handicapped, and to save energy costs. The idea of an office automation system will definitely improve the working standards in the workplace. The fundamental control system uses a Bluetooth module which gives wireless access to smart phones. The appliances controlled depends on what appliances is plugged into the system. The system design will not remove the existing actuating switches, but rather it will be controlled with a low voltage system technique. This system is designed to control electrical devices throughout the home/office. It will be very easy to install, add or change electrical devices connected to the system. The system can also control lights in the home/office based on the natural light. The lights will also be motion activated meaning that the lights will only be on when people are in the area. The system will be easy to use as well as cost effective. The power for this system will be provided by the mains but in future by renewable energy. The renewable energy that will be used in this system is solar power via solar panels.

Parts List

· Arduino Uno

· Breadboard

· Android Cell phone

· Android Application (Google Play Store)

· Jumper wires

· AC-DC power adapter, 9v @0.5a

· Project Case

· Male breakaway headers

· 1 x 10Kohm Potentiometer

· Heat shrink tubing

· HC-05 Bluetooth Module

· Relay Module

Tools Required

· Soldering iron and solder

· Power Supply

· Wire stripper

· Cordless drill and drill bits

· Screwdrivers

· Rotary Tool

· Needle nose pliers

· Hot glue gun and glue sticks

· Masking tape

· Ruler

· Ink Marker

· Hobby Knife

· Computer loaded with the Arduino IDE

Features

4 mechanical relays with status indicator LED

Both “NC” and “NO” ports for each relay

Specifications

Module Type: Control

Weight: 130.00g

Board Size: 9.1 x 7.2 x 2cm

Version: 1

Operation Level: Digital 5V

Power Supply: External 5V

Method of using the relay module

The power source is connected to the input circuit of the relay. When a small current flows in this circuit, the relay will activate its output circuit, allowing a much bigger current to flow which will switch on the electrical appliances. By connecting the power source to the input of the relay and the electrical appliance is required to be active it must be connected to the normally open pin (NO), otherwise it should be connected to the normally closed pin (NC).

Features:

· Epoxy encapsulated

· Small dimensions

· Operating temperature -25°C-+75°C.

Applications:

· Contrast control in TV sets

· Auto flash for cameras

· Room light control

· Electronic toys

· Industrial control

Final Check:

Code: 

/*
Arduino Turn LED On/Off using Serial Commands

It's a simple sketch which waits for a character on serial


and in case of a desirable character, it turns an LED on/off.

Possible string values:
1,2,3,4 (to turn the LED on)
10,20,30,40 (to turn the LED off)
*/

char junk;
String inputString="";

void setup()                    // run once, when the sketch starts
{
 Serial.begin(9600);            // set the baud rate to 9600, same should be of your Serial Monitor
 pinMode(13, OUTPUT);

pinMode(12, OUTPUT);

pinMode(11, OUTPUT);

pinMode(10, OUTPUT);
}

void loop()
{
  if(Serial.available()){
  while(Serial.available())
    {
      char inChar = (char)Serial.read(); //read the input
      inputString += inChar;        //make a string of the characters coming on serial
    }
    Serial.println(inputString);
    while (Serial.available() > 0)  
    { junk = Serial.read() ; }      // clear the serial buffer
    if(inputString == "1"){         //in case of '1' turn the LED on
      digitalWrite(13, HIGH);  
    }else if(inputString == "10"){   //incase of '10' turn the LED off
      digitalWrite(13, LOW);
    }else if(inputString == "2"){         //in case of '2' turn the LED on
      digitalWrite(12, HIGH);  
    }else if(inputString == "20"){   //incase of '20' turn the LED off
      digitalWrite(12, LOW);
    }else if(inputString == "3"){         //in case of '3' turn the LED on
      digitalWrite(11, HIGH);  
    }else if(inputString == "30"){   //incase of '30' turn the LED off
      digitalWrite(11, LOW);
    }else if(inputString == "4"){         //in case of '4' turn the LED on
      digitalWrite(10, HIGH);  
    }else if(inputString == "40"){   //incase of '40' turn the LED off
      digitalWrite(10, LOW);
    }
    inputString = "";
  }
}

Download App here.

Final Shape of this project: