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WiFi controlled outlets

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  • There's some info posted on the FCC website: https://fccid.io/pdf.php?id=2659058

    The manual includes pinout, and how to enter UART download mode/ flash boot mode.
  • danimal4326, that FCC document has an incorrect pinout and as I showed by actually reflashing one of them, all you have to do is short GPIO0 to ground to do that. See my post at the top of page 2.
  • NashCatNashCat Posts: 1
    edited 2016-01-31 16:38

    Therefore I must conclude that the outlet has memory and a clock. The timer settings were stored and activated properly even thought the WiFi was not available.

    It is more sophisticated than I suspected.

    I have discovered something about the app itself. It looks like it has maybe some kind of DB in it (sqllite?) that stores the list of ZIP codes/time zones, timers and ect? So my best guess is that it calls out to the app every so often on one port to check the time and if any changes in timer states and the like...

  • tonyp12tonyp12 Posts: 1,950
    edited 2016-01-31 17:30
    If you lucky and can find it Sears have INSTEON starterkit with hub (Ethernet/wifi) and two dimmable outlets for $48
    I got the Assurance kit for $89 ($69 after free SYW surprise points) that's is even a better value.

    And anyone with a company name can sign up to create INSTEON hardware, it uses general 915mhz fsk radio system (optional house wiring as backup transmission)
  • For those looking to open up the Wi-Fi switch and re-purpose it, then this ITEAD Studio device may be of interest. $4.85 during their Happy Chinese Monkey Year sale. Of particular interest is that the website has dimensional drawings and a link to the schematic.
  • Hi,

    I got 5 of these from http://www.walmart.com/ip/Generic-CT-065W-WorkChoice-1-Ol-Wi-Fi-Indoor-Switch-White/46721978.
    Following instruction from here and http://imgur.com/a/yTNaB, I was able to flash it with nodemcu firmware :) THANK you.

    I noticed a couple of difference:
    1- No reset button (there is a placeholder for the button, but no button )
    2- the one from walmart can monitor energy consumption. so U2 is populated (the numbers are erased from the chip, so I could not find what chip they were using :(

    Does anyone know how to get the power consumption data from the board ( or esp8266) ?
    Also, I could not figure out what pin is used for the wifi led. ( tried gpio1 - 12) and no luck. does anyone know how to control the wifi led?
    cheers,
    /N
  • Of note, Home Depot now has the Eco Plugs CT-065W on clearance for $7.44. I picked up 4 at my local HD in Durham, NC and other stores in the Triangle region show stock levels from 2 to 18. It also shows as available for shipping.

    http://www.homedepot.com/p/15-Amp-Wi-Fi-Adapter-Single-Outlet-White-CT-065W/206948864
  • Thanks for your work on re-flashing an EcoPlug. After I bought some WorkChoice WiFI Outlets from Walmart recently, I experienced difficulties with re-programming the currently available ECOPlug version of ESP8266. I had trouble making the wiring connections & with getting an upload to work. The current version is constructed differently from what is previously pictured & seems to enter flash mode somewhat differently. From my experience, successful uploading needs one more connection on the ECOPlug's ESP8266 board. Adding a large capacitor can help. I also worked out a programming jig to avoid the difficult soldering to the board's pads & to avoid cramming wires into a crowded case. See this thread for documentation > http://homeautomation.proboards.com/thread/255/solved-flashing-lastest-esp8266-ecoplug
  • Nice work, PapaB. I still have six of the old style plugs waiting to be used but it's nice to know the work continues on the newer versions.
  • i have a eco wifi plug having trouble getting timers set
  • I say you just get a propeller board+Wifi and solder in banks of relays. Give each relay it's own outlet.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,244
    I've been seeing lots of Amazon pop up ads the last few days for these wifi outlets, 4 for $30. A decent deal, but what can you really control with them besides lamps? Ad says 10A rating, mentions electric hot water heater and AC. I have neither. And why do I want to remotely turn off my hot water heater, exactly?

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B3Q352Y/ref=asc_df_B07B3Q352Y5492181
  • Take a look at the Hack A day write up on this subject. Suffice to say the commentors are not thrilled about the whole idea.
  • kwinnkwinn Posts: 8,697
    erco wrote: »
    I've been seeing lots of Amazon pop up ads the last few days for these wifi outlets, 4 for $30. A decent deal, but what can you really control with them besides lamps? Ad says 10A rating, mentions electric hot water heater and AC. I have neither. And why do I want to remotely turn off my hot water heater, exactly?

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B3Q352Y/ref=asc_df_B07B3Q352Y5492181

    Might be useful for a vacation property that you shut down for part of a year, or a workshop where turning on one piece of equipment automatically turns on others (ie turn on table saw or router or.... and the dust collector comes on). Of course that needs sensors, power switches, and a control system. That's where the Propeller comes in ;-)
  • erco wrote: »
    I've been seeing lots of Amazon pop up ads the last few days for these wifi outlets, 4 for $30. A decent deal, but what can you really control with them besides lamps? Ad says 10A rating, mentions electric hot water heater and AC. I have neither. And why do I want to remotely turn off my hot water heater, exactly?

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B3Q352Y/ref=asc_df_B07B3Q352Y5492181

    You talked me into it. WiFi outlet stress testing time!
  • The WiFi outlet placed medium range to the access point averages 0.8W. The average USA cost of power is $0.12 per KWH.

    That's around $8/yr per outlet.
  • pjvpjv Posts: 1,903
    Ooooops... I believe that calculates to $0.85 per year.

    Cheers
    Peter (pjv)
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,244
    pjv wrote: »
    Ooooops... I believe that calculates to $0.85 per year.

    Cheers
    Peter (pjv)

    I concur, Doctor. What a difference a DP makes!

    I've been using a 32" TV for a monitor lately. The $5.25 energy guide "annual energy cost" makes me chuckle. So low it's negligible. Let's see.. my choices are a burger... or TV all year long.

    TVpower.jpg
    1024 x 768 - 199K
  • xanaduxanadu Posts: 3,347
    edited 2018-05-31 14:54
    I thought that seemed a little high lol. I measured running it overnight and recalculated to $1.05/yr.
  • Hello!
    YOWL!
    Sorry that was one of my other cats typing on the keyboard.
    Did anyone bother to visit Hack A Day concerning the WiFi enabled outlet issues?
    Here: https://hackaday.com/2018/05/29/smart-plugs-dont-save-you-energy-but-dont-consume-much-either/

    It's all in there.
  • READ!? Then I wouldn't be able to screw up simple calculations :smiley:
  • xanadu wrote: »
    READ!? Then I wouldn't be able to screw up simple calculations :smiley:

    Hello!
    Yes. That article contains meaningful examples, besides the usual stupid comments. Remember this is the same blog who attempted to understand the BASIC Stamp, and became too much for them. It took three from here to sort things out, including me.

    So... ULLF!.. (Sorry one of my other cats got involved here,) did you read it?
  • I did read it. I was hoping for a part number for the relay inside and a video of magic smoke being released. I can handle that part on my own. Unfortunately I have little time to break stuff these days.
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