Cellular relay switch and phone app? Any experience?
T Chap
Posts: 4,247
Hello folks.
I want to figure out how to set up a remote controlled solenoid that can be triggered from an app on a phone. The perfect thing would be a trail cam or similar that has a built in relay(contact) that I can press a button on the app and trigger the solenoid to release a door. This is helping a friend out that does nothing but catch lost dogs. He currently has a camera he can see things but no way to trigger the door, and as it is the door is triggered by stepping on a plate on the bottom which means he catches other wild animals too and has to go let them out and reset the door. I want to be able to get a trigger from motion on a phone app and see whats in the cage on cam then if it is the dog he's tracking press a button and a solenoid will let the door close with a spring.
I can't find a camera with a relay built in, I can find some expensive remote cell based relay modules. I thought maybe someone has experience with this. Thanks.
Comments
If one has Alexa or some home automation, seems there are cheap relays you can buy ?
I use Digi Xbee 3 Celluar
Thanks. Does the Xbee allow an easy phone as app ? I’ll get one to test this week.
Haven’t used it in a while. Think the app was for setup. But you can send text messages to and fro to any number. But you need to pay for a sim service, comes with 3 months free. Think I compiled key words on the P1 like #Door open to turn on a relay etc.
I use the Blues network units that come with service based on data used and not a monthly service bill.
I have used it for a year now and still have not paid for service. $50.00 and I was good to go.
They make cameras that can detect pets and people now. I use it around my house to see where my cats are going. The problem is that I sometimes have rabbits, racoons, deer as pets that I am alerted too.
Tapo TP-Link 2K
Mike
I pulled mine out of the box and its still working. Open Xctu, discover modules, update firmware etc.. In settings you'll have to check for the modules phone number, ICCID, IMEI, etc. that's in the config settings. In network SMS. Skip remote go to addressing, put in the destination phone number. Hit the read should you an AT to your phone. Switch to console click plug looking thing top left for close. Write in console log something like Hi, hello etc.. Now write Hi, hello in the send packets, hit the plus + sign write hi in ASII.. Click send single packet.
Go back to settings hit write. Back to console mode write messages and read and write what you send from your phone in the console log.
Fresh out of the box you'll have set it up, you might have to call Xbee etc.
@DigitalBob This looks very interesting! Do you have to pay for cell service to use it?
You'd think so, but not seeing any mention of that in the instructions...
Some examples, Had another Jpeg of the console, but won't load for some reason
When I bought the eval kit it came with 3 free months.
Now, I don't know what the rate is if any
Don't know if this is anything like what you're looking for but...
@DigitalBob Am seeing 3 months free service. Also found some plans for after that. But, there's no pricing to be seen. Looks like you have to contact them to find out...