HOW TO CONTROL A SOCKET OUTLET USING IOT - Part 1

Part 2

In this article, will be showing how to create a home automation system using simple components and hardware. Also, how to create a Printed Circuit Board on DesignSpark PCB for this project.

Home Automation Project Details: In this project, I will be using a Blynk application to send a signal to an Arduino UNO WIFI which will control the relay and switch on/off socket outlet. It’s not necessary to use an Arduino UNO WIFI, as I have, but an Arduino UNO will do just fine too.

Take note that even if you are using Arduino UNO WIFI instead of Arduino UNO, choose the COM port on the Arduino sketch when setting up Blynk make sure to set it as Arduino UNO.

What is Blynk?

• Blynk is a platform that runs iOS and Android apps to control Arduino, Raspberry Pi and the likes over the internet.
• Blynk has a digital dashboard where users can build multiples graphic interfaces for projects by simply dragging and dropping widgets.
• Blynk is not tied to some specific board or shield. Instead, it supports the hardware user’s choice whether it’s Arduinos or Raspberry Pi. I will be using Ethernet or ESP8266 chip. Blynk will get users online and ready for Internet Of Your Things.

To start with this project, visit the link below on how to use and install Blynk.

http://www.blynk.cc/getting-started/

Hardware/Software & Components needed:

• Arduino UNO WIFI or Arduino UNO
• USB cable for connection between computers & Arduino UNO WIFI or Arduino UNO
• Download Arduino Software
• Download the most recent Blynk Library.
• Download ESP Blynk Arduino Library.
• Download Blynk app onto your phones & signup an account.
• ESP8266
• Relay
• Switch Socket Outlet from any hardware stores

Below is my step by step tutorial.

Hardware Setup

If you have not signed up for a Blynk account, visit the link below.

http://www.blynk.cc/getting-started/

After setting up an account. You should be able to see your blank Dashboard.

Create New Project                                     Name the project. Choose a device such as                                                                                “Arduino UNO”.Choose Connection Type “WIFI”

Click on the Nut icon to go to the setting.                  Click under “Device” 

                        Click “My device”.                       

Click “AUTH TOKEN” and it will copy to “Clipboard”.

By pressing anywhere on the dashboard will take you to the Widget Box, and that’s where I will add my widgets.

Add a button and name it “Relay”, Set the mode as “Switch”. And set the Output to “V1”. Or any Virtual Output you like.

Add a value display and name it “Current Value” and made it as input “A0”. Or any Analog input you like.

HOW TO CONTROL SOCKET OUTLET USING “IOT”-Part2