SmartSwitch

The SmartSwitch is a input device for (local) network components realized with a Spark.io Core1 application.

The switch can be used to submit HTTP requests on the local network. This makes it possible to control a variety of devices. Also we provide a library to control SONOS speakers1.

Also you can use the switch with IFTTT1, refer to our wiki. This enables the switch to control lots of internet enabled devices, refer to IFTTT for a complete list of possibilities.

1we are not associated with Spark, SONOS or IFTTT in any form. We are just two students making their homes a bit smarter

Description

The figure below illustrates the basic concept. The SmartSwitch is connected to the local area network (LAN) through 802.11 wireless LAN (WLAN). It can control devices on the local network such as SONOS speakers or bascially every connected device that can be controlled by HTTP requests. In addition it is possible to connect to IFTTT a popular internet automation platform. This enables the SmartSwitch to trigger a wide range of actions on the internet or even on internet connected devices in your home. It is also possible to make the SmarSwitch to react on events sent to/by IFTTT, eg. new Tweet, Post, E-Mail, Events on social media channels or the weather by switching LEDs on and off or (SmartSwitch mobile only) changing colors. 

Hardware

We created two hardware versions. The SmartSwitch MOBILE, which comes in a custom made laser cut case with four soft buttons and RGB LEDs. The SmartSwitch WALL is basically a modification of a GIRA System 55 compatible actuator usually used in KNX/EIB based home automation installations. 

Images

Functionality

The Button are triggered with single click, double click or holding.

The LEDs can be controled by the Spark.IO Cloud API.

• WS2812B LEDs:
  

• curl https://api.spark.io/v1/devices/<device_id>/ledrgb -d access_token=<access_token> -d "args=<LEDNumber>,<RED Value>,<GREEN Value>,<BLUE Value>"

• curl https://api.spark.io/v1/devices/<device_id>/ledrgball -d access_token=<access_token> -d "args=<LED1_Red>,<LED1_Green>,<LED1_Blue>,<LED2_Red>,<LED2_Green>,<LED2_Blue>,<LED3_Red>,<LED3_Green>,<LED3_Blue>,<LED4_Red>,<LED4_Green>,<LED4_Blue>"

• normal LEDs:

  curl https://api.spark.io/v1/devices/<device_id>/led -d access_token=<access_token>

Configuration

See https://github.com/phhe/spark_smartswitch/wiki/Configuration

IFTTT Integration

See https://github.com/phhe/spark_smartswitch/wiki/IFTTT 

Schematics