Author Topic: Broadlink pro with RF (Read 20079 times)

MrWolf · « **on:** March 27, 2015, 05:12:23 PM »

Anyone seen these yet? Anyone had a play with them?...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Broadlink-RM-Pro-Intelligent-Automation-Black/dp/B00LWO7GM8

I've literally just received mine but haven't taken it out the box yet. Has anyone looked at whether it could be controlled by Vox? It claims it can control IR and RF and can do 433MHz & 315 Mhz frequencies!

It's ridiculously cheap so seems like a really good thing for the community if we could get Vox working with it. I have no idea what protocol it uses

What do you guys reckon?

There are a couple documents and SDK's here but totally beyond my comprehension...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B65vYtefY0h2d1NZbEtCUFgwc2hCeHNXMnFmOEdRU1VrcUl3/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B65vYtefY0h2aE1LdWF5RG9sX00/view?usp=sharing

Thanks,

-P

jitterjames · « **Reply #1 on:** March 27, 2015, 06:14:53 PM »

It should be possible but it doesn't look like it will be easy. Their SDKs appear to be (currently) only for iOs and Android which is most unfortunate.

Haddood · « **Reply #2 on:** March 27, 2015, 06:27:11 PM »

I have been watching those for a while ... I tried to find if anybody was able to control them from PC .. but couldn't find anything
if you figure a way to use it with VC, please let us know ... it will save me building my own with arduino

MrWolf · « **Reply #3 on:** March 28, 2015, 08:21:23 AM »

James, Is is a project you'd consider or is it just too ugly until they release a windows SDK?

My brain immediately starts jumping to ugly work arounds because I'm not skilled enough with coding. Maybe something with this:

http://www.andyroid.net/

?

-P

xxx

jitterjames · « **Reply #4 on:** March 28, 2015, 09:53:50 AM »

I don't actually know what project you are talking about but my guess is that I'm not interested.

MrWolf · « **Reply #5 on:** March 29, 2015, 05:39:45 AM »

I am of course talking about the project where my British charm convinces you to give up hour after hour of your valuable time to butcher the Broadlink device into being controlled with Vox commando

No worries bud, I know it's yet another big ask from the idiot from across the pond.

Does anyone have any recommendations on which way to go? I'm thinking two possibilities, both of which I would need to go do some learning!...

1. Robo browser controlling BlueStacks
2. Vox commando -> Eventghost on PC -> Eventghost on Phone -> Tasker -> Broadlink

Does anyone have any other suggestions? If not, which of the above do you think I should pursue?

Thanks as always,

-P

xxx

Kalle · « **Reply #6 on:** March 29, 2015, 11:06:06 AM »

You can use Wireshark to sniff the Wirless communication between the devices to see how the format of the command looks like. Maybe than it is possible using the scrape action in VC to send a command to the Broadlink.
It looks like this device works similar the HALx - only an idea

Haddood · « **Reply #7 on:** June 17, 2015, 08:16:30 PM »

anyone with android programming experience who can take a look at this thread http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php/topic,27643.30.html
the SDK offer an android example app ... i think that can be ported to something that can be used with vox commando

Vahe · « **Reply #8 on:** July 08, 2015, 01:56:16 PM »

Here, this guy has a solution. But its an ugly solution: requires an android device (a cheap set-top box) with e-control, as a bridge, and then his software will control the android device to control RM PRO. Kind of, too complicated, therefore not too reliable.

I can see two approaches to this:

1. To use wireshark, as it was suggested, to analyze the packets sent to RM Pro and, based on this, to write a PC software that will send such packets.
Cons: may require quite a lot of time and effort

2. To build an Arduino-based device with the same functionality as RM-pro. This can be even cheaper than RM Pro and, using ready-made libraries for RC-2 and 433MHz RF modules, might require even less effort than method #1.
Cons: This will only be controllable from PC or from any browser, there will be no native application for iOS/Android, unless someone is willing to develop one.

I feel more inclined and interested in method #2, but I am not sure I will find time in the near future

nime5ter · « **Reply #9 on:** July 08, 2015, 02:07:54 PM »

Quote from: vahegan on July 08, 2015, 01:56:16 PM

I feel more inclined and interested in method #2, but I am not sure I will find time in the near future

Welcome to the forum.

I'm not sure if you've been following Dave and Kalle's progress developing an Arduino RF/IR blaster integrated to work with VoxCommando via an Arduino gateway/bridge. http://voxcommando.com/forum/index.php?topic=1921.msg19356#msg19356

... In terms of working with an Android device, I guess it depends what you mean. The VoxWav Android app allows both voice and touch control of VoxCommando commands, so in that sense one would have Android control over RF and IR.

This is totally outside of my wheelhouse, though, so I'll let others more familiar with this work chime in now.

Vahe · « **Reply #10 on:** July 08, 2015, 06:41:53 PM »

Quote from: nime5ter on July 08, 2015, 02:07:54 PM

I'm not sure if you've been following Dave and Kalle's progress developing an Arduino RF/IR blaster integrated to work with VoxCommando via an Arduino gateway/bridge. http://voxcommando.com/forum/index.php?topic=1921.msg19356#msg19356

Yeah, thanks for pointing me there, this looks similar to what I had in mind. I was also thinking that the arduino-based IR/RF control unit could be hooked up to WiFi (using cheap esp8266 modules), so that not only the PC with VoxCommando, but also other control servers on the network can send commands to it.

Quote

... In terms of working with an Android device, I guess it depends what you mean. The VoxWav Android app allows both voice and touch control of VoxCommando commands, so in that sense one would have Android control over RF and IR.

Well, I am using iOS-based gadgets therefore I am afraid this app is of no use to me. I was only considering to buy an android device solely as a bridge between the PC and RM Pro, but as I said, I believe this to be an ugly solution having to send all the commands through a java-based device.

Dave · « **Reply #11 on:** July 09, 2015, 02:48:42 AM »

Hi Vahegan,

in terms of touch control of VC with an iPhone you could probably use the TCP-Plugin:
http://voxcommando.com/mediawiki/index.php?title=Plugin_TCP#WebServer

Quote from: vahegan on July 08, 2015, 06:41:53 PM

I was also thinking that the arduino-based IR/RF control unit could be hooked up to WiFi (using cheap esp8266 modules), so that not only the PC with VoxCommando, but also other control servers on the network can send commands to it.

We already have some of those modules here and Kalle is probably going to start tinkering with it today. I really hope we can come up with a wifi based version

Haddood · « **Reply #12 on:** July 09, 2015, 05:12:24 AM »

Quote from: Dave on July 09, 2015, 02:48:42 AM

in terms of touch control of VC with an iPhone you could probably use the TCP-Plugin:
http://voxcommando.com/mediawiki/index.php?title=Plugin_TCP#WebServer

@dave, I think Vahegan meant control the blaster directly through wifi from iOS.. so the missing part is iPhone app ... on a second thought, your idea would work, from iOS to VC through web api..and VC to blaster ... not very elegant ... but works. on a third thought

that means a udp server on arduino (not sure how practical that with memory limitation) can receive calls directly from iOS

Haddood · « **Reply #13 on:** July 10, 2015, 05:08:04 AM »

I am just thinking the fourth thought

.. what if we have a webpage residing on TCP plugin server, that is designed for iphone interface and has control of the IR-blaster through VC?

Simeon Tuitt · « **Reply #14 on:** July 10, 2015, 10:33:21 AM »

Hey Guys, this may just be what the programmers on here have been looking for to control the Broadlink RM pro from a computer, most of this is all alien to me since I am not a programmer, but from what I can tell, this Bridge to the RM Pro which consists of an Android App and a Windows program which learns the codes from the Broadlink should allow someone to make a plugin that connects it to vox and gives us access to the broadlink by voice commands.

So programmers, take a peak and let me know if you can see a way forward for broadlink being controlled by vox now.

UPDATE: Sorry James I missed the link since it was hyperlinked wording.

UPDATE 2 July 13th: Well it is entirely possible to control the Broadlink RM Pro and Broadlink RM Home with Vox, after days and sleepless nights trying to work it out I finally got my head around how to do it, it turns out @Vahe post « Reply #8 on: July 08, 2015, 01:56:16 PM » had the answer and if anyone had ran with it, it would of worked fine as a means of controlling the Broadlink with Vox.

Above is a demo video of me using vox to control the Broadlink, you'll have to excuse the delay between commands and them being actioned, I am having Broadband issues and my net keeps hanging.

When the internet is working properly the commands are pretty much instant from vox to the Broadlink, I've got some more testing to do but will keep you all updated.

jitterjames · « **Reply #15 on:** July 10, 2015, 10:39:02 AM »

That is the same link as posted above:

http://voxcommando.com/forum/index.php?topic=2090.msg19552#msg19552

Vahe · « **Reply #16 on:** July 10, 2015, 04:17:39 PM »

Quote from: Dave on July 09, 2015, 02:48:42 AM

We already have some of those modules here and Kalle is probably going to start tinkering with it today. I really hope we can come up with a wifi based version

Hi Dave, that is cool to hear. So we are thinking in the same way, but I am only thinking yet, and you are already doing this!

Quote from: Haddood on July 09, 2015, 05:12:24 AM

@dave, I think Vahegan meant control the blaster directly through wifi from iOS.. so the missing part is iPhone app ... on a second thought, your idea would work, from iOS to VC through web api..and VC to blaster ... not very elegant ... but works. on a third thought that means a udp server on arduino (not sure how practical that with memory limitation) can receive calls directly from iOS

Yeah, that's what I meant. And writing an iOS app is not an easy thing, need to register with Apple (they charge $200/year if I am not wrong) and write the code on a mac. And I think they need to approve that application, or otherwise it cannot be installed on an unjailbroken device (unless it is registered with a developer account). This is one big con against going the arduino way. Of course we can have a web server on the arduino and control the blaster from a browser on the phone (is this what you meant in your earlier post, Haddood?), but that's not going to be too convenient, I am afraid. As for memory limitation on an Arduino - I don't think that's going to be a problem. It doesn't have to be the nanos, we can use Mega2560 or even DUE, should we need to. Chinese clones are very cheap now, you can get a DUE for as little as $15 on Aliexpress. But I still believe that operating the controls by web interface on a gadget is very inconvenient: screen resolutions are different depending on the gadget, and on some screens the interface will be too small, on others you will have to scroll to access all buttons. Also, you will not be able to move any sliders by sliding, only by tapping. A native application is way more convenient for such things.

One more way is the Orvibo Allone, which is basically the same thing as Broadlink RM Pro. Officially, they don't have a PC application as well, but some people hacked it for use with Blocks Ninja. And then, this other guy used their hack and after some work with wireshark was able to write a PC software to control Orvibo. So we can use Orvibo (it is even slightly cheaper than RM Pro, but lacks the 315MHz interface - no big deal). In the mean time, am almost sure that RM Pro is using the same approach to software so I think that, after some playing with wireshark, this guy's software can be modified to work with RM Pro.

jitterjames · « **Reply #17 on:** July 10, 2015, 04:41:49 PM »

You can always use something like iRule for the interface on iOs and/or Android. If you do that then you have the option to either talk to an Arduino directly (if it is LAN enabled) or through something like VoxCommando. Personally I think it makes more sense to do it through VoxCommando but only if you are already committed to have a PC running all the time (or at least all the time you are home and awake).

The only drawback is that iRule is a bit overpriced (IMO) and kind of unpleasant to work with. But the possibilities with it are quite good. There are other options than iRule too, and probably some decent free ones.

As it is now, you can create a pretty good web based interface that runs on VoxCommando's simple web server which is part of the TCP plugin. I think maybe this is what Haddood was referring to. With that you can do pretty much anything you want, but you need to be willing to put in the time to make the web pages. You could probably come up with a responsive design that would adapt to different screen sizes. The nice thing is that executing macros in VC is very easy using this method.

Vahe · « **Reply #18 on:** July 10, 2015, 06:01:32 PM »

Quote from: jitterjames on July 10, 2015, 04:41:49 PM

Personally I think it makes more sense to do it through VoxCommando but only if you are already committed to have a PC running all the time (or at least all the time you are home and awake).

Well, VC runs on Windows and I personally wouldn't like to trust this operating system too much.

As I see the home automation system concept, there must be a central server which will execute the commands, take control decisions based on the information from various sensors and human instructions from various interfaces. This must be a very reliable device - it can be either a PC running linux/unix, or a state-machine microcontroller device.

Then, the control interfaces for the server - these can be based on different platforms. A windows PC with VC (in my case, this is Pipo X7 - a small and inexpensive box running Windows 8.1) - specifically for voice control. Other interfaces could be mobile phones (especially good when voice control is out of reach), tablets, PCs, or any other smart devices communicating with the server. The server, in turn can control various devices by either sending to them commands directly via the network, or through a bridge device similar to RM Pro/Orvibo or an Arduino device with the same functionality.

Quote from: jitterjames on July 10, 2015, 04:41:49 PM

The only drawback is that iRule is a bit overpriced (IMO) and kind of unpleasant to work with. But the possibilities with it are quite good. There are other options than iRule too, and probably some decent free ones.

Thank you, I need to read some more about this. Looks quite good, although the builder part is indeed a little bit overpriced. But can invest in this, if it will do the job.

Haddood · « **Reply #19 on:** July 11, 2015, 01:43:16 AM »

Quote from: jitterjames on July 10, 2015, 04:41:49 PM

As it is now, you can create a pretty good web based interface that runs on VoxCommando's simple web server which is part of the TCP plugin. I think maybe this is what Haddood was referring to. With that you can do pretty much anything you want, but you need to be willing to put in the time to make the web pages. You could probably come up with a responsive design that would adapt to different screen sizes. The nice thing is that executing macros in VC is very easy using this method.

That is exactly what I meant

... I just went back and fixed a bit my post... Man, those posts I make at 5am are hard to decode !!!!! I did not understand me !!!

@Vahegan: without getting into the war of Linux vs windows, I tend to disagree... Windows Power corporates of 1000s of PCs ... Data centres ...etc. That sound pretty reliable to me ... On a personal level, I am running VC on Windows 7 installed on a Mac mini 2006 ... They only down time is to install updates ... 24/24 7/7 ... And is very very reliable... I always say that windows is as good as the hardware it runs on.
Anway that does not means that Linux is any less in reliability ...

As for interface ... Many apps since iPhone 3 are merely webpages ... Well designed ....
Another solution I am using and is magical ... Paythonista. You can make great interfaces easily. As well it gives iOS means to communicate with VC ... The only downside ... One have to open pythonista then load the desired "app" ... Couldn't find a way to make direct shortcuts

I have been following Orvibo before I discovered broadlink... They are pretty much the same ... But it would be a shame to loose RF ... Lots of window coverings & LED lighting use RF ...

Vahe · « **Reply #20 on:** July 11, 2015, 06:24:45 PM »

Quote from: Haddood on July 11, 2015, 01:43:16 AM

@Vahegan: without getting into the war of Linux vs windows, I tend to disagree... Windows Power corporates of 1000s of PCs ... Data centres ...etc. That sound pretty reliable to me ... On a personal level, I am running VC on Windows 7 installed on a Mac mini 2006 ... They only down time is to install updates ... 24/24 7/7 ... And is very very reliable... I always say that windows is as good as the hardware it runs on.

Well, not willing to engage in war either, and this is a little offtopick, but, I was a PC user from DOS times. I went through all the versions, including the most stable NT4, and through up to Win7 (also not bad), and then switched to MacOS. I am now running MacOS on windows PCs - exactly the contrary to what you are doing. And, using the same hardware, I had to restart Windows once every few days, whereas on MacOS I can go without a restart for months. Even now, if something goes wrong, its usually the few windows applications running on a virtual machine...

Quote

As for interface ... Many apps since iPhone 3 are merely webpages ... Well designed ....
Another solution I am using and is magical ... Pythonista. You can make great interfaces easily. As well it gives iOS means to communicate with VC ... The only downside ... One have to open pythonista then load the desired "app" ... Couldn't find a way to make direct shortcuts

As for web - you can't use sliders on a touch screen as they are intuitively meant for, you can only tap on them - this is enough of a downside to forget the web interface for any controls other that those used once in a month...

Pythonista - I assume, this is Python programming on iOS. Don't know how reliable it is going to be. Needs to give it a try...

Quote

I have been following Orvibo before I discovered broadlink... They are pretty much the same ... But it would be a shame to loose RF ... Lots of window coverings & LED lighting use RF ...

Well, it does have 433MHz, its only missing 315MHz transmitter. Frankly, I don't know which devices use this frequency. I am concerned with using my Livolo switches, which are 433MHz. They also have curtain switches, BTW.
And, both Orvibo and Broadlink lack the 2.4GHz control - most of LED lights are now using this frequency. This is yet another reason to make an arduino-based remote controller device...

jitterjames · « **Reply #21 on:** July 11, 2015, 06:33:29 PM »

Many devices in North America use 315 MHz. I think X10 uses 310MHz for some reason. If you are in Europe you probably won't need 315 MHz because it is not allowed AFAIK.

I'm not sure about 2.4 GHz I've never tried to do anything with it on Arduino.

Vahe · « **Reply #22 on:** July 11, 2015, 06:43:47 PM »

Quote from: jitterjames on July 11, 2015, 06:33:29 PM

Many devices in North America use 315 MHz. I think X10 uses 310MHz for some reason. If you are in Europe you probably won't need 315 MHz because it is not allowed AFAIK.

Yeah I think this explains why I have never seen any 315MHz device.

Quote

I'm not sure about 2.4 GHz I've never tried to do anything with it on Arduino.

I don't know what kind of 2.4GHz protocol are using these lights. I ordered one such ceiling light from China but it hasn't arrived yet. When it comes, I'll tear down the driver to try to find out what it uses. The one 2.4GHz product I know which is actively used on Arduinos is the NRF24L01 module. They are very cheap and I suspect these lights might be using it. Otherwise, there is another option to buy an extra remote controller, tear it down and "push" its buttons by an Arduino...

Simeon Tuitt · « **Reply #23 on:** July 13, 2015, 04:50:38 PM »

Quote from: jitterjames on July 10, 2015, 10:39:02 AM

That is the same link as posted above:

http://voxcommando.com/forum/index.php?topic=2090.msg19552#msg19552

Hi James, that original post and link always contained the answer to allowing vox to work with Broadlink, someone just needed to test out what was there.

It is entirely possible to control the Broadlink RM Pro and Broadlink RM Home with Vox, after days and sleepless nights trying to work it out I finally got my head around how to do it, it turns out @Vahe post « Reply #8 on: July 08, 2015, 01:56:16 PM » had the answer all along and if anyone had ran with it, it would of worked fine as a means of controlling the Broadlink with Vox.

So now cheap RF and Infrared control are possible using the Broadlink, I will be doing some more testing with it but going to need you guys input shortly since I want to somehow integrate it with the IR remote learn code function you and Kalle show on a video to just use voice commands to set the learn code mode.

Above is a demo video of me using vox to control the Broadlink, you'll have to excuse the delay between commands and them being actioned, I was having Broadband issues and my net kept hanging and disconecting.

When the internet is working properly the commands are pretty much instant from vox to the Broadlink, I've got some more testing to do but will keep you all updated.

UPDATE: The video demo above was using the Broadlink RM Home and the Broadband connection was very sluggish that day, the video below is of the Broadlink RM Pro and was done on a day the Broadband was more normal and you can see vox controlling it through the use of a Bluetooth smart watch.