Author Topic: BEAM IR/RF Wifi transceiver (Read 12506 times)

Kalle · « **on:** December 08, 2015, 10:18:54 AM »

We have designed a complete new IR/RF Blaster "Beam Sphere" which works without the mysensor stuff and it is complete autonomous and need no gateway. It works perfect with VoxCommando and also stand alone with any software or app which can send http requests. We can't give you the source code, because it was a lot of work and manpower to create this device, but we will make in the next time (maybe in January) an offer.

The device has at the moment following features:

1. connecting over WiFi to your Network
2. can send IR and RF signals (315/433MHz)
4. has a web user interface
3. can learn IR/RF signals
4. show you all states (like send, learn, error, admin mode) by RGB colors
5. will be powered by an 5V Mirco-USB plug
6. works with VoxCommando.
7. It can also create events in VoxCommando
8. a connector for ext. emitters
9. OTA update (the device firmware can be updated over the air) by selecting a given bin file in the Blaster-UI. This make it easy to bring new features to the device.

Sphere size: 80 mm

and here a short video when the Blaster is waiting to learn a code: https://youtu.be/1xSVZykDmBs

bnikos83 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 08, 2015, 12:44:45 PM »

Dear Kalle,

exactly what i was interested in!
Once they are ready for sale will you keep us informed through this forum?

Thanks once again!!

bnikos83 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 17, 2015, 08:01:10 PM »

Hello Kalle!

Really sorry if i seem a bit impatient but is there any news on the progress of the ir-rf blaster project?

Thanking you for all your work.

Nick

Kalle · « **Reply #3 on:** December 17, 2015, 11:48:16 PM »

A working prototype which looks like exact as above is finished and if you can not really wait, I will to discuss it with Dave and James if it makes sense to send you such a device for testing and only the material costs.

Stay tuned

Kalle

Haddood · « **Reply #4 on:** December 18, 2015, 04:58:22 AM »

I can not wait too ...

seriously if you need some testing ... I can help (though IR only, have no RF stuff yet)

Kalle · « **Reply #5 on:** December 18, 2015, 06:05:37 AM »

Haha, both on my list

bnikos83 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 18, 2015, 09:48:00 AM »

Thank you very much Kalle!!

Will be waiting for your news.

For your reference will be testing the following:

1) Livolo wall switch/dimmer (RF)
2) Electrical projector screen (RF)
3) Telco wireless plug switches (RF)
4) Various other infrared (TV, Projector, Receiver, led lamps)
5) Garage Door (RF)

Can't wait!
Brdgs,
Nick

jitterjames · « **Reply #7 on:** December 18, 2015, 10:00:40 AM »

Quote from: bnikos83 on December 18, 2015, 09:48:00 AM

1) Livolo wall switch/dimmer (RF)
2) Electrical projector screen (RF)
3) Telco wireless plug switches (RF)
4) Various other infrared (TV, Projector, Receiver, led lamps)
5) Garage Door (RF)

3+4 will probably work. Not sure about the rest. Can you check what frequency your various RF devices are operating at?

PegLegTV · « **Reply #8 on:** December 18, 2015, 10:52:39 AM »

this caught my eye as the hp media remote receivers work well but could be better and could look a lot better too, all of mine are IR, so if you need another tester you can add me to the list as well

jitterjames · « **Reply #9 on:** December 18, 2015, 11:08:34 AM »

Just to be clear.

The primary function of these devices is to learn and send IR and RF and not to be used as receivers.

It is actually possible to use it as a receiver too which would generate events in VC, however when we switch to this mode, we can no longer use the device to learn IR or RF due to a bug in the libraries for the nodeMCU. We have also done very little testing in this mode. Almost none really.

So really this device should be viewed (for now) only as a device used to control other devices, not for receiving signals.

PegLegTV · « **Reply #10 on:** December 18, 2015, 01:51:43 PM »

Quote from: jitterjames on December 18, 2015, 11:08:34 AM

Just to be clear.

The primary function of these devices is to learn and send IR and RF and not to be used as receivers.

It is actually possible to use it as a receiver too which would generate events in VC, however when we switch to this mode, we can no longer use the device to learn IR or RF due to a bug in the libraries for the nodeMCU. We have also done very little testing in this mode. Almost none really.

So really this device should be viewed (for now) only as a device used to control other devices, not for receiving signals.

Thanks for pointing that out, I should have read kalle's description better,

if you ever get to the point where you need testers for using it as a receiver / emitter I will be more then happy to help out

bnikos83 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 18, 2015, 02:44:52 PM »

Quote from: jitterjames on December 18, 2015, 10:00:40 AM

3+4 will probably work. Not sure about the rest. Can you check what frequency your various RF devices are operating at?

Hi James,

any specific reason you think the livolo switch will not work? I suspect it is 433rf device. In case it does not work is there any similar wireless wall led switch/dimmer that you can recommend for similar use?

Thank You,
Nick

jitterjames · « **Reply #12 on:** December 18, 2015, 03:36:29 PM »

No. I just said I'm not sure. It may well work but the RF library we use supports certain protocols only and not raw codes. The device does support raw IR though so just about any IR device should work.

Maybe Kalle or Dave can recommend something. I am in North America.

jitterjames · « **Reply #13 on:** December 18, 2015, 04:22:39 PM »

Based on this post it looks like maybe the Livolo will not work unless you want to try to write custom code for the blaster.

http://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=153525.0

Kalle · « **Reply #14 on:** December 19, 2015, 06:30:39 AM »

Hi guys, I had a question about the livolo device, because it sound to me that the device is programable with any RF code like the new Intertechno devices.

So my question is: Can learn the livolo switches code from a remote?

For example: all new Intertechno switches goes in a learning mode for 5 seconds when you pluged it in a wall socket (a led is blinking slow on the device) and you can press a button on any RF remote to switch the device on or off and then the code will be stored in the switch.

If it is so, you can use our Blaster to switch the device by sending a self created code which is equivalent to our RF protocol.

Mhh, hard to explain - I think I will record a video with the device.

bnikos83 · « **Reply #15 on:** December 19, 2015, 03:56:27 PM »

Quote from: Kalle on December 19, 2015, 06:30:39 AM

Hi guys, I had a question about the livolo device, because it sound to me that the device is programable with any RF code like the new Intertechno devices.

So my question is: Can learn the livolo switches code from a remote?

For example: all new Intertechno switches goes in a learning mode for 5 seconds when you pluged it in a wall socket (a led is blinking slow on the device) and you can press a button on any RF remote to switch the device on or off and then the code will be stored in the switch.

If it is so, you can use our Blaster to switch the device by sending a self created code which is equivalent to our RF protocol.

Mhh, hard to explain - I think I will record a video with the device.

Hi Kalle,

this is exactly how my Telco rf plug switches work. Not sure about the Livolo switch as i will be receiving it within the next 2 weeks. Will be glad to test it out with the rf blaster

bnikos83 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 07, 2016, 05:43:18 PM »

Hi Kalle many wishes for a happy new year!

I hate to keep bothering you with this but is there any indication on when a prototype might be available?

Thanks!

Kalle · « **Reply #17 on:** January 08, 2016, 03:51:20 AM »

Hi bnikos83,

thanks and a happy new year too

We are still working on a solution to integrate OTA update to the Blaster. This is absolute necessary before we can ship any prototype - at the moment I can't give you a exact date -sorry.

Kalle

bnikos83 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 08, 2016, 06:19:16 AM »

Quote from: Kalle on January 08, 2016, 03:51:20 AM

Hi bnikos83,

thanks and a happy new year too

We are still working on a solution to integrate OTA update to the Blaster. This is absolute necessary before we can ship any prototype - at the moment I can't give you a exact date -sorry.

Kalle

Thanks very much for the update.
Will be looking forward for your news.

Best,
Nick

Junhglebeast · « **Reply #19 on:** January 14, 2016, 12:53:42 AM »

Quote from: Kalle on December 07, 2015, 05:16:01 PM

Hi bnikos83 and welcome in VC-Forum.

Yes, you can start from here: www.mysensors.org

There are a lot of examples and very good explained.

Which of the project do you mean? RGB controller, IR/RF-Blaster, temp/hum sensor

Hello all, I am new to this forum as well and I am interested in the RGB controller, what parts would I need to purchase to get started :

Kalle · « **Reply #20 on:** January 14, 2016, 03:35:29 AM »

Hi Junhglebeast and welcome in VC-Forum.

At first you need a "mysensors" serial-gateway http://www.mysensors.org/build/serial_gateway and our python script for VoxCommando.
As next you need a sensor or device which is controlled or read data from them - here are a lot of examples: http://www.mysensors.org/build/

I suggest to start with a temperature-sensor for beginners. http://www.mysensors.org/build/temp

and start first by reading this websites: http://www.mysensors.org/about/

mexicanto · « **Reply #21 on:** January 25, 2016, 01:07:10 AM »

Hi Kalle,
Can you put me on the list of the WiFi module, as an early adopter/beta tester ?

Thank you

jitterjames · « **Reply #22 on:** January 30, 2016, 12:35:01 PM »

I've moved this to a new topic. Please also note that Kalle has updated the information at the beginning including some tentative pricing for people who want to be beta testers.

New thread is here: http://voxcommando.com/forum/index.php?topic=2488.0

paulbeauvais · « **Reply #23 on:** February 10, 2016, 03:10:19 PM »

Hello Folks,

This looks really great. I think I understand most of it, but I am missing where a link the the Python code is. Did you make it available. I would love to use this for some projects I am working on.

Thanks!

Paul

nime5ter · « **Reply #24 on:** February 10, 2016, 03:52:17 PM »

Several different projects are discussed in this thread. Which were you interested in?

paulbeauvais · « **Reply #25 on:** February 10, 2016, 04:02:13 PM »

My first project will be with motion sensors to turn on lights when I get home, or shut things off after a long period of inactivity.

I will be using a HC-SR501 Adjust Ir Pyroelectric Infrared PIR Motion Sensor Detector Module on either a mini or an uno and a Mysensor hub.

I guess my thought was that someone would have a module that I could convert to work with this sensor.

Any help would be appreciated, I am pretty good with VB and C# but python would take a bit more doing.

Thanks

nime5ter · « **Reply #26 on:** February 10, 2016, 04:20:24 PM »

Try the code on p. 2 of this thread: http://voxcommando.com/forum/index.php?topic=1921.msg18069#msg18069

deco123411 · « **Reply #27 on:** September 24, 2016, 01:03:47 PM »

ouse Please add me to the list.

Can I suggest something.( If possible, much easier said than done of coarse)
Looking at the amazon echo and Denise Next OS
Can you implement a Mic like the echo but with Blue Yeti http://www.bluemic.com/products/yeti/
functions to allow more control from where voice signals would come from. and even incorporate Dragon speech as i heard its much better than windows

So if i were to hang this on my ceiling just right next to my main lights in the middle so it were slightly hidden. I could have full 360 coverage of home equipment high up(e.g aircon) and low like dvd players.

in the future even add a small speaker that one could extend more beams to the rest of the house and still be able to control VOX from any room.

Essentially Vox would have its first "body"

UPDATE!! I see someone suggested the same thing

deco123411 · « **Reply #28 on:** September 24, 2016, 01:23:22 PM »

I see that the beam only has IR in one direction.

Is there any way to have another IR blaster soldered to the back as to let other appliances around the house be able to switch on

jitterjames · « **Reply #29 on:** September 24, 2016, 01:43:09 PM »

Please see item #8 in the original post at the top of this thread.

The Beam has several "front facing" IR emitters built in. These are all pointing in more or less the same direction.

There is also a port where you can plug in an external emitter and this can be used to point IR signals in any direction or to place the emitter behind a cabinet etc.

deco123411 · « **Reply #30 on:** September 24, 2016, 01:54:16 PM »

Thanks James.
I saw that.
How-ever, emitters need long cables to reach to certain areas and add to unnecessary clutter.
But if Kalle can solder an additional blaster with additional costs of coarse.
As for power consumption, I am not sure if this means additional power being used or only one of the blasters only shooting in the direction of the specified device after it has learned the function

Was even thinking of a beam reflector that shoots in all directions

E.G A IR blaster in the BEAM sphere shooting down but being reflected by small mirrors on all directions from a small clear housing on the SPHERE.
OK enough from me..
Great work guys

VallyOrent · « **Reply #31 on:** October 13, 2016, 01:23:57 PM »

Hi everyone..i am a new user here. As per my knowledge it is actually possible to use it as a receiver too which would generate events in VC, however when we switch to this mode, we can no longer use the device to learn IR or RF due to a bug in the libraries for the nodeMCU. We have also done very little testing in this mode.

pcb assembly in usa

Kalle · « **Reply #32 on:** October 13, 2016, 02:18:15 PM »

Hi deco123411,

yes it is possible to design a Blaster PCB with 360 degree IR emitting. Then it needs a stronger power supply and more MOSFET transistors to drive ~10-12 IR LED. The biggest problem for me is to drill all this hohles in the sphere and of course, it will increase the costs a bit.
It is also possible to create a cheap and very small Blaster with only IR function (size: ~35x25x25mm L/W/H), but all these possibilities needs more than one customer

Kalle

Kalle · « **Reply #33 on:** October 13, 2016, 02:28:38 PM »

Hi ValleyOrent and welcome to the forum.

We have no problems learning IR/RF codes or sending events to VC, can you explain more about the problem?

TonyBirt · « **Reply #34 on:** July 10, 2020, 06:30:29 AM »

@Kalle, Hi Kalle, very late to the conversation. Can you still make and sell the Beam? thanks

Kalle · « **Reply #35 on:** July 10, 2020, 06:44:27 AM »

Hi TonyBirt,

I have different models of the BEAM - do you need one with IR and RF function?

TonyBirt · « **Reply #36 on:** July 11, 2020, 12:45:41 AM »

Awesome, both IR and RF function would be great If you have available.

vulcanjedi · « **Reply #37 on:** January 25, 2021, 01:47:13 AM »

Id be interested in an IR beam if still available.

Kalle · « **Reply #38 on:** January 25, 2021, 10:03:29 AM »

Unfortunately, I have no or not all components available at the moment.
Also, during the pandemic, shipping to every country is not possible.

Kalle

jitterjames · « **Reply #39 on:** January 25, 2021, 10:06:48 AM »

Quote from: vulcanjedi on January 25, 2021, 01:47:13 AM

Id be interested in an IR beam if still available.

Can you solder your own components onto a PCB?

vulcanjedi · « **Reply #40 on:** January 25, 2021, 11:54:31 AM »

I have tried to get into tinkering a bit more and doing some DIY sensors ...etc
My soldering skills certainly lack a lot to be desired....but I believe I could.

Kalle · « **Reply #41 on:** January 25, 2021, 02:12:21 PM »

I don't know how James feels about it, maybe we can publish the board layouts and source code.
That way everyone can build their own beam.

Kalle

jitterjames · « **Reply #42 on:** January 25, 2021, 03:14:00 PM »

The board layouts are up to you and Dave.

I don't think we need to publish anything, but we could send information to some people like V.J. for sure.

Kalle do you have any PCBs for the mini IR blaster (triangle). Maybe this would get through customs ok in a regular mail envelope. Otherwise maybe we can help him to get a couple manufactured. This is your area of expertise Kalle.

I can help explain assembly and programming.

If he can get a PCB then we can get him a parts list. If it's just for IR it is not too difficult to build I think. He could even build it on a prototype board although a PCB makes it much easier.

I guess if you need to use SMD parts it is a bit tricky. I've never done this myself. What do you think Kalle?

Kalle · « **Reply #43 on:** January 25, 2021, 03:41:14 PM »

Hi James,
I have all PCB Versions available. If V.J. need only the mini BEAM (only IR functions), I can do the complete soldering - only the Wemos D1 is missing.
You will find a lot on ebay or Aliexpress - but get sure this is the same layout/size like in the link.

For the RF Version I need some extra parts and this will take some time.
@James: Maybe you have a spare BEAM to send

https://www.wemos.cc/en/latest/d1/d1_mini.html

Kalle

jitterjames · « **Reply #44 on:** January 25, 2021, 04:26:17 PM »

All my Beams are like my babies... Do you think I would just ship them off to be adopted by some US customs agent?

Kalle · « **Reply #45 on:** January 25, 2021, 05:54:07 PM »

Kalle · « **Reply #46 on:** January 25, 2021, 05:57:43 PM »

@vulcanjedi
which BEAM do you need?
In which country do you live?

Kalle

vulcanjedi · « **Reply #47 on:** January 25, 2021, 06:50:44 PM »

Hey gents, its not pressing/urgent so I don't mean to be a burden or anything. Didn't know if remotely (no pun intended) available at all so anymore so took a flyer and asked.
I don't believe I have any RF devices so I technically only 'need' an IR one.
I just finally got into some DIY sensors and finally after moving and getting own place.
I have some nodemcu and generic D1 minis (the USB port seems flipped from the link you sent.
The labelling matches the left image on your link but on mine the labeling matches both sides of the board while the link the labelling differs per board side.

I live in the Midwest US.

Kalle · « **Reply #48 on:** January 25, 2021, 07:15:15 PM »

The USB port is not important, only the pins must be on the same place.
I will send you a PM with details in the next hours.

Kalle