So far I can say, the hardware and the basic firmware for the "BeamSphere" is ready, now we near to order the PCB boards.
Update 23.04.2016:
The costs for a prototyping "BeamSphere", full assembled (IR/RF) is 35 EUR + 5 EUR shipping (international).THE BETATESTING is now completed - there is no more BEAM for betatester available.The regular price for the BeamSphere is now
50 EUR + 5 EUR shipping (international)
Note added by jitterjames:This project is mostly "for fun" and if Kalle decides it is no longer fun to build and ship these units then he has the right to stop selling them at any time!
Here are the hard- and software overview at the moment:
Hardware:Sphere size 80mm, color white
1x USB micro connector (for power supply)
1x 3.5mm mono connectors for external IR-Emitters (to control devices inside a furniture)
9x controllable RGB-LED (WS2812b)arranged on the PCB board in a circle (the LEDs will give you a feedback for all states of the BeamSphere and can be disabled if not needed "stealth mode")
2x IR-Emitters to blast IR signals in a wide angle
1x IR-Receiver to learn IR codes
1x RF-Transmitter (*315/433MHz) to send RF signals for a lot of available devices like light switches and sockets
(*note it is possible to install both transmitter chips in the BEAM, but this will cost 5 EUR extra, because it need some work to solder it)1x RF-Receiver (**315/433MHz Superheterodyne) to learn RF signals from remotes
(**note the RF frequency must be specified when you order. It can be installed with either chip but not both!)1x Microcontroller with WiFi (b/g/n)
1x 3 PIN connector to mount a PIR sensor on the PCB (optional)
Software features (status 25.01.2016):A web based GUI to setup the Network for your needs (SSID,Password, Shpere name, Sphere IP, etc.).
OTA (over the air) upgradeable firmware (the firmware can be easy updated directly in the Sphere-GUI by selecting a given file over WiFi)
Learn-GUI to learn and send IR/RF codes
Learn IR and RF codes in Raw format (learning raw RF codes requires VoxCommando and the Beam plugin)
Color picker to set the BEAM color for using it as moodlight
Send IR codes as hex (Samsung, Sony, NEC/LG) or in GC-iTache format (thousands of device codes available)
Send UDP mesages (events) to communicate with VoxCommando - for example: The BeamSphere can send a learned code with protocol and code to VoxCommando and in this way the code can be stored automatically in a Maptable or you can trigger a VC command with any button on your remote - the UDP send function can be deactivated if not needed.
You can use VoxCommando to control to send a IR/RF code by voice or any remote software like NetIO, iRule or other software which can send HTTP to build your own remote on a tablet or mobile
You have also the option to buy the unassembled board with- or without the Sphere or maybe you do not need the RF modules or RGB LEDs or maybe you need some external IR emitters - everything is possible.
Feel free to ask for the costs.
But one thing: This device is handmade (DIY project) and not a china mass production with thousands of devices, but this means the fit and finish is not perfect
If you are interested in this equipment, please let us know , so we can plan the order of pieces (PCB boards and parts).
I attached some pictures of the GUI
@Dave and James: Maybe I've forget some features or other things - so feel free to complete this post
