BEAM documentation / news

[jitterjames]

For those who already have a Beam, I've created a special new firmware with a Christmas RGB function.

Upgrade to the attached firmware and then use the following URL formats to activate and deactivate the effect

On, slow
http://192.168.0.206/rgb?method=xmason&delay=0.25

On, faster
http://192.168.0.206/rgb?method=xmason&delay=0.1

Turn effect off
http://192.168.0.206/rgb?method=xmasoff

With a reasonable delay my Beam seems to continue to function normally, but if you set the delay too short it might interfere with normal operation because the ESP chips do not really support multi-tasking.

Enjoy!   

[jitterjames]

[Kalle]

Haha, ingenious - it works fantastic.
Good work James 

[Junhglebeast]

I'll take one when 😉

[Kalle]

Hi all,

we have now finished the new BEAM-PCB design and wait for the delivery of the boards to test them.
The boards are expected in the end of January so we hope we can ship first devices in middle of February.
We have ordered 10 boards as a first limited batch and if you are interested, let us know.

[Kalle]

Hey if you are still selling beams please let me know! I've been dying to have one for some time now and never had the money

Hi Synthetic,
we have now assembled some BEAMs, but we need to test the firmware which will take a few days from today. If you are still interested, let me know.

Kalle

[stig125]

Hi Kalle,

I have SOMFY wireless powered blinds in my house and was informed that the SOMFY RF transmitted from the remote is a rolling code.
Would this be a problem for the beam?

And.. when will the beam be available for purchase and how much?

Thanks
Wal

[jitterjames]

Beam cannot learn a rolling code.

[stig125]

Thanks James,
So, how much is the Beam and is it available yet?

As for the Somfy Blinds... I have got around that problem by wiring up a somfy remote to an Ethernet Arduino acting as a web server, which when it gets a request eg 192.168.x.x/d it applies a voltage to the down button leg and brings the blinds down.. sending a CMD wGet to the web server lets me do it with VC in response to a voice command.

Still would like a Beam though as it's certainly less intrusive than the GC WiFi2IR.. which works perfectly now since you sent me the DLL

Wal

[Kalle]

Hi Wal,

yes the BEAM is available. Please send me a PM with the needed RF frequencies (315/433 or both), full shipping address and I will send you then the PayPal link.

Kalle

[jitterjames]

Kalle could you please post the current cost including options like RF chips and the stand if it is available?

I know the aluminum stand is expensive and a lot of work to make but it is really fantastic so for those who are willing to pay for it it might be nice to have the option.

Everyone keep in mind that anything Kalle posts regarding price or availability are subject to change at Kalle's discretion.

People should also be aware that the new Beam requires a different power supply.
DC 7 to 12 volts with a round plug (diameter measurement?) and should be able to supply at least one amp.

[Kalle]

Hi guys,

the new BEAM will cost 55 EUR+5 EUR shipping (it comes with 315 or 433MHz RF chip and with the aluminium stand).
If you need both frequencies, you have to pay 63 EUR (include shipping)

The diameter for the power plug is 5.5mm x 2.1mm (inner tip must be positive pole), here a example (the 12V/1A version):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EU-US-Plug-AC-100-240V-to-DC12V-9V-5V-1A-2A-Power-Supply-Converter-LED-Light-MF-/172348704499?var=&hash=item2820c886f3:m:m0Il3J1pHIdswMKcXN98KVA

I hope nothing is missing ;-)

@James: Maybe you can post 2 or 3 photos from the BEAM

[jitterjames]

Cost without stand?  (I am surprised it is only 55 euro with the stand and shipping included.  That's very inexpensive!

Can we give a cost without sphere (just internal components in case someone wants to make their own enclosure) ?

[jitterjames]

Here are photos and a video:

https://goo.gl/photos/pdk5gzf4U9eTpsig7

[Kalle]

You have the possibility to get the BEAM in different versions -maybe you have your own idea for a housing or you have already a 3D printer to print your own housing for the BEAM.


1. The assembled PCB with all components (315 or 433MHz-RF) but without a housing: 35 EUR + 5 EUR shipping.
2. The BEAM in the sphere housing with aluminum stand (315 or 433MHz-RF): 55 EUR + 5 EUR shipping.
3. The BEAM with a hemispherical and 3D printed base (315 or 433MHz): 50 EUR + 5 EUR shipping.


(if you need both RF frequencies (315 and 433MHz, this will cost 3 EUR on top)

The picture show you the 3D printed base.