I will preface that I originally wanted to build this item using a WiFi Relay Module. I researched and found the one I wanted and it offered free 1 day delivery from Amazon. I added a few other items to meet the requirement but the item did not arrive on time and I already had a trip to the property planned so I had to improvise, adapt, and overcome. This would have actually made a more cost effective and elegant solution.
I decided to achieve the same goal but by using a TP-Link HS100 Smart Plug.
I had received this as a Christmas gift and I believe my wife took advantage of some hefty discounts. That said it was laying around so it did not directly impact my cost to build. For the sake of time I will just say that almost any cloud smart outlet would likely do the trick. With this I also planned to use a 5V Relay Module
and a USB Cell phone charger and usb charge cable that I already had on hand.
I have the benefit of a Frys Electronics being really close. I also took advantage of a Promo Code but at $3.99 this was not a very expensive Item.
Fortuitously I was walking through Lowe's and found a Toro In-line irrigation Valve on Clearance. It was marked down already to $2.90 but I got a discount on top of that.
Had I not found this by accident the build would have been slightly different but I would have likely gone with something like this: Water Solenoid Valve. This would have used a different power supply (12VDC vs 24VAC) but virtually little difference in overall design. The adapters to connect to a hose spigot would have varied also. I also happen to have a Rainbird 26VAC power supply left over from upgrading my original irrigation controller to a RainMachine.
If you have WiFi already then the next few items would not be needed. I have power to my property but not Internet so I needed to bring my internet with me and leave it there. I am sure there are many ways to skin this cat but I happened to have this solution on hand and other than the Data Plan which is ongoing didn't really dig into my budget for this project. I deployed a TP-Link MR3020 and a Verizon Aircard. I will say that this was a project that I took on but did not document as the default software did not work for making this a cheap hotspot. With some research and trial and error I flashed the Firmware on the MR3020 to an Orb Rooter version that could be found here ROOter. Don't want to get too off topic but felt that was worth mentioning. I had tried DD-WRT and OPEN-WRT but found the Orb firmware to meet my needs the best.
The Verizon Aircard has a Legit service plan with Verizon so please don't ask how to get free internet.
To power all these Items I deployed an extension cord that was in with my Christmas Lights. Nothing too fancy but I did opt for outdoor rated with typical 3 prong NEMA 5-15 plugs I think they are called.
Since my solution was likely going to sit outside I opted to put this all in a Pelican like case. I found one at Frys, Case, was $14.99 after Promo and before taxes. I did end up drilling a hole in this case and had to cut the other end of my extension cord off and rebuild it to make this work. I used Hot glue to secure and fill the whole. I also used a quick disconnect to make the run to the electronic water valve. The end result although rather Frankenstein's Monster worthy did and is currently working.
To explain how this works. The MR3020 and Vzw Aircard create a connection to the internet and a WiFi access point. There is seperate USB wall wart that powers this device. For the sake of saving room I made a switch from the white one in the picture above. The TP-Link HS100 connects to the WiFi access point. I have the App on my phone it is called Kasa. In my case this also linked to my Amazon Alexa App so this could be voice controlled also. Just an added Bonus.
I have several of these HS100 but Sprinkler is the one referenced here. I won't go step by step on how to set this app the App walk through is pretty good....
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