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Original Design Intent

A project log for Wi-AC Control

An arduino compatible, wireless AC control platform for DIY home automation.

connel-hepburnConnel Hepburn 12/28/2016 at 17:580 Comments

In order to make a flexible platform for users we need to think about the criteria needed for this project.

Looking at these criteria it seems that Arduino would be the best microcontroller of choice. There are plenty of libraries and shields out there for expanding functionality of the device and a high number of users who could benefit from such a project.

With respect to wireless there are many standards on the market currently. At one end there are the 433MHz modules and at the other Wi-Fi. The cost of adding a Wi-FI or Bluetooth module might be too great for some users and only Wi-Fi lends itself to the automation side due to everything usually being connected to a router.

Therefore a small footprint Arduino compatible box of some kind along with an integrated NRF24L01+ module which can support star and mesh topology networks which is ideal for larger numbers of home automation devices. Perhaps a universal interface could be used to have many versions of wireless standards integrated in? Ideally a user could just use a shield if they were not happy with the NRF24L01+.

Quite like this but better overall hopefully.

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