Home Automation (LoRa Based)
WNeuron Automations, 2017-2020
A lot of Home Automation devices were available while this project was in ideation phase. But due to lack of security transparency, cost and limited customizability, my sir Mr. Utpal Mistry told to develop one from scratch.
Idea of creating LoRa based devices was came into picture when it seems clear that WiFi is not appropriate solution as devices must need to be reliable. If WiFi router fails, whole project fails and range was also a big concern. Thus we started researching LoRa technology (ISM Band) and how to implement into Home. LoRa is generally known for LongRange and LowPower. LoRa based battery operated sensors can work for upto 2 years without replacing battery and thus it makes them versatile for villa (big home).
Each and every part of this project is built from scratch. From Circuit Board to their Firmware and Software.
Apple HomeKit Integration
UtpalSir and I am very passionate for Apple products and thus decided to integrate each device with Apple HomeKit.
Apple HomeKit backend was written on Gateway. Thus, gateway translates WNeuron LoRa protocol to Apple HomeKit specific commands and vise-versa.
Devices Integrated
- WiFi Dimmer
- WiFi Sprinkler
- LoRa Controller (Appliances, AC, Fan, Light, Outlet)
- LoRa Sensor (Glass Break Detector, Door Sensor)
- LoRa Lock (Lock Controller, Keypad, Biometric)
- LoRa Pump & Valve
Google Home Integration
With the release of Google Mini, we decided to integrate Google Home, too.
Google Home backend was written on Server (over DigitalOcean). This was achieved by using MQTT. MQTT Broker was installed on server.
Unfortunately, Google Home is not as mature as Apple HomeKit(in 2020) so Google Home Application has limited functionalities but you can operate any device by talking to Google Mini or Google Assistant.
Devices Integrated
- WiFi Dimmer
- WiFi Sprinkler
- LoRa Controller (Appliances, AC, Fan, Light, Outlet)
- LoRa Pump & Valve
Cloud Log
There are multiple ways you can operate a device over such automation.
For ex, you can turn-on light by any of register mobile, LoRa Remote or wall switches. Now, it becomes crucial to maintain log of such activity.
Log is divided into to distinct parts: Offline Log and Online Log.
Gateway always sends Log to Cloud with all available details. If internet connectivity is broken, it stores them offline and send it back when internet connectivity is restored.
This feature helps a lot to diagnose and monitor Home Activity.
Machine Learning
We had planned to integrate ML to analyze log and suggesting device operation.
For ex, you usually start AC while you came to home. ML will learn this behavior and can ask you to start AC once you are about to reach home.
Possibilities are endless.
Touch Panel
We were very passionate for Touch enabled switches. We had developed a lot of concept and prototype and among them only two were success.
Touch Panel was in early development cycle and thus they were WiFi enabled.
In late 2017, we discontinued Touch Panel research due to problem in EMI. Our touch panel were susceptible to noise and we cannot afford more time to rectify.
Later on, Touch Panel research was applied to one of customer’s machine and all of the issues we faced during our development were rectified into customer machine 🙂
Universal LoRa Module (aka BlackPCB)
Heart of the project. The most used PCB. Around 100pcs were manufactured and used in various devices from appliance controller to pump & valve controller.
Actually developed for Glass Break Detection. It operates over a AA battery and onboard DC-DC Booster boosts 1.5V to 3.3V. Booster actually reduces battery life and thus this PCB was never used for Glass Break Detection but it was widely used for other LoRa controllers and also as a LoRa TxRx for Gateway.
First prototype of Glass Break Detector. Slow motion video was filmed to test free-fall detection.
Glass Break Detector / Door Sensor
This PCB serves as Glass Detector as well as Door Sensor. This was the successive revision of the old prototype.
It operates over 2xAAA and can last long for upto 1.5 years. Sleep current was minimized to 1uA while activity current was limited to 10-15mA depending on the distance between Gateway and device.
Pattern Unlock Panel
A unique pattern unlock panel just like mobile pattern unlock. 16 different pattern can be made by user and that too with time based.
For ex, servants are allowed to enter home during 9Am – 6PM. So this panel can be configured for such timeframe and pattern allocated to servant will only be remains active during specified time.
Usually, it was used for main-door unlock but later on attached to cupboards.
Universal LoRa Remote
A handy LoRa remote to access devices on the network. It can be paired to any of LoRa controller like Appliance Controller, AC Controller, Valves, etc.
Operates over 2x AAA battery and can lasts up-to 2years as sleep current was minimized to 1uA and transmission current was minimized to 15mA.
Two transmission modes are available, toggle mode and fixed mode.
Toggle mode send toggle signals to target device while fix mode only sends the paired fix command.
LoRa Appliance Controller (aka BlackBox)
Designed for eight channels. Supports up-to 5A load per channel. User selectable modes: On-Off-Auto.
SSR are capable to handle load of up-to 10A.
Pictures shown here are old with WiFi module.
Credits
So many people have contributed to the project. Without their help, it would never possible to achieve this work. UtpalSir, PradipSir, SatishSir and JayantiSir have guided in correct way and be there in each and every situation.
Kudos to Team Work 🙂
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