Welcome to Tech StudyCell, where we dive deep into the world of smart home automation. Today, we’re going to show you how to create your very own Alexa-powered home automation system without the need for custom PCBs or expensive IoT platforms. With just a relay module, a NodeMCU or ESP32 board, and an Alexa smart speaker, you’ll be able to control your lights with a simple voice command. Say goodbye to fumbling for switches and hello to the future of home automation!
Contents
Building the Circuit
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the circuit diagram. We’ve designed a PCB for this project, but don’t worry if you don’t have access to custom PCBs. You can still follow along without one. If you do choose to order a custom PCB, we recommend JLCPCB for their quality and affordability. Within a week, you’ll have your PCB in your hands, ready to go.
To connect the NodeMCU with the relay module, refer to the circuit diagram provided. We’ve made it as compact as possible to give your project a professional look. Once you’ve connected everything, it’s time to move on to the coding part of the project.
Writing the Code
We’ve prepared the code for you to download from the description. But before you can upload it to your NodeMCU, you’ll need to make a few changes. First, copy the two URLs provided and paste them into the File -> Preferences section of the Arduino IDE. Next, make sure you’ve installed the ESP8266 or ESP32 board by going to Tools -> Board -> Boards Manager and searching for the respective board.
To control the relay module with Alexa, we’ll be using the ESPAlexa library. You can download it from the provided link or directly from the Arduino IDE by going to Sketch -> Include Library -> Manage Libraries, and searching for ESPAlexa. Once you’ve installed the library, you’re ready to make the final changes to the code.
In the code, you’ll find a section where you need to enter your Wi-Fi name and password. Make sure to replace these placeholders with your actual credentials. Additionally, you can set individual names for each device that you’ll be controlling with Alexa. Feel free to get creative with the names to make them easier to identify.
With the code ready, select the appropriate board (NodeMCU or ESP32) and the correct port. Click upload, and watch as the magic happens.
Connecting Your Home Appliances
Now that you’ve successfully uploaded the code to your NodeMCU board, it’s time to connect your home appliances to the relay module. Again, refer to the circuit diagram to make sure you’re connecting everything correctly. In our example, we’ve connected five lamps to the relay module, each controlled by a separate relay.
Setting Up Alexa
To control your newly automated home with Alexa, you’ll need to configure the Alexa app. Open the app and navigate to Devices. Tap the “+” button to add new devices, and select “Light” followed by “Other”. Tap “Discover Devices” and wait for Alexa to find your connected devices. Make sure both your Alexa speaker and NodeMCU are connected to the same Wi-Fi network for this step.
Once your devices are discovered, you’ll be able to assign names to each one. These are the names you entered in the code earlier. Take your time to add all the devices and tap “Done” once you’re finished.
Voice Control
Congratulations! You’re now ready to control your lights with Alexa. Simply say “Alexa, turn on all lamps” or “Alexa, turn off blue lamp” and watch as your home responds to your commands. It’s that easy!
There is one caveat, though. For this setup to work flawlessly, your Alexa speaker and your NodeMCU should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. As long as they are, you’ll be able to enjoy the convenience of voice-controlled home automation.
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