Welcome to Techal, your go-to source for all things tech-related. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating your own IoT-based Universal IR remote controller using the ESP8266 and Cadio home automation. No coding skills required!
Contents
Introduction
Imagine being able to control all your appliances from your mobile phone, without changing any wiring. With this project, you can do just that. By following our simple instructions, you’ll be able to control your appliances using a single universal remote. Let’s get started!
Building the Universal Remote Controller
To build the universal remote controller, you’ll need the following components:
- ESP8266
- Cadio home automation app
- IR emitter LED
- IR receiver IC
Connect the IR receiver IC and the IR emitter LED to the NodeMCU as per the circuit diagram. It’s a simple circuit, with the IR receiver IC connected to D5 and the IR emitter LED connected to D8 on the NodeMCU.
Uploading the Firmware
To upload the firmware to the ESP8266, visit the website link provided in the description. Download the firmware and the ESP download tools. Follow the instructions to upload the firmware to the ESP8266 using the downloader tool.
Configuring the NodeMCU
After uploading the firmware, you’ll need to configure the NodeMCU using the Cadio home automation app. Download the app from the Google Play Store or the App Store. Once installed, reset the microcontroller and wait for the LEDs to start blinking. This indicates that the ESP8266 is ready to be configured.
In the app, select the Cadio hotspot and configure the NodeMCU by assigning GPIO details for the IR transmitter and receiver. The GPIO details for the IR transmitter are GPIO-15 (D8) and for the IR receiver, GPIO-14 (D5). Save the configuration and enter the Wi-Fi details.
Wait for the configuration process to complete, and your device will appear on the app dashboard.
Adding Remote Controllers
Now it’s time to add remote controllers for the appliances you want to control. In the Cadio app, select “add new controller” and choose the type of remote controller you want to add, such as a light or an air conditioner. Give each remote controller a name, and configure the buttons according to your requirements.
Once you’ve configured all the buttons, save the settings. You can now control your appliances from the mobile app. The app provides an easy-to-use interface to turn devices on and off, change colors, and control various modes.
Integration with Google Assistant
To integrate your universal remote controller with Google Assistant, open the Google Home app. Create a new home or select your existing one. Tap on the plus icon and select “setup device”. Search for “CADIO” and select it. Log in to your Cadio account and add the IR controller to Google Home. Now, you can control your appliances using voice commands through Google Assistant.
Example Voice Commands:
- “Hey Google, turn off the AC”
- “Hey Google, turn on the RGB LED”
FAQs
Q: Can I control multiple appliances with this universal remote controller?
A: Yes, you can add multiple remote controllers in the Cadio app and control all your appliances from one place.
Q: Do I need any coding skills to make this project?
A: No, this project does not require any coding skills. Simply follow our step-by-step instructions to set up your universal remote controller.
Q: Is this project compatible with other home automation systems?
A: This project is specifically designed for use with Cadio home automation. However, you can explore compatibility options with other systems as well.
Conclusion
Creating your own universal remote controller using the ESP8266 and Cadio home automation is a fun and practical project. With just a few simple steps, you can control all your appliances from your mobile phone or through voice commands using Google Assistant. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram Channel for more exciting tech projects. Don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe for more informative articles. Have a great day!
