Welcome to Techal, your go-to source for all things technology. In this article, we will explore an exciting IoT-based home automation project using NodeMCU ESP8266 and the new Blynk app. With this project, you will be able to control four appliances remotely via the internet or manually using switches or push buttons. Let’s dive in and discover the potential of this project!
Contents
How It Works
Once your NodeMCU is connected to Wi-Fi, a blue LED will blink slowly, indicating that you can now control the appliances through the Blynk IoT app. The app allows for easy control of lamps, as demonstrated in the video. Real-time feedback can be monitored through the app. Even without Wi-Fi, the appliances can still be controlled manually using switches or push buttons, although real-time feedback won’t be available.
Components Needed
To build this project, you’ll need the following components:
- NodeMCU
- 4-channel relay module
- Switches or push buttons
No custom-designed PCB is necessary; simply connect these components according to the circuit diagram provided.
PCB Design
While the circuit diagram may seem complex with multiple connections, you can simplify it by using a custom-designed PCB. To obtain the PCB, download the Gerber file from the video description and order it from JLCPCB, a trusted PCB manufacturing service. JLCPCB offers excellent quality PCBs at an affordable price.
Configuring the Code
Before uploading the code to NodeMCU, you need to configure your Blynk cloud account. Visit the provided link to create a new account if you haven’t already. Once logged in, create a template, add datastreams, and configure the web dashboard. For detailed instructions, refer to the video mentioned earlier.
Download the code from our website, iotcircuithub.com, and install the necessary libraries. Make sure to update the template ID, device name, and Wi-Fi indicator pins in the code. Upload the code to NodeMCU using the Arduino IDE, and you’re ready to go!
Mobile Dashboard Configuration
To control the project from the Blynk IoT app, configure the mobile dashboard. Search for and install the Blynk IoT app, then log in to your Blynk cloud account. Enable developer mode and select the template for this project. Add buttons to control the relays and exit developer mode. Finally, add your device and connect it to Wi-Fi.
Controlling Appliances
Once the NodeMCU is connected to Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi LED will blink slowly, indicating a successful connection. You can now control the appliances through the Blynk IoT app or manually using switches or push buttons. Real-time feedback can be monitored through the app.
Using the Project without Internet
If the Wi-Fi is disabled, you can still control the appliances manually, but real-time feedback won’t be available. To use the project without internet, comment out a specific line in the code. Keep in mind that the NodeMCU won’t automatically reconnect to Wi-Fi in this case, so manual resetting may be required.
FAQs
- Can I control more than four appliances using this project?
If you require control of more than four appliances, consider using an 8-channel relay module and an ESP32 instead of NodeMCU. Let us know in the comments if you would like the code for this configuration.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully learned about an IoT-based home automation project using NodeMCU ESP8266 and the new Blynk app. With this project, you can control appliances remotely or manually, enhancing convenience and efficiency in your home. Stay tuned for more exciting projects, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.
