Umair Gaines
Remote-controlled light switches are a convenient way to control your lighting from anywhere, whether you're at home, work, or on vacation. They can be controlled via a handheld remote, smartphone, voice assistant, or home automation systems. Basic RF switches use a simple remote to turn lights on and off within a limited range, while Wi-Fi or smart switches connect to your home Wi-Fi and allow control via smartphone apps and voice commands. Z-Wave or Zigbee switches are ideal for smart home hubs. You can install a wireless remote switch kit without rewiring, and some popular options include Lutron Caséta, TP-Link Kasa Smart Switch, GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Switch, and Leviton Decora Smart Switch. For Bluetooth-specific remote switches, you can 3D print the parts for the switch and pair two hc-05 Bluetooth modules, with the master acting as the remote and the slave for the light switch.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Power Consumption | The BLE module requires very little power, a few mA. |
| Safety | AC currents of less than 5mA are considered safe as they are barely perceptible and do not cause muscle contractions. |
| Compatibility | Works with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. |
| Convenience | Control lights without getting up and from anywhere, even when on vacation. |
| Energy Efficiency | Schedule or automate lighting to reduce energy waste. |
| Installation | No additional wiring is required. The existing wall switch continues to work. |
| Parts | 3D-printed switch parts, two hc-05 Bluetooth modules (master and slave), ATtiny85 chips, and an Arduino Uno for programming. |
| Additional Functions | Turn lights off after a set time, add a light sensor to turn lights on at night, or activate a fan when the temperature rises. |
| Protocols | Basic RF switches, Wi-Fi or smart switches, Z-Wave or Zigbee switches. |
| Examples | Lutron Caséta, TP-Link Kasa Smart Switch, GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Switch, Leviton Decora Smart Switch. |
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What You'll Learn
Bluetooth remote-controlled light switch retrofit
Retrofitting your light switches with Bluetooth remote control is a great way to bring your home up to date with smart technology. This project will allow you to control your lights remotely, but also still use your existing wall switches if needed.
Parts
You will need a BLE Nano V2 control module, which supports Bluetooth V5. You will also require a 3D printer to print out the parts for the switch, which can be found online. The design credit goes to Thingiverse user Carjo3000. Additionally, you will need two hc-05 Bluetooth modules, one will be the master (remote), and the other the slave (light switch). You will also need 2 470-ohm resistors, and ATtiny85 chips.
Process
Firstly, you will need to pair the two Bluetooth modules. There are plenty of tutorials online to help with this. Next, you will need to program the ATtiny85 chips using an Arduino Uno. When doing this, ensure that you set the clock to "8Mhz (internal)" before burning the bootloader.
The next step is to assemble the circuits as shown in the pictures online. Do not put the ATtiny85 chips in the 8-pin socket, as they need to be programmed first. Once the circuits are assembled, plug the chips into them, and now your remote should turn your lights on and off.
Additional Functions
Once you have a microprocessor controlling your lights, you can add extra functions. For example, you can set the lights to turn off after a certain time, or add a light sensor to turn the lights on at night and off after a set time.
No Extra Wiring
It is important to note that no extra wiring is required for this project, and your existing wall switches will continue to work.
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Pairing Bluetooth modules
- Ensure that your Bluetooth module is not connected to any other paired devices. If it is connected, it will automatically enter data mode, where data is sent between the module and the device.
- Connect the Bluetooth module to your device, such as an Arduino board, following the circuit schematics provided in the module's documentation. Typically, this involves connecting the "EN" pin of the Bluetooth module to 5 volts and switching the TX and RX pins at the Arduino board.
- To enter the command mode, hold down the small button over the "EN" pin while powering the module. For the HC-05 module, the LED should flash every 2 seconds to indicate a successful entry into AT command mode.
- Open your Serial Monitor and select the appropriate settings. For the HC-05, set "Both NL and CR" and a baud rate of 38400, which is the default rate for this module.
- Send test commands to ensure the module is functioning correctly. For example, typing "AT" should return the message "OK". You can also check the default baud rate by typing "AT+UART?", and the slave mode by typing "AT+ROLE?".
- Write down the address of the Bluetooth module, which can be obtained by typing "AT+ADDR?". This address will be needed when configuring the master device.
- Configure the Bluetooth module as a master or slave device. For example, the HC-05 module can be configured as a master or slave by uploading the appropriate code ("this_is_master" or "this_is_slave") into the Arduino connected to the respective module.
- Ensure that the password for both the master and slave devices is the same, as this is necessary for successful pairing.
- Once the master and slave devices are configured, reverse the connection, i.e., Tx to Rx and Rx to Tx.
- Test the pairing by controlling LEDs on the master and slave devices using buttons. For example, Button A on the master device can control LEDs on the slave, and Button B on the slave can control LEDs on the master.
Note that the above instructions provide a general guide to pairing Bluetooth modules, and specific steps may vary depending on the Bluetooth module and device you are using. Always refer to the manufacturer's documentation or website for detailed instructions specific to your Bluetooth module.
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Using a 3D printer to print switch parts
To create a remote switch with Bluetooth, you can 3D print the parts for the switch. This can be done using a 3D printer and the right materials.
The first step is to create the brass contacts. These can be made using .030 1/4" wide brass strips, which can be purchased at most hobby shops. Cut two 1" pieces, and drill holes for the leads and file for the notches. Round off the edges, and use a chisel or screwdriver to raise a .010" ridge by tapping the back. Check the length of your brass contacts with a "go-no go" gauge. These parts should be printed at .27mm.
The 3D printing process can then begin. Watch the small squares next to the housing, and when the number "1" appears, pause the print and set the first contact into the slot. Un-pause the print, and when the number "2" appears, pause again and set the second contact in place. Finally, un-pause the machine and add the push button.
The 3D printed switch can be designed to work with a paperclip, which acts as the conductive component. The paperclip should be inserted into the switch, keeping its vertical sections as flush as possible. If there are issues with the fit, the arms can be thinned down with sandpaper or a metal file. To keep the paperclip in place, a small amount of glue or adhesive can be applied, being careful not to apply glue to the paperclip itself.
It is important to note that this is a basic guide, and there may be variations depending on the specific design and materials used.
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Basic power circuit for BLE remote control
The BLE module requires very little power (a few mA). When the light switch is turned off, a small current is fed around the switch via the 0.047uF capacitor and 1K resistor. This current flows from Active, via the capacitor and resistor, through the BLE supply, and back to Neutral via the light bulb. This small current, <5mA, is barely detectable and is considered safe as it is imperceptible and does not cause muscle contractions.
When the light switch is on, the full light bulb current flows through the circuit and continues to power the BLE module. Thus, using only the two existing wires available at the light switch (Active and the 'switch' wire running back to the light bulb), this circuit can be used to power the BLE remote control module.
The BLE Power Switch is simple to construct and can control all household devices from 5V USB (100mA) loads to 15A space heaters. A simpler version can handle up to 24V DC and 2A. The remote control can be via pfodApp (BLE) or Nordic nRF Toolbox or via a BLE sensor using an ESP32-C3 BLE to BLE bridge or via a WiFi connection using an ESP32-C3 WiFi to BLE bridge.
The BLE remote control design offers versatile connectivity options, allowing it to connect to various host devices such as PCs, smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones. The connection can be established using Bluetooth Smart or Universal Serial Bus (USB). The remote control can also be connected to any Bluetooth Smart or Bluetooth Smart Ready host device.
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Using a smartphone app to control lights
Smart home technology has revolutionized how we control lighting in our homes, allowing us to control and automate various gadgets and systems seamlessly. You can now control your home lights with a smartphone app, which works with smart light applications.
Several lighting solutions can be controlled via a smartphone app that you can download from the iOS and Android app stores. In most cases, you will need a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection to control these lighting solutions via their dedicated app. For example, the Philips Hue smart lighting range offers LED white and color-changing ambiance products, including light strips, bulbs, wall controllers, and lamps.
The LIFX A19 smart light bulb is another example of a smart lighting solution that can be controlled via a smartphone app. This bulb offers 16 million colors and various effects, lighting scenes, and themes. The LIFX A10 smart light bulb relies on built-in Wi-Fi, so no hub is required.
The Boogey Lights® Bluetooth APP is another example of a smartphone app that can be used to control LED lights. This app is free to download for Android and iOS smartphones with Bluetooth 4.0 and can be used with Boogey Lights' Bluetooth-enabled LED controllers.
When choosing a remote-control LED lighting system, you should consider the connection method (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Radio Frequency), the range of the connection, and whether you want voice control capabilities. For example, Bluetooth has a shorter range of up to 30 feet but is easy to set up directly with a mobile device, while Wi-Fi systems provide a longer connection range but may be more expensive.
Overall, using a smartphone app to control your lights offers convenience and customization, allowing you to adjust lighting settings and create schedules and timers from anywhere, not just within reach of a manual switch on the wall.
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Frequently asked questions
A Bluetooth electric switch is a smart home device that allows you to control your lighting wirelessly via Bluetooth technology.
A Bluetooth electric switch offers convenience, allowing you to control your lighting from anywhere, whether you're at home, at work, or on vacation. It also enhances energy efficiency by enabling you to schedule or automate lighting, and can improve security.
First, consider the type of Bluetooth electric switch that fits your needs, such as a basic RF switch, a Wi-Fi or smart switch, or a Z-Wave or Zigbee switch. Then, follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and pairing the remote with the switch. This typically involves turning off the power, removing the old switch, connecting the new remote-control switch according to the wiring diagram, securing the switch, and turning the power back on.
Yes, you can also use a smart plug for lamps and standalone lights, or voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri with compatible smart lighting.
Yes, you can still use the wall light switch to turn the lights on and off even if the remote control circuit fails.
