SuperHouseTV #17: Home automation control with Sonoff, Arduino, OpenHAB, and MQTT

[@justusdj]

I like how you're confident enough in your soldering abilities to do it right over your whiteboard.

[@christopheradam6967]

mate, i am a lighting engineer (based in NYC & MELB). i don't get impressed with smart home stuff easily but you are a freakin superstar. this is pretty revolutionary. i am sure i'll be in touch with you soon. cheers. Chris

[@Howie55Aus]

Thanks Jonathon. I have finally made some in-roads into Home Automation. I now have a Sonoff connected and able to be controlled from anywhere thanks to this extremely clear to understand video. Please keep them coming.

[@ilducedimas]

You were WAY ahead of your time with your homemade switches. Hats off to you!

[@GeeTheBuilder]

Having ordered and played around with one of these I have now ordered 4 more. For this money £4 in Uk it makes it possible to provide a lot of automation for very little money. More work but (obviously) more cost effective than z-wave etc etc BUT - only with the knowledge in this video dies this make financial sense. As someone new to home automation I wouldn't have a clue how to flash these SONOFFs and the video is great. I've shared this vid with lots of friends who have now purchased 1 to begin to annoy their wives and cats by randomly turning on/off lights at random :) In all seriousness this is the best video I've found on home automation because it's THE video that has set my on the path to build a full home automation system. Pi3 is next.

[@lundebc]

Great stuff here, programmed the Sonoff basic and got it hooked up to my MQTT and Node-RED thanks to this tutorial!

[@CompuWhizz]

Really like the longer format video, lets you gets more in depth.

[@SuperHouseTV]

Thanks Keith! It wasn't intended that way. I just recorded what I wanted to show, then when I started editing it I realised it was well past 30 minutes and I was surprised. I trimmed it a bit and decided I'll probably do a follow-up video to show more detail of the software side (such as the MQTT / OpenHAB integration) and maybe hacking a Sonoff to put a bigger memory chip in it. If I covered all that in one video it would have ended up an hour long!

[@CompuWhizz]

Defo interested in seeing the chip changed out, and the intergration. My brother in law and I have created a networked house heating controller using Arduino as the platform. I was mainly doing the feature set and he did the hard work of coding and hardware... :D Can I ask where the EtherTen can be purchased? Is it only in Oz?

[@SuperHouseTV]

I specifically designed the EtherTen to go inside my light switches, so it's SuperHouse's fault that it exists! It's sold online at Freetronics (www.freetronics.com.au/etherten) with worldwide shipping, and also by many resellers around the world (www.freetronics.com.au/resellers)

[@GeeTheBuilder]

Another perfect video from Jonathan. Easy and enjoyable to watch. Just enough info, clearly explained - then man has got these you tube videos down to an art form. As for the Sonoff - I've just bought one £9 in the U.K. Will use to switch lights on and off for added security whilst out.

[@SuperHouseTV]

Thanks Graham! I always feel that my videos are too boring and need to be spiced up a bit: I *hate* watching myself while I'm editing them. It sends me to sleep. But if other people find them useful, that's the important thing :-)

[@GeeTheBuilder]

NEVER boring Jonathan. We love your videos. Please keep them coming. We learn a lot and it's clear you love what you are doing.

[@pjbear1813]

Hi I have a house which is/was controlled by a plc it is wired into a star topology. I am moving to all loads outputs to be controlled with sonoff which I have flashed and now control via home Assistant with MQTT. I read all the light switches into a Pi running home Assistant via io boards from ab electronics. Works very well what I am struggling with is dimming the lights. I would like to be able to dim the lights by sending an MQTT message to a unit and it turn the brightness up or down. Do you know how this could be done? I use to use a unit to dim the lights and set the level with 0-10v control signal. Do you have any projects which will set a light level from a value sent via MQTT message? The lights are all single colour disable led lamps.

[@1mrhamel]

The ultimate room switch plate, 3 switches/buttons, a slider or knob to set fan speed, a tiny display to show temperature and humidity. Bonus points if an amp meter was put on the output to have logic detect if a bulb is burnt out or load is not physically turned on or if a fan motor is overdrawing.

[@NikonErik]

In 2018-2019 the basic Sonoff switches, like the one depicted in this great video, had a firmware update that solves the problem addressed in this video. The Sonoff switches will now work if there is suddenly no internet connection without custom firmware. They can work in a LAN only mode.

[@kcarmical]

Great as usual. So glad to see you making more videos!

[@jamesdavis5517]

I just powered a SONOFF with an ARDUINO without connecting mains VAC. To my delight the wifi then operated normally. I then discovered a pin on the Sonoff that provided 3.3VDC when the Sonoff is 'on' and 0VDC when the Sonoff is 'off'. I then connected a jumper from that pin to an input on the Arduino and now I have app control over the Arduino!

[@SuperHouseTV]

Nice!

[@intisemestahastakaryacv2568]

Could you please teach me how to find that, cos I need sonoff to control my garage door

[@dakipro]

Great video as always Jonathan. I've be watching them since the episode #1 and got a ton of inspiration, thank you for that :) Could you please describe more OpenHab itself, basics and maybe some cool tips and tricks, how to program different scenarios etc? Thanks!

[@excession1293]

Very interesting product with a really comprehensive review and exploration. Thank you for all the work you put into clear explanations and well thought out content; so often when watching your videos I'll wonder "what if.." and then you'll immediately get into answering that question, amazing.

[@c000159]

One of the best KZbin videos I have ever seen!

[@milwen]

Thanks for the video. Very helpful and informative. I had never heard of the Sonoff, but it sounds great. I am currently running an OpenHab/MQTT setup and I have a few ESP8266's (NodeMCU). It would be nice if they had a model that gave more pin access so I could use a relay plus temp/humidity for example.

[@SuperHouseTV]

There are other versions called the "TH10" (10 Amp) and "TH16" (16 Amp) that cost a few dollars more, but include a 3.5mm socket in the side for connection of an external module such as a temperature / humidity sensor. www.itead.cc/wiki/Sonoff_TH_10/16

[@veronikak4095]

please make a video of controlling your house with ioBroker, with Alexa. thank you so much, i love your channel and your enthusiastic way to explain everything

[@LaCorderie67]

Thx for all your videos keep doing it ! Thx for taking so much time to do all this content and sharing your skill :)

[@TobyRobb]

Just ordered a few of each type, cheers #SuperHouseTV !

[@jeankhoury7469]

How do you know which pin corresponds to which functionality on the sonoff? Thanks

[@e.shealer2417]

This guy is awesome! I stumble upon this site and I couldn't belevie what I was watching...I'm so happy I found this site...Thank you,Thank you,Thank you...

Do you think you could do a video about MQTT... from scratch (with vitual machine) and a demo? I'm not totally sure how it really works... Else a good suggestion for more infos? Thanks

[@SuperHouseTV]

I agree, that's an important topic that would be very helpful for anyone setting up their own home automation system. MQTT is so widely used now that it's important to understand how it works. I mentioned it in the very first SuperHouse episode where I explained my system architecture, but since then the architecture has changed significantly and I didn't show details of how to set up MQTT. Great suggestion, I'll see what I can do.

[@jasonperry6046]

I second that, and as long as I can take the information and apply it to an RPi I am happy. Oh a follow up video on OpenHab would be great too.

[@SuperHouseTV]

Jason Perry I currently use an RPi running Raspbian as my main home controller, with Mosquitto (MQTT broker) and OpenHAB installed on it.

[@GeeTheBuilder]

Yes I would love a video on MQTT - JUST on MQTT from Jonathon.

[@maurohernandezmontes3583]

Jean-Michel Dubé sßx

[@alexiekola]

Thankx Jon such a great insightful video. love the super house. one day i will find some time to convert my house. to busy with building robots with my son at moment. love to pick your brain sometime. till then more content!!!

[@o2usa13]

Great videos, would like to see more on the roller shade build.

[@sunglint]

This is a great video! Very thorough, concise, and information dense. Thanks so much!

[@Emillos82]

great video. I am doing the same construction with a power supply, a wemos d1 mini and a relay (and ESP easy software) but it is not as compact as the sonoff. I will buy one directly. thanks

[@Len02013]

Thanks. Had no idea about ota updates, that will be helpful for another project :)

[@mikewurlitzer5217]

What a very well done video. I have 10 Sonoffs running but using their eWeLink server but would like to run off a Raspberry Pi and this video will be invaluable. I'd also like to echo Jean-Michel Dube's request for a video on MQTT. Thanks again.

[@procyonlotor1906]

Gday. I'm just starting to learn about all this cool stuff and you make it really easy for dopes like me. Thank you.

[@DiyintheGhetto]

Hello awesome video. But i was wondering about dimming the Light bulb it's self. I have 4 light bulbs each one on it's own Dimmer witch. Using the sonoff which is a Easy Cheap Esp8266 relay module is Great and all But how would i be able to dim the lights?

[@Fudders]

Great video, really well explained - thanks very much!

[@peaceandfood7952]

really intresting compare to a 40/50$ z-wave module + z-wave controller (raspberry pi+ z-wave dongle) around 50$ i think.

[@ronnydidit]

Awesome Vid and i actually really like the device but there are also two "contra" to mention. 1. Most of routers are pretty limited to the simultaneous connected devices. In my case 32 but we have 4 RPi3, something like 80 lights and countless outlets in and around the house. Not to forget some Laptops, Cellphones and IP-Cameras. 2. i miss connectors to add a push button and a wall switch to switch the relay manually but maybe there is a free GPIO? I prefer to use each room one of the latest ESP (3 bucks) with a additional power supply (cheap) and connect several relay boards (up to 30A, also cheap) to it. In case i need more GPIO's there is still the possibility of using shift registers or I2C with PCF8574. This isnt critic. Im one of your biggest Fans and your Videos were helping me a lot to understand. KEEP IT UP!!! :) PS: sorry for the messy english, im a German who never had an english class in his life ;-) But one more Question: MQTT vs. Netcat?

[@SuperHouseTV]

Yes, point 1 is something that can catch people out if they don't know their AP has a limit on simultaneous clients. Point 2 will be covered very soon in my follow-up video, which will probably be titled "Sonoff Secrets: Storage, Software, Switches, and Safety" or something corny like that :-) MQTT and Netcat can work together, but they do very different things. I want to do an episode all about MQTT some time in the future because it's such a useful foundation now for so many connected projects.

[@ronnydidit]

Ok, thanks. I'll stay tuned :)

[@DwightWalker]

Great video channel on Arduino!

Nice vid, when you're trying to find the original firmware you wont find it using the client side mobile app name it will be sonof name most likely.

[@sparkequinox]

Thank you! Just got a pair of esp32's and got my first ever OTA going. Though it only worked once, checking it your source code I was able to confirm my suspicious/stupidity... The initial OTA section of must also be in the OTA uploaded code.. *doh*

[@yapandasoftware]

X-10 is cheap.. and I think it's still around. Easy to install and easy to implement. The TW523 interface may still be around but if it isn't it's easy to write a arduino code and build your own X-10 interface using a balon coil and some capacitors as passive phase filters. I made a power line transmitter that can send 12Mb across the power line using 2-10 mHz in the transmit mode and between 12 and 20 in the receive mode. I created an ADHOC protocol interface using OFDM platform and created a BQPSK scheme with the old INARI chipset . This allowed me to connect up to 256 devices all talking at the same time using a LUC or "Line up Card" which controlled which node spoke and when they were allowed to make a diffee and helman handshake. I hold patents in the power line industry and I've actually transmitted over a 7620V power line 12 miles but the Radiant Noise level was too high 70 db per meter and the FCC prevented me from moving forward with that design. But it is possible.

[@brandonso6675]

thanks for the ideas please keep doing this kind of videos :)

[@tommysharp1570]

Great video! I'm always conscious of providing manual control of my devices using buttons. I like the look of your 4 gang light switches..... would love to see how you might do something similar to manually control a sonof device?

[@arlosaul6587]

I realize it's kinda off topic but do anyone know a good place to watch new movies online ?

[@kyngkyng908]

@Arlo Saul i would suggest FlixZone. Just search on google for it =)

[@maxnelson2304]

@Kyng Kyng yup, I've been watching on flixzone for since march myself =)

[@arturodavis5135]

@Kyng Kyng Thanks, I went there and it seems like a nice service :) I really appreciate it!!

[@foxchaim5370]

@Arlo Saul Happy to help xD

[@gandsnut]

Once the Sonoff has been reprogrammed WITH the over-the-air additional code, for each subsequent reprogramming (with changes in the functional code), must the over-the-air code be again included? Also, is there no way to dump the original Sonoff ESP8266 code prior to all this? Thx.

[@sunsopheary]

It is a very useful video and thank you. I was wondering if you could let me know the type of arduino board and other accessories in order to write program to Sonoff basic.

[@sergioaiello4760]

That's brilliant! Thank you for inspiring

[@DiyintheGhetto]

Hello also i notice one thing with the Sonoff relay switches is that once you flash the firmware to MQTT on openhab the button for manual activation is no longer there How would i be able to add that back in plus have it show up saying it was pushed?

[@ozcanonal]

Thank you for this very informative video. You are quite a lecturer...

[@Nowah1981]

Hi Jonathan. Did you manage to get the serial output working with sonoff? I am doing some profiling and testing on it and had to resort to led blinking, however, data becomes more complex for me to rely on reading binary from LED's.

[@sam9s]

When I click on verify after all config is done I am getting error "Error compiling for board Generic ESP8266 Module" .....can u plz assist. I want to upload tasmota firmware that I already have downloaded.

[@viniciusnoyoutube]

Very well made video. Thanks.

[@JamesBos]

Jon, thanks so much for these videos! I've been messing with OpenHAB for a while now and decided to take the leap and just buy up on all the Wemos and Sonoff stuff. I hope we start to see more hardware from companies like Itead who actually embrace the makers whilst making it accessible for the consumer :) I was initially having issues because my el-cheapo (sorry, no Freetronics here in Thailand :P) TTL Serial interface lied to me when it said it had switchable 5v-3v3 logic level. Luckily it didn't kill the Sonoff and also had a spare arduino I could use instead (by grounding the reset pin and using the rx/tx lines) Now if someone can make a good quality esp8266 powered door lock, I'd be happy as a pig in shit!

[@jakubkrason]

Great Video. Is the app on your phone your own one or you use 3rd party app? Any pointers or links on developing this ? I want to be independent of any 3rd party systems myself. App alone shouldn't be a problem to switch things on and off but I'm just not sure if i will be able to incorporate pairing into the app. Thanks for any help and keep them videos coming. There is 32,679 of us craving for more ;)

[@SuperHouseTV]

Thanks Jakub! The first app I showed was the one supplied by iTEAD. The second app (which is the one I normally use) is the app for OpenHAB, which I use as my main home automation controller / coordinator.

[@wiztronicmalta]

Hey. I did not quite get what steps are next once you hook up your Sonoff to USB cable. What software do you use and where do I get all re-coding necessary to upload new firmware please? Thanks!

[@gsatchu111]

Great skill and presentation.. Thanks

[@itsadamoc]

Jonathan, do you have any tips on preventing interference? I tried to put one behind my tv cabinet which houses an AirPort Extreme, amplifier, Apple TV and other bits... but the wifi routinely cuts out on the Sonoff which in turn, switches on the device connected to the Sonoff. Wife not happy :)

[@galex81]

What I'm missing if after flashing sonoff board (arduino says 100% done)...led doesn't blink at all? Used 2 different sonoff board with same result. If you can help I'll really appreciate any suggestions. Thank you

[@kimlindblom6964]

Can I alter the state of the sonoff with the pushbutton? I have uploaded the sketch without problems and can alter the state of SonOff by sending a "1" or "0" through MQTT but the physical button doesnt alter the state of the sonoff. I would like to have the option of turning a lamp on or of if I dont have my phone at hand.

[@drDigD]

Hi Jon! Сould you do a video about your blind controllers? Or may be a blog post about them?

[@SuperHouseTV]

I started filming a video about them maybe 8 years ago, but it was rubbish so I never used the footage. Since then I've done about 6 different versions of the blind controller so I really should do a proper episode about it :-)

[@drDigD]

Looking forward to it! =)

[@sam9s]

you can ignore all the msg . all sorted myself and by google and by esteemed helpful members on HA forum .... One Question though, Can I install OTA blink on my second sonoff and then upload tasmota firmware OTA?

[@platinumav]

mate, your knowledge and dedication is to be applauded. Can you tell me if this can be integrated with Push Controls automation? The 4G connectivity is a bonus over anything like the LIFX and the cost is amazing compared with Environexus

[@stunamvap8617]

Thank you very much for these precious and precise advice well structured. The SONOFF interface is very interesting no term of saving water and electricity. I did some tests and read a lot. I realize that it is the jungle from the multitude To manage this automation via proprietary servers (or not as Mosquito) or various platforms. I am a confused in the mass of information ingested. Would you be so kind as to advise me on a device that works only On a local area network (LAN). I want a client / server device (off-line) opensource So as to manage, via a router, a drip, the ground of which can not receive any Internet signal. Please, indicate me in the main line, the different tools. Is the Support arduino could support a server? Thank you in advance for your time and advice.

[@alim25061]

Hi, thanks for the video Is it possible to let the new sonoff (with power consumption monitoring) to turn off automatically when the power consumption reaches certain level using arduino ?

[@mig4ng]

+SuperHouseTV Is it possible to use this + one manual interruptor in a lamp?

[@AntonMartinez]

Hi Jonathan, I've recently bought a couple of sonoff basic, and I want to make them work with my lights without loosing the regular wall switch usage. Your videos about the subject are the best, and the way you explain things it's very simple and clear! So, thanks for that! I've a really quick question, I'm looking for an usb adapter for it, and I'm guessing if any adapter would work, given that I've seen a lot of options and I want to buy something that works (because I've to wait for a long shipping after I buy it). Thanks in advance!

[@amokdesign]

thank you for this - please do more of this - very informative - super cool and easy "tutorial" - thanks jonathan ;) - how do you get that shell window for mosquitto ?

[@fcecamor]

Hi Jonathan, thanks for all your videos. I really like the idea of making domotic my house but I've a question. I would like to know if during the standby period of the device if it produces WiFi transmission (and if so, how much) considering that if there should be more than 50 devices installed in a house, the transmission could end up being unsafe for human exposure. Cheers

[@ronkloiber]

Hello, I would like something like the Sonoff but I'd like it to be dimmable, and controlled by wifi, and control them with a smartphone as well as have a remote wall switch to control it, say with 2 buttons... On/brighten and Off/dim. I have just started to play with Arduino and wondered if something like this could be accomplished with 2 NodeMCU's and a D-A converter with a triac. ?? Do you have anything like this in your collection? Thanks,

[@WenderReis]

Hi. I got a new sonoff with temperature sensor to use with openhab. Wich code do I have to upload to use the on/off and get the temperatures and humity? By the way, the programming works out of box. Nice video.

[@ksmith7122]

I've noticed that Arduino flash of ESP8266-12E over Wi-Fi may be dependent on any pins being connected in sutu and pulled high/ low while flashing over the air. Sometimes have to bring it back to the USB port for upgrade. Any ideas?

[@SuperHouseTV]

Sorry, I don't know an answer to that :-(

[@alanchan81my]

Hi, may i know does this device suitable use / replace aircond switch? Because the aircond quite high voltage / AMP. Sorry, i'm about zero knowledge...

[@anthonydacko2856]

In version Arduino 1.8.3 I can not find the program to install the driver for the ESP8266 using the 3.3 v/ 5 v FTDI - Compatible serial Interface from Freetronics.

[@janbernhardt2886]

Hi, nice video! I like that little DIP switch that you inlined in that cable. Do you happen to have a link to the product?

[@wisterdesigns9620]

What kind of protocol Sonoff uses for the products? Do they use MQTT as well?

Hello again JonathanIt would be very interesting video on a wall switch like you have!That's my biggest problem, what kind of Wall switch use to control the lighting with dimmer (preference).In this case the "intelligence" would have to stay at the wall switch right? Or you have any suggestions?Do you thing will be better to have on the wall switch the ESP8266 or the UNO with Ethernet shield?

[@SuperHouseTV]

I'm going to do a future episode about the way my switches are set up. I don't have any dimming control at the moment, but I want to revise the switches. I have some ideas about how to do a touch-sensitive plate with dimming control. Which processor you choose depends on how you want to communicate with it. If you're happy with WiFi (which I personally don't like for critical home control stuff) then the ESP8266 is the way to go.

[@kostechindustries9277]

Another great video Jon! The sonoff seems like an excellent device.My only concern is the lack of approval as stated in the video. Is there any way to metaphorically cut through the red tape? How much would it cost for ITEAD to get approvals for use of this device in Australia?

[@SuperHouseTV]

Short answer: a LOT. Not only would it need C-Tick approval, but because the ESP8266 has WiFi it's classified as an "intentional emitter" (rather than just something that may cause EMI by accident) so it has to undergo extra testing for spectrum allocation approval. It's likely to cost in the $5k (at the super low end) to $20k range by the time they got it all done. A company like Itead isn't interested in that because they're selling to hobbyists. That's also why something like a Sonoff costs $4.85, but if you go into Bunnings and buy an approved WiFi-enabled power controller such as a Belkin WeMo you're paying $69. Another sucky thing about certification is that it freezes your design. Companies like Itead revise their designs faster than they can update their website, but once something is certified it has to stay that way or go through the process again.

[@bernardjordaan8135]

Hi. Is it possible to add Ethernet control and a microswitch (sending 1 when depressed and staying 0 when not) to this board?

[@mbecker163]

Is there any danger is using the Sonoff with aluminum wiring? Is the "Earth connection" the same as "ground wire" in the US? Does the Earth connection need to be encased, or not touch the Sonoff unit?

[@Nathan-rx6bj]

Is there ever any issue with the amount of wifi deices you have connected to your wifi router.What sort or wifi router do you use, and how many wifi connected devices would you be happy to connect to it?

[@brainfreeze7979]

The only thing all these things miss is wiring to include a physical switch override, to allow momentary or toggled switching detection to actuate a change to the connected device (and if it sent an MQTT message as well that would be even more awesome). For example, is there a GPIO on this we could use to the old wall switch (and yes, allowing for bouncing) so that we could manually affect the device? Is this at all possible?

[@ollethelin6505]

Thanks for a great episode, do you know if its possible to add an external antenna to the sonoff? Putting the unit inside a metal box makes it hard to connect. Cheers

[@SuperHouseTV]

That's a brilliant question! Because the Sonoff uses an ESP8266, the short answer is that it SHOULD be possible. The Sonoff PCB includes a trace antenna just like you'd find on a typical ESP8266 module, which means you may be able to cut the trace and solder on a coaxial pigtail for an external antenna. I haven't done it myself, but it sounds like it should work. It would be interesting to try.

[@richgrasso9904]

Alexa doesn't pick up the sonoff any more with the flash i used a year ago. Was there an update?

[@kaischaabane6978]

Hi Jonathan For The module with the sensor humidity , can we flaching and put our sketche (like you did with switch) Thank You

[@SuperHouseTV]

Yes, no problem. I'm going to do another video showing more information about the TH model, some extra software options such as Homie and HC2016, and how to connect extra GPIOs so you can do things like connect a physical light switch.

[@kaischaabane6978]

Thank you a lot Jonathan

[@pjbear1813]

Hi do you know or make a product that can be controlled via MQTT to set a dimmable led lamp to a light level. I switch it on and off via a flashed sonoff controlled by MQTT via Home Assistant. I used to use a plc with a 0-10 v controlled dimmer as I am removing the PLC and moving to home Assistant as my control hub which works well and allows Alexa voice control. Any ideas or help would be great. Also do you know of the same type of controller for rgb lights so I can set colour brightness and on and off for a rgb rope?

[@kuanyewwong3296]

I have got a question, is it possible to 'Sonoff' a switch that is acting like a main on/off switch for all the electrical devices in a enclosed room? Ex: Kitchen I have a master manual switch that with one flip (on/off) I switch off all the lights, the downlights, the tasklights and maybe some of the non essentials like coffee maker, bread toaster..etc. Now by using Sonoff, I splice it onto the master manual switch so that I can now use wifi to switch all of the above mentioned either on/off. Will it work like that? Without having to flash the firmware?

[@chebliss7665]

What are your thoughts with regard to safety on using these in the home? I’m thinking about installing them on my lights. Hall, lounge and dining room... planing installation directly onto the wiring in the attic.

[@EDITHA2004]

Nice video presentation. I just want to ask you, I'm a Filipino, our power line provided by our power company in most of the residential areas in Philippines are using 2 hot or live 110v and ground. Then of course all of our appliances or units available in Philippines are 220v rating. My questions are: 1. If I connect 1 hot wire to L and another hot wire to N which is supposed to be Neutral in your video presentation but due to Philippines 2 hot wires power designed (even the N-in is directly connected to N-out but the circuits of Sonoff is connected to N line), the Sonoff circuit won't damage? What will be the alternative connection to match in our 2 hot wires power line. 2. Are you really confident that the relay switch metal size can handle to switch on and off safely the appliances like electric fan or spot light etc.except low wattage lights (can be seen in other Sonoff youtube video presentation). I know that they marked the unit limited to maximum power load but looks the size of relay switch is unsafe to replace our existing light switch, the safest way but may not be economical is to use contactors. My point is, still hard to trust the Chinese made products.

[@jimbosander]

I have automation using stateful rules via a proprietary tool (ISY), and expensive switch controllers ($35 each adds up quickly). I like the concept of management via centralized relays you've got going; haven't watched all the videos yet so pardon if this question is covered; but; are your relays switches dimmable?

[@paulostradioti]

Hi, first of all, thanks for your videos, they are great. I know almost nothing about electronics, so my question might sound silly, I apologize if that`s the case.. Can I use the on/off wifi switch in parallel with my wall switches, so I can turn the lights on/off either by wifi or by the wall outlet? Thanks

[@KimStrandberg93]

Stupid question maybe but if i have a little switch on example a lamp, should i remove the switch, or keep the switch, should i put it before or after the the switch if so ? Second question, does this also work with ceiling lamps as long as you keep the power ""on"" ? Another question, can you connect a usual 4.85 sonoff switch on a power extension socket with lets say a , coffee machine? Recently got intrested in home automation and you got a new subscriber, very informative but, i would love a basic guide for a noob like me :)

[@mrteausaable]

Do you have a video show how you setup the openhab app with modifying the "item", "site.map" and "things" and mayby "rules" files to get it to be control by Sonoff device show on this video?

[@maryjoycechung]

I've been looking for an Alexa enabled light switch that has multiple gangs (1,2,3 and 4 gang) and can work as intermediate switches (2 and 3 way, so that 2 or 3 switches control one light). Can this configuration be expanded so that it also works as a 3 way switch instead of 2 way? Also, does the Sonoff module provide for dimming, so that it can be dimmed through Alexa even if it's not possible to do so at the physical switch? Thanks!

[@thechriskelly12]

+SuperHouseTv can you get a dimmable version of the sonoff to control the brightness of dimmable led lamps?

[@SuperHouseTV]

Not at the moment. Current Sonoff models use relays that only allow on/off operation. In future there may be one with a Triac or similar to allow dimming, but I don't know what iTead may have planned.

[@thechriskelly12]

have you got any videos configuring openhab2 with MQTT I have MQTT running but can't figure out how to get it connected?

[@fitwithsurya]

nice video nice explanation

[@rg87ta]

i cant get this to work. when compiling, it gets an error about a file not found.

[@kemaldemir291]

Hi Jon . when i connect mains is it possible to get 3.3V from VCC port? If not how can i get 3.3V to power my pir sensor?

[@pranjalprem1608]

I wanted to install sonoff but my problem is am having 6 mescab led installed with 1 switch. So ho to make it wireless. Do 1 need 1 sonoff or 6 sonoff

[@t3rr1k]

Fantastic video, liked, suscribed and Ordering smart relays, now. I did excactly that with a: old phone charger SM-PSU, esp-8266 and a cheap relay. I spent too many hours and still have issues with the relay control voltage. Is there something similar with dimmers? Did you realise how much responsive is your bulb when is not turned on from the cloud? :) Thanks

[@SuperHouseTV]

There are definitely equivalent devices from other suppliers that can do dimming, but I don't think any of the Sonoff models can do it. Not yet, anyway. They're just on/off devices. I think there's probably a Belkin Wemo module that can do it, but they're about 15x more expensive!

[@borchrich]

Hi Jonathon, Thanks for posting this video. I've got myself a few Sonoffs that I want to use with Home Assistant via MQTT. The Blink and OTABlink sketches work fine and the OTARelay uploads without any issues. However publishing to the Sonoff either via the SSH command line or MQTT.fx does not change the pin states. Looking via the serial monitor in the Arduino IDE tells me the MQTT broker cannot connect. My question is, does one not need to specify the user name and password (which my broker requires). Also, does the port (1883 in my case) not need to be specified as well? Thank you - Richard

[@SuperHouseTV]

If your broker is configured to require authentication, then you're correct: your client will need to be configured for it. If you're using the PubSubClient library, you can do it in the Connect method: pubsubclient.knolleary.net/api.html#connect3

[@CJDavies]

I'm having a bizarre problem with my two Sonoffs. If I power them by connecting 3.3V (from either my FTDI 232 or my bench power supply) to the programming header, the work flawlessly. However when I power them from AC, they are incredibly unstable/temperamental - after a dozen power cycles they might work, with huge amounts of lag & once one of them suddenly started working after 20 minutes powered from AC. At first I thought the power supplies might be faulty, but I have metered 3.316V when they are connected to my 246V AC. I haven't checked the serial console while AC is connected (for obvious reasons) but from my WiFi AP's Web interface it doesn't look as though they are successfully connecting to WiFi when powered from AC. I have a few more on order from banggood, but they will take a while to arrive - maybe the power supplies on mine are putting out the right voltage but are too noisy?

[@CJDavies]

For anybody finding this comment via Google, the issue was faulty low voltage power supplies on the Sonoffs. Two more Sonoffs from a different batch work flawlessly with exactly the same code/AP/broker/etc.!

[@billysgeo]

If you have all your lights going directly to the central cab, how do you control them with a wall-switch? I guess all wall-switches will have to be 'smart' switches with relays. Right?

[@Riplamaxaa]

Go through and watch his over automation videos, they work by sending a message to a central server.

[@billysgeo]

Ripmax Yes, but where does the actual switching happen?

[@Riplamaxaa]

He has DIN-rail relays in his consumer unit (fuseboard)

[@billysgeo]

Ripmax So every light is switched at the c.unit and the switches on the wall just send signals to the automation software... OK. I am thinking rewiring the house, but I want to have wall switches that can be used independently and then have to option to go full-smart-home in the future.

[@SuperHouseTV]

That's exacly right. It's a star topology, with all loads centrally switched, and all control surfaces simply sending logical commands to an OpenHAB server.

[@mivniot]

I love this guy so much ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[@jomigregory7253]

Great video. Thanks for uploading these . How do we calculate the power overhead of this sonoff devices themselves ? i.e how much extra these devices going to add to my electricty bill ? Thanks

[@cbproductionspg]

Hi, First of all great video! I am new in all this things of domotica and stuff but really love the toughts that it's all possible. Next month I will move to another home and I want to be able to check and control my lights from distance when I'm not home because my kids and wife sometimes forget to turn them off! I already understand what sonoff does but is it possible to use the main light switch to turn on and off the light without having new wires etc..?

[@ravilpatel8629]

can u automate gas knob with sonoff? or a position sensor that give you status on your app that the gas knobs on the stoves are closed?