plugwise design, but through wifi PlugAway

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nawikre
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plugwise design, but through wifi PlugAway

Post by nawikre »

*edit*
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pl ... mart-phone

I always forget to write it in English...stupid me, so i have deleted the Dutch story and translated into English. So here goes.

I wanted to ask you opinion about a project a friend of mine is doing.
It is the same as plugwise, but only it uses Wifi network and not zigbee network. There is already a smartphone/IOS app to control your equipment and also see the energy use. A windows app will also be done, but first finish the smartphone apps.
But i want you opinion on this. The design will be around something like the Fibaro plug. This thing looks very nice and does not take a lot of space on your sockets.
The dimming function will also be done, but a bit later. Also a stealth module will be available to build it in walls etc.
I wanted to use this to integrate this into my ledlighting i produce for my company, but then i say a larger potential for this.
The price will be even better then plugwise!!!

Her the pro and cons..(i was hoping you can add some pro/cons)

Pro:
* You do not have to use a dongle like plugwise
* Easy to integrate in your home automation
* Coverage is much larger
* Cheaper to expand coverage by buying wifi repeater
* The smartphone/windows app will automaticly keep a database on your energy usage etc.
* The software has an internal agenda/timer to switch equiptment on/off


Cons:
* Wifi network will be more busy.
Last edited by nawikre on Fri May 31, 2013 10:05 am, edited 3 times in total.
greetz,

Iwan
Bwired
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Re: design like plugwise based on WiFi

Post by Bwired »

Please translate: forum is English.

I would love to get rid of the plugwise dongle construction and closed system.
I would welcome a simular system which is wifi enabled and
Not sure what the new setup would be, are all the devices communicating with each other (mesh network) or are devices each communicating with a controller based on wifi.
Plugs should be much smaller then plugwise, simular to the fibaro wallmount.
Let your friend tell some more :)
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Post by spierie »

Totally agree with Bwired, would be great to get rid of Plugwise, just converted It from the Windows Source to my Domotiga system. This is at least much faster then the Windows system.

So yes, an open system based on wifi is great!
marcelr
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Re: ontwerp zoals plugwise, maar via wifi

Post by marcelr »

nadelen:
- Wifi netwerk wordt erg druk
It's only a trickling flow of data. I log my smart meter, PV rig and solar heater every 10 seconds since a few months. Data rate is less than 200 bytes/second. Haven't detected any network delays yet ...

grtz,

marcelr
nawikre
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Re: ontwerp zoals plugwise, maar via wifi

Post by nawikre »

thanks so far for the input.

I will post some more pictures and video's when i have the pcb running (with my led lighting)
greetz,

Iwan
nawikre
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Re: design like plugwise based on WiFi

Post by nawikre »

Bwired wrote:Please translate: forum is English.

I would love to get rid of the plugwise dongle construction and closed system.
I would welcome a simular system which is wifi enabled and
Not sure what the new setup would be, are all the devices communicating with each other (mesh network) or are devices each communicating with a controller based on wifi.
Plugs should be much smaller then plugwise, simular to the fibaro wallmount.
Let your friend tell some more :)
They are not in a mesh network, but communicating individually with the wifi network.
greetz,

Iwan
nawikre
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Re: plugwise design, but through wifi

Post by nawikre »

a small update. I got the new design from my dear friend. And they where able to 'copy' the domensions of the fibaro plug. Diameter is 45mm x 16mm (They first made it 38mm, but that was a bit tight). They are now looking at the exteriour design.

I will keep you posted.
greetz,

Iwan
Bwired
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Re: plugwise design, but through wifi

Post by Bwired »

Sounds more good every time!
PietjeNL
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Re: plugwise design, but through wifi

Post by PietjeNL »

Think u will get some problems with the wifi routers if u have many wifi appliances connected.
Allot of router can not handle 10+ wifi connections.
What will be the average usage of the modules?
nawikre
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Re: plugwise design, but through wifi

Post by nawikre »

Hello Pietjenl,

i have not heard about this problem of a limited connections torouter on wifi. We will test this when possible.
And the usage is also not yet tested. The pcb is done and i will get the pcb within two weeks. We will test this and let you know.
greetz,

Iwan
nawikre
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Re: plugwise design, but through wifi

Post by nawikre »

It has been quite for a while on this topic, but it does not mean that i have been sitting stil. The plug is a reallity now. We just need to further develop it to finish it. Like CE certification etc.

There will be a kickstarter campaign starting the 26th of November to fund the rest of the project.

So remarks and comments are welcome (on this page please.


http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/plu ... n=ed3a591a
greetz,

Iwan
MarnixT
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Re: plugwise design, but through wifi

Post by MarnixT »

Nice, looks professional.

Is it possible to access each plug through its own webpage?

I'm wondering how the initial 50 will not be used for manufacturing. Then how do you pay for the plugs and leds?
Also, since it you're in the Netherlands it would be nice if shipping costs would become less. I also don't know much an Australian flat is. Even if they are shipped from China, I'm used to lower shipping costs.

Anyway, very nice initiative! Hope it works out



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Digit
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Re: plugwise design, but through wifi

Post by Digit »

Hi Iwan,

Very nice! Smart, professional, good looks, small, looks like a real winner plug :)

I have a few questions though, like
- dimensions, what's the diameter of the plug? Will 2 of them fit next to each other?
- API, is there any information about the API that can already be shared?
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Re: plugwise design, but through wifi

Post by Bwired »

Wow great, same questions as Robert
If good Api then count me in as a backer
kriz83
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Re: plugwise design, but through wifi

Post by kriz83 »

Can that led ring be controlled manually, or does it indicatie power consumption ?
Otherwise it could be used as a night light ...

But, it all depends on the api ...
No api ... no buy
And please, make it usable without the cloud !
HomeSeer - PlugWise - RFXComm - Philips Pronto TSU9800/9600/9300
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