Bluetooth and WiFi relays that work with Automate?

[Gerard Pinzone]

I'd like to use a spare cellphone as a rain sensor for my sprinkler system. I got the idea after finding out Automate can get weather forecasts and make decisions based on rainfall. What I'd need to do is operate an external relay switch. Bluetooth and WiFi relays already exist, but they usually come with a proprietary app to control the device. Has anyone ever attempted to use these devices through Automate?

[Florian HubSpace]

No, its on my toDo. 

However, I need more information, which type of relays?

Is it a smarthome device with a Fritz!Box? Which App?

Or selfmade based on a ESP8266 or a HC-06?

When you have a app it should be possible to use the interact block(but your screen has to be unlocked)

Maybe it is possible with app start block

Or there is any webservice.

[Gerard Pinzone]

I haven't purchased anything yet. eBay has a bunch for around $15 to $20: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR3.TRC2.A0.H0.Xbluetooth+relay.TRS0&_nkw=bluetooth+relay&_sacat=0

I agree that an interact block might work (with caveats), but there's got to be a better way. I read someone was able to do it in Tasker using a plugin where they could send a message to a Bluetooth device using a Python script. I don't know how they figured out the correct message to send to operate the relay. I don't know if Automate has a similar plugin.

[Florian HubSpace]

Automate support any Tasker Plugin. 

I never had Tasker installed, but i noticed that they support scripts inside a task, don't know if it is python. Maybe its done on this way, that would not be possible in automate.

To control the relays you need to connect to the device via bluetooth and send commands:

1road on： FD 02 20 01 01 5D

1road off： FD 02 20 01 00 5D

2road on： FD 02 20 02 01 5D

2road off： FD 02 20 02 00 5D

....

Currently there is no block to perform any command via bluetooth. (only for IR)

@Developer: Maybe add a block? Or any other suggestions?

I think this app will not work(1 year in beta without updates...), but it has to be some similar:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=appinventor.ai_rblackmore245.Arduino_Bluetooth

// I suggest to not use this app. It looks like it could damage your mobile :D

[Henrik "The Developer" Lindqvist]

Some kind of binary data type, i.e "Blob", will be an requirement for custom protocols, it's on the to-do list.

[greg...@gmail.com]

Hi,

Is there want update in this, I want to do the same thing, although my blue commands are different to the ones posted above. I noted that there is a Bluetooth send and receive command option on the to do list. I'm guessing that will do want I want. But have no idea when it may be worked on.
I've not used tasker before and don't know anything about its plugins.

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

[thec...@gmail.com]

the easy root would be using ifttt Maker and sonoff
https://www.ebay.com/itm/5V-12V-Self-locking-Sonoff-WiFi-Wireless-Smart-Switch-Home-Relay-Module/162847131922?hash=item25ea720912:g:QuMAAOSw-29ZXa3o

[greg...@gmail.com]

Offer maker seems to be a paid for web service. Unless I looked it up wrong?

Which is a little over the top just to switch a relay on and off when the phone is in the same room.

Would really like some more assistance one this if possible

Regards

[thec...@gmail.com]

No Ifttt maker is free. It may be a paid for service when you scale up, but i do not pay any fee

[thec...@gmail.com]

tuya smart also has a api for developers, so you could use a tuya sw and http request.