Recently I started my master program at Yale University. During my first week, I was so tired of walking all the way to turn off the light in the dorm. Because the bed is soooo far away from the light switch. Then, guess what? I built a remote switch!!!
Oh! By the way, you can not find my dorm… because it is 404…hahaha (404 NOT FOUND)
Brainstorming
My initial plan was using bluetooth. But it might be time-consuming to write a interface for the front end for iPhone. Another alternative is using PS4 controller to connect the Arduino, but I felt it was such a waste on PS4 controller.
Then I thought the optimal plan wass IOT (Internet of Things) by Wi-Fi or Ethernet port. By setting up a server, I could control the light switch on web in any device. But bad news was that the Ethernet port seemed broken in my dorm. I called the Yale IT service, I was told I can not set up my own server in dorm.
Finally, I realized I could set up a remote control with IR components. So I used arduino, IR sensor and IR remote to build a light switch . Check out the video below…
