Need help to convert existing lights to wifi on/off light.

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SCORPIO
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Need help to convert existing lights to wifi on/off light.

Unread post by SCORPIO »

I want to convert all of my existing aquarium lights into wifi controlled on/off system. Need help and expert advice. I have basic knowledge of electronics.
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Re: RE: Need help to convert existing lights to wifi on/off light.

Unread post by sushant »

SCORPIO wrote:I want to convert all of my existing aquarium lights into wifi controlled on/off system. Need help and expert advice. I have basic knowledge of electronics.
It doesn't make much of a sense converting lights to WI-Fi control just for the sake switching it on or off(IMO our timer perform better).
You can make a controller or buy it off the shelf to control almost all the funtions.

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Re: Need help to convert existing lights to wifi on/off light.

Unread post by apuda2010 »

You need an Arduino, a Wifi shield,some relay boards ,programming skills, an Arduino app for your smartphone and a 5V charger.

Use the Frontier timers, they are easier to implement.

If you really want to go the microcontroller way, use it to control temperature, lights and CO2. Its a longer project but worth the effort.
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Re: RE: Re: Need help to convert existing lights to wifi on/off light.

Unread post by sushant »

apuda2010 wrote:You need an Arduino, a Wifi shield,some relay boards ,programming skills, an Arduino app for your smartphone and a 5V charger.

Use the Frontier timers, they are easier to implement.

If you really want to go the microcontroller way, use it to control temperature, lights and CO2. Its a longer project but worth the effort.
this is why I said for on-off control timers are the best/easiest.
Secondly in case you go with DIY you might end up spending more on building a controller than what you spend on off the shelf solutions.


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Re: Need help to convert existing lights to wifi on/off light.

Unread post by SCORPIO »

:cnf :cnf Everything is going over my head so timer is good option for me.
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Re: Need help to convert existing lights to wifi on/off light.

Unread post by syed.ali »

Timer is easiest option
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Re: Need help to convert existing lights to wifi on/off light.

Unread post by vikramdutta11 »

SCORPIO wrote::cnf :cnf Everything is going over my head so timer is good option for me.
Very good decision :1
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Re: Need help to convert existing lights to wifi on/off light.

Unread post by anandjm »

There are two options here depending on your budget.
Option 1: Costlier, maybe easier and more flexible in options, Raspberry Pi3 + Relay Board
Option 2: Cheaper, less easy and less flexible in options, ESP8266 NodeMCU + Relay Board

For both options you will also need a RTC aka Real Time Clock. This ensures that the devices do not lose time when power goes off.


Timer is simple but less flexible. Say you want to switch on your CO2 few hours before lights are switched on, you will need a separate timer for CO2 solenoid.

I'm planning to build a Aquarium control system using Option 2. Already ordered the parts. For others who want to have a go at it, the following link will help you get started: http://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp8266-controlled-with-android-app-mit-app-inventor/
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