Arduino remote controlled fan

This fan once had an IR remote, but the remote died long ago. But why not take it a step further? :)

The fan can now be controlled from my phone, or any other device able to show a website. It can even be controlled from all over the world because of the way it is done.

When looking at the delay between the touch and the reaction, you can see it is taking some time. The reason for that is that it travels from the device, to the web server, over to an arduino with an ethernet shield on, and then transmitted over a 433 MHz RF set, over to another arduino with a matching 433 MHz receiver, and is then processed and the relay is triggered.

Next step is to tap into the power inside the fan, and get everything mounted inside, and have the relays replaced by some 2N2222's or opto's instead.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• wireless
• electronics
• crafts
• software
• diy
• cellphones
• mobile

[millon]

Nicely done! I'm considering working on a similar "internet of things" project. How did you setup the arduino's connection to the web server? Does the arduino constantly poll the server to request information, or is the server able to update the arduino directly? My biggest concern is that the arduino's IP will change, so the server wouldn't be able to find it.

[blddk]

@millon I am using php to call the webserver on the arduino, the IP on the arduino will not change... It can not change, because you hardcode it into the sketch, it got no dhcp support...

[BJMARSH3]

@bogdanmarinescu78 I completely agree. I work with a bunch of robots at work, if you are looking for a simple/cheap way to control that kind of power, Radioshack carries little 5VDC Reed Relays for like $3.50 that can handle some low amperage 110VAC systems. They work wonderfully with micro-controllers.

[bogdanmarinescu78]

@TheAstrogator dude, 2n2222 is rated at max. 800mA collector current and a maximum of 40V collector-emitter voltage. There's no way in hell you could control a fan with that.

[TheAstrogator]

@bogdanmarinescu78 Hey, they are cheap and available. And they work. You could also use a solid state relay, but those can be pricey and hard to find locally.

[bogdanmarinescu78]

Nice project. Still, 2N2222? You've got to be kidding me.

[nyuszifuben23]

nice

[blddk]

@Cryptopsy90 Cheaper than what? This is pretty much what I got, but I don't see why I should buy a fan more, when I already got a perfectly good one.

[JoeR14]

Awesome project! You're a badass, I wish there were more ladies like you around!