Build a Wi-Fi + IR Controlled Smart Lamp with WiFIRCard

Build a Wi-Fi + IR Controlled Smart Lamp with WiFIRCard and CircuitPython

Introduction

Looking for a simple yet powerful way to add Wi-Fi and IR control to your DIY electronics? Meet WiFIRCard— a tiny Wi-Fi + IR powered smart relay board. In this project, we’ll use CircuitPython to control a lamp with both Wi-Fi commands and a regular IR remote, giving you the best of both worlds: smart automation + traditional control.

Hardware Required

• WiFIRCard – Tiny Wi-Fi + IR Smart Relay Board
• USB cable for programming
• IR remote (any basic TV/DVD remote will work)
• LED lamp or small 220V/110V load (connected via the relay)

Features of the Project

• Control the lamp from your PC or mobile via Wi-Fi commands.
• Use your regular IR remote to toggle the relay.
• Use your regular IR remote to toggle the relay.
• Super compact build with minimal wiring.
• Runs on CircuitPython for easy-to-read code.

Circuit Diagram

Just connect the WiFIRCard relay output to your lamp/light load, and plug in USB for programming. (No extra wiring needed — IR receiver and Wi-Fi are built in.)

CircuitPython Code

import board
import digitalio
import wifi
import socketpool
import time
import pwmio
import pulseio
import adafruit_irremote

# Setup relay pin
relay = digitalio.DigitalInOut(board.IO2)  # Example pin, adjust as per WiFIRCard pinout
relay.direction = digitalio.Direction.OUTPUT

# IR Receiver setup
ir_receiver = pulseio.PulseIn(board.IO4, maxlen=120, idle_state=True)
decoder = adafruit_irremote.GenericDecode()

# Wi-Fi setup
wifi.radio.connect("YOUR_WIFI_SSID", "YOUR_WIFI_PASSWORD")
pool = socketpool.SocketPool(wifi.radio)
server = pool.socket()
server.bind(("0.0.0.0", 8080))  # Simple web server on port 8080
server.listen(1)

print("WiFIRCard Smart Lamp Ready!")
print("Access via http://<your_device_ip>:8080")

def toggle_relay():
    relay.value = not relay.value
    print("Relay toggled ->", "ON" if relay.value else "OFF")

while True:
    # Handle IR remote input
    pulses = decoder.read_pulses(ir_receiver)
    if pulses:
        try:
            code = decoder.decode_bits(pulses)
            print("IR Code:", code)
            toggle_relay()
        except:
            pass
    
    # Handle Wi-Fi requests
    client, addr = server.accept()
    request = client.recv(1024)
    request_str = request.decode("utf-8")
    if "TOGGLE" in request_str:
        toggle_relay()
    response = f"Relay is {'ON' if relay.value else 'OFF'}"
    client.send(response.encode("utf-8"))
    client.close()

How It Works

• Connect WiFIRCard to Wi-Fi by entering your credentials.
• Open a browser and go to http://<WiFIRCard_IP>:8080 → send TOGGLE request to switch the lamp.
• Alternatively, use any IR remote — every button press will toggle the relay.

Demo Video

Applications

• Smart lamp/light control.
• Wi-Fi + IR controlled appliances.
• IoT home automation projects.
• DIY learning with CircuitPython.

With WiFIRCard + CircuitPython, you can easily combine Wi-Fi and IR control in a single compact board. This project is just a starting point — from controlling fans to powering home automation devices, the possibilities are endless.

Back the project on Kickstarter: WiFIRCard Smart Relay