The original WREN, launched back in 2020, was ESP8266 based and is in use around the World.
A national furniture UK furniture store was also looking at the WREN with a view to adding the much needed Home Automation to i's Electric Recliners and Home Cinema Chairs. This concept faded with the company's administration, back in 2020.
In 2021, the WREN 12S was released, which included an upgraded hardware electronic safety lockout and new board layout for fitting into the enclosure.
The WREN project was updated to an ESP32 but this stayed in R&D, whilst awaiting the new ESP32-C5, with the much anticipated dual band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. In addition, RS485 integration would allow multiple WREN's to directly communicate in installations like Home Cinemas, so offering a great user experience. Welcome to WREN C5.
Original WREN 12S SDK V2
WREN, is a compact, Linear Motor Controller Board which can be easily integrated into IoT Home or Industrial Automation systems, via Dual Band 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz Wi-Fi and RS485/DMX/DMX-512 automation.
- Home or Industrial Automation, IOT control, could be local, or cloud based, to suite the user needs.
- The on-board powerful ESP32-C5 enables use of Standard Arduino Code, Platform IO, ESPHome etc.
- Full Electronic Control, with Safety Hardware Lockouts (not using Relays).
- The original WREN design is in operation around the World and is straight forward to install. This WREN C5 is the new design.
- Built In Industry Standard RS-485 Interface. This can be also be used for DMX / DMX512 Lighting and Audio Automation Control.
WREN controls Linear Motors, which are typically used to raise/lower, Electric Recliners and Beds, or open/close Window Vents on Greenhouses.
Example Linear Motors can be found here
Top Level FeaturesThe WREN SDK board:
- Is designed to easily, and safely, retrofit (plug and play), to industry standard Electric Reclining Chairs.
- Allows continued use of any existing push buttons, or remote hand controller, through isolated input and outputs.
- Enables simultaneous electrical control from Smart Home Automation.
- Includes electronic Hardware Safety Lockout and Shutdown.
- Designed for standard 5 Pin DIN connections, typically used for Electric Recliners
- Although most chairs operate at 24 V DC, WREN could be used on systems from 9V to 48V DC.
- The WREN Dual Linear Motors Controller can be internally linked to provide increased single motor current control - heavy duty.
- RS485 Interface for chaining controllers, such as Home Cinemas.
WREN provides two independent Linear Motor fully electronic controllers, all on one board and via one cable.
Depending on how many linear motors are fitted to the Electric Reclining Chair, the dual control option is able to facilitate both options.
Typical UsesWREN was primarily designed for Electric Reclining Chairs but not limited to just these.
The standard Electric Reclining Chairs, have a Single Linear Motor, which allows for the expected reclining functions.
MobilityMore advanced Electric Reclining Chairs, have Dual Linear Motors, often called 'Lift and Recline'. These are typically used to aid mobility.
This additional Linear Motor maybe used to;
- Tilt Forward, to aid mobility to get out of the chair
- Back Rests or Foot Rests to move independently.
- Massage Options
Can be used to control a range of Linear Motors:
- Electric Recliner Chair
- Home Cinema Recliner
- Electric Recliner Bed
- Greenhouse Vent Windows
- Solar Panels, Tilting and Sun Tracking
- Stage Automation
- Animal Flaps
- Optical Tracking
- Robotics
Can be adapted for use on 8 Pin DIN connections, typically used for Electric Beds
Physical ControlElectric Recliners typically have buttons on the side of the chair. In addition, some have extension cables which attach a remote hand control, to aid mobility and easy of use.
WREN is designed to easily and transparently interface to either option.
When integrated with Home Automation with Voice Control, this could be used to control WREN, just like turning on and off lights, or opening and closing curtains.
PowerPower is taken from the existing 5 Pin DIN connector. This typically is 24V DC.
WREN could be used on systems from 9V to 48V DC.
ConnectionsInstallation of a WREN is normally simply by placing the WREN inline with an existing 5 Pin DIN connector, under the chair. for the majority of chairs, this can be mostly 'plug and play' approach.
Example connections are shown here
WREN C5The latest release of WREN includes:
- ESP32-C5 (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi)
- RS485 Interface (Allowing Groups of Chairs to Communicate)
- USB Type C UART Interface (Easier Code Development and Firmware Flashing)
- Increased on-board Voltage Power Supply to facilitate up to 52V Linear Motors.
To see the latest project updates, please see the GitHub
Further InformationAdditional information, and other technical details on this project, maybe found in the related repository pages.
Repository Folders
- Code(Code examples for Arduino IDE, PlatformIO)
- Datasheets and Information(Component Datasheets, Schematics, Board Layouts, Photos, Technical Documentation)
- Certification(Related Repository Project or Part, Certification Information)
Repository Tabs
- Wiki(Related Repository Wiki pages and Technical User Information)
- Discussions(Related Repository User Discussion Forum)
- Issues(Related Repository Technical Issues and Fixes)
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Dave Williams, Maidstone, UK.
Electronics Engineer | Software Developer | R&D Support | RF Engineering | Product Certification and Testing | STEM Ambassador
STEMSupporting STEM Learning
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