Both Physical & Cloud Cayenne Lights Switch

Cloud Switches

The cloud switches are well known, they allow you to control the pass or interruption of electric current from your cellphone or anywhere through the internet. What happens when the local internet (the network in which the switch is connected) fails and the switch cannot connect to the internet. This sometimes cannot work well, other than it could lose the current state of the switch (if it was on or off).

It is one of the major drawbacks that came to mind when designing a project using 1 relay and an Arduino connected to wifi, because if the wifi failed my device would be obsolete.

Then I remembered the concept of a commutation circuit (learned at high school), which is mostly used on stairs (2 floors), where it can be switched on and off, either up or down the ladder, independently.

Switch using Arduino

So I thought it would be better to build a switch with Arduino (and a relay), but in commutation mode, next to a traditional switch, so in case the internet fails (and the Arduino cannot communicate) the traditional switch could continue to operate normally.

When connected, you can work both well. For example you can turn on the physical switch, and turn off with the cloud (an Arduino pinout) without needing to know the current state of the switch (to change it)

I hope you understand me. Today I just got to operate the electronic part (cloud). During the week, I will buy the electric part to be able to build my device with a focus at 220v, and can be seen working in a real application (in my house).

What's Connected

• Arduino MKR1000

• Level Converter (for safe 3.3v use)

• Relay Driver (1 channel)

• Switch (3 way) Cable 220v Bulb (and socket)

Triggers & Alerts

None, only a Widget for managing a digital output.

Dashboard Screenshots

Photos of the Project

Video

Part 1: How a Commutation Circuit Works

Part 2: Relay and Arduino in Commutation Circuit