XinaBox produces a range of 80+ modular xChips, which include cores/CPUs, sensors, power, communication, output, and storage, using a connectivity standard without wires, soldering, breadboards or hardware knowledge.
xChip CW01 (ESP8266 Core) is a Microprocessor and Wi-Fi module, enabling users to send/receive data to/from the cloud.
xChip OC03 (PCA9554A) is a low-voltage control relay module capable of switching AC and DC loads up to 40V.
The XinaBox is integrated with Google Assistant/Home through IFTTT to Blynk App which allows to control the appliances over the Internet anywhere, although other IoT platforms can also be used.
Whenever a Google Assistant/Home app is commanded with your voice with some predefined custom phrase, the app sends request to IFTTT to make actions predefined on IFTTT applet. In this case IFTTT trigger Webhooks service in response, which uses HTTP to update status of pins in Blynk App.
The project can also be made using Amazon Alexa as voice service; Ubidots and other IoT platforms can also be used given that they support HTTP Webhooks.
By the end of this guide, you will be able to build your own voice-controlled home automation projects.
Requirements● 1x CW01 - Wi-Fi Core(ESP8266/ESP-12F)
● 1x IP01 - USB Programming Interface (FT232R)
● 1x OC03 - Relay Out(PCA9554A)
● 1x XC10 - 10-Pack xBus Connectors
● 1x 5V Power Supply
● 1x 5V Relay module. A 5V SRD-05DC-SL-C relay is used in this tutorial, but any 3.3V or 5V relay module can be used with changes in the code and connections.
● 1x Light bulb. An 11-W Fluorescent light bulb is used in this tutorial. However, any light bulb can be used.
● 1x Light bulb socket
● Google Assistant App and Account
● Blynk App and Account
● IFTTT and Account
Step-by-Step1. Hardware Setup
2. Installing Arduino Libraries
3. Setting Up the Blynk App
4. Setting Up IFTTT
5. Result
6. Summary
1. Hardware Setup1. Connect xChips CW01, OC03 and IP01 together using the XC10 xBus connectors. You may connect it as shown in the diagram below. Please see this guide on how to assemble xChips generally.
2. Connect VCC and GND of the Relay module to the Power Supply VCC and GND.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Relay module pinout can be different depending on what relay module is used. Double check before connecting.
3. Connect IN/Signal pin of the Relay module to the GND or VCC (Depending on the trigger type) passing though xChip OC03 connectors. My Relay module is LOW-level trigger, therefore I have to connect to GND passing though xChip OC03 connectors.
4. Connect NO of the Relay module to the Neutral of the light bulb socket, and connect COM of the Relay module to Neutral of AC plug (See Relay module pinout image above).
5. Connect the Hot wire of the AC plug with the Hot wire of the light bulb socket.
1. Install Arduino IDE 1.8.8.
2. Install these libraries into Arduino IDE:
NOTE: If you are not familiar with how to Install libraries, please refer to the link: Installing Arduino libraries
3. Setting Up the Blynk App1. Download the Blynk App.
2. Create your Blynk account and receive an Auth Token. For details see this guide.
3. Create Button Widget:
4. Select V5 pin:
1. Login to your IFTTT account. Click on This:
2. Select Google Assistant. Choose Say a simple phrase.
3. Enter your phrase and response sentence. Create trigger:
4. Now click on That. Select Webhooks. Choose Make a web request.
5. Enter URL in the format of: https://188.166.206.43/AuthToken/update/D0. Replace AuthToken with the Blynk Auth Token, and replace D0 with V5.
6. Choose the Method to be PUT, the Content Type to be application/json and enter ["1"] in the Body field.
7. Similarly, do the same for turning the light off. Enter ["0"] in the Body field.
5. Result6. SummaryIn this project we have shown you how to make Home Automation projects using voice to control appliances with XinaBox, Blynk and Google Home/Assistant app.
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