USB-A Power Scheduler

Join the Discord server group here.

This is a simple Power Scheduler with BLE / WIFI connectivity to turn ON or OFF a USB-A port/Plug/outlet at any given day and hour. Compatible with all major commercial vendors and also open source vendors such as Home Assistant.

Save on the electricity monthly bill
The innovation of this USB Power Scheduler device is in the ability to schedule charging to specific times during the day and night according to the price of electricity change. It can be programmed using machine learning to connect to an electricity market data source and calculate the best time to schedule power according to the price variations in the electricity markets. It has wireless capabilities that enable a user to plan the USB-A Scheduler from their smartphones, tablets, or computer the "power schedule" the device will be outputting power to a connected device. Is good to schedule charging of devices at home during night time, when the electricity price is much lower.

revision 10-2023

Testing the Prototyped Hardware Electronics

My USB-A scheduler is now assembled and tested! Ready to schedule power to a USB device. There's one design flaw though. Can you find it in the photo below

revision 05-2024
In this most recent revision, I'm using the microcontroller ESP32 C3 and an extreme low power management system that makes this device consume a mere ~360nA when connected to a USB plug and in standby mode. It also features USB-A to Serial UART connectivity on the USB-A male connector for firmware upgrades & updates, and it can also be used to probe a USB Power Delivery Network. More of these Smart Scheduler Devices connected to your home "USB Power Delivery Network", that Network will be more secure and safe from hacks and intrusion.

Plus...
scheduling of charging a device for an hour more convenient, when the electricity price is lower, for instance during late-night hours.

Made to fit a cheap plastic enclosure sold on AliExpress. See the parts list below for more information.

To view the latest revision of the hardware electronics and also of the circuit schematics, in a web interactive viewer, choose one of the links below:

Interactive view of the PCB Layout Interactive view of the circuit schematic

Original KiCad Project Files

The folder "KiCad Project Files" contains the KiCad Project files, for the hardware electronics of the USB-A Smart Scheduler. Each KiCad project is available with a Creative Commons share-alike non-commercial license.

Go to The KiCad Project Files folder

However, they're not fully complete. If you like it and are looking to use it on your projects, you can download the complete Kicad project files with a one-time donation, click here to learn how, and don't forget to include it in a message the name of the module/hardware electronics you need.
Thank you 🙏.

Stay tuned...

In the upcoming weeks, I'll be programming the very first firmware code for this smart device while at the same time I'll be making changes to the hardware electronics to correct the following:

✓ 🟢USB-A female plug

⌛Make the electronics compatible with "power delivery" DC lines

✓ 🟢Replace the ESP32 S3 for the ESP32 C3

✓ 🟢add power consumption functionality

The enclosure for this hardware electronics is for sale on AliExpress below:

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEQgDID

Help me complete this project faster and consider supporting it. Links below. Thank you.

#openInnovation#DIY

One final note about the sponsor

Seeed Studio Fusion partially sponsored this project with their PCBA Service, which offers comprehensive PCB manufacturing, prototype PCB assembly, and more. Their services cover everything from PCB fabrication, parts sourcing, and assembly, to testing. Seeed Co-create Program can assist you in bringing your product to market with expert guidance and business networking.

one final note about the author
The PCB Design Files I provide on GitHub for anyone to use and free. If you like this Smart Device or use it, please consider buying me a cup of coffee, a slice of pizza, or a book to help me study, eat, and think to work on new PCB design files.

Make a donation on PayPal and get a TAX refund*.