What do you call an IP/WIFI remote controlled swich?

[VicMallows]

I would like to locate a device (at the cheap end of the market) capable of controlling a few circuits via IP (ethernet or WiFi connection to a router). Ideally 2-way so as to enable monitoring as well. Essentially the same functionality as WiFI/ IP cameras, which are readily available.

Assuming they exist, what are they called? - my searches have been in vain. Flicking through a hard-copy Maplin catalogue would probably give results, but searching online when you don't know the name is difficult!

Likewise, what is the generic name for the devices which do this over a GSM connection (which definitely exist).

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mistroma]

I think that you are referring to ethernet relay controllers but I've only see these at around £100. But I haven't looked for any for quite some time.


I've just had a thought about old Centronics print servers. I did have a few but think that I got rid of them. You could probably do something with one of those if you could get one for free (I'll dig around). It would require some work but they are 5V or 9V power, static or DHCP address and can be made to switch things via Centronics. Mine were only 10Mbps Ethernet though.

I have a dialler in one device on the boat, aren't they just called GSM Diallers?


Update: I just did a quick search try this site http://www.robot-electronics.co.uk/acatalog/Relay_Modules.html

 

[nigelmercier]

You probably won't get much cheaper than this type of project:

http://www.siliconchip.com.au/Issue/2013/March/Control+Relays+Via+The+Internet+With+Arduino see item 10. I will be getting this magazine, so I'll have more details then.

By the way, avoid the use of the word "switch" in your search, use "relay"

 

[nimbusgb]

GSM - I've seen them called a GSM relay

It depends what you are trying to control / monitor

 

[davidwf]

Z wave seems to be the home automation standard that you are looking for see http://www.zwave-products.co.uk/ Vera lite seems to be a popular controller although its not exactly cheap.

 

[John_d_Smith]

Have a look at the Velleman 8055 card. I've used it in the past, dead easy to set up and you can control it from an iphone amongst other things. Might be what you need.

 

[nigelmercier]

Z wave seems to be the home automation standard...

But it isn't controlled via the Internet!

Have a look at the Velleman 8055 card...

And that requires a PC to be left switched on.

 

[VicMallows]

Thanks for the replies so far. It had seemed such an obvious application that I though I must be overlooking some cheap, ebay-type product.

May end up having to cannibalise a £25 motorised IP camera! ... they must have a couple outputs for the motors at least which can be 'reused'......and the camera can always look at some visual indicators for monitoring in the other direction.

 

[ianj99]

Thanks for the replies so far. It had seemed such an obvious application that I though I must be overlooking some cheap, ebay-type product.

May end up having to cannibalise a £25 motorised IP camera! ... they must have a couple outputs for the motors at least which can be 'reused'......and the camera can always look at some visual indicators for monitoring in the other direction.

http://www.robot-electronics.co.uk/acatalog/Relay_Modules.html

This has an ethernet input so would need to be connected to a wifi router for wifi access.

(I use a TP Link wifi AP (£25 from Misco) onboard for my Freeview stb, IP camera and onboard wifi)

Or with a bit more techical skill:
http://proto-pic.co.uk/wifly-rn-171...ng-networks/?gclid=CNC3x6So8LUCFUnMtAodOhkA3g

 

[Sinnot]

Have a look, at wemo http://www.belkin.com/us/wemo-switch , you can also us ifttt.com to create rules.

 

[VicMallows]

Thanks for all the replies. My conclusion is that although it seems to ME like something that would have lots of applications if available at a mass produced price level, the marketeers obviously do not ........much better to dream up individual highly specific applications and charge premium price for as long as you can before dumping the product on the market at break-even cost (such as with the IP cameras mentioned).

 

[nigelmercier]

Thanks for all the replies...

Do you want to be updated when I get the magazine in my post #3? If so, PM me in about a week.

 

[davidwf]

But it isn't controlled via the Internet!

The Vera lite is controllable via the Internet either via a browser or apps see http://www.micasaverde.com/apps/ if you search for a wave there are loads of designs available for various functions all can be controlled from the Ver Lite. Lots of silicon controllers available as well.