DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY TERMS OF USE POLICY FOR MORE INFO.
Creating a Smart Device
What if I told you you could make any device that uses an IR or RF remote, a smart device? Would you do what I did and search around the house finding everything that uses a remote and turn it into a smart device? Maybe not…but if you’re reading this, then you’re interested in making something in your house smart, and that’s good enough for me!
What are IR and RF Remotes?
IR stands for Infrared. Infrared remotes require a “line-of-sight”, meaning it needs to be pointed directly at the receiver and only moves in a straight line. Think of this as a red laser that connects from the remote to your device, if anything gets in the way of that laser blocking the path, the remote will not work. IR also requires a much closer proximity than RF remotes do, reaching a maximum of about 30 feet.
RF stand for Radio Frequency. RF remotes can be pointed in any direction and it will still work on the device. These remotes can work through blankets if you’re covered up on the couch and can even work in a nearby room, and will typically work up to 100 feet away.
How can creating a smart device help make my life easier?
I originally researched this topic when I installed remote controlled blinds in my master bedroom and living room. I have plants in front of both windows and my husband NEVER wants the blinds open when we’re home, so I thought…”if these could open on a set schedule, my plants could get light every day and my husband wouldn’t get a chance to shut them before we left for the day…”. So I searched for something that could make this happen and discovered exactly what I was looking for.
Alright, so...how’d you do it?!
Items used:
"dumb" remote controlled device
Here's my video that goes step by step on how to set up a remote controlled device with broadlink:
The possibilities are endless!
I'm obsessed with my smart blinds, so I then went around my house finding anything and everything that uses a remote. Like my electric fireplace, my LED strip light, my fairy lights, and my floating candles (this is a similar product because I actually purchased mine from Aldi!). My fairy lights, floating candles, and LED strip light are all battery powered since I have them too far from an electrical outlet, so it truly makes it magical when my holiday routines turn on!
Broadlink has truly been a game changer, and I personally give this product 5/5 stars!
★★★★★
BroadLink Wi-Fi Hub RM4 Pro supports RF controlled devices such as motorized curtains/blinds/shades, TVs, remote controlled ceiling fan, and more! Also supports 50,000+ IR controlled devices with full integration such as stereos, Air conditioner, DVD, and more.
Pros
+ Easy to use app
+ Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT
+ Makes nearly any remote controlled device a smart device
Cons
– Does not support rolling codes (like garage door remotes) or long press buttons
– Needs to be in close proximity to IR devices
Need Help?
Do you have an idea that you're trying to make come to life? Let me know what you're trying to do and I'll do my best to help make it happen! Thank you for reading, check out my other posts or my YouTube Channel to learn more ways to turn your home into a smart home!
Comentários