X10 Community Forum
🔌General Home Automation => Other Automation Systems => Wijit => Topic started by: Tuicemen on June 20, 2017, 02:49:25 PM
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Authinx has released a new Wi-fi hub and module set.
This has come out of the experiences creating the x10 Wi-Fi module which is still in testing.
Here are some facts:
These are low end home automation devices
The wijit modules are one way this was done purposely to keep the cost down though there are many two way modules flooding the market right now which may be cheaper.
Wijits are not X10 nor can the hub communicate with X10 modules
These are supposedly a new technology
You can only use 16 modules with the hub and you can only use one hub as the app will only connect to one.
The App is apparently downloadable from the app store and a link will be added to the sales page (if not already there)
There is no Alexa app for this and since these are one way it isn't possible to make one which directly communicates with the hub I'm told.
It may be possible to control with Alexa using HA-Bridge (I'll look into possibly adding to Alex10)
Authinx is going to ask the manufacture for the protocol so it may be released to the public.
The manufacture and people working there came up with the Wijit module not Authinx (which may be the reason behind the X10 hub delay) ??? ::) :'
Depending on demand and how these do, a two way version may be created with an Alexa skill
I do have a hub and module enroot so I may have more info once they arrive.
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A FAQ and Specs were added to the web page for these.
https://www.thehomeautomationstore.com/wijit/wjtsys04.html
So it appears the modules aren't Wi-Fi but use RF, only the hub is Wi-Fi ???
And currently there is no timers or macro functions :(
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Doesn't seem to offer X10 users much over what X10 does, other than offer smartphone control (which is blind, one way,no status, correct?)
I wonder why it is Authinx's interest.
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The factory which Authinx is using for the x10 Wi-Fi module development created and produced this (probably to get a jump on the X10 version).
I believe the hub will display the last known status of the modules it sent commands to. However I'll know more once I can test.
The only reason Authinx is selling this (I presume is to recoup some costs)
They advertise the wijits as a low end, low cost HA alternative, so I suspect the X10 hub to cost more and perform better.
I know the X10 hub will have timer and macro capabilities.
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So they've swapped out powerline commands for a wifi "transceiver" and RF command transmission. Interesting way to go. What RF frequency band?
I could see this working better in my house than my current X10 stuff, but it largely depends on the signal strength of the RF signal. I also don't really see myself putting any money into this without a Google Home or IFTTT interface.
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So they've swapped out powerline commands for a wifi "transceiver" and RF command transmission. Interesting way to go. What RF frequency band?
I'll see if I can get that info
I could see this working better in my house than my current X10 stuff, but it largely depends on the signal strength of the RF signal. I also don't really see myself putting any money into this without a Google Home or IFTTT interface.
The stats say 100 ft range from module to hub 100 ft range from hub to router so placement of the hub would need to be experimented with.
Depending on how long the factory stalls the Authinx X10 hub, we may see Google Home, Alexa, and IFTTT added.
Authinx is looking at that for the X10 Hub so I suspect the factory will implement it in the wijit prior
Google Home and Alexa may well be able to be implemented using HA-Bridge now with the wijits.
I suspect something like Wireshark would be able to sniff out the signals sent the Wi-Fi hub exposing the commands needed for HA-Bridge.
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What RF frequency band?
2.4 433.92MHz
There is also a dedicated web site for the wijit now.
http://wijitautomation.com/
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Those look good but I still think adding the ESP8266 (or whatever WiFi chip used in Wijit) to existing PLC modules, combining WiFi & PLC, makes more sense.
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dhouston, I agree,never was a fan of the RF
My Wijits arrived! :)% Nice little units (smaller then x10 appliance modules and hub is exactly the same size as the wijit modules.
Setup was simple but requires a smartphone .
The app is very simple on/off & all on/off but need lots of work as it doesn't display if the module is on or off even with clicking one or the other.
The modules make a clicking sound when turning on/off but less noticeable then the old x10 modules, about the same as the newer improved devices from Authinx.
The one concern I have is the hub gets very warm in the short time I had it plugged in, Not sure if it was all the playing I was doing or what but I've unplugged it for the night and will test again in the morning.
These are very low end simple devices, and the inability to set timers or macros makes them not useful for me.
The fact that the app doesn't display a status change makes one wonder if the hub even got the request let alone sent it. An App update may make these worth while if timers and scenes are added and a confirmation of some sort that the command to the hub was received & sent.
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The one concern I have is the hub gets very warm in the short time I had it plugged in,
Yeah, that would worry me. Especially since they are proto type or early production units. You are the guinea pig, or canary in the coal mine.
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The one concern I have is the hub gets very warm in the short time I had it plugged in,
Yeah, that would worry me. Especially since they are proto type or early production units. You are the guinea pig, or canary in the coal mine.
rofl
These early production units will work fine once the software gets a few updates added for a small setup.
I found a wall wart plugged into or next to them however effects their operation even though they are RF
Initial setup is simular to the first X10 beta unit I tested though no manual IP or port inputs :(
In fact network scanners I've tested don't even see this Hub :o B:(
Still from what I've seen the X10 Hub is a superior animal. (At least the beta unit I originally tested was) >!
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They should add a socket rocket bulb holder like the one from Itead (which now works with Alexa).
https://www.itead.cc/slampher.html (https://www.itead.cc/slampher.html)
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Agreed, these do nothing to help control ceiling lights.
I don't expect these modules to do well considering the amount of cheep alternative options.
Most are looking for Alexa or Google home support as well now.
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They should add a socket rocket bulb holder like the one from Itead (which now works with Alexa).
https://www.itead.cc/slampher.html (https://www.itead.cc/slampher.html)
Interesting! The detailed commands as described at your link:
Alexa, turn on {deviceName}
Alexa, turn off {deviceName}
Alexa, turn {deviceName} off
Alexa, turn {deviceName} on
Places the noun (both ahead of and) aft the adverb (German style). I'd never thought of trying that with Alexa... but it works fine. Unintended consequences of HA.... may mean a more globalized speech pattern.
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You don't even need to use the word "turn"
One could simply say:
Alexa, (on/off/dim value) (device name)
or Alexa, (device name) (on/Off/dim value)
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You don't even need to use the word "turn"
That would be the elimination of the proper verb (?)... as well as moving the noun to the end of the sentence. Maybe we could just grunt at Alexa.
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You don't even need to use the word "turn"
That would be the elimination of the proper verb (?)... as well as moving the noun to the end of the sentence. Maybe we could just grunt at Alexa.
rofl As long as you said Alexa first you'd get some sort of reply! rofl
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I unpacked this again this morning to attempt learning with the Broaadlink RM.
the App on my new phone failed to open checking the app store it seams this is a common issue works for a while then stops B:(
Uninstall and reinstalls failed to help. :'(
I had my old phone handy so I loaded the app to it for my tests.
Interestingly the Broadlink was able to learn the codes for the modules (though not easily)
After learning and testing I unplugged the Wijit hub to be sure the hub wasn't some how sending the commands and it wasn't.
Next I thought will the BroadLink map a module so I attempted to reset a module from 4 back to 1.
With the hub unplugged I press the sync button on the wijit module then with the BroadLink sent a module 1 on command.
it worked :)%
Now if the app stops working on my old phone I'll still be able to control these (if I want).
If I learn the codes with the RM Bridge app I'll be able to control them with Alexa and if I can they'll be of more use to me.
Wish me luck!
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I was able to teach the RM bridge the RF codes for Modules #1-3 this was a bit more difficult then using the econtrol app.
Maybe the hub was getting to warm sending all the codes ::) :'
in any case I posted these codes in my forum:
http://tuicemen.com/forum/index.php?topic=1167.0
It may be possible to use these RF codes with another device if anyone wishes to experiment.
I had planed to learn more module #s but it took longer then expected to learn just the three. :o
If in the future I attempt to learn other module #s I'll post them to the thread posted above.
I've still yet to play with adding these devices for Alexa to control but with the codes now learned it will be a simple task.
>!
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Well getting the codes to work with the HA-Bridge to enable Alexa required a bit of editing to the code.
It seems the bridge doesn't handle spaces in urls.
I documented what to edit in the thread (posted above) on my forum.
Since these modules utilize the quieter relay Authinix is putting in new modules, I swapped out a x10 appliance module with one in the bedroom.
Alexa now can control the Wijits! :)%
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What RF frequency do the Wijits use?
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Not sure I can't find any info on this maybe looking up the Hub FCC ID may help: 06PWJTHUB
there is no FCCID for the modules that I can see.
When I asked Authinix they told me 2.4 which is the hub Wi-Fi frequency
even the Q&A on the Amazon sales page for these states 2.4 Wi-Fi for communication between the hub and modules B:(
However on the Wijit web page does it mention it uses RF and only briefly.
In the sales page @ thehomeautomationstore in the Q&A for the modules it mentions they use RF but no frequency is given. https://www.thehomeautomationstore.com/wjtplug.html
Since the Broadlink learns these and since the same manufacture that make the X10 modules made these I suspect it is in 433-310 range.
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Yes the FCC Database has three devices from Ever Best Solutions Limited.
If you search for the Grantee Code: O6P {note the first character is a capital O not a zero}
Including the HUB you are referencing to.
The schematic is not posted but other things like internal, external test photos and test finding are publicly available.
Lists an RF frequency band of 2412MHz - 2462MHz WiFi with CH12-13 locked out in software and disabled. For the HUB
It also lists 433.92MHz for the HUB. So it has both WiFi and 433.92MHz transmitters.
Lists an RF frequency of 433.92MHz for the ETU {O6PST639)
Lists an RF Frequency of 434.017 for the X10 relabeled PowerMid. {OP6ST539}.
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Thanks Brian,
I edited reply #6 to reflect correct RF frequency.
>!
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The manual for the HUB. Indicates the plug in On/Off module has a 433.92MHz receiver in it.
My thoughts are it is RF controlled not power line commands.
I will have a HUB and On/Off module in the near future, to study and maybe disassemble. :'
I found a package deal on a sales site.
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Nothing I have read indicates the modules use PLC. However I did find wall wart power adapters if plugged in beside the modules would cause it to miss off signals. ::)
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If they are using super-regenerative receivers, almost any RF can cause interference - switchmode power supplies use RF.
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I continue to use 2 of these quiet modules at my off grid place via the Broadlink RM and HA-Bridge.
The Hub has remained in the box till yesterday when I tried t set it up with Bluestacks. Unfortunately the QR code would not scan from my laptop so it was returned to the box. I never planed to put it back into use anyways but was interested to see if I could run the app from my laptop.
Since my off grid place HA is now run with a Pi /cm15 combo running HomeGenie (HG)I created a HG addon for HA-bridge so HG can control these modules.
These inexpensive modules do have their uses.