New Wijit wi-fi modules.

Started by Tuicemen, June 20, 2017, 02:49:25 PM

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Tuicemen

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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Tuicemen

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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dave w

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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Tuicemen

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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solareclipse

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.

Tuicemen

Quote from: solareclipse on June 21, 2017, 09:20:02 AM
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

Quote
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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Tuicemen

#6
Quote from: solareclipse on June 21, 2017, 09:20:02 AM
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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dhouston

#7
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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Tuicemen

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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dave w

Quote from: Tuicemen on June 21, 2017, 09:41:00 PM
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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Tuicemen

Quote from: dave w on June 22, 2017, 09:31:59 PM
Quote from: Tuicemen on June 21, 2017, 09:41:00 PM
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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dhouston

They should add a socket rocket bulb holder like the one from Itead (which now works with Alexa).
https://www.itead.cc/slampher.html
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Tuicemen

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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HA Dave

#13
Quote from: dhouston on July 05, 2017, 10:35:43 AM
They should add a socket rocket bulb holder like the one from Itead (which now works with Alexa).
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. 
Home Automation is an always changing technology

Tuicemen

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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