Your world is now fully controllable with a WEMO maker.
I've wanted to write about Wemo for a while, as it's a really interesting technology. Devised by Belkin, Wemo products have the capability to be remotely controlled using a phone and tablet using local wi-fi. So far Belkin has released power switches. Smart LED Blubs and even some security cameras to utilise the technology, but the new Wemo Maker takes the concept to wholly new place, by embracing the maker community with a tool to Wemo almost any piece of low voltage electronics.
The Maker is a smallish, 80 x 80 x 30mm grey plastic box with a short wi-fi antenna projecting out of the top. It's powered by a standard USB phone charger (provided), and therefore could be battery powered if that's required.
Setting it up is simple, after you've installed the Wemo app on your phone. First you log into the wi-fi service the Maker generates, and then you configure it to log into your local wi-fi access point. Once that's done the phone app can toggle the Maker from anywhere in the world, data service allowing.
The really clever part is on the rear of the Maker, though, where you can wire your chosen device into it, and so remotely control it. There are two sides of a relay to switch things on and off (24v DC at 1 amp or 12v AC at 2 amp), and another three connectors that are designed to accept a 5v digital sensor (+/- and Sensor data). This elevates the device from simply turning on and off something, instead allowing it to be fully programmed to activate based on a sensor reading.
Inbuilt into the Wemo app is a means to build a set of rules and act on them, even when the phone isn't anywhere near the maker. Using these features you can automate a watering system based on a hydrometer reading, or open a skylight when a room gets too hot. You can also drive other Wemo devices with it too. Belkin has even opened the device to IFTTT (If This Then That), a means to program using conditional statements. These are exactly the sorts of things I've been experimenting using Arduino computers, but this has the wi-fi part of that problem resolved for you.
My only criticisms of the Maker design is that it only has a single relay switch and one sensor input, where they could have easily put at least five of each on this box. It also only supports a digital sensor, and no analogue ones. Yet, even with those limitations, this is a really cool device that in the right hands could be made to do some very impressive things. That last point that needs making, though. The Maker isn't for anyone who doesn't understand electronics.
I'm sure some bright spark with splice this into the 240v mains and cause an almighty pop, but those with greater understanding will probably love this gadget. Mark Pickavance
A home automation tool for those who build electronics.
Overview
• Control nearly any low-voltage electronics device
• Knowledge of electrical wiring required
• Use triggers from a variety of sensors with the WeMo Maker
• Control devices via smartphone or tablet with free WeMo app
• Works with If This Then That (IFTTT) for customisation and unique uses
• Integrates with other Belkin products already part of the Wemo ecosystem