easySensors
Microcontroller Boards
PCBWay
The easySwitchBox does one simple thing – it sends on\off signals to any relay, actuator, or other project. It can be used to trigger any event wirelessly and from a distance (even up to a couple kilometers using LoRa®). It’s easy to program using the Arduino IDE, and communication is secured by an authentication chip. The easySwitchBox not only makes your project more effective, it also looks more professional.
Some easySwitchBox kits ship with an Arduino Nano radio shield that allows you to easily receive signals from easySwitchBox using an Arduino Nano. This shield:
Battery Life (based on 20 presses a day) | Distance | |
---|---|---|
SwitchBox RFM95 LoRa | 0.5-4 years depending on modem configuration* | up to 1000-2000 m |
SwitchBox RFM69 HCW | 1-2 years | up to 650 m |
SwitchBox RFM69 CW | 4-5 years | up to 350 m |
* Battery life depends on modem configurations of bandwidth, spreading factors, and coding rates
RFM 95 has miles of coverage. RFM 69 is great for indoor use (for example: RFM69CW can easily cover large 5-story building). Since easySwitchBox is 100% compatible with Arduino IDE, anyone who loves Arduinos can use it in their projects. The easySwitchBox also comes with example code, to help get you started.
Each easySwitchBox is tested and tuned while inside the enclosure and with a hand in front of it so that the resonance and Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) can account for these blockages.
It has both open source hardware and software parts. The project is based on popular RFM 69/95 radios. There are lots of open source drivers and software available for RFM 433/868/915 MHz radios. It is easily programmable, using the popular ATmega328P, and is Arduino IDE compatible.
For added security, easySwitchBox offers the option of using a secured handshake, backed by a Microchip/Atmel ATSHA204A crypto-authentication chip.
The enclosure is minimal, stylish, and sleek. The clean and professional case will elevate any project. It also mounts using the provided double-sided tape or screws through the back plate.
The easySwitchBox is proudly open source. See below for links to forums, mailing lists, and other documentation.
https://github.com/EasySensors/switchBox
SwitchBox RFM95 LoRa | SwitchBox RFM69 HCW | SwitchBox RFM69 CW | Generic 433 RF Switches | Xiaomi ZigBee switch | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Manufacturer | easySensors | easySensors | easySensors | General Gizmos | Xiaomi |
Lightweight | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Battery Life | 0.5-4 years depending on modem configuration at 20 presses a day* | 1-2 years, 20 presses a day | 4-5 years, 20 presses a day | 0.5 year, 20 presses a day | 1-2 years, 20 presses a day |
Open Source | HW + SW | HW + SW | HW + SW | Many protocols available, some of them decrypted and available as open source drivers | No |
Price | $34 | $31 | $31 | $5-10 | $19.99-29.99 |
Distance | Up to 1000-2000 m | Up to 650 m | Up to 350 m | 20 m | 20-25 m without repeaters |
Integration Into Home Automation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Somewhat possible to integrate but the device neends to be checked against list of compatible devices with the driver lib | Possible, but you have to rely on handlers based on decoded proprietary protocol |
Security | RFM95 encryption + ATSHA204A authentication chip | RFM69 encryption + ATSHA204A authentication chip | RFM69 encryption + ATSHA204A authentication chip | No | ZigBee |
* Battery life depends on modem configurations of bandwidth, spreading factors, and coding rates
Components will be sourced from Mouser. PCBs will be made at well-known manufacturer PCBWay. We have used PCBWay for years and consider them our best supplier \ PCB manufacturer. They are not the cheapest, but their quality and manufacturing yield is perfect.
For prototyping, we have a low-volume manufacturing facility nearby in Minsk, Belarus that can handle assembly as well as prototype testing. We have now been through several iterations of prototyping for the 433 MHz version, and we have completed the 868 and 915 MHz designs.
Crowd Supply will be handling the fulfillment and delivery of easySwitchBox items worldwide. You can learn more about their shipping methods in The Crowd Supply Guide.
Hardware is hard, but we’ve tried our best to mitigate potential problems we could run into. Any unexpected delays will be communicated clearly and promptly to backers through our campaign updates.
The local prototype manufacturing facility we plan to use greatly reduces the risk associated with product design and testing while prototyping and designing the PCBs.
Working off a proven design is helpful, but the antennas themselves require a lot of “bench testing” to achieve maximum range. It can be a very time consuming process, because it includes testing with the enclosure and a human finger\palm.
LoRa® is a trademark of Semtech Corporation or its subsidiaries.
"If you want to be able to control your light-switches from 20 kilometers away, then get one of these."
"another long-range IoT solution ready for Arduino development"
"LoRa-based easySwitchBox wireless controller that can be utilized for any number of projects, including IoT and home automation applications."
"easySwitchBox Is an Arduino IDE-Compatible Long-Range LoRa Outlet"
"remote control your appliances from long distance"
"powered by just a couple of coin cell batteries and programmed using the Arduino IDE"
Produced by easySensors in Minsk, Belarus.
Sold and shipped by Crowd Supply.
One EasySwitchBox
One easySwitchBox + one Nano radio shield
Two easySwitchBox + one Nano radio shield
One single Nano Radio Shield
Minsk, Belarus
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