easySensors
Microcontroller Boards
PCBWay

easySwitchBox

The long-range LoRa® wall switch powered by coin cells and the Arduino IDE

$4,858 raised

of $3,000 goal

161% Funded! Order Below

In stock. Order now, ships within three business days.

$19 - $68

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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.

Features & Specifications

easySwitchBox Antenna option renders
Antenna option renders

Nano Radio Shield

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:

Radio Transceiver Options

Battery Life (based on 20 presses a day)Distance
SwitchBox RFM95 LoRa0.5-4 years depending on modem configuration*up to 1000-2000 m
SwitchBox RFM69 HCW1-2 yearsup to 650 m
SwitchBox RFM69 CW4-5 yearsup to 350 m

* Battery life depends on modem configurations of bandwidth, spreading factors, and coding rates

Quality and Versatility

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.

Finely-Tuned and Tested

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.

Easy to Program

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.

Security Features

For added security, easySwitchBox offers the option of using a secured handshake, backed by a Microchip/Atmel ATSHA204A crypto-authentication chip.

Professional-looking Enclosure

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.

Support & Documentation

The easySwitchBox is proudly open source. See below for links to forums, mailing lists, and other documentation.

https://github.com/EasySensors/switchBox

Comparisons

SwitchBox RFM95 LoRa SwitchBox RFM69 HCW SwitchBox RFM69 CW Generic 433 RF SwitchesXiaomi ZigBee switch
ManufacturereasySensors easySensors easySensors General GizmosXiaomi
LightweightYes Yes Yes YesYes
Battery Life0.5-4 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 day1-2 years, 20 presses a day
Open SourceHW + 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
DistanceUp to 1000-2000 m Up to 650 m Up to 350 m 20 m 20-25 m without repeaters
Integration Into Home AutomationYes 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
SecurityRFM95 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

Manufacturing Plan

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.

*The FTDI adapter and clamp shown here are not included in the campaign pledges.

Fulfillment & Logistics

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.

Risks & Challenges

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.

Risks

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.

Challenges

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.

In the Press

MickMake

"If you want to be able to control your light-switches from 20 kilometers away, then get one of these."

Connected Crib

"another long-range IoT solution ready for Arduino development"

Hackster News

"LoRa-based easySwitchBox wireless controller that can be utilized for any number of projects, including IoT and home automation applications."

IoT.ng

"easySwitchBox Is an Arduino IDE-Compatible Long-Range LoRa Outlet"

Electronics-Lab.com

"remote control your appliances from long distance"

Geeky Gadgets

"powered by just a couple of coin cell batteries and programmed using the Arduino IDE"

Ask a Question

Produced by easySensors in Minsk, Belarus.

Sold and shipped by Crowd Supply.

easySwitchBox

One EasySwitchBox

$31 $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

Base Kit

One easySwitchBox + one Nano radio shield

$39 $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

Extended Kit

Two easySwitchBox + one Nano radio shield

$68 $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

Extra Nano Shield

One single Nano Radio Shield

$19 $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

About the Team

easySensors

Minsk, Belarus

easySensors was created by two long time friends with common passion for creating electronics and connected things.

Yury Svirida
Evgeny Korenovsky

See Also

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