Transform Your Home with ESP8266 Home Automation System Using NodeMCU

In today’s fast-paced world, home automation is becoming increasingly popular, allowing us to control our appliances with just a few taps on our smartphones or through voice commands. In this blog post, we will explore how to create a smart home automation project using NodeMCU, which can be controlled via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. This project is not only practical but also a great way to dip your toes into the world of IoT (Internet of Things).

Introduction to Home Automation

Home automation refers to the ability of a home to make its own decisions depending on environmental conditions and give the option to control it from a remote location. With the advancement of technology, home automation has become a popular trend in the world of electronics and IoT. Home automation systems can be controlled using a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. In this project, we will be using the NodeMCU ESP8266 board and the Blynk app to control home appliances remotely. This setup allows you to manage your home appliances with ease, providing both convenience and efficiency.

What You Will Need

To get started with this project, you will need the following components:

NodeMCU: This is a low-cost open-source IoT platform based on the ESP8266 Wi-Fi module, which serves as the wifi module for this project.

4-Channel Relay Module: This allows you to control multiple appliances.

Existing Switchboard or Push Buttons: For manual control of your appliances.

Wires and Connectors: To make the necessary connections.

A Computer: For programming the NodeMCU.

Required Components and Supplies

To build a home automation system using the NodeMCU ESP8266 board and the Blynk app, you will need the following components and supplies:

NodeMCU ESP8266 board: The brain of your home automation system, enabling WiFi connectivity.

Relay module: Used to control the home appliances by acting as a switch.

Jumper wires: For making the necessary connections between components.

Breadboard: A platform for building and testing your circuit.

Power supply (5V): To power the NodeMCU and relay module.

Blynk app subscription: Required for accessing the Blynk platform.

Smartphone or tablet with internet connectivity: To control the system remotely.

Home appliances: Such as lights, fans, and TVs, which you want to control.

 

Safety Precautions

Before diving into the wiring, it's crucial to take proper safety precautions, especially when dealing with AC circuits. Ensure that you are familiar with electrical safety standards and practices to avoid any accidents.

Designing the Home Automation System

The design of the home automation system involves connecting the NodeMCU ESP8266 board to the relay module and the home appliances. The relay module is used to control the home appliances, and the NodeMCU ESP8266 board is used to connect to the internet and communicate with the Blynk app. The circuit diagram for the project is provided below, illustrating how to connect all the components. This setup ensures that your home automation system is both functional and reliable.

Setting Up the Circuit with Relay Module

The circuit setup is relatively straightforward. You will connect the switches to the GPIO pins of the NodeMCU and the relay module to control the AC appliances. The circuit diagram provided in the video serves as a great reference. Once the circuit is set up, ensure that your NodeMCU is wifi connected to enable remote control of your appliances.

If you prefer a more professional look, you can design a custom PCB (Printed Circuit Board) for your project. Services like JLCPCB make it easy to order custom PCBs with just a few clicks. Simply upload your Gerber file, select your preferences, and place your order. The quality of the PCBs is impressive, and they can be delivered within a week if you opt for faster shipping.

Configuring the Software

Once your hardware is set up, it’s time to configure the software. The project utilizes Sinric Pro, a platform that allows you to control your devices through voice commands. Here’s how to set it up:

Create a Sinric Pro Account: Visit the Sinric Pro website and sign up for an account. Once logged in, you can create a room and add devices.

Add Devices: You can add up to three devices in the free version. For each device, you will need to specify its name, type (Switch), and the room it belongs to.

Get Device IDs: Each device will have a unique ID that you will need to use in your code.

Create a Blynk Account: Visit the Blynk website and sign up for an account. Ensure you log into the same Blynk account across all your devices for synchronization.

Programming the NodeMCU with Arduino IDE

The next step is to program the NodeMCU. The code can be downloaded from the provided link in the video description. The code includes all necessary libraries, such as SinricPro, ArduinoJson, and WebSockets.

In the code, the void setup function is used to initialize the hardware components and set up serial communication. The void loop function continuously executes tasks such as managing incoming client connections or controlling relay states.

You will need to input your Wi-Fi credentials, Sinric Pro APP KEY, APP SECRET, and the device IDs you created earlier. The code is flexible; if you are using push buttons instead of switches, you can easily modify the code to accommodate that.

After entering all the necessary information, upload the code to the NodeMCU using the Arduino IDE. Make sure to select the correct board and port before uploading.

Setting Up the Blynk App for Home Automation

To set up the Blynk app for home automation, you will need to create a new account and download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Once you have created an account and downloaded the app, you will need to configure the app to work with your NodeMCU ESP8266 board and relay module. This involves setting up the Blynk server, creating a new project, and configuring the widgets and devices. The Blynk app provides a user-friendly interface, making it easy to manage your home automation system.

Integrating Home Automation with Google Assistant and Alexa

Once your NodeMCU is programmed, it’s time to integrate it with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Ensure you are using the new Blynk app for seamless integration with Google Assistant and Alexa.

Google Assistant Setup

 

Open the Google Home App: Create a new home and add devices by selecting “Works with Google.”

Link Sinric Pro: Log in with your Sinric credentials to link your account.

Control Your Devices: You can now control your devices using voice commands like “Hey Google, turn on the room light.”

Alexa Setup

Open the Alexa App: Go to “Skills and Games” and search for Sinric Pro.

Enable the Skill: Log in with your Sinric credentials to link your account.

Discover Devices: Alexa will automatically find the devices you added in Sinric Pro.

Manual Control with Blynk App

In addition to voice control, you can also manually control your appliances using the switches or push buttons connected to the NodeMCU. This dual control system ensures that you can operate your devices even without an internet connection.

Controlling Home Appliances with the System

Once you have set up the Blynk app and configured the system, you can control your home appliances remotely using your smartphone or tablet. The Blynk app provides a user-friendly interface for controlling the home appliances, and you can also monitor the status of the appliances in real-time. The system can be controlled using a manual switch or manual switches, and you can also set up automated tasks and schedules using the Blynk app. This flexibility ensures that you can manage your home appliances efficiently, whether you are at home or away.

Testing the System

After setting everything up, it's time to test your system. You can turn on and off your appliances using both voice commands and manual switches. The video demonstrates how the system works seamlessly, allowing you to control your devices from anywhere in the world.

 

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues during setup, here are some troubleshooting tips:

Check Connections: Ensure that all your connections are secure and correctly wired.

Wi-Fi Connection: Make sure your NodeMCU is connected to the Wi-Fi network. If the Wi-Fi is turned off, you will only be able to control the devices manually.

Device IDs: Double-check that you have entered the correct device IDs in the code.


Creating a smart home automation system using NodeMCU is an exciting project that can enhance your living space. With the ability to control your appliances through voice commands and manual switches, you can enjoy the convenience of modern technology.

This project not only provides practical benefits but also serves as a fantastic introduction to the world of IoT. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced maker, this project is a great way to learn and experiment with home automation.

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