It would seem very useful if there was a Switchmote enabled AC outlet available as well as Switchmote linked switches. Hopefully, this addition will be considered.
Yes this is an idea on my long to-do list. Rather than in-wall outlets, I will likely come up with something that's pluggable and mobile, and sync-able with switchmotes.
You have expanded upon my wish and I like your approach MUCH BETTER than my original idea. :-)
As soon as you have one available, my plastic money is waiting at the ready.
In the hardware world it takes much longer from idea to concept to prototype to product, than in software for instance.
I will keep pushing ideas out, but I'm only 1 guy so I'm trying to do my best.
I support this idea. I have seen multi plugs [one AC in and many AC out (just incase we call it different by different names)] that are radio controllable/ switchable with what I imagine all the same internals as the switchmote [mcu, psu, relays]. And the mobility/ portability of this makes it very attractive for me.
Also a supporter of the idea. One point to add as a suggestion
Such a device you need to include a high power rated relay to support larger loads, e.g. heaters, etc. I was going to purchase Switch Mote PSU's until I discovered the 5A relay wouldn't have been enough for my 1800W (240V) pool motor that I needed to control.
It's possible to put any size relay. However to place it in a single gang US electrical box it will not fit, that's the only reason why this very compact 5A relay was chosen. It's intended for lighting applications and lighter loads. I've actually stress tested it with my 1500W toaster oven I used for reflow and it worked just fine. But probably would not recommend or endorse it since that kind of load is out of spec for the relay and cannot take any liability.
I might look into creating a 16A version, which will probably not fit in a 1gang but still could be mounted in other boxes.
I had been interested in acquiring a Switchmote to be used with an AC outlet in addition to other Switchmotes. However, since you have been occupied with other projects, the AC outlet version never became a reality. In the interim, I purchased a Etekcity Zap with five plug in outlets, which learned the codes quickly and work very well. My question: Since these use a transmission frequency of 433.92 Mhz, would they be compatible with your Switchmotes, or are there other considerations besides operating frequency to consider?
Yes a lot more. You can make the Moteinos talk at 433.92 but you will need to fiddle with settings.
The RFM69 has encryption, CRC, a packet engine with preamble, sync word recognition etc. You would also need to match the bitrate and BW and other settings. It is probably much easier to hack it and replace the radio/mcu with a Moteino.
Thanks for the clarification. I don't have a huge investment in the portable remotes that I purchased and can still use them for other outlets around the house.
I am still interested in getting a few of your current Switchmotes IF you haven't given up on making some AC wall outlets that are compatible.
I have actually made variations of SwitchMote for different people that wanted custom relays, up to 30A relays, some wanted dual relays etc. Some of these will still fit into a regular standard 1 gang US sized electrical box, some will not (think 30A).
The hard part for me is making mechanical enclosures from material that is not flammable and that will custom fit these. Making an AC outlet is more difficult, especially for that reason. Making an AC outlet that has a small tail plug-in would probably be easier. But I would still need some enclosure to put the electronics into, something like this: http://www.adafruit.com/product/268
Maybe there's a standard enclosure like that or similar out there and I just didn't search for it. If you have suggestions let me know. The electronics already exist, what you want is possible, I just need a good enclosure and of course 30 hours in a day would be nice.