Open, Sesame!

thingiverse

I wanted to increase my Home Automation scenarios by adding a pair of controls: <ul> <li>Functionality to open the door by saying <strong>'Ok Google, Open Sesame!'</strong>, the magical phrase in the story of "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" in One Thousand and One Nights.</li> <li>Functionality to switch computer on/off in soft mode, letting the computer to perform a proper shutdown, by saying <strong>'Ok Google, Initialize Computer Sequence!</strong>'</li> </ul> I achieved what I wanted by using simple Smart Switches compatible with Google Home and Alexa and programming a Routine that turns the switch on and off in sequence. The challenge I had was that I needed to control low tension buttons of existing devices rather than AC line power plugs those Smart Switches are designed for. I solved it by adding to the Smart Switch a relay which decouples from AC Line and can close a pair of thin wires connected in parallel to the buttons to be controlled. In one case the wires connect to the Intercom button that controls the opening of the Front Door, in the other case they connect to the button on the top of the PC Desktop Case which starts the shutdown sequence of the Computer, when pressed. The thin files enter the devices and are solded in parallel to the button to be controlled. The 3D Designs attached provide a convenient enclosure for the 'Open Sesame!' components: Smart Switch + Relay. Finally, you have to define Google Home or Alexa routines to emulate a temporary push of the button by closing the switch for a short period of time and then opening it back. You can also add to the routines further nice actions: in my case since the door can now be controlled both from inside of the house, through a Google Home, of from outside through an Android Smartphone, I broadcast a message notifying that the door has been opened throughout the house, so people at home is aware that someone is entering! Smart Switch costs around 7.6€ each on Amazon: https://www.amazon.it/MoKo-Interruttore-Compatible-Telecomando-Controllo/dp/B07W7P972H Relay and socket costs around 3.6€ each on Amazon: https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B00SRDZGZQ Thanks and enjoy!