User-Friendly Power Extension with BluetoothControlled and IR Sensor for Switching

Abstract

This paper’s aim is to present innovation of user-friendly power extension project by utilizing the extended application of Android Smartphone through Bluetooth technology in controlling the switching operation. In addition, IR sensors also have been used in order to provide a second option to control its operation. One of the major concerns while handling the power extension is the importance of safety procedure. Some users might just turn ON/OFF the power extension with a wet hand. This may lead to electric shock. In other cases, the user may forget to turn OFF the power extension, especially while using it with other electric or electronic appliances such as iron, heater and etc. Therefore, this project may provide one alternative in solving the cases. This project applies two methods of controlling the power extension. User can choose which method prefers in controlling the device. The first controlling method is by using an Android smartphone to turn ON and turn OFF the switch from the distance by using the Bluetooth application. Arduino Bluetooth Control Device apps were used to control the switch and to set the timer. The signal from the apps was sent to the Arduino microcontroller via HC-05 Bluetooth module. Then the 4-channel relay was used to transfer control signals from the microcontroller to each socket of power extension for switching on/off action. For the second method, the Infrared Sensors were used to control the switch ON and OFF operation. The other process involved is similar to the first controlling method. Lastly, the LCD display was used to display, which switch is ON or OFF. The LCD display according to the input received from the Arduino. Initially, the switch will be in OFF condition and the LCD will show ‘Friendly Extension’. When the user press button ‘Switch 1’ at the smartphone or put a finger in front of the Infrared Sensor ‘Switch 1’ for a while, the Arduino will turn ON the switch of the socket and the LCD will show ‘SWITCH 1 ON’ a while and then the LCD display will show ‘FRIENDLY EXTENSION’ again. To turn OFF, the user just needs to press again the same button or put the finger in front of the same Infrared Sensor. Therefore, the LCD display will show ‘SWITCH 1 OFF’ for a while and it will show ‘FRIENDLY EXTENSION’ again. The LCD will display the result based on which input is selected by the user. In conclusion, the user-friendly power extension provides two options for the user in controlling a typical power extension either by using a smartphone or IR sensor together with the application of Arduino Mega and Bluetooth module.