ESP8266 + Websockets + Webserver + RC-Switch 433 Mhz + SmartThings

I put this quick and dirty proof of concept together to familiarize myself with the ESP8266 platform and add it to my arsenal of embedded tools.

Overview

ESP runs a websocket server and a webserver. The webserver exposes a terse API that takes one GET parameter, the RF code and emits that using 433 MHz modules (I used these). To learn/sniff the codes, you can visit http://esp8266rc/learn that makes use of a minimal HTML page + Websockets (hence the websockets server) to in real-time display (woot!) sniffed codes.

As a bonus, the HTTP GET request to send a RF code, thereby turning the switch on/off can be done from the Smartthings hub. This means, I have cetral control of these cheap RF switches and can make them part of my routines, automations and other scripts.

Parts List

1. 1X ESP8266
2. 1X 433 Mhz Pair
3. 1X Cheap RF Switches
4. Couple Dupont Jumper wires
5. Breadboard

Usage

1. WebsocketRC.ino is flashed onto ESP8266. I am using this NodeMCU v1.0.
2. esp8266_rcSwitch.groovy is the custom device handler on Smartthings. Once installed, add a new device from dev web UI and select ESP8266 - RCSwitch as the device handler type. Complete setup of device on your phone.
3. http://<esp_ip_address>/learn to sniff RF codes
4. http://<esp_ip_address>/switch?code=<code> to manually send a RF code
5. websocketClient.html is minified and copied as a String variable in WebsocketRC.ino. This static page is served when one visits the RF learning page.

Pin Mapping

ESP8266NodeMCU |    433MHz RX
D6            <->   DOUT

ESP8266NodeMCU |    433MHz TX
D1            <->   DATA

VCC/GND as appropriate. I connected all modules to VIN (5V).