Smart GSM socket - how to control electrical appliances via SMS

There are a sufficient number of devices on the market that can turn the electricity on and off in the house according to a predetermined program. These are great solutions, but the disadvantage is that the program can only be changed manually. A smart socket controlled from a mobile phone is devoid of such drawbacks - it turns on and off via SMS commands.

What is a smart household socket

In fact, this is a mini surge protector, in which the power on / off key is combined with a mobile phone. Since all commands are transmitted through the mobile operator's network and in its coverage area, the gadget is called a GSM socket. Such devices have long been made by craftsmen for opening doors to entrances, and this device is simply miniaturized at the factory, plus some additional functions have been added to it.

In appearance, the socket, capable of receiving and sending SMS messages, resembles a medium-sized power supply from a laptop: on one side it has a plug that plugs into the socket, and on the other - a euro socket to which a device is connected, which is supposed to be switched on and off remotely ...

The GSM socket differs from similar home-made devices in its compact dimensions and more functionality - for example, it must be equipped with a temperature sensor. Its readings are transmitted along with messages about the current state of the connection. It is also possible to configure automatic operation. In addition, the socket receiving and sending SMS messages can operate according to a pre-compiled program or depending on external conditions - for example, the temperature in the house. Of course, at the same time, the smart socket will still inform the owner of all its actions via SMS.

It is clear that this device requires a separate SIM card for its operation, but mobile operators offer tariffs specially created for such devices. Their payment will definitely not burden the family's budget, even if the account is topped up immediately for a year.

Megafon is the first Russian operator to evaluate what a household smart socket is and to enter the market of such devices - its starter packs are supplied complete with the Megafon GS1 sockets of the same name. Later, other operators announced the creation of tariffs for such devices, so if you wish, you can compare offers and choose the best for your region.

Scope of the device

The number of options for use is limited solely by the imagination and needs of the buyer - you can connect any devices to it, just like into a regular outlet. The only limitation is power - most of these sockets are designed for the total power of the devices included in it up to 3.5 kW. This corresponds to a regular 16 Ampere outlet, into which you can connect a medium-power boiler or air conditioner - devices for which a GSM outlet is most often purchased.

The main buyers of remote-controlled outlets are the owners of country cottages - for them it is an ideal way, even in winter after a working week, to come to a heated house, where a hot sauna will already be waiting for them. The same, but exactly the opposite - if the apartment is not equipped with a very powerful air conditioner, then it can be turned on shortly before coming home.

Forgetful people will also find use for smart sockets - if you turn on the same iron through it, then after leaving the house you can not guess whether it is turned off or not, but simply check the power status of the outlet.If, nevertheless, the iron remains on, then you do not have to return home because of it - just send an SMS message and the power will turn off.

If any control system is installed in the country, then GSM smart sockets will become a real godsend when the router or other equipment hangs, because of which you previously had to go and restart everything manually.

The functions of automatic power on according to the schedule will also be in demand. They come in handy for activating automatic watering or heating the house at night at an inexpensive rate. Often a smart GSM socket is used instead of an alarm clock - it is very important for those who need bright light and loud music to wake up.

If there are fears that burglars may get into the house, then the function of haphazard turning on and off of lighting devices will come in handy, which will create the illusion of the presence of the owners in the house. True, if someone wants to ask for directions in the only "inhabited" house in the entire village, he is unlikely to decide that sensitive and sympathetic people live there. To solve such issues, devices can be equipped with additional circuits - remote communication with an intercom, video cameras, gas and / or water leakage sensors, door opening indicators and alarms.

Popular devices rating

When choosing a suitable device, one should pay not so much on the rating of the models as on their characteristics. The largest number of offers on the market will relate to the following models:

• MegaFon GS1. The first "licensed" socket, controlled via SMS messages, works exclusively with SIM cards of the MegaFon operator. In addition to turning the power on / off via SMS, it can be programmed for autonomous operation or depending on the readings of the built-in temperature sensor. It does not require a long study of how this or that function works - everything is done as simply as possible.
• Telemetrics T4. Approximately the same functionality as the model from MegaFon, but it can use SIM cards of other operators and be controlled using an android application.
• ORCAM R2. When choosing this device, you need to pay attention to the estimated current strength - you cannot connect devices more powerful than 2 kW to it.
• Senseit GS2 M. These sockets are made by the same manufacturer that makes devices for MegaFon - when buying it is worth checking if they are not stitched to work with this particular operator. A distinctive feature of the model is the ability to connect up to ten "daughter" devices to one "mother" device - each of them plugged into its own socket, and control is performed through one number, the SIM card of which is installed in the "mother" device. It can be controlled via a mobile application for Android or iOS.
• Redmond SkyPlug 100S. The socket is designed as part of the Redmond Smart Home equipment and is controlled from the Ready for Sky application, available for installation on smartphones with Android or iOS. The main advantages of the device are compactness and low price. The sockets are controlled via a Bluetooth channel, which is created by the owner's smartphone, or a ready-made control device - you can buy it separately, or it will be given for free if you purchase three sockets at once. In terms of cost, the entire kit will cost about the same as any of the previous outlets.

An overview of Sapsan 10 PRO, iSocket-707, Senseit GS2 sockets can be seen in this video:

And here is an overview and configuration of the Telemetric T4 socket:

What you need to know to choose the right outlet

To choose a smart socket, the most important thing is to imagine exactly why it will be needed - based on this, the necessary functionality is already selected.

It is also useful to check the quality of network coverage - at least two network divisions will be enough. If you purchase an outlet that is already "sharpened" to work with a certain operator, then it is enough to check the quality of the connection, and if it is a separate device, then you must additionally check that it supports the required GSM standard - 900, 1800, 2100 or 2400 MHz.

It is also necessary to check the availability of documents, a certificate of conformity and the correct filling of the warranty card - the device must work confidently in domestic power grids.

As a result, if used correctly, GSM sockets are quite a useful gadget, but you should only buy it if you know exactly where it will be used. Otherwise, this is just an expensive toy - the technology is not yet advanced enough for devices to be truly smart.