{"id":2899,"date":"2013-11-12T12:21:42","date_gmt":"2013-11-12T17:21:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.plastibots.com\/?p=2899"},"modified":"2017-07-13T14:07:59","modified_gmt":"2017-07-13T19:07:59","slug":"glo-control-android-app-arduino-controller-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.plastibots.com\/index.php\/2013\/11\/12\/glo-control-android-app-arduino-controller-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Glo Control – Android App & Arduino Controller"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Screenshot_2013-11-02-09-10-23\"<\/a>\"FinishedProduct\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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Glow Control is an Android app that couples to an Arduino-based controller over Bluetooth allowing for control of various tasks including Landscape \/ Patio LED lights. \u00a0You can either schedule the zones to turn on \/ off within a time range, or use a light sensor to trigger them when it gets dark. \u00a0It also offers up to 4 additional customizable buttons that allow you to add functionality. \u00a0You could use it to control garage doors, sprinklers, etc. \u00a0The sky’s the limit since you can customize the controller and Arduino sketch to your needs. \u00a0Under the hood Glow Control simply sends commands over Bluetooth to an Arduino controller. \u00a0If you are a maker, then you can use this app to control pretty much anything you can imagine. \u00a0For my project, I am using it to control 2 LED zones on my new patio. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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**Note – Glo Control is no longer available in Google Play.<\/p>\n

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Background<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Glo Control and the Arduino controller evolved from my wanting to create a custom controller for my new patio.
\nand deck LED lighthing. \u00a0I have 2 zones and I wanted to be able to a) control them separately; and b) allow each zone to be controlled via schedule or when it is dark out. \u00a0 The Arduino controller, as you will see in later sections, was build with specific components for my needs. \u00a0However, you can build whatever you want. \u00a0The core of the controller is the Arduino nano (main processor), Bluetooth module (for communications to the Android device), a Real Time Clock ( for scheduling), a light sensor (to sense darkness) and a Solid State Relay (SSR) to allow for controlling the LED zones. \u00a0It also has a temperature sensor to detect outdoor temps, but this was an afterthought.<\/span><\/p>\n

After building it, I figured that others wanting to build a similar controller may find Glo Control useful, so I polished it up and put it up on Google Play. \u00a0I also did a number of enhancements including; adding up to 4 customizable buttons so you can issue additional commands, the ability to send direct commands (so you can add custom features to the Sketch), and a temperature sensor with readings.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Controller\"<\/a>
Outdoor LED Lighting Controller<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n