$79.99 Aldi Smart Home Automation Remote Control Pack

samlor on 22/05/2015 - 07:50
Last edited 27/05/2015 - 06:59

Not sure whether to post this $79.99 Aldi Bauhn Smart Home Control Pack special buy available from Sat. 23 May 2015 as a deal because I don't known enough about such things even though I'm interested. It looks like a re-badged Broadlink RM2 or RM Pro (can't tell if there's a difference between models) Wi-Fi smart home automation IR & RF remote controller bundled with 4 power sockets and a remote control. The controller alone can apparently be bought for less than $45 on eBay but I suppose with the bundled items and Aldi 60-day return policy it could be a good deal. Can anyone with experience please advise/comment?

I'm specifically hoping it can provide new ways to help me remote assist my tech and English-challenged elderly parents who live interstate through their home broadband Internet. I already remote administer/manage their ADSL modem/router and use TeamViewer QuickSupport for laptop/Android tablet/phone remote control/assistance and there are times when it would be really useful to be able to power cycle some IT/electronics without have to explain through Skype about following that blue cable to find the button to press and hold down for 5 secs, and then … I think you get the picture - they are not a very smart hands services :-)

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Comments

  • Master Bates on 22/05/2015 - 11:31
    +1

    We have the older wider version of the Aldi remote sockets set and they have proved very useful; the only minor niggle is having to take the remote with you from room to room. The 4 pack usually sells for $29.99 and if you're lucky less on special if they have stock left after a few weeks.

    I don't believe elderly folk would find the universal IR/RF receiver easier than their stock standard TV remote, etc.; it's one more piece of tech to configure, learn and troubleshoot. It is also probably not as hi-tech as you think and I doubt you would be able to remote into it. With that said, I have never had an issue returning items to Aldi within their 60 day return policy; maybe test it at home.

    • samlor on 22/05/2015 - 16:41

      Gotcha, thanks. No, it is for me to remote control their equipment. The controller is Wi-Fi enabled and controllable via a smartphone app so I'm expecting remote connection to the home network will provide access. I think I will try it out.

  • c64 on 22/05/2015 - 13:53

    wifi control sounds interesting. i might give it a test and return it if i don't like it.

    i take it the plugs are RF, but the controller can also generate IR?

    i see on aliexpress that there are more elegant wifi-controlled plugs, such as http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Orvibo-S20-Wifi-Power-Smart-S… but it says they are non-grounding (2-pin)

    i wonder how much standby-power is consumed

  • c64 on 23/05/2015 - 12:38
    +2

    i had a quick play with the sockets. one problem i noticed was that the sockets have no memory, so after a black out you need to re-pair them individually with the transmitter. if you are remote then they will all pair to a single signal. i think this is a major design flaw.

    • alxr0101 on 26/05/2015 - 20:54

      Have not had that memory issue with the Aldi ones. There are four included with the internet remote package.

      Yes, a very versatile kit that covers infrared and any 433Mhz (basically any non-infrared remote) devices.

      I found the software (Android app store) a little infuriating and buggy however the devices are under active development.

      Refer http://broadlink.com.cn/home/product.php?mod=APP for the hardware. Aldi have merely added their own sourced wireless remotes (x4) and own Bauhn documentation.

      The hardware/software is entirely Broadlink (apart from the package of 4 wireless powerpoints).

      In summary, works great for IR control of TV etc and any 433 remotes but the android software is a little annoying but with potential.

      A bargain at $79 and also includes the 4 wireless plus a local remote.

      edit: typical Aldi/Bauhn….. more work required before just slapping a sticker on a box and selling it at Aldi. Do some homework with your suppliers and tidy up the useability please.

      • samlor on 26/05/2015 - 22:25

        Yep, I have confirmed that when power goes off and comes back on, re-pairing is required. Good find mtg.

        • alxr0101 on 26/05/2015 - 23:34

          I stand corrected, I was using some other Aldi-sourced wireless remotes (diff design) that DO retain memory after power drop. They have a blue LED and two buttons on the power socket (on/off) and the remote is not interchangeable with the green/red button remote and single button power sockets.

          The IR/wifi controller so far works with anything I've tossed its way (short of the garage door). Probably would not work with more secure rolling code 433Mhz units.

        • alxr0101 on 27/05/2015 - 02:16
          +1

          @alxr0101:

          These ones retain memory after power off:

          http://s7.postimg.org/fxf3iosaj/Untitled.png

        • samlor on 27/05/2015 - 06:56

          @alxr0101: Gotcha, thank you. When/where were/are those remote controlled power points available? My local Aldi had plenty for $24.99 on Sat. but only the same model http://bauhnenergysaving.com.au/indoor-power-point-controller.html bundled with the $79.99 pack. And, do you known if they can be also be paired with the IR & RF remote controller? Because that would be superior and more like what I want.

        • alxr0101 on 27/05/2015 - 08:43
          +1

          @samlor:

          The Blue led ones (as per image above) are not currently being sold. Got them a few months ago.

          So keep a lookout for them. I see them come up for sale on ebay/gumtree occasionally. Google the image (of above) may assist finding them.

          Yes they do work with the controller (see above). The controller is designed to work with many remotes and devices such as air con remotes, TV remotes and learning new ones is very straightforward in the app.

    • alxr0101 on 31/05/2015 - 14:51
      +1

      The lack of memory is less of an issue once you ponder the re-pair procedure for the normal handheld remote and consider that the internet-enabled remote controlling device retains the code between power cycles.

      However this could likely present a problem when there are multiple sockets now in pairing mode (and would respond to the first received code).

      I have just confirmed that there's no problem reconnecting, once you relearn the remote (even via the internet), merely by hitting either of the "on" or "off" icons you already configured before.

      Let's recap what you normally do to re-pair the (local) remote and the power socket.

      1. Power cycle and the power socket reverts to unpaired mode (red light slow blinking)
      2. on the handheld remote you'd just click the pairing button desired (eg button 2, on or off).
      3. blinking stops and the power socket is now paired to button 2 (and the remote device controller still retains the Button 2 codes for on and off).

      Via the remote controlling device, the pairing code is already saved (and retained on power restore).
      So resending the signal from the android/iphone (either the "on" or the "off" code) re-pairs to the same socket again.

      So, in summary, the lack of memory is inconvenient when you have more than one power socket (as all power cycled sockets will be in pairing mode and link to the first received signal). For just one socket, it's OK but have to press the on or off to pair the first time and then send the signal desired.

      • samlor on 31/05/2015 - 15:42

        Precisely. And, the ones with memory are hard to identify/find. I spent quite sometime searching online to no avail. BTW, I found 2 sockets bundled with an IR bridge currently discounted to $9.95 at Jaycar
        http://www.jaycar.com.au/Power-Products-Electrical/Distribution-%26-Interconnect/Mains-Control-%26-Protection-Devices/IR-Controlled-Wireless-Mains-Sockets/p/MS6158. None at Gore Hill but there was one left after I bought a pack yesterday from Taren Point. They don't appear to have memory either.

        • alxr0101 on 31/05/2015 - 15:59

          The product description is bonkers. Specs state it's 433Mhz (being specs for radio wireless) however functionality implies it's infrared (wireless)

        • samlor on 31/05/2015 - 16:12

          @alxr0101: There is an IR receiver that you "program" to emit the RF on/off signal when it receives a signal from an IR remote control. I presume you could ignore it and pair directly to an RF remote control.

        • alxr0101 on 31/05/2015 - 23:01

          @samlor:

          I understand now, it's bridged by the IR controller (which can be dispensed with entirely and just use RF.

          Seems though that the IR controller only uses a single button to toggle the point on/off.

        • INFIDEL on 30/10/2015 - 05:08

          @alxr0101:
          Tried the Watts Clever remote controlled sockets with this Aldi hub on RF - didn't work. Bought 4 pack of RF controlled power points from Aldi for $20 that work with hub. Works much better & includes RF remote.

          Jaycar ones drained batteries in controller. Returned after a few months for refund.

  • samlor on 01/06/2015 - 13:01

    Yep, IR remote single button for on/off toggle.

    I submitted an online query on the manufacturer website about the devices' memory and got the following reply from their support in Australia: "The sockets do remember their channels. Sometimes the channels are lost if the sockets aren't in use for long periods.". And, I confirmed this by switching off the power at the wall outlet for 10 seconds.

    The Watts Clever remote controlled sockets, like most others, are a bit wider so unlike the Aldi ones, they don't fit side by side on ordinary double power points or power extension boards but that's a minor issue. The RF code(s) must be different because they don't respond/pair with the Aldi remote control. I presume the Aldi Wi-Fi enabled IR & RF remote controller manufactured by Broadlink can be programmed to learn/use the code to control them however I have yet to try/confirm.

    • alxr0101 on 01/06/2015 - 13:44

      single button toggling.could be a problem for remote Internet if you don't know the current state of the device.

      "The sockets do remember their channels. Sometimes the channels are lost if the sockets aren't in use for long periods.".

      I guess they have a capacitor to maintain memory..which runs out like a battery.

      I would expect the Aldi controller would be able to learn and replicate the (RF) remote signal generated by the IR-RF bridge device.

      • c64 on 01/06/2015 - 13:56

        i'll have another play with them. i tested them straight out of the box. maybe there is a backup battery that takes a while to charge.

        good point about the remote activation - you won't know whether the point is on or off without some sort of feedback.

        • samlor on 02/06/2015 - 10:21

          @mtg: There is no memory in that model of the Aldi sockets. Had mine connected for hours and it always went straight back to learning when power was restored.

      • samlor on 02/06/2015 - 10:18

        Good point about not knowing the on/off state with only toggling available. I suspected the IR-RF bridge actually sends different RF signals and simply keeps state, swapping between sending on and off when it receives the IR signal so I programmed the Wi-Fi enabled controller with separate "buttons" one each for on and off and confirmed that is exactly so. I now have a way of sending specifically on or off using the controller and confusing the IR-RF bridge (not that it cares/matters being a dumb toggle :-) so all I have to do know is find the best way to network operate the controller remotely over the Internet.

        And, I tested the Watts Clever sockets memory. It lasts at least overnight disconnected from power.

        I might go back to Jaycar to try track down more of those Watts Clever 2 sockets bundled with an IR-RF bridge which can do what I want on sale for $9.95 - I think that could finally be a bargain worthy.

        BTW, the IR-RF bridge can learn different IR codes (don't know how many is the limit) to control more sockets individually according to the manual.

        • c64 on 02/06/2015 - 14:05

          i looked at the user manual on the jaycar site. the clever watts has 2xAA battery backup (or is that the remote?). i'm confused. it talks about IR but also mentions 433MHZ?

          edit: oh, ahh they RF sockets with a bundled IR-RF bridge. i see now

        • samlor on 02/06/2015 - 14:55

          @mtg: Yup.

    • ozozcar on 03/06/2015 - 23:18

      Well, I tested some today. They lost the pairing if turned off for more than a second or so. Are you saying yours held it for ten seconds?

      They (Aldi) previously sold some Bauhn branded remote power points which were identical to ones sold elsewhere branded Kambrook. Those ones remember the pairing for months, if not "forever" with the power off.

      • samlor on 03/06/2015 - 23:54

        No. They lost pairing immediately. I'm planning to return these latest Aldi ones.

        Finding ones with memory (cheap or not) wasn't easy/obvious to me. Read the previous comments.

        • ozozcar on 04/06/2015 - 07:00

          OK, got it about them losing the pairing immediately.

          The Kambrook branded version of what they sold before (which does not lose pairing) had model number RF3672. I got some from Bunnings. Bloke here, http://wiki.beyondlogic.org/index.php?title=Reverse_engineer… , mentions other model numbers, RF3399/RF3405/RF3689/RF4471R. When I looked a few months ago, you could still buy the Kambrook ones, but not, as far as I remember, at Bunnings.

        • alxr0101 on 11/06/2015 - 13:38

          @ozozcar:

          These ones sold last year by Aldi do retain settings after powered off.

          http://s7.postimg.org/fxf3iosaj/Untitled.png

          The LED is blue.

          The remote controller supplied does not work with the red/green button units supplied.

          But the power adapters work fine (as with any RF unit so far) with the network controller.

      • c64 on 04/06/2015 - 08:40

        the only nice thing i find about the latest aldi ones is they have separate on/off buttons, so you can't lose track of the on/off state of the socket (push the button twice to be ultra sure). if it just has a single on/off toggle button then you really don't know it's state without some type of feedback.

        pairing memory is important. ideally an off/off state memory in the socket would be great as well.

        i was also thinking hardware hacking like the project above. what sprang to mind was having a 433mhz transceiver module + usb ttl dongle hanging out of the back of the usb port of my router and with appropriate software it can all be automated by via internet.

        • samlor on 04/06/2015 - 09:22

          @mtg: Yep, but you've lost me a little there. What do you mean? What could you do with it?

        • ozozcar on 04/06/2015 - 17:14

          The Kambrook ones I got are also like that, with separate "ON" and "OFF" buttons.

          The interesting thing about them is that the same power points were sold by Aldi at some time (I'm not sure now if they were branded Bauhn or Tevion), but with a different remote which used one button to toggle them on and off. I found it was all down to the code transmitted - the Kambrook ones I have work quite happily in either mode, it just takes a different code to switch them.

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