I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of integrating smart technology into everyday appliances, and recently, I took on a project that turned my ordinary dehumidifier into a smart, fully controllable device. Let me share my journey and the results—hopefully, it can inspire others to take on similar DIY projects!
The Challenge
I initially used a power monitoring smart plug to control my dehumidifier, but I wanted more: full control over all its functions and real-time feedback on its states, especially the critical ‘FULL’ tank alert. After some research, I decided to dive into the device’s electronics and see what I could achieve with an ESP32 board.
The Solution
After disassembling the dehumidifier, I discovered that the logic board operated on 5V CMOS, which is compatible with the 3.3V TTL used by ESP boards. This compatibility made the project feasible. However, the switches on the device worked on a resistive ladder system, which required a bit more creativity. I ended up creating five open collector output drivers using Veroboard and GP BJTs to simulate the switch presses.
I carefully selected the GPIO pins on an ESP32 mini board, ensuring not to interfere with the boot process. The result was a seamless integration of the ESP32 into the dehumidifier’s circuitry.
The Setup
Here’s a quick overview of the setup:
- ESP32 Configuration: The ESP32 was programmed to handle all the inputs and outputs, including detecting the ‘FULL’ tank state and controlling the various modes of the dehumidifier.
- Custom Buttons: I created custom button cards in Home Assistant to control the dehumidifier’s modes, such as dry mode, laundry mode, and timer settings.
- Template Sensors: To avoid overwhelming the network with constant updates, I used template sensors in Home Assistant that only send state changes, reducing unnecessary traffic.
The Results
The outcome exceeded my expectations. The dehumidifier now:
- Provides real-time feedback on its operational modes.
- Automatically switches off when the tank is full, preventing overflow.
- Offers full control over all its functions through a clean, intuitive interface in Home Assistant.
The Satisfaction
Seeing this project come to life has been incredibly rewarding. It not only enhanced the functionality of my dehumidifier but also deepened my understanding of ESPHome and custom integrations. The satisfaction of turning a simple appliance into a smart, connected device is unparalleled!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to embark on a DIY smart home project, I highly recommend exploring the possibilities with ESPHome. It’s a powerful tool that allows for endless creativity. Just remember to start small, test each component thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from the community if you run into challenges.
Happy tinkering! 