Hi everyone, I wanted to share my recent success in transforming a regular fan into a smart device using an ESP8266 board. It’s been a fantastic project that’s added a new level of convenience to my home. I’m now looking to expand this setup and would love to hear your suggestions! Project Overview: - Hardware: I used an ESP8266 board, a small breadboard, a battery holder for 3V power, and an IR transmitter kit. - Software: The Arduino framework was essential for programming the ESP8266. I utilized the IRremoteESP8266 library to handle IR signals, which allowed me to capture and send commands from my fan’s remote control. - Integration: After capturing the IR codes, I programmed the ESP8266 to send these codes wirelessly. This setup now allows me to control the fan via SmartThings, Alexa, and even a custom dashboard on my phone. Challenges and Solutions: Initially, I faced some issues with battery life due to the continuous operation of the web server. I switched to a wired power supply, which resolved the problem and ensured consistent performance. Seeking Advice: Now that the fan is fully integrated, I’m exploring ways to enhance its functionality. Here are a few ideas I’m considering: - Adding motion detection to automatically turn the fan on when someone enters the room. - Implementing a sleep timer that gradually reduces the fan speed before turning it off. - Exploring voice commands to change fan speeds or modes without needing to look at my phone. If anyone has experience with similar projects or suggestions on how to implement these features, I’d be thrilled to hear from you! Your insights could help me take this project to the next level. Thanks for reading, and I look forward to your feedback!