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This post is translated by ChatGPT and originally written in Mandarin, so there may be some inaccuracies or mistakes.
I've actually wanted to experiment with smart home appliances for quite some time. However, most of the current devices are fixed and lack built-in connectivity features. Converting them into smart appliances requires additional engineering, which isn’t typically easy to accomplish.
So, I thought, why not have a device that connects to Wi-Fi and sends infrared signals to control lights, TVs, air conditioners, and so on? A quick search online revealed that such products do exist, and there are quite a few options available.
This time, I purchased the eRemote mini launched by LinkJapan.
https://linkjapan.co.jp/product/eremote-series/
The setup process is straightforward. After plugging in the device, you download the corresponding app and use the remote control to teach the device the necessary signals. That’s basically it.
However, after purchasing it, I found out that the device is a bit too small. If it’s placed too far from the appliances, it sometimes struggles to receive the infrared signals; after all, infrared signals can be blocked by obstacles. So, it’s essential to be careful when choosing a location.
Since you can operate it directly through the app, you can turn on the air conditioner or lights before arriving home. When it’s time for bed, you can easily adjust everything from your smartphone while lying in bed.
What I really want, though, is to have Google Home manage all of this for me, so next, I’ll explain how to link it with Google Home.
The process is quite simple: just find the eHome option in the Google Home app and enter your credentials. The principle is also fairly straightforward; it sends signals to eHome over the same Wi-Fi LAN, and eHome then transmits the corresponding infrared signals. However, currently, only the lights can be operated this way.
With this setup, when I’m heading out, I just tell Google Home, “行ってきます” (I’m off), and it will automatically turn off the lights. Upon returning, I only need to say “ただいま” (I’m home) to turn the lights back on. Saying goodnight will turn off the lights as well. You can also directly say, “電気をつけてください” (Please turn on the lights) or “消してください” (Please turn them off) to control the appliances.
Postscript
The downside of using infrared is that the signal can easily be obstructed by objects. In my current living space, there are partitions, and if the door is closed, it basically becomes impossible to receive the signal. If you require more stability, using Wi-Fi may be a better option.
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