Home Automation System Using Arduino

AHMED SIRAJUDDIN AHMED ALHAJ

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

PSZ 19:16 (Pind. 1/07)

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

DECLARATION OF THESIS / UNDERGRADUATE PROJECT PAPER AND
COPYRIGHT

Authors full name

AHMED SIRAJUDDIN AHMED ALHAJ

Date of birth

12 12 1991

Title

HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM USING ARDUINO

Academic Session

2014/2015

I declare that this thesis is classified as:

CONFIDENTIAL

(Contains confidential information under the Official

Secret Act 1972)*

RESTRICTED

(Contains restricted information as specified by the

organization where research was done)*

OPEN ACCESS

I agree that my thesis to be published as online open

access (full text)

I acknowledged that Universiti Teknologi Malaysia reserves the right as follows:

1. The thesis is the property of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

2. The Library of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia has the right to make copies for the purpose
of research only.
3. The Library has the right to make copies of the thesis for academic exchange.

Certified by:

________________________
SIGNATURE

C0604564
(NEW IC NO. /PASSPORT NO.)
Date: 23

NOTES: *

rd

June 2015

________________________
SIGNATURE OF SUPERVISOR

MR.KAMAL KHALIL
NAME OF SUPERVISOR
Date:

23rd June2015

If the thesis is CONFIDENTAL or RESTRICTED, please attach with the letter from the

organization with period and reasons for confidentiality or restriction.

I hereby declare that I have read this report and in my opinion

this report is sufficient in terms of scope and quality
for the award of the degree of
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical - Electronics)

Signature

Name of Supervisor :
Date

_____________________

MR. KAMAL KHALIL

JUNE, 2015

HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM USING ARDUINO

AHMED SIRAJUDDIN AHMED ALHAJ

A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the

requirements for the award of the degree of
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical - Electronics)

Faculty of Electrical Engineering

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

JUNE 2015

DECLARATION

I declare that this report entitled HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM USING

ARDUINO is the result of my own research except as cited in the references.
The report has not been accepted for any degree and is not concurrently submitted in
candidature of any other degree.

Signature

Name

Date

AHMED SIRAJUDDIN AHMED ALHAJ

JUNE, 2015

ii

Dedicated to my beloved MOTHER, My beloved FATHER and my beloved

SIBLINGS for whom after all mighty ALLAH I owe my success, always
praying for me, encouraging me and always being there for me. From the
bottom of my heart I say THANK YOU.

iii

ACKNOLEDGEMENT

The most sincere thanks and gratitude to the Al-Mighty Allah who has eased the
difficulty and cleared the ambiguity for me to fulfill this achievement which is my final year
project.
First of all, I would like to say that it has been my honor to be a student of Mr kamal
Khalil and also I would like to thank him my final year project supervisor, who is Mr. Kamal
Khalil for the guidance, support and encouragement he provided to me throughout the entire
duration while I was doing and preparing my biggest project yet which is my final year project
(FYP).
I also would like to take a moment thank my academic supervisor, Prof. Dr. Razali Ismail
for the support and guidance he showed me thought my four years as an Electrical-Electronics
Engineering student whenever I needed him.
Last but definitely not least, I would like to thank my Mother ,Father, family member and
friends for the constant encouragement and constant support they showed me throughout my
entire period as a university student which helped me to keep going and never give up.

From the bottom of my heart THANK you all very much.

iv

Abstract

This paper presents implementation of cost effective Home Automation System with and
remote control. This framework is intended to help and give help to satisfy the needs of the
elderly and the handicapped at houses. Additionally, the idea of home automation system will
improve the normal living status at houses. The fundamental control system uses a wireless
Bluetooth device gives a wireless access to smart phones. The system design does not remove
the existing electrical switches and gives a safer control over the switches with low voltage usage
technique. The switches status is synchronized every where each person interface demonstrates
the current existing switch status. This system is designed to control electrical devices
throughout the house with ease of installing it, ease of use and cost effective design and
implement.

Abstrak

Kertas kerja ini membentangkan satupembikinan sistem Automasi Kediaman kos rendah
dengan kos minimum dan kawalan jauh. Rangka kerja ini bertujuan untuk membantu dan
memberi bantuan untuk memenuhi keperluan warga tua dan orang kurang upaya di rumah.
Selain itu, idea sistem automasi rumah akan meningkatkan taraf hidup normal di rumah. Sistem
kawalan asas menggunakan peranti Bluetooth wayarles memberikan akses wayarles kepada
telefon pintar. Reka bentuk sistem tidak membuang suis elektrik yang sedia ada dan memberi
kawalan yang lebih selamat sepanjang suis dengan teknik penggunaan voltan rendah. Status suis
disegerakkan dalam setiap mana setiap muka orang menunjukkan status suis sedia ada semasa.
Sistem ini direka untuk mengawal alat-alat elektrik di seluruh rumah dengan mudah memasang
ia, kemudahan penggunaan dan kos rendah untuk mereka bentuk dan melaksanakan.

vi

CHAPTER

TITLE

PAGE

DECLARATION

DEDICATION

ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

iii

ABSTRACT

iv

ABSTRAK

List of Contents

vi

List of Figures

ix

List of Tables

1.0

INTRODUCTION

1.1

Research background

1.2

Problem Statement

1.3

Objective of the study

1.4

Scope of the study

1.5

Significance of the study

2.0

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1

Introduction

2.2

Home Automation System

2.3

Arduino

2.3.1

2.4

2.5

2.6

Why choosing Arduino

Bluetooth

2.4.1 Bluetooth Technology

2.4.2 How Bluetooth work

10

2.4.3 What is it used for

10

2.4.4 Its importance for home automation

11

2.4.5 Bluetooth module

12

Android

13

2.5.1 Introduction to Android

13

Examples of Home Automation in the real world

14

vii

3.0

Methodology

16

3.1

Introduction

16

3.2

Project Flow

16

3.3

Gathering the parts needed for the project

17

3.4

System Design

19

3.5

Hardware Implementation

20

3.5.1 Arduino Uno

21

3.5.2 HC-06 Bluetooth Module (slave)

23

3.5.3 Relay Module

25

3.5.3.3 Method of using the relay module

26

3.6

Android Phone + Android App

27

3.7

Programming the Arduino-Uno

28

3.8

Connecting the Arduino to the Bluetooth module

29

3.9

Testing the connection

30

3.10

Connecting the Appliances to the arduino board

30

4.0

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

32

4.1

Results

32

4.2

Limitations and Problems Encountered

33

viii

5.0

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORKS

34

5.1

Conclusion

34

5.2

Future Recommendations

34

6.0

Project Management

35

References

37

Appendix A

38-41

ix

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure

Page

Figure 1 Home Automation System example 1

Figure 2 Home Automation System example 2

Figure 2- Arduinos Logo

Figure 3-Uses of Bluetooth Technology

10

Figure 4-Android Architecture

13

Figure 6-Project Flow

16

Figure 7-System Design

19

Figure 8-Hardware Implementation

20

Figure 9-HC-06 Bluetooth module

21

Figure 10-Arduino/Bluetooth Module Connection

23

Figure 11-Final Design

29

Figure12-Final Design

32

LIST OF TABLES
Table

Page

Table1-Arduino-Uno Specification

22

Table2- HC-06 specifications

24

Table3-Ordering Information

25

Table4-Coil Data Chart

25

Table5- Bluetooth module/Arduino connection

29

Table6- FYP1 Schedule

35

Table7- FYP2 schedule

36

Table8- Project Cost

36

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1

Research background

Home automation system is getting popular and widely used in a lot of houses
worldwide. It has tons of advantages to users even more to the handicapped and/or elderly users
in which it will make it easier for them to control their home appliances. Home automation
systems can be labeled to two medium in which how it is connected and they are either wired or
wirelessly connected. The main difference between these two kinds is that home appliances are
linked wirelessly a central controller if it a wireless home automation system. On the other hand,
the appliances are connected to a central controller if the medium use wired communication
method. Wireless system had been introduced in order to dispose of wired communication
among home appliances. Arduino based, Bluetooth based home automation will be applied.

Nowadays, everyone cannot be separated from their smartphones. a number of five

thousands individuals from USA, UK, South Korea, India, China, South Africa, Indonesia and
Brazil took a survey regarding which was done by Time magazine. The result proved most of
them is inseparable from their smartphones, eighty four percent allegedly claimed that survive
without their smartphones.

Another study shows that seventy five percent of the market share is Android and a total
of one hundred and six million android smartphone were shipped in the second half of 2012.
Android smartphone became the top operating system in the market in the present time
worldwide and it became the most popular operating system known to man.

1.2

Problem statement

In the present day home automation is becoming essential for the purpose of improving
our life condition. Convenience and ease of using home appliances is what home automation is
offering. Home automation offers a futuristic way of life in which an individual gets to control
his entire house using a smart phone, from turning on a TV to locking/unlocking doors; it also
offers an efficient use of energy.
But to get or acquire such system installed will cost a lot of money and that is the major
reason of why home automation has not received much demand and attention, adding to that also
the complexity of installing it and configuring it. Thus it is essential to make it cost effective and
easy to configure, if this is granted to people then they will be willing to acquire it in their
homes, offices and schools. In other words, a system modification for the home automation is
required in order to lower the price of applying it to houses. Also home automation offers ease of
mind and body to handicapped and/or elders in their houses by just one click to do what they
want as stated above.

1.3

Objective of the study

To construct a wireless home automation system controlled by a smartphone specifically

an android device.

To design and implement cost effective home automation system yet an efficient one.

To design a user friendly and a safe system to control home appliances especially aimed
to aid the elders and handicapped.

1.4

Scope of study
In order to fulfill the stated objectives several steps must be taken. These steps involve

both software programming and hardware implementation.

These steps are as follows:

Establishing a wireless network communication between the android and the home
automation system, using a microcontroller.

Create a simple yet reliable home automation system using Arduino-Uno as a

microcontroller that will be the medium between the android and the home appliances.

To find a suitable app that will work efficiently with the Arduino-Uno board in order to
control the home appliances.

1.5

Program the Arduino-Uno board in a way that will let it interact with the android app.

Significance of the study

This study will be undertaken to create a home automation system at low cost and easy to
create, this will benefit both the manufacturer and the client. It will help the manufacturer by
making it easy and cheaper to apply it, and it will also benefit the clients by making it cost
effective and the most important advantage is that it will make the house a much more
convenient place for the clients especially for the elders and the handicapped.

Chapter 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1

Introduction

This chapter will describe anything related to home automation, android and its operation
system, android development tools, Bluetooth technology, Bluetooth module, Arduino and it will
contain some examples to home automation projects.

2.2

Home Automation System

Home automation is computerization of the home, housework or household action. Home

automation may incorporate a control unit for controlling of lighting, HVAC (warming,
ventilation and aerating and cooling), machines, and different frameworks, to give enhanced
accommodation, solace, better energy saving ,productivity and security. The idea of home
Automation has been around for quite a while and items have been available for a considerable
number of years, however nobodys arrangement has gotten through to the standard yet. Home
computerization for the elderly and debilitated can give expanded personal satisfaction to
persons who may generally need parental figures or institutional consideration. It can likewise
give a remote interface to home apparatuses or the automation system itself, through phone line,
remote transmission or the web, to give control and observe and monitor by means of an smart
phones or a web explorer program. [1]

Figure 5 Home Automation System example 1

Figure 6 - Home Automation System example 2

2.3

Arduino

Arduino is open source physical processing which is base on a microcontroller board and
an incorporated development environment for the board to be programmed. Arduino gains a few
inputs, for example, switches or sensors and control a few multiple outputs, for example, lights,
engine and others. Arduino program can run on Windows, Macintosh and Linux operating
systems (OS) opposite to most microcontrollers frameworks which run only on Windows.
Arduino programming is easy to learn and apply to beginners and amateurs.

Arduino is an instrument used to build a better version of a computer which can control,
interact and sense more than a normal desktop computer. It's an open-source physical processing
stage focused around a straightforward microcontroller board, and an environment for
composing programs for the board.

Arduino can be utilized to create interactive items, taking inputs from a diverse collection
of switches or sensors, and controlling an assortment of lights, engines, and other physical
outputs. Arduino activities can be remaining solitary, or they can be associated with programs
running on your machine (e.g. Flash, Processing and Maxmsp.) The board can be amassed by
hand or bought preassembled; the open-source IDE can be downloaded free of charge.

Focused around the Processing media programming environment, the Arduino

programming language is an execution of Wiring, a comparative physical computing platform.
[2]

Figure 7- Arduinos Logo

2.3.1 Why choosing Arduino

There are numerous different microcontrollers and microcontroller platforms accessible

for physical computing. Parallax Basic Stamp, Netmedia's BX-24, Phidgets, MIT's Handyboard,
and numerous others offer comparative usefulness. These apparatuses take the chaotic subtle
elements of microcontroller programming and wrap it up in a simple to-utilize bundle. Arduino
additionally rearranges the methodology of working with microcontrollers; moreover it offers
some advantages for instructors, students, and intrigued individuals:

Inexpensive - Arduino boards are moderately cheap compared with other microcontroller
boards. The cheapest version of the Arduino module can be amassed by hand, and even the
preassembled Arduino modules cost short of what $50.

Cross-platform - The Arduino programming runs multiple operating systems Windows,

Macintosh OSX, and Linux working frameworks. So we conclude that Arduino has an advantage
as most microcontroller frameworks are constrained to Windows.

Straightforward, clear programming method - The Arduino programming environment is easy

to use for novices, yet sufficiently versatile for cutting edge customers to adventure as well. For
educators, its favorably engaged around the Processing programming environment, so
understudies finding ways to understand how to program in that environment will be familiar
with the nature of Arduino.

Open source and extensible programming. The Arduino program language is available as open
source, available for development by experienced engineers. The lingo can be reached out
through C++ libraries, and people expecting to understand the specific purposes of different
interests can make the leap from Arduino to the AVR C programming language on which it is
based. Basically, you can incorporate AVR-C code clearly into your Arduino programs if you
have to.

Open source and extensible hardware - The Arduino is concentrated around Atmel's Atmega8
and Atmega168 microcontrollers. The plans for the modules are circulated under a Creative
Commons license, so experienced circuit designers can make their own particular interpretation
of the module, extending it and improving it. slightly inexperienced customers can build the
breadboard variation of the module remembering the finished objective to perceive how it
capacities and save money. [2]

2.4

Bluetooth

2.4.1 Bluetooth Technology

Bluetooth is a standard utilized as a part of connections of radio of short extension, bound
to substitute connections which use wires between electronic gadgets like personal digital
assistants (PDA), cell phones, personal computers (PC), Laptops, and numerous different
gadgets.
Bluetooth technology can be utilized at homes, offices, schools, hospitals and in cars.
Users can get instantaneous connections with several kinds of devices through this technology
continuously.
The method for transmission utilized guarantees security against external interference and
well-being in sending out data. Between the essential qualities, these must be mentioned; the
strength, low cost, small consume of energy low complexity and the ease of use. The Bluetooth
is a little microchip that works in a band of accessible recurrence all through the world.
Correspondences can acknowledge point to point and point to multipoint. [3]

10

2.4.2 How Bluetooth work

Each gadget must have a microchip installed in it that receive and transmits the frequency
of 2.4 GHz that is accessible throughout the whole world (with a few varieties of transmission
Bandwidth in diverse nations).

Other than the data, three channels of voice are accessible. The data can be traded to
speeds of up to 1 megabit per second (2 megabits for second in the Second Generation of this
Technology). A plan of "frequency hop" (hops of frequencies) permits to the gadgets to get
connected comprehensive in territories where an incredible electromagnetic interference exists.
Other than that is given plans of encryption and check. [3]

2.4.3 What it is used for

Bluetooth remote innovation is designed into billions of devices, from cars and cell
phones to medical gadgets and computers/Laptops and even headset and toothbrushes. Bluetooth
innovation permits the user to impart voice, texts, music, pictures, and other data remotely
between combined gadgets. [4]

Figure 8-Uses of Bluetooth Technology

11

2.4.4 Its importance to create a home automation system

Bluetooth technology has been one of the critical innovations to home automation system
or Smart Living. It is a remote technology created to take the place of wired devices to wireless
one which links gadgets like cell phones and PCs (Laptops/desktops). Albeit "link substitution"
could make a point-to-point connection, Bluetooth permits remote gadgets to have the ability to
connect with one another inside reach. The system of a set of Bluetooth gadgets is called
"piconet", which is anideal technology to system a brilliant advanced home. [5]

12

2.4.5 Bluetooth Module

Arduino-Uno board doesnt support Bluetooth connection on its own, which makes the
idea of connecting it wirelessly to an Android device impossible. So a medium between the
Arduino-Uno board and android device is needed and in this project it is a Bluetooth module
specifically the HC-06 Bluetooth module.

The HC-06 is a user friendly need only basic knowledge and it is programmable using the
AT commands.

It comes only in one fixed mode either master or slave. In this project the
slave module was used.[6]

13

2.5 Android
2.5.1 Introduction to android

Android operating system is open source focused around Linux kernel with Java
programming interface planned fundamentally for touch screen contraptions. The Android
telephone was in the business sector since October 2008. Gadget producers, remote transporters
and fan engineers are permitted to adjust and distribute the product under the Apache License.
[7]

Google Play is Android essential application store. There were roughly 700,000
applications accessible for Android in October 2012 and created by a vast group of Android
application designer.

Android building design comprises of a few layers as demonstrated in Figure 2.1. The
applications need to go layer by layer to get to the hardware. A few libraries are accessible.
ARM architecture is the principle equipment platform for Android.

Figure 9-Android Architecture

14

2.6

Examples of Home Automation in the real world

The Brown Box

This home, which was rebuilt on a 1960's old foundation in 2008 is a

sweet sight for eyes, both inside and out . This house which is only a ten minutes
walk to the town center is home to a detached family, the owner was displeased
with the first KNX installation and so , everything in the house was redesigned
and replaced in 2011 with state of the art technology Loxone has to offer. [9]

15

The Retro Fit

The Raab family purchased a home in 2007, right in the heart of Bluegrass in
Lexington, Kentucky. By 2013 the owner decided changes must be made, changes
that would allow him to convert his house into a Smart home. The retrofitted Loxone
is an installation focused on achieving smart home status that will allow the Raab
family to experience a better kind of comfort and convenience that the Loxone system
offers. [9]

16

Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This part will explain the path needed to undertake in order to achieve the goal of the
project.

3.2 Project Flow

Gathering the parts needed for the project

Drawing the basic concept

Connect the arduino Uno and the Bluetooth module

Program the arduino.

Install an android software

Control the arduino using the android

Figure 6-Project Flow

17

3.3 Gathering the parts needed for the project

Arduino Uno.

Proto Board.

Android phone.

Bluetooth module (HC-06).

Android application. (to control the arduino via Bluetooth)

Some Resistors.

Jumping Wires.

Relays Modules.

Light Bulbs.

Portable Fan.

Block-connectors.

18

19

3.4 System Design

Figure 3.4 shows the system breakdown of this project. In this project two types of
communication is used, first one is wireless (Via Bluetooth) and the second one is wired
(appliances connected to the controller). HC-06 is a Bluetooth module that will enable the
android phone to wirelessly connect with the controller.

Android Phone

Wireless Communication
(Bluetooth)
Arduino Board

HOME APLLIANCE

HOME APLLIANCE

Figure 7-SystemDesign

HOME APLLIANCE

20

3.5

Hardware Implementation

This part describes the implementation of the whole system, from arduino-uno board to
the appliances. This system is integrated using Arduino-Uno board, a HC-06 Bluetooth module,
relays modules, an android device, an android app to control the arduino board, and other
electronics components. Figure 3.5 shows the important part in the design.

Figure 8-Hardware implementation

21

3.5.1 Arduino Uno

The Arduino Uno is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328. It has a 16 MHz
ceramic resonator, 14 digital input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6
analog inputs, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header, and a reset button. This board is
very simple and can be easily used, everything you need to support the microcontroller is in this
board, just plug it in a computer via USB cable and power using an AC-to-DC adapter or battery
to get started.

The difference seen in the Arduino Uno is that it does not use the FTDI USB-to-serial
driver chip but, it has the Atmega16U2 (Atmega8U2 up to version R2) programmed as a USBto-serial converter. [2]

Figure 9-Arduino-Uno Structure

22

Table: Arduino-Uno specifications

Microcontroller

ATmega328

Operating-Voltage(OV)

5Volts

Recommended input voltage

7 to 12 Volts

Limits of inputs voltage

6 to 20 Volts

Digital I/O Pins

14 (of which 6 provides PWM output)

Analog Input Pins

DC Current per I/O Pin

40 mA

DC Current for 3.3V Pin

50 mA

Flash Memory

32 KB (ATmega328) of which 0.5 KB used

by bootloader

SRAM

2 KB (ATmega328)

EEPROM

1 KB (ATmega328)

Clock Speed

16 MHz

Length

68.6 mm

Width

53.4 mm

Weight

25 g

Table 1 Arduino-Uno Specification

23

3.5.2 HC-06 Bluetooth Module (slave)

HC-06 is a Bluetooth module as shown in the picture below. It is a slave module

which means the connection has to be initiated by a master module; in this case the master
module is the android device. It is small in size and its voltage is 3.3V that makes it compatible
with any kind of microcontroller with the power of 3.3V. its baud rate can be set using the AT
commands.

Figure 10-HC-06 Bluetooth Module

24

Table 3.5.2: HC-06(slave) Bluetooth module specifications

Bluetooth protocol

Bluetooth Specification v2.0+EDR

Frequency

2.4GHz ISM band

Modulation

GFSK(Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying

Emission power

4dBm, Class 2
-84dBm at 0.1% BER

Sensitivity
Speed

2.1Mbps(Max) / 160 kbps, Synchronous:

1Mbps/1Mbps

Security

Authentication and encryption

Profiles

Bluetooth serial port

Power supply

+3.3VDC 50mA

Working temperature

-20 ~ +75 Centigrade

dimension

26.9mm x 13mm x 2.2 mm

Mode

Slave

Baud rate (default)

9600 baud rate

Pin code (default)

1234

Table 2 HC-06 specifications

25

3.5.3 Relay Module

A relay is a device that operates on electricity. It has a control and controlled systems. It
is mostly used to control circuit automatically. Basically, it is an automatic switch to control
using a low-current signal a high-current circuit.

3.5.3.1 Ordering information

SRD

XX VDC

Model of

Nominal coil voltage

Structure

Coil sensitivity

Contact form

03,05,06,09,12,24,48VDC

S:Sealed type

L:0.36W

A:1 form A

relay
SRD

B:1 form B
F:Flux free

D:0.45W

type
Table 3 Ordering information

3.5.3.2 Coil Data Chart (At 20 celsius)

Table 4 Coil Data Chart

C:1 form C

26

3.5.3.3 Method of using the relay module

By connection the power source to the In Port and the wanted appliance to the
normally open Pin (NO) if you want it to be active high otherwise connect it to the normally
connected Pin (NC).

27

3.6 Android Phone + Android App

In this Project and android phone (Samsung Galaxy S Advance) is used as the remote
control for the user alongside with an App Called ArduDroid.

ArduDroid is a simple Android app that will make controlling the pins of Arduino-Uno
from an Android phone wirelessly possible. ArduDroid employs a simple Android user interface
to control Arduino Uno's digital and PWM pins, send text commands to Arduino-Uno and
receive data from Arduino over Bluetooth serial module.

In this Project the Digital Pin Function is only required to make the system work, so the
Arduino-Uno Board should be programmed to only support that feature.

28

3.7 Programming the Arduino-Uno

In order for the Arduino-Uno board to be able to interact with the application used in this
project certain program (code) needs to be uploaded to the Arduino-Uno.

Arduino Company provides user friendly software which allows writing any code for any
function wanted to be performed by the Arduino-Uno and upload it to the board.

Refer to appendix A for the full source code of the Arduino-Uno board.

29

3.8 Connecting the Arduino-Uno board to the Bluetooth module

A connection between the Arduino-Uno and the Bluetooth module is required in order to
enable the android to control the Arduino-Uno.

First we need to connect the VCC pin of the Bluetooth module to the VCC port in the
Arduino-Uno board. Second we need to connect the GND pin of the Bluetooth module to the
GND port in the Arduino-Uno board. Lastly we need to connect the receiver of the Bluetooth
module to the transmitter of the Arduino-Uno board and the transmitter of the Bluetooth module
to the receiver of the Arduino-Uno board. Table 3.7 shows the process.

Bluetooth Module (HC-06)

Arduino-Uno Board

VCC pin

VCC port

GND pin

GND port

TX pin

RX port

RX pin

TX port

Table 5 Bluetooth module/Arduino connection

Figure 11-Arduino board/Bluetooth module Connection

30

3.9 Testing the connection

After installing the app on the phone and connecting the Arduino-Uno board with the
Bluetooth module a test to make sure that the phone is interacting with arduino via the Bluetooth
module is needed.

Open the app in the android device.

Search for Bluetooth devices via the app.

Connect to the Bluetooth module.

If the light in the Bluetooth module stopped blinking then everything is working fine
otherwise the wiring need to be checked.

3.10 Connecting the Appliances to the Arduino Board

After everything is set and ready (android phone is connected to the Arduino) connecting
the Arduino to the home appliances is needed.

Using wires and connector blocks connect the positive end of the home appliance (eg.
Portable fan) to the normally open (in this project we want to make the output active high) port
in the relay module and the negative end of the appliance to a power source. Then connect the IN
port of the same relay module to the wanted Arduino-Uno port.

31

Apply the same for the other appliances only use different relays and different ArduinoUno Ports.

Connect the android phone with the Bluetooth module and now all the connected
appliances can be controlled wirelessly using the android device.

Figure 12 Final design

32

CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter discusses the results and any limitation and/or problems encountered
during the period of the project.

4.1

Results

Managed to successfully apply the HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM USING

ARDUINO and it was user friendly and cost effective. User friendly as in anyone can use just a
click of a button on an android screen and everything works. And it is cost effective as in it will
cost exactly as the project requires (optimum price).
Figure 4.1 shows the prototype of the system.

Figure 13 Final design

33

4.2

Limitations and Problems Encountered

Some problems and issues were encountered during this project. Bluetooth
connection between the android phone and the Arduino-Uno board was unsuccessful
in the early stages of this project. This problem was encountered when the xbee
Bluetooth module was meant to be used for this project. This problem has been
tackled by online search on the matter and finally replacing the xbee module with the
HC-06 Bluetooth module.

Another issue it was using the relay modules and connecting them. At first normal
relays were intentioned to be used in the project however soldering them into a
breadboard was troublesome because of the whole not matching the relay pins and the
breadboard needed specific modification, not to mention connecting everything using
soldering iron is not the ideal way if several tests and wiring and unwiring is in order.
This problem was tackled by using relay modules.

34

Chapter 5

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORKS

This chapter confers on the conclusion of Bluetooth Based Home Automation

System Using Android Phone and discusses some future recommendation.

5.1

Conclusion
It can be concluded that HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM USING ARDUINO was a

success. This system consists of an Arduino-Uno board, a Bluetooth Module, an Android phone,
power sockets, home appliances and an android Application (ArduDroid). It is user friendly and
it is cost effective.
Also it can be concluded that the objectives of this project has been successfully met and
they are as follows:

Constructed a wireless home automation system controlled by a smartphone specifically

an android device.

Designed and implement cost effective home automation system yet an efficient one.

Designed a user friendly and a safe system to control home appliances especially aimed
to aid the elders and handicapped.

5.2

Future Recommendations
There are some recommendations for Future works. Some of them are:
1. Better to use relay modules and connect it directly than using normal relays
with breadboard.
2. Try to find a way to amplify the Bluetooth module signal to work in greater
distance.
3. Test each and every component before using them especially the relays for
safety purposes.

35

Chapter 6
PROJECT MANAGEMENT

This chapter shows the planning and management that has been done in order
to achieve the objectives of the project on the right time. Also, this chapter discusses
the period taken in each step in order to complete the tasks for the project. Last but not
least, the cost of the project has been estimated in this chapter.

Table 6 shows the schedule for the first part of the final year project

Tasks

Start Date

Duration (Days)

End Date

Acquiring The Arduino and studying it

9/14/2014

9/20/2014

Do a small task on arduino to better understand it

9/21/2014

9/27/2014

Search for papers regarding home automation

9/28/2014

10/4/2014

First evaluation

10/5/2014

10/11/2014

Verifying the information acquired

10/12/2014

10/18/2014

Programming the arduino for home automation

10/19/2014

10/25/2014

Study the Bluetooth module

10/26/2014

11/1/2014

Second evaluation

11/2/2014

11/8/2014

Analyzing issues

11/9/2014

11/15/2014

SWOT analysis

11/16/2014

11/22/2014

Last evaluation

11/23/2014

11/23/2014

Prepare for the seminar

11/30/2014

12/6/2014

Perform in the seminar

12/7/2014

12/7/2014

Table 6 FYP1 Schedule

36

Table 7 shows the schedule for the second part of the final year project
Task

Start Date

Finish Date

Effort
(Days)

Reviewing FYP1

22/2/2015

28/2/2015

Gathering the required components

1/3/2015

7/3/2015

The first prototype visualization

8/3/2015

14/3/2015

Building and testing the first prototype

15/3/2015

21/3/2015

Figuring out the flaws and compare it

22/3/2015

28/3/2015

29/3/2015

4/4/2015

Doing more research on the topic

12/4/2015

18/4/2015

Constructing the module

19/4/2015

25/4/2015

Controlling more than one component

26/4/2015

2/5/2015

Finalizing the structure of the project

3/5/2015

9/5/2015

Preparing for the seminar

10/5/2015

18/5/2015

to other projects
Trying different methods and choosing
the best one

Table 7 FYP2 schedule

Table 8 shows the cost of the project

Part number

Quantity

Description

Material Cost

Arduino-Uno Board

RM72

Arduino-PC cable

RM3

Two coil cables

RM4

60W light bulbs

RM5

2-Channel relay modules

RM60

Plug Top

RM7

2+2

Block connectors + male to female wires

RM11.40

Total

RM162.4
Table 8 Project cost

37

REFERENCES

[1]

Deepali Javale, Mohd. Mohsin, Shreerang Nandanwar and Mayur Shingate. International
Journal of Electronics Communication and Computer Technology (IJECCT) Volume 3
Issue 2 (March 2013).

[2]

The official Arduino Website: http://arduino.cc/en/Guide/Introduction

[3]

Inigo Puy, Bluetooth, 2008.

[4]

The official Bluetooth Website: http://www.bluetooth.com/Pages/Fast-Facts.aspx

[5]

Ming Yan and Hao Shi, SMART LIVING USING BLUETOOTHBASED ANDROID
SMARTPHONE, 2013.

[6]

HC-06 Bluetooth module instructional manual.

[7]

LIU, J. Research on Development of Android Applications. Fourth International

Conference on Intelligent Networks and Intelligent Systems. 2011

[8]

HANSON, D. C. Android Application Development and Implementation 3 Dimensional

Tic-Tac-Toe. 2010.

[9]

LOXONE Miniserver based Smart Homes. 2015

38
Appendix A

Source code for Arduino

#define START_CMD_CHAR '*'

#define END_CMD_CHAR '#'
#define DIV_CMD_CHAR '|'
#define CMD_DIGITALWRITE 10
#define CMD_READ_ARDUDROID 13
#define MAX_COMMAND 20
#define MIN_COMMAND 10
#define IN_STRING_LENGHT 40
#define MAX_ANALOGWRITE 255
#define PIN_HIGH 3
#define PIN_LOW 2

String inText;

void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
Serial.println("ArduDroid 0.12");
Serial.flush();
}
void loop()
{
Serial.flush();

39
int ard_command = 0;
int pin_num = 0;
int pin_value = 0;
char get_char = ' ';
if (Serial.available() < 1) return;
get_char = Serial.read();
if (get_char != START_CMD_CHAR) return;
ard_command = Serial.parseInt();
pin_num = Serial.parseInt();
pin_value = Serial.parseInt();

//Digital Data buttons from ArduDroid

if (ard_command == CMD_DIGITALWRITE){
if (pin_value == PIN_LOW) pin_value = LOW;
else if (pin_value == PIN_HIGH) pin_value = HIGH;
else return;
set_digitalwrite( pin_num, pin_value);
return;
}
}

void set_digitalwrite(int pin_num, int pin_value)

{
switch (pin_num) {
case 2:
pinMode(2, OUTPUT);

40
digitalWrite(2, pin_value);
break;
case 3:
pinMode(3, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(3, pin_value);
break;
case 4:
pinMode(4, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(4, pin_value);
break;
case 5:
pinMode(5, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(5, pin_value);
break;
case 6:
pinMode(6, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(6, pin_value);
break;
case 7:
pinMode(7, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(7, pin_value);
break;
case 8:
pinMode(8, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(8, pin_value);
break;

41
case 9:
pinMode(9, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(9, pin_value);
break;
case 10:
pinMode(10, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(10, pin_value);
break;
case 11:
pinMode(11, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(11, pin_value);
break;
case 12:
pinMode(12, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(12, pin_value);
break;
case 13:
pinMode(13, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(13, pin_value);
break;
}
}