Malnad College of Engineering

(An Autonomous Institution under Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgavi)

Hassan – 573202

GUI-BASED HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM

A Mini-Project report submitted to Malnad College of Engineering, Hassan, during the

year 2023 in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of

Bachelor of Engineering
in
Electrical & Electronics Engineering
by

B T SHASHANK KEERTHANA D V
(4MC20EE007) (4MC20EE032)
MANJUNATH S S NANDINI K S
(4MC20EE038) (4MC20EE046)

under the guidance of

Mr. G T ARJUN
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering

Malnad College of Engineering
Hassan – 573202

Tel.: 08172-245093 Fax: 08172-245683 URL:www.mcehassan.ac.in

2023
 ABSTRACT

This project presents the development of a graphical user interface (GUI)-based home automation system
leveraging the Blynk platform. The system integrates various components, including an NodeMCU ESP8266,
DHT11 temperature sensor, 4-channel relay module, 1293D motor driver, 6V DC motor fan, light bulbs, and
their holders. The primary objective is to enable users to remotely control and monitor their home devices
through a smartphone application.

The Blynk app serves as the user interface, allowing users to control four light bulbs individually, monitor
real-time temperature using the DHT11 sensor, and regulate the speed of a 6V DC motor fan. Equipped with
appropriate libraries and connected to the NodeMCU, serves as the microcontroller managing the hardware
components. The system is powered by a 9V battery, providing a wireless and convenient solution for home
automation.

The step-by-step guide covers the installation of the Blynk app, creation of a Blynk project, design of the GUI
interface, setup of the Arduino IDE, coding of the Arduino script, and the physical connection of hardware
components. The project aims to offer a versatile and user-friendly home automation solution, demonstrating
the potential of IoT technologies and mobile applications in enhancing household convenience and energy
efficiency.
 Malnad College of Engineering
(An Autonomous Institution under Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgavi)

Hassan – 573202
Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering

Certified that the Mini-Project Work titled

GUI-BASED HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM
is a bonafide work carried out by

B T SHASHANK KEERTHANA D V
(4MC20EE007) (4MC20EE032)

MANJUNATH S S NANDINI K S
(4MC20EE038) (4MC20EE046)

in partial fulfillment for the award of

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering
of
Malnad College of Engineering
affiliated to
Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgavi

during the year 2023. It is certified that all corrections/suggestions indicated for Internal Assessment have
been incorporated in the Project report deposited in the Department Library. The Project Report has been
approved, as it satisfies the academic requirements regarding Mini-Project Work prescribed for the
Bachelor of Engineering Degree.

Mr. Arjun G.T Dr. N. S. Jyothi Dr. S Pradeep

Assistant Professor Head of the Department Principal

External Viva
Name of the Examiners Signature with Date

1.

2.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to express our gratitude to all those who contributed to the successful completion of
this GUI-Based Home Automation System project using Blynk.

First and foremost, we extend our appreciation to the developers of the Blynk platform, whose
innovative tools and resources enabled us to create a seamless and user-friendly interface for
controlling and monitoring home devices.

Our sincere thanks go to the Arduino and NodeMCU communities for their invaluable support and
the open-source nature of their platforms, allowing us to explore and implement diverse
functionalities in our project.

Special thanks to the creators of the DHT library, which facilitated the integration of the DHT11
temperature sensor, enhancing the capabilities of our home automation system.

We acknowledge the support and guidance received from online forums, technical documentation,
and tutorial resources that played a crucial role in troubleshooting challenges and refining our
understanding of the hardware and software components.

Lastly, we express our gratitude to our educational institution for providing us with the resources
and environment conducive to hands-on learning and experimentation. The collaborative effort of
peers and mentors contributed significantly to the success of this project.

This project would not have been possible without the collective efforts and contributions of the
aforementioned individuals and communities, and we sincerely appreciate their role in making this
endeavor a reality.

B T SHASHANK
KEERTHANA D V
MANJUNATH S S
NANDINI K S
 CONTENTS
1. Introduction
1.1 Objectives
1.2 Scope of the Project

2. System Overview
2.1 Architecture
2.2 Components Used

3. Blynk Platform Setup

4. Arduino IDE Configuration

4.1 Library Installation
4.2 Code Implementation

5. Hardware Connections
5.1 Circuit
5.2 Block Diagram

6. Code Explanation

7. Powering Up the System

7.1 Connecting the 9V Battery
7.2 NodeMCU Power Source Setup
7.3 Uploading Code to NodeMCU

9. Testing and Troubleshooting

9.1 Blynk App Testing
9.2 Hardware Testing
9.3 Troubleshooting Common Issues

10. Conclusion

11. References
 1. INTRODUCTION

Home automation has become an integral part of modern living, offering convenience, energy
efficiency, and enhanced control over household devices. This project introduces a GUI-Based
Home Automation System that utilizes the Blynk platform, NodeMCU ESP8266, and various
sensors and actuators to create a versatile and user-friendly smart home solution.

1.1 Objectives

The primary objectives of this project are:

Remote Control: Enable users to remotely control and monitor home devices through a
graphical user interface (GUI) provided by the Blynk mobile application.

Integration of Components: Integrate components such as a 4-channel relay for light control,
a DHT11 temperature sensor, a 1293D motor driver for a DC fan, and NodeMCU ESP8266
for seamless communication.

User-Friendly Interface: Develop an intuitive and user-friendly interface using Blynk widgets,
allowing users to easily interact with and manage their home automation system.
1.2 Scope of the Project

The scope of this project encompasses:

Lighting Control: Implement the control of multiple light bulbs using a 4-channel relay
module, allowing users to independently manage lighting in different rooms or zones.

Temperature Monitoring: Integrate a DHT11 temperature sensor to provide real-time

temperature data, enhancing environmental awareness and energy optimization.

DC Motor Fan Control: Utilize a 6V DC motor fan controlled by a 1293D motor driver,
enabling users to adjust the fan speed for personalized comfort.

Blynk Platform: Leverage the Blynk platform for its simplicity and versatility in creating a
customized mobile application interface for efficient home device management.

This introduction sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the design, implementation,
and functionality of the GUI-based home Automation System using Blynk and the specified
hardware components.
 1. SYSTEM OVERVIEW

2.1 Architecture

The home automation system is designed with a modular and scalable architecture to provide
efficient control and monitoring of household devices. At its core is the NodeMCU
ESP8266, a versatile and WiFi-enabled microcontroller that serves as the central processing
unit. The architecture leverages the Blynk platform for seamless communication between the
NodeMCU and the user's mobile device.

2.2 Components Used

The system incorporates a set of essential components, including a 4-channel relay for
controlling light bulbs, a DHT11 temperature sensor for environmental monitoring, an
L293D motor driver to regulate the speed of a 6V DC motor fan, and the Blynk app for
intuitive user interface and remote access.
 2. BLYNK PLATFORM SETUP
1. Download Blynk App:
• Install the Blynk app on your smartphone. It is available for both iOS and
Android.

2. Create a Blynk Account:

• Open the app and click on "Create Account" to set up your Blynk
account.
3. New Project Creation:
• After logging in, click on the "+" button to create a new project.
• Name your project (e.g., HomeAutomation) and choose the device
(NodeMCU) and connection type (WiFi).

4. Receive Auth Token:

• Blynk will email you an Auth Token. Note this token, as it will be used in
the Arduino code.
5. Project Dashboard:
• Once your project is created, you'll be directed to the project dashboard.
• Drag and drop widgets onto the dashboard to control and monitor your
devices.

6. Add Widgets for Relay Control:

• Drag four "Button" widgets onto the dashboard, one for each relay.
• Configure each button's settings, such as output pin, mode, and color.
7. Add Widgets for Temperature Display:
• Drag a "Gauge" widget onto the dashboard to display temperature.
• Configure the gauge's settings, such as input pin, min/max values, and
color.
8. Add a Widget for Motor Speed Control:
• Drag a "Slider" widget onto the dashboard to control motor speed.
• Configure the slider's settings, such as output pin, range, and step.
9. Open your Arduino code for the NodeMCU.
• Locate the line char auth[] = "YourAuthToken"; and replace
"YourAuthToken" with the Auth Token received in your email.

10. WiFi Configuration:

• In the Arduino code, provide your WiFi credentials by replacing
"YourWiFiSSID" and "YourWiFiPassword" with your actual WiFi
credentials.

11. Upload the Blynk Code:

• Connect the NodeMCU to your computer via USB.
• Select the correct board and port in the Arduino IDE.
• Click the "Upload" button to upload the code to the NodeMCU.
12. Power Up the NodeMCU:
• Connect the NodeMCU to a power source, ensuring it has a stable WiFi
connection.
13. Open Blynk App and Test:
• Open the Blynk app on your smartphone.
• Run the project and test the buttons for relay control, slider for motor
speed, and gauge for temperature display.
 3. ARDUINO IDE CONFIGURATION

Arduino IDE configuration is a crucial step in setting up the software side of your home
automation system. Follow these steps to ensure the correct setup for your NodeMCU
ESP8266:

4.1 Library Installation:

• Install Arduino IDE:
If you haven't installed the Arduino IDE, download and install it from the official
Arduino website (https://www.arduino.cc/en/software).
• Open Arduino IDE:
Launch the Arduino IDE on your computer.
• Install Blynk Library:
- Navigate to "Sketch" > "Include Library" > "Manage Libraries...".
- In the Library Manager, type "Blynk" in the search bar.
- Click on "Blynk by Volodymyr Shymanskyy" and click the "Install" button.
- Install DHT Library:
Similarly, install the DHT sensor library.
- Go to "Sketch" > "Include Library" > "Manage Libraries...".
- Search for "DHT" and install the library that supports your DHT sensor model.

4.2 Code Implementation:

• Open a New Sketch:
- Open a new sketch in the Arduino IDE.
• Include Blynk and DHT Libraries:
- At the beginning of your sketch, include the necessary libraries:
4.3 Define DHT Sensor Pin and Type:
• Declare the pin to which the DHT sensor is connected and its type (DHT11, DHT21,
or DHT22):

4.4 Blynk Auth Token and WiFi Configuration:

• Replace the placeholder values with your Blynk Auth Token and WiFi credentials:

4.5 Initialize DHT Sensor:

• In the setup() function, initialize the DHT sensor:

4.6 Blynk Widget Control Functions:

• Write functions to control and read from Blynk widgets:
4.7 Temperature Reading:
• In the loop() function, read the temperature from the DHT sensor:

4.6 Upload Code:

• Connect the NodeMCU to your computer via USB.
• Select the correct board and port in the Arduino IDE.
• Click the "Upload" button to upload the code to the NodeMCU.

With these configurations, your Arduino code is ready to interface with the Blynk
platform and control the home automation system. Make sure to customize the code according
to your specific hardware connections and requirements.
4. HARDWARE CONNECTIONS