Smart automation based on IoT and GSM module

Final year project report submitted to the department of Electrical Engineering in

partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Technology

By

SHRISTY KUMARI (18012465011)

MANISHA KUMARI (18012465007)
DAYANAND CHAUHAN (18012465003)
ROSHAN KUMAR (18012465010)
Under the guidance of

Prof. PREETI KUNDU

Assistant Professor
Department of Electronic and communication Engineering

Department of Electronic and Communication Engineering

Maryland Institute of Technology and Management
Galudih, East Singhbhum (Jharkhand)
Formally by (JUT)
 CERTIFICATE
To whom it may concern
The undersigned certify that they have read and recommended to the
Department of Electronic and Communication Engineering, Maryland Institute
of Technology and Management, a final year project work entitled “IOT based
Home Automation System” submitted by Shristy Kumari, Manisha Kumari,
Dayanand Chauhan, Roshan Kumar in partial fulfilment of the requirements for
the degree of Bachelor of Technology during the academic year 2018-22

_______________________
Prof. Preeti Kundu
Assistant Professor
Department of Electronic and Communication Engineering
Maryland Institute of Technology and Management
Countersigned by
________________________
Preeti Kundu
Head of the Department,
Department of Electronic and Communication Engineering
Maryland Institute of Technology and Management

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We express our sincere gratitude to Prof. Preeti Kundu, Assistant Professor,
Department of Electronic and Communication Engineering, Maryland Institute
of Technology, as the mentor for our project. It is our great fortune that we
have got opportunity to carry out this project work under the supervision. We
express our sincere thanks for the encouragement, support and the guidance.
We would further like to thank all the faculty member for their cooperation
and extended support in undergoing the project.

Abstract
Automation is one of the most advancing sections of the industry today. That
too, coupled with the Internet of Things (IoT) becomes the most lucrative field
of current times. Home automation using Bluetooth module has many
constraints and because of that IoT based automation is on the rise. Presently,
every system is becoming remote controlled, be it television sets, speakers or
any other electronic system for that matter. In conventional control systems, a
user was required to carry separate remote controls for different appliances. To
overcome this, we have come up with a super convenient automation system
with smart switching which can be controlled via Android OS phones. By this,
the user will be able to control all the appliances with his/her smart phone. In
addition to turning appliances ON/OFF, the user will be able to control and
adjust the intensity and speed of the devices also. This is achieved by
interfacing GSM and Wi-Fi module to the Arduino board and programming
Android application to operate it.
Contents
1. Introduction
 Home automation system
 Internate of Things (IOT)
 Components
2. NodeMCU based automation
 Node MCU
 Block diagram
 Mobile application (BLYNK)
 Setup to control NodeMCU from BLYNK application
 Uploading code to node MCU
 Hardware assembly
 Logic and Operation
 Advantage and Disadvantage of Node MCU
3. GSM based automation
 Description
 About the GSM Sim900A module
 GSM sim 900A specification
GSM 900A power supply
GSM 900A pin configuration
Node MCU with GSM circuit diagram
Blynk application design for node MCU and GSM
4. Conclusion
5. Future scope
6. Limitation
7. References
Introduction
In today’s day and age, automation can be found everywhere. Everything is
becoming automatic ranging from Cars, Lights, Fans, Television sets,
refrigerators, Motors to elevators and doors. Even remotely automated toys
are becoming technologically advanced. The concept of remotely controlled
appliances is not new. Earlier, Automation systems were made with the help of
Bluetooth module. But it had many constraints like limited range and frequent
connection issues. Now, with the emergence of cutting-edge technologies like
IoT based automation, Automation industry is poised to achieve more heights.
And more and more people are expected to adopt Automation for home as
well as industrial systems. And because the devices are remotely connected
and operated over the internet from anywhere in the world in the real-time it
opens up many possibilities which were thought of as impossible in not so
distance past.
Just imagine how much convenience it will cause to users if they can start
their ACs in their offices from their home that way they can walk into the office
in the atmosphere in which they want. This technology is already proving to be
a boon for physically disabled people and aged people. It has improved their
quality of life and given them somewhat independence by enabling them to do
their work by themselves quite easily.

Home Automation System

The Merriam Webster dictionary defines automation as “the technique of
making an apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically.” In simple
words, it is lighting, heating and other electronic components of the home are
controlled via the internet or by a smart phone. Automation can be of many
types. But the most advanced and widely used type is the Internet of Things
(IoT) based automation.

Internet of Things (IOT)

Internet of Things (IOT) is a concept where each device is assigned to an IP
address and through that IP address anyone makes that device identifiable on
internet. The mechanical and digital machines are provided with unique
identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without
requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Basically, it
started as the “Internet of Computers.” Research studies have forecast an
explosive growth in the number of “things” or devices that will be connected
to the Internet. The resulting network is called the “Internet of Things” (IoT).
The recent developments in technology which permit the use of wireless
controlling environments like, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi that have enabled different
devices to have capabilities of connecting with each other. Using a WIFI shield
to act as a Micro web server for the Arduino which eliminates the need for
wired connections between the Arduino board and computer which reduces
cost and enables it to work as a standalone device. The Wi-Fi shield needs
connection to the internet from a wireless router or wireless hotspot and this
would act as the gateway for the Arduino to communicate with the internet.
With this in mind, an internet-based home automation system for remote
control and observing the status of home appliances is designed.

Due to the advancement of wireless technology, there are several different

types of connections are introduced such as GSM, WIFI, and BT. Each of the
connection has their own unique specifications and applications. Among the
four popular wireless connections that often implemented in HAS project, WIFI
is being chosen with its suitable capability. The capabilities of WIFI are more
than enough to be implemented in the design. Also, most of the current
laptop/notebook or Smartphone come with built-in WIFI adapter. It will
indirectly reduce the cost of this system.

Components

NO. components Quantity

1 Node MCU 1
2 GSM Module 1
3 4 Channel Relay Module 1
5 Doted PCB 1
DC 5V 2A Adopter 1
6 Male pin headers
7 Female pin header
DC female power jack
8 LM7805 Voltage Regulator 1
Node MCU Based automation

Node MCU

Node MCU (Node Microcontroller Unit) is a low-cost open source IOT platform.
It initially included firmware which runs on the ESP8266 Wi-Fi SoC from
Espressif Systems, and hardware which was based on the ESP-12 module.
Later, support for the ESP32 32-bit MCU was added.

Node MCU is an open source firmware for which open source prototyping
board designs are available. The name “Node MCU” combines “node” and
“MCU” (micro-controller unit). The term “Node MCU” strictly speaking refers
to the firmware rather than the associated development kits.
Both the firmware and prototyping board designs are open source.
The firmware uses the Lua scripting language. The firmware is based on the
Lua project, and built on the Espressif Non-OS SDK for ESP8266. It uses many
open source projects, such as leucosin and SPIFFS. Due to resource constraints,
users need to select the modules relevant for their project and build a
firmware tailored to their needs. Support for the 32-bit ESP32 has also been
implemented.
The prototyping hardware typically used is a circuit board functioning as a dual
in-line package (DIP) which integrates a USB controller with a smaller surface-
mounted board containing the MCU and antenna. The choice of the DIP format
allows for easy prototyping on breadboards. The design was initially was based
on the ESP-12 module of the ESP8266, which is a Wi-Fi SoC integrated with a
Tensilica Xtensa LX106 core, widely used in IOT applications.
.
.

Fig:- Node MCU development board

. ESP8266 Node MCU pinout.

Block diagram
 Block diagram of the proposed system

The block diagram gives the functionality of the overall project. The Node MCU unit is the
microcontroller or the main controlling unit of the system. The user uses the mobile
application in setting commands for functioning of the appliances. The mobile application
interprets the command form in user in voice or switch mode and sends signal to the Node
MCU unit, over a wireless network established by Wi-Fi communication. Hence the Wi-Fi
module (actually inbuilt into Node MCU), helps the microcontroller establish Wi-Fi
communication with a device and take commands from an application over wireless
network. The Node MCU on further receiving the signal then turns on/off the appliance with
the help of relay. The Node MCU, relay and the final appliances are physically connected.
There is a power supply unit that powers the microcontroller, the relay as well as the final
appliances. There is also a display unit that displays the status of the application.

Mobile Application (BLYNK)

The following describes the process of creating an account in Blynk application and
generating unique ID against a particular device. This ID acts as an identifier for the
particular device on the Blynk server.
 Downloadthe Blynk application from play storeon the
smartphonewith which appliancesare to be controlled.

Create an account in the Blynk using your own email ID.

A unique ID is generatedby the applicationunder a new

project for a particular device.

This is is added to the program before installing it into

the controllingdevice.

With this unique ID the devices are identified in the

Blynk server for it's working

. Server Creating an account and generating unique ID in Blynk.

Once the unique Id is generated the next step would be to include this key into the coding written in
embedded C to establish communication between Node MCU and Blynk Server. The following
describes this process.

Setup to control Node MCU from Blynk application

Node MCU is connected through Wi-Fi

The SSID (network name) and password of-Fithe Wi

network is added into the code.

Open the Blynk application and create a new project.

Add the unique ID created by the application in the code

and install it to Node MCU.

Insert switches in the Blynk application and correspond

then to particular GPIO pins as in the code and the
hardware connection.
Uploading code to Node MCU
• Tools > Board and select ‘Node MCU 1.0 (ESP-12E Module)’ as the board.
And that’s all the settings we need to change. So now we begin writing
the code.

• Select Files > Examples > Blynk > Boards WIFI > ESP8266_Standalone. A
new file with some prewritten code opens. The following changes to the
code are made.

1. The line which says ‘char auth[] = “YourAuthToken”, replace

YourAuthToken part with your Blynk’s authentication token that was
generated by the Blynk server.

• The line which says char ssid[] = “YourNetworkName”, replace

YourNetworkName part with the name Node MCU is connected to PC
using a USB cable.

2. Now, we’ll set up the Arduino IDE by changing some settings. So,
open up the Arduino IDE. Select of Wi-Fi network that the Node
MCU must connect to.

The line where it says char pass[] = “YourPassword” and replace the
YourPassword part with the password of the Wi-Fi network
 • The code is ready to be uploaded to the hardware. On clicking upload
button, the code is uploaded to Node MCU and the next time it’s
powered on, it automatically connects to the assigned Wi-Fi network.

Hardware assembly
Circuit Diagram

Hardware assembly mainly includes connecting specific digital pins of

NodeMCU to the 4 relays on the relay module, including the connection of
supply and ground pins. The main functional assemble in this prototype is
simple. The further 4 relays are fit to be connected to any appliance desired to
be controlled.
The vital part in hardware assembly is taking into account the digital pin that
corresponds to which relay. This connection is done as per the setup of Blynk
application. The radio buttons on Blynk application are set up to switch a
particular digital pin in Node MCU. It is made sure that the relay connection
are physically made according to this set up. For example, we have assigned
the radio button on Blynk application corresponding to relay 1 to work with
D3. Then physical connection of relay 1 is made with D3 of Node MCU.

In this prototype instead of real home appliances, we connect the relays to

LEDs, (according to circuit diagram) to just ensure the functionality of the
prototype. The prototype is given a supply from a 9V battery.

Logic and Operation

Flow Chart

flow chart shows the working of the project. The process starts be initializing
the Wi-Fi, the network name and password are written in the code and
uploaded to Node MCU. The android device is connected to Node MCU over
Wi-Fi. The Blynk server is set up and connection is made, the devices is
identified in the Blynk server using the generated authentication token. The
command for controlling the load is given to the application, and this
command, over Wi-Fi network is sent to the Node MCU. This
Advantage and Disadvantage of Node MCU
Advantages of Node MCU

• Low cost, the Node MCU is less costly compared to any other IOT based
device.
• Node MCU has Arduino Like hardware I/O. It is becoming very popular in
these days that Arduino IDE has extended their software to work in the
field of ESP 8266 Field module version.
• Node MCU has easily configurable network API.
• Integrated support for Wi-Fi network: ESP 8266 is incorporated in Node
MCU, which is an easily accessible Wi-Fi module.
• Reduced size of board.
• Low power consumption.

Disadvantages of Node MCU

• The operation of the circuit depends on the working internet

connection. If the working internet connection is not available then it
will not run.
• Node MCU also depends on the free server provided by the third party,
if the free server is not working then it will not run.
• Node MCU has less resources of official documentation
• Need to learn a new language and IDE
• Reduced pinout
• Scarce documentation
GSM Based Automation
our project is all about providing smart automation system and an essential
part of that system is providing SMS mechanism by which user can be sure
whether the intended appliance has been turned on or off based on given
command.

As shown in the block diagram we had used a GSM module and Node MCU as
main IOT devices which are responsible for the smart automation system. As
shown in diagram GSM module and Node MCU are connected to each other so
that they can send or receive signals when they required. GSM module
contains a SIM card. When a user wants to turn on or turn off various
equipment’s like Fan, LIGHT, PUMP, MOTOR, etc. then he/she has only to send
an SMS to PRE-registered number i.e. the number of SIM card which is in the
GSM module from their mobile phone. By sending an SMS to that number GSM
module will receive that message and send a signal to the Arduino Uno and
thus Arduino will provide a digital signal which is thus transferred to the
control circuit. The control circuit will send a signal to the driver circuit and
driver circuit will drive the relay and thus the selected device will turn on or
turn off.

Load: Load includes all the appliances of the home. Power Circuit:

Description:
Nodemcu with GSM Module Sim900A- I have been
using GSM Module and Nodemcu ESP8266 Wi-Fi
Module for quite a long time in different types of Arduino
based and IOT related projects. In this tutorial, you will
learn how to use Nodemcu with GSM Sim900A
module. Nodemcu ESP8266 and GSM module together can
be used in different advanced level projects.
The main advantage of using the Nodemcu with GSM
Module is that, if you have the internet connection and
the Nodemcu module is connected with the Wi-Fi, then you
can monitor the sensor data in real time from anywhere
around the world using the Blynk application, and you will
also be able to receive the alert messages via GSM network.
There are situations when the internet is not available, in a
situation like this you won’t be able to monitor the data in real
time, but you will get the alert messages via GSM network
each time the sensor will cross a threshold value defined in the
programming.

About the GSM Sim900a Module:

This is the GSM Sim900A Mini-Module. The first thing that

you will notice about this GSM module is that, it has no
onboard voltage regulator, so be very careful while applying
the voltage; Because voltages greater than 5 volts can easily
damage this module. Ideal voltage for this GSM module is 4.7v
but you can easily power up this GSM Sim900A module using a
5v adaptor. If you don’t have a 5v adaptor then you can make
your power supply using lm317t adjustable variable voltage
regulator, I have a very detailed tutorial on lm317t explaining
everything.

GSM Sim900A specifications:

GSM Sim900A Power Supply:
As I said earlier the GSM Sim900A Module has no onboard
voltage regulator. Although it has a power supply pin which
can be connected with the Arduino’s 5 volts. When no sensors
are connected with the Arduino then you can run this GSM
module without any problem. But the time you start
connecting different sensors with the Arduino, then Arduino
cannot provide enough current to the Sim900A Module due to
which the Arduino keeps resetting.

So, my recommendation is use an external regulated 5v power

supply for the GSM module.

GSM Sim900A pin configuration:

 The white connector labelled with 4.7 – 5V, this is
where we connect the external 5volt regulated power supply.
It has a total of 9 male headers. The three male headers on the
right side are not connected
.
 Pin number 1 is the VCC which can be connected with the In my
case as I will power up this module using the external power supply
so I will leave this pin unconnected.
 Pin number 2 is the ground, which will be connected with the
Arduino’s ground.
 Pin number 3 is the 5v TXD,
 Pin number 4 is the 5v RXD,
 Pin number 5 is the 3.3v TXD, and
 Pin number 6 is the 3.3v RXD.

As the Nodemcu ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module is based on the 3.3v

controller board so, we will be using the 3.3v TXD and 3.3v
RXD pins of the GSM Sim900A module.

Nodemcu with GSM Circuit Diagram:

Let’s first of all, start with the 5v regulated Power supply
which is used to power up the Nodemcu esp8266 Wi-Fi
module. This Power Supply is based on the famous LM7805
voltage regulator. J1 is the female power jack and this is where
we connect a 12v adaptor, battery or a solar panel. Two 470uf
capacitors are connected at the input and output sides of the
voltage regulator. A 330-ohm resistor is connected in series
with a 2.5v led. This is a current limiting resistor. The output
of the voltage regulator is connected with the Vin pin of the
Nodemcu esp8266 Wi-Fi module and the ground is connected
with the ground. SV1 and SV2 are the female headers.

The GSM Sim900A module 3.3V TXD pin is connected with the
Nodemcu RX pin, the 3.3V RXD pin is connected with the
Nodemcu TX pin, while the ground pin of the GSM Sim900A
module is connected with the ground pin of the Nodemcu
ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module. As I explained earlier the recommend
voltage for this GSM module is 4.7 to 5 volts.

The middle leg of the potentiometer or variable resistor is

connected with the Analog pin A0 of the Nodemcu ESP8266
Wi-Fi Module. While the other two legs are connected with the
3.3v and ground pins of the Nodemcu Module.

A pushbutton is connected in series with a 10k resistor. This is

a Pullup resistor. A wire from the middle of the 10k resistor
and pushbutton is connected with the digital pin D0 of the
Nodemcu ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module. While the switch is open
3.3v is given as the input to the D0 pin and when the switch is
closed 0 or ground is given as the input.

Blynk application designing for

Nodemcu and GSM:
I always first start with the Blynk application designing, this
way I know which digital and virtual pins I have to use in the
programming. Moreover this also helps me in checking my
code, as I keep testing my project. Make sure you have
downloaded and installed the Blynk application.

 First of all, open the Blynk

 Click on the new project and enter the project name as “Node MCU
with GSM”. If you want you can select any other name. Later you
can also modify the name.
 Click on the choose device and select Nodemcu.
 Make sure the connection type is set to WIFI.
 Finally, click on the create button, an authentication token will be
sent on your email id, which later will be used in the Nodemcu
programming.
 Now, click anywhere on the screen and search for the Gauge Widget
and add it. Now click on the Gauge, enter the name if you want,
then click on the pin and select virtual pin V2. Finally, you can click
 on the font and select the larger or smaller type, in the end click on
the push and select 1 second.

Conclusion
Home automation is the need of the hour, which, the feedback analysis also
concludes. In this paper, we have presented two IoT based methods for the
same. The first one is based on GSM module and Arduino UNO and the second
one is based on a Wi-Fi module. Both of these methods as simple and cost
effective to implement and these are not just used to switch ON or OFF an
appliance but also to control it remotely (e.g. from your school or office). Such
an IoT based automation system not only makes people's lives simpler but also
exponentially increases their standard of living.

Future Scope
Lack of internet connectivity in remote areas is hindering growth of the
automation systems in rural areas. But, as internet connectivity is becoming
widely available to everyone, further advanced functions can be implemented
on top of this system. As automation industry is in full swing today, in very
near future, these features will also become widely available to everyone.

Limitation
• Internet connection is required. Initial set up cost is comparatively high.
• It might get some time to get used to the system. Internet connection is
required.
• Initial set up cost is comparatively high. It might get some time to get used to
the system.

References
Electroniclinic.com/nodemcu-with-gsm-sim900A-GSM-wifi-IOT-
GSM-eps8266-and-GSM
Smart automation based on IOT and GSM module
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331-374-905
www.esploradores.com-contents/upload/2018/04/A-Beginner-
Guide-to-the-ESp8366-1.pdf