@@Jmarty34 You basically connect the virtual switches in parallel with existing manual switches. The actual wiring depends on your installation. If your boat uses circuit breakers, you will need to add additional fusing for the devices connected to the relay board. This is because the fuse is integral to the switch. Consider using a fuse block with spade fuses to provide individual protection for each device. This setup ensures that if one device fails or draws too much current, only its fuse will blow, leaving the rest of the system operational. If your current physical switches are individually fused, you might be able to reuse the same fused circuits for the relay board devices. Ensure that the fuse ratings match the current requirements of the devices connected through the relay board.
@@Jmarty34 I personally use the 8 way and it works very well. Get the one in the video description that has esphome pre installed. But then others have used the zigbee one and are happy.
Great video Rob. How about combining all the switching also with voice control. Like this you don‘t need a touch device to hand, eg at night going to restroom just via voice eg switch on red lights on the way and in restroom by just „Siri toilet lights on/off“. The HA knows if it’s night or not and illuminates the way or not.
This is possible but at the moment the best working solution requires an internet connection. I try to have all of my solutions working offshore with no internet. Running voice locally works but there is a lag as it requires processing power but maybe on a Raspberry 5 it will be acceptable.
Thanks. These boards do not show power consumption information. They use a basic relay in place of a manual switch. Would be a very interesting board. Maybe someone can build one.
@@veitladurner1925 Yes. The zigbee one I used the relay was rated at 10A. You just need to setup an automation to turn on the pump when the water sensor state changes to moist.
It's crucial to ensure that all devices you connect to the virtual relay board are adequately fused. The method you choose depends largely on your current setup with physical switches and fuses or circuit breakers. If your boat uses circuit breakers, you will need to add additional fusing for the devices connected to the relay board. This is because the fuse is integral to the switch. Consider using a fuse block with spade fuses to provide individual protection for each device. This setup ensures that if one device fails or draws too much current, only its fuse will blow, leaving the rest of the system operational. If your current physical switches are individually fused, you might be able to reuse the same fused circuits for the relay board devices. Ensure that the fuse ratings match the current requirements of the devices connected through the relay board.
Also, add the fuse to the positive DC cable as close to the relay as possible. That way if a short happens anywhere along the length of the cable the power will be isolated back at the source when the fuse blows or breaker trips.
Hi John, if you have existing physical switches you can use them in tandem with the virtual switch. If you doing a new build you could choose just to have virtual switches. Actually the 4 way Zigbee relay board has physical switches as well.
That is a coincidence! Just ordered a few of these to play with. Good timing!
Good stuff!
Literally got mine in the mail yesterday! Going to use mine to drive a traffic light to represent things happening around the home!
I enjoy your videos. Thanks,
Thanks! Glad you enjoy them.
HI, great videos. Can you explain how the connections are made if using an existing light with a manual switch? Thanks
@@Jmarty34 You basically connect the virtual switches in parallel with existing manual switches. The actual wiring depends on your installation.
If your boat uses circuit breakers, you will need to add additional fusing for the devices connected to the relay board. This is because the fuse is integral to the switch.
Consider using a fuse block with spade fuses to provide individual protection for each device. This setup ensures that if one device fails or draws too much current, only its fuse will blow, leaving the rest of the system operational.
If your current physical switches are individually fused, you might be able to reuse the same fused circuits for the relay board devices.
Ensure that the fuse ratings match the current requirements of the devices connected through the relay board.
@@SmartBoatInnovations Hi Rib, which relay board do recommend for use with lights or devices that would be controlled using manual switches. Thanks
@@Jmarty34 I personally use the 8 way and it works very well. Get the one in the video description that has esphome pre installed. But then others have used the zigbee one and are happy.
Great video Rob. How about combining all the switching also with voice control. Like this you don‘t need a touch device to hand, eg at night going to restroom just via voice eg switch on red lights on the way and in restroom by just „Siri toilet lights on/off“. The HA knows if it’s night or not and illuminates the way or not.
This is possible but at the moment the best working solution requires an internet connection. I try to have all of my solutions working offshore with no internet. Running voice locally works but there is a lag as it requires processing power but maybe on a Raspberry 5 it will be acceptable.
I like your videos, thanks for sharing! Does the 8 way relay board also give power consumption data? I guess the zigbee one does..?
Thanks. These boards do not show power consumption information. They use a basic relay in place of a manual switch. Would be a very interesting board. Maybe someone can build one.
Great video Rob, can I use the ZigBee Relay board to run a self priming bilge pump (12v probably 7 amps) in combination with the ZigBee water sensors?
@@veitladurner1925 Yes. The zigbee one I used the relay was rated at 10A. You just need to setup an automation to turn on the pump when the water sensor state changes to moist.
Could you tell something about the fusing and circuit breakers?
It's crucial to ensure that all devices you connect to the virtual relay board are adequately fused. The method you choose depends largely on your current setup with physical switches and fuses or circuit breakers.
If your boat uses circuit breakers, you will need to add additional fusing for the devices connected to the relay board. This is because the fuse is integral to the switch.
Consider using a fuse block with spade fuses to provide individual protection for each device. This setup ensures that if one device fails or draws too much current, only its fuse will blow, leaving the rest of the system operational.
If your current physical switches are individually fused, you might be able to reuse the same fused circuits for the relay board devices.
Ensure that the fuse ratings match the current requirements of the devices connected through the relay board.
Also, add the fuse to the positive DC cable as close to the relay as possible. That way if a short happens anywhere along the length of the cable the power will be isolated back at the source when the fuse blows or breaker trips.
Hi Thanks for tour reply! Are there any boards that have the fuses/circuit breakers integrated?
Greetings, Rob. I’m wondering how the smart boat relays interface with the boat’s standard physical switches or are they eliminated?
Hi John, if you have existing physical switches you can use them in tandem with the virtual switch. If you doing a new build you could choose just to have virtual switches. Actually the 4 way Zigbee relay board has physical switches as well.
Thanks ;)
You're welcome!