Smart GSM Sockets

This review will focus on smart GSM sockets. GSM sockets are devices for expanding home automation. At the moment, the range of such outlets is quite wide, and it is not surprising that they have already gained some popularity among discerning consumers.

For example, consider three models from three manufacturers, so that anyone who hears about these devices for the first time can form a clear idea of ​​what kind of devices they are, how they work, and what opportunities they open up. Each of the models presented in the review is unique in its own way and has its own characteristics.

Senseit GS2 Smart Sockets

This model is an improved version of the device from the Russian company Senseit. It supports management from an application for iOS or Android, and there is no longer any need to send SMS commands, as it was in the first version of the outlet. The Master - Slave system allows you to connect up to 10 slaves to the main outlet, all with just one SIM card.

The Senseit GS2 socket is positioned as a “smart socket”, and is sold both in the form of a set of two pieces (Master and Slave), or individually, piece by piece, - Slave and Master. There is support for the GSM / GPRS 900/1800 MHz and 433 MHz FSK bands.

The device is powered, like any outlet, from a 220 V 50 Hz network, it can switch the load up to 3.5 kW, and has a sensor for measuring temperature in the range from -10 ° C to + 50 ° C. The condition for the stable operation of outlets is to maintain a distance of 1 to 100 meters between them.

It is easy to notice that the range of interaction of sockets at a frequency of 433 MHz allows the use of devices on different floors of a house or in different rooms. On the street, the outlet should not be used, it is not intended for this.

Outlets Master and Slave look almost identical, except that the main one has a green circle and a slot for a SIM card.

Each of the sockets is able to switch the load up to 3.5 kW, withstanding current up to 16A, which means that these smart sockets can control the switching on and off of relatively powerful electric boilers, depending, by the way, on temperature. In the kit there is also a set of stickers for marking outlets, so as not to forget which outlet is responsible for what in your home.

The instructions describe in detail how to configure the outlet. It is enough to insert a SIM card with a previously disabled PIN code, register the outlet in the application by phone number and IMEI, and mark this outlet with an icon in the application. You can also name and group outlets, this applies to both Slave outlets and Master.

The application allows you to set the conditions for turning on and off each specific outlet or groups of smart outlets, for example, you can set the operating temperature range, set the boundary conditions for switching on and off. This is especially convenient for controlling air conditioners and heaters.

In addition, the application has a timer and a planning system, so you can set a schedule by which this or that outlet, respectively, this or that household appliance will turn on, work and turn off. This, as you can see, is very convenient.

Event alerts will come as push or email, it's all configurable. In the event of a power outage, the outlet will always have time to inform the owner, since each product has a backup power supply system on the ionistor, whose energy is definitely enough to urgently inform the user.

Obviously, the scope of the Senseit GS2 smart socket is not limited to maintaining the set temperature and monitoring its change. You can come up with many different scenarios, from rebooting the router (turn off, on) for guaranteed reliable operation of the “smart home” system, which it won’t be able to do without the Internet, to turn on and turn off the illumination and control climate control, when it is necessary to control air conditioners and heating devices.

GSM - socket with thermometer - "ReVizor R2"

GSM-socket “ReVizor R2” is presented by the manufacturer as a device for climate control and control of electrical appliances using a unique Internet service directly from a computer or mobile phone, as well as through SMS commands.

This outlet is designed to continuously monitor the temperature for a long time, and automatically maintain the set temperature. It can turn on and off electrical appliances according to a predetermined schedule, as well as notify of critical temperature values ​​and cases of power outages by SMS, call or E-mail. The number of contacts for notifications is not limited here.

There is support for the ranges of the standard EGSM900 and GSM1800, GPRS. It is powered by a socket, from a network of 110 - 220 V 50-60 Hz, capable of switching loads up to 3 kW, and has a sensor with a 3.5-inch mini-jack connector for measuring temperature in the range from -10 ° C to + 50 ° C.

A feature of this solution is the ability to interactively monitor the temperature and control the status of the outlet. The widget on your smartphone will help you to evaluate the temperature at any time, and if necessary, manually turn on or off the device connected to the outlet. Also here, the minimum and maximum temperatures for the last 24 hours are immediately displayed.

If you wish, you can always see a graph of how the temperature in the room changed depending on whether the device was turned on or off.

The Econometric function allows you to accurately assess the percentage of the time when the outlet was in the on state, in the off state, or without communication. In addition, a journal is kept throughout the year where all events are noted regarding the status of the outlet with the date and time.

Upon entering the "personal account" on the site, the user is given the opportunity to connect any number of outlets, and for each set up an individual picture, its schedule, temperature range, as well as the type of notification. A convenient graphical interface makes it easy to configure the schedule and working conditions for each of the outlets.

As mentioned above, the management of GSM-socket ReVizor R2 can be carried out not only via the Internet, but also SMS. For this, a list of trusted numbers is determined, from which it is supposed to send commands to the SMS gateway number specified in the documentation.

In addition, there is the possibility of a complete transition exclusively to SMS-mode, this is necessary for those cases when even GPRS - Internet at the place of installation of the outlet is not stable. Simple SMS-requests will allow, nevertheless, also to reliably control the GSM-socket, as well as via the Internet, it will be possible to receive information, set the schedule and temperature, as well as control the on and off of household appliances connected to the socket.

GSM socket “Express Power”

This “smart” socket can not only control the on / off of household appliances, it also has a security function.

In contrast to similar devices from other manufacturers, this outlet is intended, besides power management, for alerting both by SMS and by dialing to a cell phone and, importantly, by turning on the siren. The notification time is 20-40 seconds.

Thus, this GSM-socket protects its owners from the penetration of strangers into a secure room. Appearance of GSM sockets will fit into even the most modern interior, thanks to its simple classical form.

The standard on-off function allows the device to switch a load of up to 3.5 kW when powered from a 110-220 V 50-60 Hz network. It can work with wireless sensors at a distance of up to 100 m, and is controlled, in addition to the standard GSM-850/900/1800/1900, also by radio remote controls at a frequency of 433.05 - 434.79 MHz. Thus, there are three ways to control the outlet: from the key fob, via SMS, and through signals from security sensors.

Up to 6 key fobs are available for controlling the outlet. The BN-P2-33 keychain is included in the kit; it is also possible to use the BN-P2-33V, which is distinguished by the presence of a vibration response. The keychain can also be used as an alarm button. To power the key fobs, batteries of the CR2032 3.0 V type are used.

GSM - Express Power socket can work simultaneously with 20 wireless sensors. The socket supports the Rapid-P2 wireless security motion sensors and the Polyus-P2 magnetocontact sensors.The outlet works with the Prism-S wireless siren. In case of an alarm, the signals are sent both to the siren and to mobile numbers, which can be connected up to 6 pieces.

GSM - socket transmits data on the status of the device, as well as additional devices to the programmed number using SMS messages. The presence of a 220 V network is continuously monitored, and when the power disappears and appears, an SMS message is sent.

Changing the settings is carried out using a cell phone, online-service or Android application “GSM socket”. The setup here is as simple as possible. In fairness, we note that on request and in automatic mode, a regular check of the balance of the SIM card is possible.

In the event of the absence of a 220 V network, the device has a backup battery - a lithium battery of the CR123A 3V type. When powered by a backup battery, the security functions remain unchanged, but the load is no longer switched.

See also article about controlled sockets and ELRO switches.