Sonoff basic - stand alone?

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K3NS31

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Hi Guys
I have a query about the Sonoff Basic (I think that's what it's called?).
I know it has a timer function, but wondering if that's coded into the firmware, or if it needs to be connected to the app.
In other words, can you set the timer (eg, to switch off at a certain time every day); and then forget about it, or is the app actually activating / deactivating it at the required times?

I want to get one or 2, but won't be able to setup a local control (HASS or something) for a while. Would need it to have basic timer functions in the meantime.
 
I have one, everything is done via wifi, and you do need a good wifi connection.

You control the device from the eWeLink app from your phone or from Alexa using the eWeLink skill.
 
BigAl-sa said:
I have one, everything is done via wifi, and you do need a good wifi connection.

You control the device from the eWeLink app from your phone or from Alexa using the eWeLink skill.
Click to expand...
Yes, I figured that part, but say you set a timer, eg. power off nightly at 23:30. Then wifi goes down (i.e. my AP is off) - will it still power off? (so settings are stored on-device?) The reply above seems to be "yes".
 
@K3NS31

The device needs to be connected to a network with access to NTP, be that local or from the internet. As soon as it is reconnected to power it needs to have it's clock reset as it has no way of "remembering" what the date, time and time zone is.

So you can program it, but you can't disconnect it from the power, move it somewhere without network connectivity and have it start up with the correct time.

I tried with one of my borehole timers. I programmed one, then moved it to the other side of the farm. The timer worked but the time/date/zone was wiped. everytime the power went off and back on it reset to 00:00 and whatever the default date is set in the chip.
 
The one I have remembers nothing if the controlling device loses the connection. The timing schedule doesn't seem to get downloaded to the switch.

The ewelink app is very primitive.
 
Dairyfarmer said:
@K3NS31

The device needs to be connected to a network with access to NTP, be that local or from the internet. As soon as it is reconnected to power it needs to have it's clock reset as it has no way of "remembering" what the date, time and time zone is.

So you can program it, but you can't disconnect it from the power, move it somewhere without network connectivity and have it start up with the correct time.

I tried with one of my borehole timers. I programmed one, then moved it to the other side of the farm. The timer worked but the time/date/zone was wiped. everytime the power went off and back on it reset to 00:00 and whatever the default date is set in the chip.
Click to expand...
Ah ok, so it sounds like no RTC, but timer info is still stored. That pretty much answers my question, thanks.
 
K3NS31 said:
but timer info is still stored.
Click to expand...
I can't confirm the timer remains on the chip. I can confirm that a Basic will run timers with no access to the internet or to a device with eWeLink. My internet goes down very regularly and all my timers work fine.
 
Dairyfarmer said:
I can't confirm the timer remains on the chip. I can confirm that a Basic will run timers with no access to the internet or to a device with eWeLink. My internet goes down very regularly and all my timers work fine.
Click to expand...
But is your wifi network still up, even with the wan down?

I am really trying to get this dam thing to work controlling a heating belt on a fermenter, and it seems to be very dependent on the wifi signal.
 
BigAl-sa said:
But is your wifi network still up, even with the wan down?

I am really trying to get this dam thing to work controlling a heating belt on a fermenter, and it seems to be very dependent on the wifi signal.
Click to expand...
No, I don't have one yet. Just trying to make sure it'll work in all scenarios. I want to use it to make sure an electric blanket powers off if we fall asleep and forget. Don't wanna take chances that it'll stay on if Eskom kills my power, for example. (I do have backup, but still).

Alternatively, if anybody knows where I can get an electric blanket with a built-in timer. Can't seem to find one anywhere.
 
Mine were fine without wifi (before I flashed them) - the important part was mentioned above, if it powers off and on - it needs a wifi link to sync time... other than that - it was good.
 
Dairyfarmer said:
I can't confirm the timer remains on the chip. I can confirm that a Basic will run timers with no access to the internet or to a device with eWeLink. My internet goes down very regularly and all my timers work fine.
Click to expand...
Thanks, I have programmed it beforehand and will check if it carries out the instructions when it loses the wifi connection
 
K3NS31 said:
No, I don't have one yet. Just trying to make sure it'll work in all scenarios. I want to use it to make sure an electric blanket powers off if we fall asleep and forget. Don't wanna take chances that it'll stay on if Eskom kills my power, for example. (I do have backup, but still).

Alternatively, if anybody knows where I can get an electric blanket with a built-in timer. Can't seem to find one anywhere.
Click to expand...
FWIW I use one to power on an electric hot water bottle to keep my brewing at a reasonable temp. I've set mine to default to off if it loses power but you can also set it to on or to resume where it left off.
 
I have found that the ewelink app can only have eight items in a schedule. I am not sure if this is a limitation of the app or the device.
 
BigAl-sa said:
I have found that the ewelink app can only have eight items in a schedule. I am not sure if this is a limitation of the app or the device.
Click to expand...
8 programs in total. That includes Schedule, Timer and Loop timer.

But you can use Scenes to add more. If <Time of day> / Then <Smart Device> <On/Off>

Remember it's just a $5 piece of plastic and board.
 
Dairyfarmer said:
8 programs in total. That includes Schedule, Timer and Loop timer.

But you can use Scenes to add more. If <Time of day> / Then <Smart Device> <On/Off>

Remember it's just a $5 piece of plastic and board.
Click to expand...
I haven't seen scenes in the Android app, but will keep my eyes open.

I assume that I can manually switch the device on and off at the missing time without upsetting the schedule?
 
Looks like I can get it to do what I want it to do with a Loop>Alternate timer.
 
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