Only 3 outlet plug but cheapest I have seen.
I saw someone else post a code you can use for $10 off orders over $49.
First time poster so apologies if formatting is incorrect.
Smart Ape Smart Wi-Fi 3 Outlet Surge Protector Powerboard $18 (w $59) + $5.95 Delivery ($0 Primate) / $0 C&C AKL @ Mighty Ape
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LDisappointed on 06/05/2024 - 13:40 mightyape.co.nz (2143 clicks)
Last edited 06/05/2024 - 17:04 by 1 other user
Last edited 06/05/2024 - 17:04 by 1 other user
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Flash with ESPHome if you want it to be more local and not talk via the cloud =)
https://github.com/jesserockz/esphome-configs/blob/main/powe…
https://github.com/jesserockz/esphome-configs/blob/main/modu…Whats your preferred way to flash them ?
If it's easy enough to open, I prefer serial flashing, but I don't recall how I flashed this, whether it was vunerable to
tuya-convertor whether I just opened it up and serial flashed it.
Pardon my ignorance, but are there other advantages to ESPHome besides not connecting to the cloud?
Do you still use the default device apps, or does it open up other options?I control it and monitor it via home assistant.
Also it allowed me to program the single button to individually control each plug with single/double/triple/quad press to toggle the one I want only.
Thanks for this
Good price! Got a couple of smart power boards from the deal below previously, but to reflash you need to desolder the module (haven't got around to it yet) and annoyingly by default the outlets all remain switched off after a power outage 🤨: https://www.cheapies.nz/node/42102. Hopefully this one is easier to reprogram!
Does any one know where to add a promo code.
I don't get an option to add it at any point during checkout.
Just before you pay I believe.
It's right at the end of checkout before you place your order, it's a small link just by your order confirmation that you click which then opens the box to add the promo code in.
The promo code does still work, and stacks with a new user primate free shipping offer too.
Click on 'Add Gift Voucher or Promotional Code' at step 3 (Payment) in the checkout process.
https://files.cheapies.nz/upload/11228/4994/mightyape.pngThanks Team, code worked a treat, One time use code per account, split my order, to save't $10 per order, essentially free shipping and $4 off !
Thank you big cheese.
What kind of use cases would be good for a board like this?
I have couple of smart plugs around the house, not the strip like this but it can be similar usage. I am on Contact's 9-12 free plan so I switch on all the smart plugs between that time. I have my vacuum cleaners, tooth brushes, tool batteries which I charge during that time. This will only work if the plugged in device can start as soon as power is turned on.
One advanced use case I have in mind but haven't got the time to do it yet. I have lots of automation in Home Assistant. One of them would be to control overcharging of any devices like phones, ipad by monitoring the battery state and switch off the plug once it reaches 90-95% charge.
My Samsung devices have this built in - not sure if android wide . I have my devices set to stop charging at 85%
Some examples - you could 1) use it to remotely control an electric blanket so the bed is hot when you get in and then have it shut off automatically after an hour, 2) have it randomly turn a lamp on/off for home security to make snoops or burglars think someone is home, 3) use it to automatically boil the jug or heat up the coffee machine in the morning, 4) remotely control Christmas lights or other light displays.
Oh I forgot about lights. I have presence sensor in Kitchen which turns on the kitchen lights, but also have a light strip(dumb light connected to tapo smart plug) under the kitchen which is turned on as well.
My experience with the philips hue and wemo wifi plugs, is that they don't always switch off, and aren't 100% reliable.. .
Why not just use a wall timer like has already existed for decades and costs a fraction of the price, though?
Because the wifi solution offers far more control over an analog wall timer. For example if I'm out and know I'm not returning home for the evening, I don't want my heater or electric blanket to turn on when I'm not there, and waste power. I can also monitor power usage with the wifi power board.
Because a wall timer is not able to sync its time and have the schedule easily edited in an app at any time, and does not allow for remote control of the device or confirmation that it has turned off and on when you expected it. most also have a user interface from hell with lots of pressing a mode button and looking at tiny illegible LCD segments that need you to shine a light onto the timer to see.
I'm personally going to use it for the electric blanket as I tend to forget to switch it off in the mornings before heading to work.
We use a single point for christmas lights.
Saves crawling under a desk to turn them on and off each nightI've got a few single smart sockets around the house in use. Got a couple on heaters, one in the garage that controls a power board for battery chargers to come on overnight and one attached to the slow cooker so we can schedule it or do it remotely.
One thing to be wary of is how do the devices being plugged in act when power is restored as that is what you will be doing with this. By this I mean if you have a relatively dumb heater that just has in off switches and a dial you'll be fine using this, but one of our heaters has buttons and a screen and defaults to off when power is restored. So it is useless with a wifi plug as you need to manually turn it on every time power is restored.
You can monitor the power usage, in addition to turning on/off appliances on a schedule, etc.
Just be careful with the load on this. I believe this will have total of 10A across all plugs, not 3 × 240V/10A Power sockets mentioned in description. As normal NZ power point is only rated at 16A.
Everyone looking at electric blankets, do check the ratings and if plugging more then one in this, be careful.
All powerboards will typically have 10A breaker on it, so this is normal. If its a 15A rated plug, it'll have a slightly different socket with a larger earth pin, which is pretty rare in most homes - the most common case where people might see this might be on spa pools that aren't hard wired.
Agreed. But description is saying something else so just warning others.
Oh i see what you're saying - yes good call out.
The moderately sensible person will take heed of "MAXIUMUM TOTAL LOAD 10A 2400W" written on the board. But yeah, I get your point.
What's this brand like? I'm really not a fan of cheaping out on things like this, so I'm quite iffy about these. I've used the Belkins for years because I like their build quality
This would have been great but we already have a few TP Link's Tapo smart plugs and trying to keep the smart features to one app on the phone.. Any work arounds?
Google home
Home Assistant
Price has unfortunately increased to $29
Supply and Demand.
@Disappointed price has jncreased to $29
Received this today. This thing is huge compared to other power boards.
Anyone flashed ESPhome on this? Any guides as I don't have rpi, but can have VM or docker something to use it.
Lol! I guess it depends on what you were using before but this is much more compact than then Belkin 6 way I was using. Also curious to know from others, but it does generate a bit more heat than I like. The link into Google Home is a bit buggy, especially if you start renaming plugs because you realise there is a pathetically low character limit
Yup I have one of the belkin one as well and it is similar in size to this. Smaller ones are from bunnings, pbtech or xiaomi ones and they are 4-6 plugs.
Anyone else having issues with the "smart life" app? It seems unresponsive when turning the switch on/off and doesn't show the correct power state.
Yeah, it is glitchy. I also found that when say when Google routine toggles a plug off, the board goes offline for a while -.-
You could try the Kogan Smart home app and see if that is any better
I'm still using the arlec grid connect app. I started in it for my first smart bulb from Bunnings and then found out that any tuya app works with all tuya smart things so no point installing another app. Could see what other brands use and check reviews to see if they are any better.
No issues with mine. I got all 3 of my Smart Apes to pair with the app just fine. Can control individual plug points, as well as the USB ones. Works pretty well.
The Smart Life app is just a Tuya app.
Just noticed these are still $16aud on mighty ape Australia. Primate won't work on there but just picked up 4 to replace some questionable older power boards we are still using.
Great! just what I needed for my outdoor power box!