This rogue WiFi controlled socket was sent by David for our exploration.
I seem to recall that it was having issues remaining connected to the network, and having seen the construction I'm going to guess that the main reason for that could be the potential screening of the module by a metal back-box in a stone wall - it's very clear that this type of device would benefit greatly from being mounted in a plastic box in a wood partition wall.
The other possibility is flaky software, as many of these devices seem to use copied software with random modifications made to fit the product. Some of those modifications may actually break the original software.
As mentioned in the video, I don't really approve of building electronics into fixed electrical accessories. It's much better to plug them into sockets as modules, so that they can be changed easily without interfering with fixed wiring when they fail. They can also be disconnected faster when they start turning brown and emitting smoke.
The other advantage of plugging external devices in is that they can run cooler and will often get better wifi reception from being stood out from the wall.
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
I seem to recall that it was having issues remaining connected to the network, and having seen the construction I'm going to guess that the main reason for that could be the potential screening of the module by a metal back-box in a stone wall - it's very clear that this type of device would benefit greatly from being mounted in a plastic box in a wood partition wall.
The other possibility is flaky software, as many of these devices seem to use copied software with random modifications made to fit the product. Some of those modifications may actually break the original software.
As mentioned in the video, I don't really approve of building electronics into fixed electrical accessories. It's much better to plug them into sockets as modules, so that they can be changed easily without interfering with fixed wiring when they fail. They can also be disconnected faster when they start turning brown and emitting smoke.
The other advantage of plugging external devices in is that they can run cooler and will often get better wifi reception from being stood out from the wall.
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
There's a local chain of convenience stores where every single outlet in the eat-in area has a pair of USB connectors on it. I have seen people plug their devices into those. I too prefer to have my own charger plugged into the outlet as you describe, instead. No idea what their failure rate is, or how one might even tell…
Not sure how practical it would be to fit into an outlet, but ethernet over power line would be great for this
Ypur br symbol should be adopted across the board makes much more sense.
What a useless gimmick
These are mounted inside walls as you pointed out
Instantly useless for the features intended purpose. Brick as it is ain't great for signal getting through.
The Gov is not out to our best interest. As long as it does not effect them.
It's nevertheless an opportunity for very conservative power outlet manufacturers to outshine everything with respect to safety. In 20 years these things are all smart, be it switchable, be it off when you're not using them, etc. Even a fuse can be done there rather than at a group level. Servicing should be easy though, lots to gain there.
Hmm, don't like that either. Mains should have its own space and be as isolated as possible from consumer equipment. It doesn't need to share its space with electronics.
I never considered to snub this, I must admit that I couldn’t resist to see watts inside, in order to stay current. Things heated up! Tee hee!
Technically USB or Data/Phone Jacks, sharing a mech with power is against code in New Zealand.
Oh boy, that ESP is easy mode for mods. I've got a bunch of "discontinued" Insignia plug-in switches, that I've removed the vastly overpowered modules from and installed ESPs instead. It's taken a couple years but I'm finally getting around to repurposing the original modules myself.
Wow what a nasty device to install into your wall. Looks like a fire waiting to happen.
As a newb I don't understand how the ac current is rectified before the transformer. I thought transformers were ac only and would saturate if you applied dc current. 🤔