From 13ba809763bfc10b9362635c21fbe2ab8b99c3fc Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: jessikitty Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:11:33 +1100 Subject: [PATCH] Add hardware shopping list with component recommendations --- docs/SHOPPING_LIST.md | 203 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 203 insertions(+) create mode 100644 docs/SHOPPING_LIST.md diff --git a/docs/SHOPPING_LIST.md b/docs/SHOPPING_LIST.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..20bfd56 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/SHOPPING_LIST.md @@ -0,0 +1,203 @@ +# Hardware Shopping List + +This document lists recommended components for building the ESP32 8-channel relay controller. + +## Essential Components + +### 1. ESP32 Development Board +**Recommended:** +- ESP32-DevKitC V4 (30-pin version) +- ESP32-WROOM-32D Module +- DOIT ESP32 DevKit V1 + +**Specifications:** +- Dual-core processor +- Built-in WiFi + Bluetooth +- Minimum 8 available GPIO pins +- USB to Serial converter for programming + +**Where to Buy:** +- AliExpress: $3-8 USD +- Amazon: $10-15 USD +- SparkFun/Adafruit: $20-25 USD + +### 2. 8-Channel Relay Module +**Recommended Models:** +- 8-Channel 5V Relay Module (Active LOW) +- SainSmart 8-Channel Relay Board +- Elegoo 8-Channel Relay Module + +**Specifications:** +- Input voltage: 5V DC +- Trigger: Active LOW (or Active HIGH - check specs) +- Contact rating: 10A @ 250VAC, 10A @ 30VDC +- Optocoupler isolation +- LED indicators for each channel + +**Where to Buy:** +- AliExpress: $5-10 USD +- Amazon: $15-25 USD +- eBay: $8-15 USD + +### 3. Power Supply +**For ESP32:** +- USB cable (Micro-USB or USB-C depending on board) +- OR 5V 1A power adapter with micro-USB + +**For Relay Module:** +- 5V 2A power supply (if driving all relays simultaneously) +- OR use ESP32's 5V output for low-current applications + +**Recommended:** +- 5V 3A USB power supply +- Power bank (for portable/testing use) + +**Where to Buy:** +- Any electronics store +- $5-15 USD depending on current rating + +### 4. Wiring and Connectors + +**Jumper Wires:** +- Male-to-Male: 20-30 pieces +- Male-to-Female: 20-30 pieces +- Female-to-Female: 10-20 pieces (optional) + +**Terminal Blocks:** +- Screw terminals for relay outputs +- 2-position or 3-position, 5mm pitch +- Quantity: 8-16 pieces + +**Wire:** +- 22 AWG solid core wire for prototyping +- 18-20 AWG stranded wire for AC connections +- Red (positive) and Black (ground/negative) + +**Where to Buy:** +- Jumper wire set: $5-10 USD +- Terminal blocks: $5-10 USD for set +- Wire: $10-20 USD per spool + +## Optional but Recommended + +### 5. Prototyping +- **Breadboard** (830 tie-points): $5-10 USD +- **Soldering iron kit**: $20-40 USD +- **Solder**: Lead-free, 60/40 tin-lead +- **Heat shrink tubing**: Various sizes +- **Wire strippers**: $10-20 USD + +### 6. Enclosure +- **Project box** (suitable size for ESP32 + relay module) +- Recommended: 200x120x75mm plastic enclosure +- Ventilation holes for heat dissipation +- **Price:** $10-20 USD + +### 7. Safety Components +- **Fuses**: 2A-10A depending on load +- **Fuse holders**: Panel mount or inline +- **MOVs** (Metal Oxide Varistors) for surge protection +- **DIN rail** for professional installation +- **Price:** $15-30 USD for complete safety kit + +### 8. Testing Equipment +- **Multimeter**: For testing connections and voltage +- **Price:** $15-50 USD +- **AC outlet tester**: For testing switched outlets +- **Price:** $5-15 USD + +## Component Bundles + +Some sellers offer complete kits that include: +- ESP32 board +- 8-channel relay module +- Jumper wires +- Power supply + +**Typical bundle price:** $25-40 USD + +## Total Cost Estimate + +**Minimal Build:** +- ESP32: $8 +- Relay Module: $10 +- Wiring: $10 +- Power Supply: $10 +- **Total: ~$38 USD** + +**Complete Build with Enclosure:** +- ESP32: $10 +- Relay Module: $15 +- Wiring & Connectors: $15 +- Power Supply: $12 +- Enclosure: $15 +- Safety Components: $20 +- Tools (if needed): $30 +- **Total: ~$117 USD** + +**Professional Installation:** +- All of the above +- DIN rail mounting: $15 +- Professional enclosure: $30-50 +- Circuit breakers: $20-40 +- **Total: ~$200-250 USD** + +## Purchasing Tips + +1. **Buy from reputable sellers** - Check reviews before purchasing +2. **Verify specifications** - Ensure relay voltage/current ratings match your needs +3. **Order spare components** - ESP32 boards and relays can fail during development +4. **Check shipping times** - AliExpress is cheaper but slower (2-6 weeks) +5. **Local electronics stores** - More expensive but immediate availability + +## Alternatives and Variations + +### 4-Channel Version +If you only need 4 relays: +- Use 4-channel relay module ($5-8) +- Reduced GPIO requirements +- Smaller enclosure needed + +### 16-Channel Version +To control 16 relays: +- Use two 8-channel modules +- May require I2C relay controller boards +- Separate power supply for each module + +### WiFi Control Version +Add WiFi control capability: +- Use ESP32's built-in WiFi +- Requires additional firmware (ESPHome, Tasmota, or custom) +- No additional hardware needed + +## Where to Buy - Recommended Vendors + +**International Shipping:** +- AliExpress (cheapest, slow shipping) +- Banggood +- eBay + +**Fast Shipping (US):** +- Amazon +- SparkFun +- Adafruit +- DigiKey +- Mouser + +**Australia:** +- Core Electronics +- Jaycar Electronics +- Little Bird Electronics + +**Europe:** +- RS Components +- Farnell +- Conrad Electronic + +**Always compare prices across vendors and factor in shipping costs!** + +## Version Information + +**Document Version:** 1.0 +**Last Updated:** December 2025 +**Currency:** USD (prices approximate and subject to change)