https://github.com/mathcale/standing-desk-alexa-integration

Controlling my standing desk through Alexa, because why not?!
https://github.com/mathcale/standing-desk-alexa-integration

alexa arduino-framework maker mqtt pico-w

Last synced: about 5 hours ago
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Controlling my standing desk through Alexa, because why not?!

• Host: GitHub
• URL: https://github.com/mathcale/standing-desk-alexa-integration
• Owner: mathcale
• Created: 2023-07-02T22:15:54.000Z (over 1 year ago)
• Default Branch: main
• Last Pushed: 2023-09-03T19:14:58.000Z (over 1 year ago)
• Last Synced: 2025-02-06T20:45:51.080Z (1 day ago)
• Topics: alexa, arduino-framework, maker, mqtt, pico-w
• Language: C++
• Homepage:
• Size: 511 KB
• Stars: 0
• Watchers: 1
• Forks: 0
• Open Issues: 0
• Metadata Files:
  • Readme: README.md
  • Funding: .github/FUNDING.yml

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README

        



  
DIY Alexa-Automated Standing Desk


## Why

I LOVE my standing desk, it's been a game changer for my posture and for my setup aesthetics. However, I'm lazy and I don't like having to manually adjust its height. I also love my Echo Dot and I wanted to see if I could make my desk voice-controlled. This project is the result of that.

## How

![Diagram](./docs/diagram.jpg)

It all starts by invoking the Alexa skill with the "subir a mesa" or "descer a mesa" intents, which are handled by the native IFTT integration. According to the received instruction, IFTT then sends a message ("UP" or "DOWN") to the Adafruit IO MQTT broker, whom then publishes the message to a specific topic that the Pico W is subscribed to.

When a message is received, the Pico W sends a signal to the corresponding 4n35 optocoupler, which is connected to the desk's pre-programmed up/down buttons. The optocoupler acts as a switch, closing the circuit and triggering the button press.

![Schematics](./docs/schematics.jpg)

## Code

This project was built using the Pico W [Arduino](https://www.arduino.cc/en/software) Framework integration and the code is available in the `sketch` folder.

It's pretty straightforward, it just subscribes to the Adafruit IO MQTT broker and listens for messages, after connecting to the specified wifi network. When a message is received, it triggers the corresponding optocoupler.

I haven't tried it yet, but I think it should be pretty easy to make it work on the ESP32/ESP8266, since the code is pretty simple and the Adafruit IO MQTT library is compatible with both.

## BOM

- Pico W;

- 2x 4n35 Optocoupler;

- 2x 220Ω Resistor;

- Jumper wires;

- Breadboard/proof board;

- Patience;