What device would I need to send data over power lines?

[TechTree]

Hello, I'm trying to send binary data over the power lines to a microcontroller, which triggers a relay turning on a light. I was wondering what kind of device would I need to use to achieve this? And how would I connect it up to the microcontroller? I'm fairly new to this, so if someone could point me in the right direction I'd be grateful.

Many thanks!

 

[Klystron]

Radio Shack sold a controller and switch units for home use called "Plug and Power" or something similar. I experimented with three sub-units for lamps (2-prong connection), small electric fans, and "heavy-duty" 3-prong (grounded) AC connection. Units communicated through home wiring using coded pulses. End user rotates a dial labelled alphabetically on the control unit and each sub-unit with the idea of avoiding another user's signals. I tried the original version and an improved design released mid 1990's.

Though a nifty idea -- remote control via AC power lines -- long term experience was negative. As might be expected, the fan or "small motor" switching unit had numerous problems, some apparently frequency related. Relay chatter was common, causing odd conditions to the plugged in device. All sub-units displayed intermittent behaviour, often switching states when another sub-unit was switched by command. After my bedside reading lamp switched on at 0300 (3AM) unrequested, I removed the units from service.

From time-to-time I would unpack the system when I needed temporary "remote control". It always disappointed.

I found the user manual online from a related product: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/137971/Radio-Shack-Wireless-Remote-Control-System.html?page=6

 

[anorlunda]

@Klystron had the right idea if the question relates to use in the home (as opposed to sending signals across the continent). The popular product went under the brand name X10. It is still sold, and many modules are available.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X10_Wireless_Technology

 

[Klystron]

@Klystron had the right idea if the question relates to use in the home (as opposed to sending signals across the continent). The popular product went under the brand name X10. It is still sold, and many modules are available.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X10_Wireless_Technology

Yes, I assumed home use since this is DIY but found interesting references using the power grid to carry messages. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-line_communication

We'd expect the power distribution companies to transmit data over the power lines, presumably related to the transmitted power, but the Wiki articles indicate an "Ethernet-like" encapsulation of information packets among other data transmission models.

For the general case "transmission line" the OP might be interested in time domain reflectometry (TDR) developed at HP originally to locate (physical) breaks in electrical lines; but useful in this case for determining conditions for data transmission on a given line. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time-domain_reflectometry

 

[CWatters]

I think one option would be to get it working over Ethernet first using network/web relays...

You can buy them..
https://www.controlbyweb.com/webrelay/

Or perhaps roll your own..
https://randomnerdtutorials.com/arduino-ethernet-web-server-with-relay/


Then use other standard devices (Powerline) to send the network over the mains.

This would be safe, but perhaps more expensive. An advantage would be the web relay has a website built in so you can interrogate the status of any lights remotely form anywhere in the world.