0

I want to develop a Wi-Fi enabled wall volume "dimmer" switch that can control the volume on a Chromecast Audio. I was thinking of using a Lutron Caseta switch and trapping the changes with a Pi that would then control the Chromecast. I am new to this community so please direct me if this or something similar has been solved.

I have not used the Lutron... Is there a better choice? I know I can control apps and google home already. But I have elderly people who just want a switch on the wall.

Any suggestions? Do I need a hub to use the Lutron or can the Pi do it by itself?

Improve this question
4
  • This seems like an over-engineered solution why not just use or replicate the remote control of the TV? – Steve Robillard Jun 27 '17 at 18:42
  • Interesting. So attach a remote... what remote controls the volume of a chromecast audio? – Dave Kearney Jun 27 '17 at 19:37
  • No the remote that comes with whatever device the chroimecasts is connected to (TV most likely). Presumably, it has a remote control, you could clone the IR signal and replay it from a button connected to the Pi – Steve Robillard Jun 27 '17 at 19:42
  • Thanks. The chromecast audio is a separate product from the chromecast. It does not connect to a tv. – Dave Kearney Jun 27 '17 at 19:44
0

You can interface $_anything to mkchromecast, by opening it as a process you pipe data to (e.g. perl's open(FH, "| command -arg1 -arg2=foo"), perldoc -f open ) . IIRC it uses keys to lower and raise volume, and is itself a python script - so it is easy to modify these keys. You can get it here: http://mkchromecast.com/

As for the dimmer, you don't have an ADC on the Pi, but you can use an arduino and 433MHz module to send to the Pi. This would cost about $5. Or perhaps a HAT. Find some point in the dimmer device that outputs a voltage that correlates nicely to light level, and if necessary drop it with zener diodes to below 5V at maximum brightness.

Edit: The Chromecast supports (on TVs that support CEC/AnyNet) at least play/pause/stop, and perhaps also raise/lower volume.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.