How to Turn your PC on and off using your voice with alexa (the right way/easy)
7In this video, we will show you how to easily set up an alexa controlled momentary relay module to trigger your computers power button on and off when you say a command. This video is specifically designed to not shut down a computer the wrong way, which would be by using a smart plug and plugging the computer into that, and "pulling the plug" on shutdown, which can corrupt hard drives, SSDs, data and much more. This method tricks the computer into thinking the power button has just been pressed, so it gives the computer time to shut down properly on its own. It can also turn on the computer quickly. The entire system works very quickly, 25 millisecond response time. The reason why this is an easier method, is because you do not need to download a bunch of software to do this or buy a harmony hub and other useless stuff. All you need is this relay! Since you already have alexa, you're only paying around 10$ to do this right!
Schematic picture at 7:09
Directions for app/skill setup at 7:30
The Relay can be purchased here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077Z5B461/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Important notes:
once you have the relay paired with the app and there is a solid red light, you need to make sure that the mode is set to self locking, which will only illuminate one red led, not two. In this mode, when the relay is activated, it simulates a depression of the power button for 1 sec. You can only use the words "alexa turn on computer" to both TURN ON AND OFF THE PC. saying "alexa turn off computer" will do nothing. I updated my firmware from the EWeLink app and everything is still working fine. select the device, click the settings in the top right, and click the downward arrow near the software version to update the firmware. This will take a minute and complete. If your PC is turning on and off instantaneously, press the mode button on the relay (see schematic at 7:09 in video if you can't find the mode button). Enjoy! And please remember to like, comment and subscribe, I figured out all this stuff and made the schematics and instructions and video on my own, it took a lot of time and I would appreciate your support. I saw a lot of other videos showing how to do this but they were not clear and very complex. A lot of software applications are malicious, or malfunction completely. Make sure to power your relay with a power dingle and a usb-A (computer USB type) to micro-usb (android charger type) so that it has constant power and can turn your PC on and off.