Automating Planned Jobs with ioBroker and Blockly
Home automation is evolving rapidly, and with it, the tools and frameworks that help us automate our homes or offices. Among the most popular options are Node-RED and Blockly, both of which allow users to create automation workflows without writing traditional code. In this post, we will dive into Blockly in ioBroker as an alternative to Node-RED for automating jobs. We’ll look at how Blockly works, how it integrates with ioBroker, and how you can use it to create your own automation tasks.
🤖 What is Blockly?
Blockly is a visual programming language developed by Google that provides a block-based interface for building code. Rather than writing lines of text-based code, users can “drag and drop” blocks to create programs. These blocks represent common programming concepts like loops, conditionals, and variables. Blockly is intuitive, beginner-friendly, and can be a great option for users who want to create automation logic without getting into the weeds of traditional programming.
In the context of home automation, Blockly can be used to create workflows for controlling devices, setting schedules, and executing automation tasks based on triggers or conditions. In ioBroker, Blockly is integrated as an alternative to Node-RED, allowing you to create automation flows in a visual and interactive manner.
🏠 What is ioBroker?
ioBroker is an open-source platform for home automation that allows you to control a wide range of devices, integrate services, and automate tasks. It supports multiple communication protocols like Zigbee, Z-Wave, and MQTT, making it a flexible solution for home automation. With ioBroker, you can create schedules, triggers, and actions to control smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, cameras, and more.
While ioBroker has several ways to automate tasks, one of the most powerful and user-friendly options is the Blockly Adapter. This adapter allows you to use Blockly within ioBroker to visually design automation workflows.
❓ Why Use Blockly for Automation in ioBroker?
While Node-RED is an incredibly powerful and flexible tool for automation, Blockly offers a simpler, more beginner-friendly approach to automation. Here are a few reasons why you might consider using Blockly over Node-RED:
- Simplicity: Blockly is a lot easier to get started with compared to Node-RED, especially for those without a programming background.
- Visual Programming: Blockly’s block-based interface provides a more intuitive way to understand automation workflows, making it ideal for users who prefer visual programming.
- Quick Setup: Blockly allows you to quickly design automation tasks and test them in real-time, with minimal setup.
- Integration with ioBroker: Blockly works seamlessly within the ioBroker environment, providing native access to all devices and entities you’ve configured.
⚙️ Prerequisites
Before you start using Blockly in ioBroker, make sure you have the following:
- ioBroker installed: Follow the installation guide on the official ioBroker website.
- Blockly Adapter: You need to install the Blockly adapter from the ioBroker dashboard.
- Basic knowledge of home automation, ioBroker, and visual programming concepts.
🛠️ Step 1: Installing the Blockly Adapter in ioBroker
To use Blockly in ioBroker, you first need to install the Blockly Adapter. Here’s how to do it:
- Open ioBroker: In your browser, open the ioBroker admin panel (usually accessible at
http://<iobroker-ip>:8081). - Navigate to the Adapter Section: On the left sidebar, click on the Adapters tab to view available adapters.
- Search for Blockly: Use the search bar to find the Blockly adapter.
- Install the Adapter: Click on the Install button next to the Blockly adapter. Once installed, you’ll see the Blockly option in the Objects section of the ioBroker dashboard.
- Configure the Blockly Adapter: After installation, click on the Configure button to ensure the adapter is set up correctly. This will allow you to create Blockly scripts.
📝 Step 2: Accessing Blockly in ioBroker
Once the Blockly adapter is installed and configured, you can start creating automation flows. Here’s how to access the Blockly editor:
- Go to the Objects Section: In the ioBroker admin panel, navigate to the Objects tab.
- Find the Blockly Object: You’ll find the Blockly object listed here. Click on it to open the Blockly editor.
- Open the Blockly Editor: The Blockly editor will open in a new window, providing you with a visual interface to start building your automation logic.
🛠️ Step 3: Creating Automation Tasks with Blockly
Let’s create a simple automation using Blockly. For example, we can create a rule to turn on a smart light at 7:00 PM every day.
🕒 1. Create a Trigger
Start by adding a block for a time-based trigger. Blockly allows you to select specific times and intervals for automation.
- Drag a “Time” block to the workspace.
- Set the block to trigger at a specific time, such as
7:00 PM.
💡 2. Control the Device
Now, let’s add a block to control the smart light.
- Drag a “Set State” block to the workspace.
- In this block, select the device you want to control (e.g., a smart light) and set the desired action (e.g., turn on).
🧠 3. Add More Logic (Optional)
You can also add conditions or additional logic to the automation. For example, you could add a block to check if it’s dark outside before turning on the light, or a condition to turn it off after a certain duration.
🔗 4. Connect the Blocks
Once you’ve set up the blocks, connect them to form a logical flow. Blockly allows you to drag and drop blocks to visually represent the process, making it easier to understand.
Example Automation Flow:
1
[Time Trigger Block] --> [Set State Block (Turn On Light)]
This simple flow will trigger the smart light to turn on at 7:00 PM every day.
💾 5. Deploy the Automation
Once your automation is set up, click the Save button, and your task will be active. The automation will execute according to the trigger conditions you’ve defined.
⚠️ Step 4: Testing and Troubleshooting
After deploying your Blockly automation, it’s important to test it to ensure it works as expected. Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues:
- Check the Trigger: Verify that the trigger condition (e.g., time) is set up correctly. You can manually change the time to test the flow.
- Verify Device States: Make sure the device you’re trying to control (e.g., smart light) is properly integrated into ioBroker and responds to state changes.
- Check Blockly Blocks: If your automation isn’t working, ensure that the blocks are connected properly, and that you’re using the correct device IDs and values.
🧠 Final Thoughts
In this blog post, we’ve explored how Blockly in ioBroker can be used as a simpler, visual alternative to Node-RED for automating tasks. While Node-RED offers a lot of flexibility and power, Blockly provides an easier entry point for beginners and those who prefer a more visual, drag-and-drop approach to creating automation workflows.
Blockly in ioBroker is perfect for those who want to automate tasks like turning lights on and off, managing thermostats, or even more complex routines, without needing to write code. It’s highly intuitive, easy to use, and integrates seamlessly with the extensive ecosystem of devices supported by ioBroker.
Whether you’re a beginner just getting into home automation or an experienced developer looking for a fast and easy way to automate your smart devices, Blockly is a great option to consider. Give it a try and start creating your own automation tasks in ioBroker today!