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Project Scope: RF Automation Toolkit

Problem

Two Sofucor ceiling fans have RF remotes but no smart home integration. Controlling them requires physical remotes.

Goal

Replace the physical remotes with WiFi-controllable NodeMCU devices that replay the RF signals. Build this as a generic, repeatable toolkit so any RF-controlled device can be added by following the same workflow.

In Scope (Phase 1 — Fans)

  • Reverse-engineer the Sofucor fan remote RF protocol
  • Build NodeMCU firmware that replays fan commands over HTTP
  • Python CLI to send commands
  • Controls: fan speed (off / speed 1 / speed 2 / speed 3) and light toggle

In Scope (Stretch)

  • Home Assistant integration (REST or MQTT)
  • Generic toolkit: any RF device can be added by writing a YAML profile

Out of Scope

  • Rolling code remotes (ceiling fans use fixed codes — if these don't, we reassess)
  • Building a custom PCB
  • Mobile app (HTTP endpoint is sufficient for HA integration)

Workflow for Adding Any New RF Device

  1. Capture RF signal with RTL-SDR + rtl_fm
  2. Analyze waveform in Audacity, measure pulse timings
  3. Write devices/<device_name>.yaml with frequency, encoding, and bit patterns
  4. No firmware or code changes needed

Hardware Inventory

Item Status Notes
Nooelec NESDR Mini 2+ RTL-SDR Working SN: 00000001, confirmed with rtl_test
HiLetgo ESP8266 NodeMCU Have it Not yet tested
HiLetgo 315MHz TX/RX module Ordered MX-FS-03V transmitter, MX-05V receiver
ELEGOO dupont jumper wires Ordered F-to-F for NodeMCU↔TX module connection
Two Sofucor ceiling fans Installed Remote frequency not yet confirmed

Software Stack

Tool Purpose Status
Gqrx Visual spectrum analysis / frequency finding Installed, tested
rtl_fm CLI signal capture to WAV Installed
Audacity Waveform analysis, pulse timing Installed
PlatformIO NodeMCU firmware deployment Installed
Python 3.13 Control CLI Installed

Known Unknowns

  1. Exact fan remote frequency — likely 315 MHz, promising signal spotted at 315.4 MHz, not yet confirmed
  2. Fixed vs rolling code — almost certainly fixed (standard for ceiling fans)
  3. NodeMCU 3.3V GPIO vs TX module 3.5V minimum — try at 3.3V first, add level shifter if needed

Success Criteria

  • Fan responds to HTTP command sent to NodeMCU (no physical remote needed)
  • python main.py sofucor_fan speed_1 controls the fan
  • Adding a second RF device requires only a new YAML file