$19 Broadlink SP mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug for Android and iOS

Many small companies are now making smart sockets including Broadlink, Plugaway, Orvibo, Kankun, and so on. They are various features, some even have energy monitoring support like Broadlink SP2 (But it died after two or three months on mine), and some are more basic like Kankun KK-SP3 as they can only be turn on/off manually or using timers, but at least that one is hackable and runs OpenWRT. Broadlink has now launched a new low cost version in the same price range of KK-SP3 with SP mini Smart Socket selling for as low as $18.69 on Banggood, but it can also be found on other for a little over $20, such as DealExtreme, Ebay, Aliexpress, etc… It sells for 79 RMB ($12.9 US) in China.

Broadlink SP mini specifications:

• Power Plug – Three flat-pin plug (Chinese type)
• Wi-Fi – 802.11 b/g/n
• Input Voltage – 100~240V @ 50-60 Hz
• Output Current – 10A
• Maximum Power – 2200W
• Button – Blue On/Off power button on bottom side.
• Power Consumption – < 0.5 W
• Dimensions – 75 x 44 x 58 mm (Larger than KK SP3: 53 cm x 53 cm x 28 mm)
• Temperature Range – -20 to 60°C or 0 to 40°C depending where you read

In order to control the socket, the company provides e-Control app for Android  2.3.6 and above (apk), and iOS 5.0 or greater. This app will let your turn on and off connected, and set multiple timers. It’s the same app I use for Broadlink SP2 review, but it won’t support the energy monitoring function since SP mini hardware is not capable of this.

If you plan on hacking the device, you may need a thin and long enough spanner screwdriver, since they used this type of screws in SP2. I had also contacted the company about the SDK for their smart socket a few months ago, and they do have one, but unfortunately I don’t have details, as before you get any information you need to fill a form providing your company name, project details, region of sales, and order quantity…

If you can read Chinese, more details are available on Broadlink SP mini product page.

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.

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