Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know about ALBINO. Device, app, programming, and technical support.
General
4 questionsWhat is ALBINO and what does it do? expand_more
ALBINO is an industrial-grade smart automation platform. With its ESP32-based control board and mobile app, you can manage your digital/analog inputs-outputs, timers, and sensors using block-based visual programming. Without writing a single line of code, you create your rules with drag-and-drop logic and upload them to the device. It is used in many fields such as smart home, greenhouse, industrial control, education, and hobby projects.
Do I need programming knowledge? expand_more
Absolutely not. This is the core philosophy of ALBINO: with the block-based visual editor, you set up IF / THEN / ELSE structures using drag-and-drop. You don't need to know any programming language. The interactive tutorial within the app guides you step by step, and you can quickly get started with more than 14 ready-made example projects.
What can I do with ALBINO? expand_more
Greenhouse automation, incubator control, smart home lighting, motor protection system, security alarm system, staircase automation, PWM fan control, irrigation automation, and much more. With 5 relays + 3 MOSFET outputs, you can implement virtually any automation scenario.
How is it different from Arduino or PLC? expand_more
With Arduino, you need to write C++ code; with PLCs, industrial languages like Ladder/STL are used. With ALBINO, you program without writing code, using drag-and-drop blocks from your phone. Additionally, unlike Arduino, ALBINO comes with industrial-grade relays, optocoupler inputs, and PWM outputs ready to use — no breadboard or additional circuitry needed.
Hardware
5 questionsHow many I/O pins are supported? expand_more
ALBINO has in total:
• 5 digital inputs (OPTO1-5, optocoupler-isolated, 24V compatible)
• 5 relay outputs (ROLE1-5, max 10A)
• 3 MOSFET outputs (MOSFET1-3, PWM capable)
• 2 analog inputs (ADC1-2, NTC thermistor supported)
• 16 user variables (persistent storage)
Total 16 physical I/O + 16 virtual variables.
Which sensors does it support? expand_more
By connecting an NTC 10K thermistor to the analog inputs, you can read temperature directly in °C (B parameter is adjustable). To the digital inputs, you can connect any sensor that provides an ON/OFF output, such as PIR motion sensors, magnetic contacts, buttons, limit switches, inductive/capacitive sensors. Digital protocol sensors like DHT22 are not directly supported.
Is there OLED display support? expand_more
Yes. It supports 128x64 or 128x32 pixel OLED displays. With the Display Editor in the mobile app, you can design pages and place text and variable values on them. A total of 15 pages can be created, and page transitions can be controlled from the program.
What is PWM and how is it used? expand_more
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) allows you to adjust the output power. For example, you can control fan speed or LED brightness. In ALBINO, MOSFET1-3 outputs support PWM. The value is set between 0 (off) and 255 (full power). The default frequency is 1000 Hz and is adjustable.
What is the supply voltage? expand_more
The ALBINO board is powered by 5V USB Type-C. You can run it with any phone charger adapter or power bank. The optocoupler inputs accept digital signals. Relay outputs can switch up to 10A / 250VAC. MOSFET outputs control loads with PWM.
Mobile App
5 questionsWhich platforms does the app run on? expand_more
It currently runs on Android devices (Flutter-based). It can be downloaded from Google Play or directly as an APK. The iOS version is under development.
How do I connect to the device? expand_more
When you open the app, your device is automatically scanned via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). You select your device from the list and pair with a single tap — the connection takes about 10 seconds. Thanks to the automatic reconnection feature, your device is ready every time you open the app.
Is an internet connection required? expand_more
No. ALBINO works entirely over BLE and does not require any internet infrastructure. Once you upload your program to the device, it continues to operate completely independently — even if your phone is turned off. There is no cloud dependency, and your data stays local.
Can I save and share my projects? expand_more
Yes. You can save your projects in .alb format to your phone and reload them at any time. You can share files via email, WhatsApp, or other apps. You can also download ready-made projects from ALBINO LAB and transfer them to your device.
How does the remote control feature work? expand_more
On the Remote Control page in the app, you can create virtual buttons, switches, sliders, and indicators. 8 buttons, 8 switches, and 4 sliders can be defined. These widgets control the device directly over BLE or can be used in conditions. Icons and colors are customizable.
Block Programming
5 questionsHow many different block types are there? expand_more
13 block types, under 6 categories:
• Control: IF block, Delay
• Output: Set Output, Set PWM, Set Variable
• Timer: TON (delayed on), TOF (delayed off), Hysteresis
• Display: Change page, Clear
• Sensor: NTC temperature
• Remote Control: Button, Slider, Indicator
Which conditions can I use in an IF block? expand_more
Digital inputs: == (equal), != (not equal), RISING (rising edge), FALLING (falling edge), HELD (hold duration)
Analog/Variable: ==, !=, >, <, >=, <=
Time: Hour (HH:MM), Day of Week, Day of Month, Month, Year
Multiple conditions can be combined with AND or OR logic.
How does Hysteresis (thermostat) work? expand_more
The Hysteresis block controls analog values such as temperature between two thresholds. For example:
• Upper threshold: 30°C -> Output ON (fan runs)
• Lower threshold: 25°C -> Output OFF (fan stops)
This prevents constant switching (chattering). It is used in applications such as greenhouse heating, incubators, and aquarium heaters.
What is the difference between TON and TOF timers? expand_more
TON (Timer-On): Turns the output on a specified time AFTER the input becomes active. If the input drops, the timer resets. Usage: vibration filter, delayed start.
TOF (Timer-Off): The output turns on immediately when the input is active, and turns the output off a specified time AFTER the input drops. Usage: staircase automation, fan delayed shutdown.
What is the maximum number of rules I can create? expand_more
120 rule pool (parallel running IF blocks), 240 condition slots, and 400 action slots are available. Rules can be divided into multiple workspaces — allowing you to organize your projects into logical groups.
ALBINO LAB
4 questionsWhat is ALBINO LAB? expand_more
ALBINO LAB is a platform where automation projects created by the community are shared. You can download ready-made projects (.alb files), upload them to your device, or share your own projects. Each project includes its hardware components (HARDWARE PAYLOAD) and category information.
What is an .alb file? expand_more
.alb is the file format for ALBINO projects. It contains the block program, variable definitions, display pages, and remote control widgets. When you download this file and import it into the ALBINO app, the project is automatically loaded into the editor. When you tap on an .alb file on your phone, the ALBINO app opens automatically.
How do I upload a project to LAB? expand_more
Project upload can only be done through the mobile app. After completing your project in the app, you can submit it to LAB by pressing the share button. The project goes live after admin approval. Project upload is not available from the website.
Is downloading projects free? expand_more
Yes, all projects are free. However, to download, you need to be logged in on the ALBINO website. Registration is free and is completed with email verification.
Purchase & Support
4 questionsWhere can I buy ALBINO? expand_more
ALBINO is currently available for sale through the albinotech.com website. For order and delivery details, please visit our contact page.
What is the warranty period? expand_more
ALBINO devices come with a 2-year warranty. Manufacturing defects are repaired free of charge under warranty. User-caused damages (overvoltage, physical impact, water contact, etc.) are not covered by the warranty.
How can I get technical support? expand_more
• Tutorial page: Block reference, example projects, and troubleshooting guide
• Video lessons: Step-by-step tutorial videos
• Contact form: Reach us directly for your technical questions
• Community: Get support from other users on ALBINO LAB
How do I update the firmware? expand_more
Firmware updates are done OTA (Over-The-Air) through the mobile app. The app notifies you when a new update is available. The update is performed wirelessly over BLE — no USB connection required.
Can't find your question?
You can reach our technical support team directly.
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