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⚡ Controller

The Controller widget allows viewers to trigger real-world physical devices during your stream using smart plugs, creating unique interactive experiences.


Overview

Connect Kasa smart plugs to Citrus and let viewers activate physical devices like water guns, bubble machines, leaf blowers, lights, and more!

Default Cost: Configurable per trigger


How It Works

  1. You set up Kasa smart plugs connected to physical devices
  2. Configure triggers in Citrus with costs and durations
  3. Viewer types the trigger command (e.g., !spray)
  4. Juice is deducted from their balance
  5. Smart plug turns ON for the set duration
  6. Device activates (water sprays, bubbles blow, etc.)
  7. Plug automatically turns OFF after duration

Requirements

Hardware

  • TP-Link Kasa Smart Plugs (compatible models)
    • Kasa Smart Plug Mini
    • Kasa Smart Plug
    • Other TP-Link Kasa compatible devices
  • Physical devices to control:
    • Water guns/sprayers
    • Bubble machines
    • Leaf blowers
    • Fans
    • Lights
    • Sirens/alarms
    • Confetti cannons
    • Any plug-operated device!

Network

  • Smart plugs on the same network as your Citrus-connected device
  • Kasa plugs configured with the Kasa app

Settings

Plug Triggers

Each trigger can have:

SettingDescriptionDefault
TitleDisplay name for the trigger"New Trigger"
Plug NameKasa plug alias (from Kasa app)
AmountJuice cost to activate5
DurationSeconds the plug stays ON5
EnabledWhether trigger is activeOn

Setup Instructions

Step 1: Set Up Kasa Smart Plugs

  1. Install the Kasa app on your phone
  2. Add your smart plugs following Kasa instructions
  3. Name each plug with a memorable alias (e.g., "WaterGun", "BubbleMachine")
  4. Test that plugs work from the app

Step 2: Connect Plugs to Citrus

  1. Go to Widgets → Controller in your dashboard
  2. Citrus will detect plugs on your network
  3. Your detected plugs should appear in the list
  4. If plugs aren't showing, ensure they're on the same network

Step 3: Create Triggers

  1. Click Add Trigger
  2. Set the trigger title (this becomes the command)
  3. Select the plug from the dropdown
  4. Set the Juice cost
  5. Set the duration (how long the device runs)
  6. Enable the trigger

Step 4: Test Your Setup

  1. Plug a device into your smart plug
  2. Use the Test button in the dashboard
  3. Verify the device turns on and off correctly
  4. Adjust duration as needed

Commands

Commands are based on your trigger titles:

CommandDescription
!<trigger-title>Activate the trigger

Examples

If you create a trigger titled "spray":

!spray

If you create a trigger titled "bubbles":

!bubbles

Trigger Ideas

Water-Based

DeviceTrigger Idea
Super Soaker!soak - Spray the streamer
Misting fan!mist - Cool down
Water balloon launcher!splash - Surprise attack

Noise Makers

DeviceTrigger Idea
Air horn!honk - Loud alert
Siren!alarm - Emergency!
Train horn!choo - All aboard

Visual Effects

DeviceTrigger Idea
Bubble machine!bubbles - Party time
Confetti cannon!confetti - Celebration
Disco light!dance - Party mode
Strobe light!flash - Chaos mode

Environmental

DeviceTrigger Idea
Leaf blower!blow - Wind attack
Fan!fan - Cool breeze
Fog machine!fog - Atmosphere

Safety Considerations

Electrical Safety

  • Only use devices rated for smart plug wattage
  • Don't exceed plug's power capacity
  • Keep electrical connections away from water
  • Use outdoor-rated plugs for outdoor devices

Personal Safety

  • Be aware of device activation at all times
  • Don't use dangerous devices
  • Consider physical safety of yourself and surroundings
  • Have an emergency off switch accessible

Stream Safety

  • Position devices where they won't damage equipment
  • Protect electronics from water/wind
  • Test thoroughly before streaming

Troubleshooting

Plugs Not Detected

IssueSolution
No plugs showingEnsure plugs are on same network
Wrong networkConnect to the same WiFi as plugs
Plugs offlineCheck power and Kasa app connectivity

Triggers Not Working

IssueSolution
Nothing happensVerify plug alias matches exactly
Wrong plug activatesCheck plug name in settings
Duration wrongAdjust duration in trigger settings

Device Issues

IssueSolution
Device doesn't turn onTest plug manually via Kasa app
Stays on too longCheck duration setting
Won't turn offVerify plug communication

Best Practices

  1. Test Everything: Always test before going live
  2. Start Simple: One device first, then expand
  3. Consider Duration: Short bursts are often better
  4. Price for Rarity: Higher costs = more special moments
  5. Safety First: Never use dangerous devices
  6. Have a Plan B: Manual override if things go wrong

FAQ

Q: What smart plugs are compatible? A: TP-Link Kasa smart plugs. Other brands may not work.

Q: Can I use multiple plugs simultaneously? A: Yes, each trigger controls one plug independently.

Q: What if a plug doesn't turn off? A: Use the Kasa app to manually control it, then troubleshoot.

Q: Is there a delay? A: Minimal delay (1-2 seconds) depending on network.

Q: Can viewers spam triggers? A: The plug has a cooldown while active. Set appropriate costs to prevent spam.

Q: What happens if I'm not streaming? A: Triggers only work when you're active in the dashboard.

Q: Can I use this with devices other than plugs? A: Currently only Kasa smart plugs are supported.

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