![](http://vusb.wdfiles.com/local--files/project:driver-less-usb-relays-hid-interface/relay2.jpg)
-The goal of this little project is to provide open-source API for low-cost USB HID relays
+This project provides open-source API for low-cost USB HID relays
(search on eBay for "5V USB Relay Programmable Computer Control For Smart Home").
The big advantage of HID-based interface is that no kernel drivers and no simulated COM-ports are needed. It is easy to detect and address the connected devices.
+Ebay vendors currently offer only an API library for Windows, and only in binary form.
-The main project web page is on the [V-USB wiki](http://vusb.wikidot.com/project:driver-less-usb-relays-hid-interface "driver-less-usb-relays-hid-interface"). This is because the firmware of the device is based on [V-USB](http://www.obdev.at/products/vusb/index.html). V-USB enables amazingly simple and low-cost USB hardware solutions.
-This repository contains only the host side software.
+We are not associated with the manufacturer(s) of these devices or author(s) of the original software offered by ebay sellers.
-The vendors currently offer only an API library for Windows, and only in binary form.
+The project home page is on the [V-USB wiki](http://vusb.wikidot.com/project:driver-less-usb-relays-hid-interface "driver-less-usb-relays-hid-interface") - because the firmware of the device is based on [V-USB](http://www.obdev.at/products/vusb/index.html). V-USB enables amazingly simple and low-cost USB hardware solutions.
+This repository contains only the host side software.
-We are not associated with the manufacturer(s) of these devices or author(s) of the original software offered by eBay sellers.
-Our intent is to make these devices work on Linux, 64-bit Windows and other platforms where we need it.
Binary downloads, documentation, bugs, TO-DOs and more
Current state
-------------
-A simple command-line utility for Linux (x86 or x64), Apple OS X and Windows (XP and newer, 32 and 64-bit).
+* A simple command-line utility for Linux (x86 or x64), Apple OS X and Windows (XP and newer, 32 and 64-bit).
-Shared library for Linux (x86 or x64), Apple OS X and Windows.
+* Shared library for Linux (x86 or x64), Apple OS X and Windows.
-Python (CPython) - supported thru the shared library
+* Python (CPython) - supported thru the shared library
The Windows version of the shared lib, `USB_RELAY_DEVICE.DLL`, is backward compatible with the binary from the device vendor.
Windows GUI demo app is similar to the device vendor's but written in C++/CLI.