New build - making LED lighting smart and dimmable

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › New build - making LED lighting smart and dimmable

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887 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2709598 19-May-2021 12:25

Yoban:

Any thought of using KNX technology https://www.knx.org/knx-en/for-offices/real-life-examples/ and https://aoteagroup.nz/what-we-do/communications/smart-home-automation/. I have a colleague at work looking at this stuff.

Certainly not as cheap as shelly's, but robust and capable.

This seems like the gold standard but highly specialised in NZ. I doubt the electrician we are using will offer it - and even if they did it would probably mean a bespoke electrical plan as KNX is a wired system. These things likely mean it isn't an option - but I can ask.

mattenz

190 posts

Master Geek

#2709811 19-May-2021 20:04

The Shelly devices are pretty small, I'd imagine that you'd get a few into a back box.

richms

28217 posts

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#2709814 19-May-2021 20:16

mattenz:

The Shelly devices are pretty small, I'd imagine that you'd get a few into a back box.

Assuming there even is a box. Most of the installs I have seen done now are using open backed rings instead to fit large smart thigns into them.

Richard rich.ms

mattenz

190 posts

Master Geek

#2709816 19-May-2021 20:23

richms:

mattenz:

The Shelly devices are pretty small, I'd imagine that you'd get a few into a back box.

Assuming there even is a box. Most of the installs I have seen done now are using open backed rings instead to fit large smart thigns into them.

Interesting, do you have a link?

mulac

155 posts

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#2709827 19-May-2021 20:42

mattenz:
richms:

Assuming there even is a box. Most of the installs I have seen done now are using open backed rings instead to fit large smart thigns into them.

Interesting, do you have a link?

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/deta-plaster-clip-bracket-20pk_p0287370

allio

887 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2709846 19-May-2021 21:22

richms:

mattenz:

The Shelly devices are pretty small, I'd imagine that you'd get a few into a back box.

Assuming there even is a box. Most of the installs I have seen done now are using open backed rings instead to fit large smart thigns into them.

That answers that particular problem. Thanks.

I found the price of the PDL Wiser stuff and it is... prohibitive. The Shellys might be my best bet.

chevrolux

4962 posts

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#2709890 19-May-2021 23:13

Fitting Shellys in the wall isn't a problem - my "fullest" switch has a 2.5 and two dimmers behind it. They are just tucked down at the back of the flush box. Annoying to drag them out, but you only do it once.

No you can't change things like the SSIDs in bulk. But that just comes down to network planning. Set up your IOT network, and don't change it. It's not that difficult, just pick a reasonable network segment (let's be honest, it will just be a /24), and SSID. Then do your mucking around with the "general" LAN instead if you wish to tinker.

Quic Broadband

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richms

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#2709964 20-May-2021 08:01

mattenz:

Interesting, do you have a link?

https://corysadvantage.co.nz/products/product/0000657335

Screws just push into them which is great when they are stupidly long ones. Till you need to take them out.

Richard rich.ms

phindmarsh

117 posts

Master Geek

#2717937 3-Jun-2021 20:37

For anyone who is interested in the PDL/Clipsal Wiser stuff, I've just submitted a PR to add support for the PDL354PBDMBTZ (and similar) devices to zigbee2mqtt. This means they are controllable within home assistant without needing the Wiser Bridge or fudging support via BLE.

If you already have the PDL354PBDMBTW (i.e. the ones with BLE out of the box) you can convert these to zigbee mode by pressing the button 12 times and waiting a bit for them to switch modes. I recommend you use the Wiser Room app first to make sure they run the latest firmware.

If you want to switch them back you can just factory reset them by pressing the button three times then holding until the red light flashes quickly.

This is essentially what I've done with the 4 dimmers I already own, and its working great. No need to use the BLE mode and if you already run a zigbee2mqtt once this is merged it should "just work". More details on a gist.

My goal was to have a solution that meant the mechanical switches always worked (regardless of whether the automation server was running or not) and would also not require anything special if a new homeowner came along.

mulac

155 posts

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#2717979 3-Jun-2021 22:28

Wow just read your gist. Amazing tip on the zigbee mode, had no idea these were capable of that. I might see what I can do to get them into ZHA too, thanks a lot for this

Also, nice to meet you on GZ. I was working with you on this issue on GitHub: https://github.com/kenhuang/docker-homebridge/issues/1 (CalumOchkas)

phindmarsh

117 posts

Master Geek

#2717986 3-Jun-2021 23:03

Hey, yeah I saw you’d posted earlier too, glad it was helpful :)

I forgot to mention, it worked out of the box with ZHA, but I prefer the zigbee2mqtt handling for some of the other sensors I have (Xiaomi ones). Just make sure your controller hardware is Zigbee 3.0 and it should just work.

I was using an electrollama zzh stick with the latest firmware connected to a Hassio-based HA install on a VM.

mattenz

190 posts

Master Geek

#2718097 4-Jun-2021 08:05

How much are they?

phindmarsh

117 posts

Master Geek

#2718102 4-Jun-2021 08:20

Trade pricing is about $98, list is $140. Definitely not cheap!

I bought them a year or so ago though, and my main thing was something that was certified in NZ and on sale over the counter to reduce any concerns around insurance and “legit-ness”

Arsonist

31 posts

Geek

#2718108 4-Jun-2021 08:26

You might be able to negotiate/haggle a lower price than $98...

phindmarsh

117 posts

Master Geek

#2718109 4-Jun-2021 08:30

Hahaha, well that shows me up. Time to speak to the rep….

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