Smart Lighting on recently built home

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Smart Lighting on recently built home

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malleyc

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2122839 9-Nov-2018 16:12

@chevrolux you're braver than me haha, I have 2 sonoff's in our place at the moment just on extension cords but not keen to be running them in the new house. I do love Tasmota though.

I'm using Home Assistant for a number of other devices so integration with HA is pretty high up on the list for me, followed by price and then probably security.

Sounds like, for a centralised solution you are required to use their switches/control surfaces, anyone know of anything that integrates with Home Assistant?

One other advantage of relays behind the wall plates is the ability to expand over time and take them with us when we move again, think I've convinced myself that's the best solution for my scenario.

What Z-Wave relays are you using @davidcole, are you seeing issues with them causing you to recommend a centralised solution?

davidcole

6038 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2122884 9-Nov-2018 16:58

malleyc:
What Z-Wave relays are you using @davidcole, are you seeing issues with them causing you to recommend a centralised solution?

Nothing, I love zwave.

I have a mix of fibaro and aeotec. My only real issue is the cost. At between $99 and $130 the only issue is cost.

The meshing their responsiveness etc is otherwise great and perfect for a retrofit .

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karni

50 posts

Geek

#2122933 9-Nov-2018 19:41

davidcole:

I have a mix of fibaro and aeotec.

Any preference on fibaro v aeotec other than price?

davidcole

6038 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2122938 9-Nov-2018 19:45

karni:
davidcole:

I have a mix of fibaro and aeotec.

Any preference on fibaro v aeotec other than price?

I think the Fibaros were easier to get right. And I have less issues getting them to report power after a network heal, and they dealt with the type of switch better. Most can be set to auto, on off switch or momentary. The aeotec I had to set to on off in software. It didn’t pick it up automatically.

So if money no option I’d probably buy fibaro. The aeotec nanos are physically smaller I think .

I’ve got 13 devices all told. Two are multisensors (aeotec) and 4 are smart power switches (aeotec) the rest are relays, mostly on external lights.

Nzengsaif

34 posts

Geek

Fusion Automation

#2122941 9-Nov-2018 19:53

davidcole:
karni:
davidcole:

I have a mix of fibaro and aeotec.

Any preference on fibaro v aeotec other than price?

I think the Fibaros were easier to get right. And I have less issues getting them to report power after a network heal, and they dealt with the type of switch better. Most can be set to auto, on off switch or momentary. The aeotec I had to set to on off in software. It didn’t pick it up automatically.

So if money no option I’d probably buy fibaro. The aeotec nanos are physically smaller I think .

I’ve got 13 devices all told. Two are multisensors (aeotec) and 4 are smart power switches (aeotec) the rest are relays, mostly on external lights.

The Aeotec devices will auto learn switch type on initial start up or you can press set button 4 times to put it into learn mode. All you have to do then is operate the switch and it will auto configure.

davidcole

6038 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2122942 9-Nov-2018 19:55

Nzengsaif:

The Aeotec devices will auto learn switch type on initial start up or you can press set button 4 times to put it into learn mode. All you have to do then is operate the switch and it will auto configure.

Yeah, one, it doesn’t seem to stick.

Nzengsaif

34 posts

Geek

Fusion Automation

#2122948 9-Nov-2018 20:11

davidcole:
Nzengsaif:

The Aeotec devices will auto learn switch type on initial start up or you can press set button 4 times to put it into learn mode. All you have to do then is operate the switch and it will auto configure.

Yeah, one, it doesn’t seem to stick.

It shouldn't unless it's being overwritten by the hub/software. You could try default the unit, learn the key switches, test them, and afterward enroll into the hub as a new node. I have a lot of them around my place and I haven't had to retrain then until now

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225 posts

Master Geek

#2285556 30-Jul-2019 09:41

Roll forward and its July 2019. I am finalising the specifications for the lighting for my new house. I reactivated this thread to find out what experience people have had of the various lighting options.

I have specified the PDL (really Schneider) Iconic range of switches. Under the Clipsal / Wiser branding they have some smart switches. For instance, I can specify the 41EPBDWCLM-VW dimmer and it comes with Bluetooth LE. There is a (poorly reviewed) app for it and they promise connectivity with Alexa etc in the future (probably yet another hub to buy). Has anyone experience of this option? I am installing some standard LED downlights (Vynco M3).

Another option was a quote I received to replace all the spots with Phillips Hue spots and a Hue controller. Over 31 lights that will cost me $2,360 more than the default 'dumb' spots above.

I am tempted but then I will need to have some matching dimmers / switches in place and that probably means dumping the PDL Iconic range.

I will probably go with the dumb lights and PDL switches as the switches look good and they have upgradable 'mechs' inside them which bode well for future proofing the house. I currently use Home Assistant with a number of Xiaomi wifi bulbs and I am hopeful that at some future date someone will code an interface for the Bluetooth dimmer...

Any thoughts readers?

phrozenpenguin

842 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2285578 30-Jul-2019 09:55

I'm following this and haven't taken the plunge yet, but am leaning towards Z-Wave dimmers. Expensive but should work and be compatible with various home automation systems etc. I don't know much about the PDL item you mention, but BluetoothLE and its own hub put me off. I've got various other systems and range issues and compatibility issues have caused more dramas than I wanted - so much so I wish I spent more $ up front for something that should, after setup, "just work". How many lightswitches do you have; the Zwave options might be cheaper than Phillips Hue. I prefer to have the control at the switch (hidden) and then it all operates normally for guests etc, and lights can be easily replaced or changed.

Please keep the thread updated with what you go for :-)

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