LED WIfi Lights with Movement Sensor

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networkn

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Topic # 201381 16-Aug-2016 16:06

We are considering putting some LED Lightbulbs in the common areas of the house like hallways and Garage so that the lights go on and off automatically based on whether there is movement in that area for a period of time.

Has anyone done this and can recommend gear. Needs to fit in a normal light fitting (screw not bayonet).

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frankv

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Reply # 1612560 16-Aug-2016 16:21

As an experiment, I bought one LED+motion sensor light from China, and have it in my garage. It works fine. Colour is cold white.

The upside is that it's cheap and easy... just screw it into the existing light socket and leave the wall switch turned on. No WiFi needed.

The downside is that you can't adjust the position or sensitivity of the sensor, nor how long the light stays on.

networkn

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Reply # 1612564 16-Aug-2016 16:27

Hmm I have been thinking this through. Works ok in Garage, issue is hallways where at night if the kids wake and walk down the hall to our room, searing white light may not be ideal. Would be good if it was possible to program it so that 6am-12am it's full brightness, overnight half brightness.

richms

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Reply # 1612607 16-Aug-2016 17:29

wemo lamps and motion sensor can have a degree of smarts programmed up without a full on automation controller.

The one thing it cant do that I want is be on dimly all night and ramp up when there is motion and go back down to a dim glow when it times out.

Richard rich.ms

frankv

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Reply # 1613021 17-Aug-2016 09:24

With 2 Wemo lamps of 2 different brightnesses, you could turn on one or the other (or both) depending on the time of day.

None of the individual requirements (E27 socket, WiFi, programmable brightness, PIR-controlled, LED lights) is that hard, but I don't think you can buy anything off-the-shelf that has the combination.

Another approach might be to have a WiFi PIR which talks to a Raspberry Pi (overkill -- any slightly smart, programmable WiFi device would do) which in turn controls the lights (e.g. Limitless LEDs)

If I was to home-brew something, I'd use an ESP8266-based WiFi device with PIR, LEDs, and a 5V supply ($30 in parts). You could even put strips of LEDs down the hallway instead of a single central bulb. If the E27 was really important, I'd get an old E27 bulb, break off the light part, and wire and mount the device to the base with a 3D-printed housing.

MikeAqua

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Reply # 1613022 17-Aug-2016 09:29

I've seen (in a hotel room) skirting boards with inbuilt LEDs. Enough light to navigate the hallways at night time, without being intrusive. Tidy too.

Mike

ZollyMonsta

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Reply # 1613025 17-Aug-2016 09:35

networkn:

Hmm I have been thinking this through. Works ok in Garage, issue is hallways where at night if the kids wake and walk down the hall to our room, searing white light may not be ideal. Would be good if it was possible to program it so that 6am-12am it's full brightness, overnight half brightness.

Does it have to fit into the normal light fitting? What you are describing is possible with the power outlet light that Bunnings sell.

Turns on at Dusk.. is dimly lit, when there is motion it goes brighter for a period of time then goes dim again. Switches off in the morning.

Can also be used as an emergency torch.

Check out my LPFM Radio Station at www.thecheese.co.nz

networkn

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Reply # 1613059 17-Aug-2016 09:53

Sounds too hard really. I don't think I'll bother

networkn

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Reply # 1613060 17-Aug-2016 09:54

ZollyMonsta:

networkn:

Hmm I have been thinking this through. Works ok in Garage, issue is hallways where at night if the kids wake and walk down the hall to our room, searing white light may not be ideal. Would be good if it was possible to program it so that 6am-12am it's full brightness, overnight half brightness.

Does it have to fit into the normal light fitting? What you are describing is possible with the power outlet light that Bunnings sell.

Turns on at Dusk.. is dimly lit, when there is motion it goes brighter for a period of time then goes dim again. Switches off in the morning.

Can also be used as an emergency torch.

Yeah we have floor level power points. I'll check into that, thanks.

neb

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Reply # 1614573 19-Aug-2016 19:18

MikeAqua:
I've seen (in a hotel room) skirting boards with inbuilt LEDs. Enough light to navigate the hallways at night time, without being intrusive.

If you like to overengineer things, go for a watercooled short-arc Xenon lamp. Doesn't really matter where you put it up, for example three rooms away, you'll still get enough light.