PDL Smart Light Switch

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › PDL Smart Light Switch

broonie27

109 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#289093 11-Aug-2021 22:27

Hi There,

I've seen a couple of older posts here about PDL smart dimmer switches but has anyone used these devices recently that can provide some feedback, especially when it come to Alexa integration. And you does anyone know if you need a hub to control these devices, I can't see anything on their site that says so but just wanted confirmation.

Finally, can you use two of them behind a double switch to control two separate lights?

Cheers

mattenz

195 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 48

#2758950 12-Aug-2021 10:39

Looks like they need a hub; https://www.pdl.co.nz/learn-and-discover/smart-homes

My understanding is that they're Bluetooth, but can be made to work on Zigbee.

Kind of expensive compared to a dumb switch plus wifi relay (e.g. Shelly).

broonie27

109 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#2758968 12-Aug-2021 11:09

mattenz:

Looks like they need a hub; https://www.pdl.co.nz/learn-and-discover/smart-homes

My understanding is that they're Bluetooth, but can be made to work on Zigbee.

Kind of expensive compared to a dumb switch plus wifi relay (e.g. Shelly).

I'm relatively new to this technology but is the general rule of thumb Bluetooth means you needs a hub and wi-fi means you don't? If I look at the spec of this dimmer https://www.pdl.co.nz/products/detail?CatNo=PDL354PBDMBTW&itemno=PDL354PBDMBTW-VW&tab-document-1=0 it says it's wi-fi so does that mean it may not need a hub?

And does anyone know if you can have a double dimmer with these to control two different sets of lights behind the one switch?

Cheers

Craig

mattenz

195 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 48

#2758970 12-Aug-2021 11:14

Generally that would be correct, however you might struggle to get it talking to Alexa without a hub (not sure, I haven't used it).

Are you putting the two sets of lights on the same circuit, or do they still need to be controlled separately?

broonie27

109 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#2758976 12-Aug-2021 11:22

Eh, same circuit I think.

timbosan

2199 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 294

Subscriber

#2758980 12-Aug-2021 11:26

I have been expanding my PDL Iconic install (it was in the house when I brought it) and have looked at what smarts can be added. From my reading the Iconic range (not sure on the other ranges) have both Bluetooth (there is a PDL app on the AppStore, I assume on the Play Store as well), and Zigbee. The Zigbee line has a hub so you can use a switch like this for your lights which allow both manual control and app control.

I do see the Iconic power points also have space for these modules, so I assume you could wire one inline and control powerpoints via the same hub, and it states as much in the Wiser Pacific System User Guide:

The following range of devices are available to provide convenient control of:
• lighting and dimming
• motorised shutters and blinds
• power outlet switching
• infrared-controlled equipment (televisions, audio systems, split system air
conditioners)

Sensors are also available to record and report the following:
• room occupancy
• ambient light level
• window/door open or close
• temperature and humidity

broonie27

109 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#2759070 12-Aug-2021 15:04

timbosan:

I have been expanding my PDL Iconic install (it was in the house when I brought it) and have looked at what smarts can be added. From my reading the Iconic range (not sure on the other ranges) have both Bluetooth (there is a PDL app on the AppStore, I assume on the Play Store as well), and Zigbee. The Zigbee line has a hub so you can use a switch like this for your lights which allow both manual control and app control.

I do see the Iconic power points also have space for these modules, so I assume you could wire one inline and control powerpoints via the same hub, and it states as much in the Wiser Pacific System User Guide:

The following range of devices are available to provide convenient control of:
• lighting and dimming
• motorised shutters and blinds
• power outlet switching
• infrared-controlled equipment (televisions, audio systems, split system air
conditioners)

Sensors are also available to record and report the following:
• room occupancy
• ambient light level
• window/door open or close
• temperature and humidity

Hi timbosan,

The product I linked to was this https://www.pdl.co.nz/products/detail?CatNo=PDL354PBDMBTW&itemno=PDL354PBDMBTW-VW&tab-document-1=0 which looks to be in the Iconic range you mentioned above. Looking at the spec on the site it has the below. So can I assume that I can connect direct to the app over wi-fi without the need for a hub? No mention in the spec sheet of any Alexa compatibility though.

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Yoban

453 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 86

#2759085 12-Aug-2021 16:16

hi there

"wireless" does not necessarily mean wi-fi and in this case is more pointing to using zigbee which can also work on 2.4GHz.

broonie27

109 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#2759092 12-Aug-2021 16:26

Yoban:

hi there

"wireless" does not necessarily mean wi-fi and in this case is more pointing to using zigbee which can also work on 2.4GHz.

Aaaah, I see. Thanks for clearing that up.