OT-- remote lighting help

poster

https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/comment/2421599#Comment_2421599

I do not have a switch yet, just started looking. Sorry I have no idea what or how IFTTT works. Is it a free service? I assumed it was some form of communication, but assumed you always had to be "in range"

saluki2007

https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/comment/2421658#Comment_2421658

IFTTT is a one time license fee of $4.99

Toxarch

For the Insteon to work on a mobile device (like your phone) or by voice with Alexa/Google, you need an Insteon Hub located anywhere in the Home:

https://www.smarthome.com/insteon-2245-222-hub.html

smak

Long email with more details...

IFTTT (IF This Then That) is a free service unless you use it a lot. Some services do charge if you want to use the service. example: Chamberlin myQ is a service that charges a subscription.

The general premise is "if this happens then do that". Different providers offer integrations with the IFTTT website. The "this" and "that" do not have to be with the same service so you can use it to bridge between services.

Here is a decent overview of the IFTTT... https://www.computerworld.com/article/3239304/what-is-ifttt-how-to-use-if-this-then-that-services.html

Since you have not purchased anything... The first question: do you know if your house is wired with a neutral wire? Most smart switches require the neutral wire to operate. If you do not have neutral wire that will limit options.

If you have a neutral wire, I would probably go with Kasa/TP-link switch (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EZV35QU)

You would setup/install the app on your phone, setup/configure the switch with your wifi information. You will also want to setup a "cloud" account. (the app would probably walk you through that) That will let you turn on/off the switch when you are not on your wifi.

When you get home you should be able use your phone (not on wifi) and their app to turn on the lights.

If you want more:

Next step... if you have Alexa you can setup the voice control and then add the alexa app to you phone. You can then use the alexa app to turn on the lights.

If you want even more:

Next step... if you setup IFTTT, you can create a "geofence" to activate a scene when your phone enters an area/arrive home. https://ifttt.com/applets/YT4sQVw6-activate-a-scene-when-you-enter-an-area

Basically, If This phone enters an area Then turn on That light. Using the IFTTT app or website you can define the area and which light. You would need to do this for both your phone and your wife's phone.

poster

https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/comment/2421701#Comment_2421701

Yup i have neutral wires. I like the idea of the kasa switch seems simple, but it looks as if the switch has to be in the physical on position to be able to be used remotely. Im thinking if someone is home and uses the lights, the switch will end up in the off position at some point and then when i come home i wont be able to activate remotely. Seems easy enough to tell everyone where to leave it if someones out, but i know its not gonna work. Im still trying to train the kid to put the dishwasher on or empty the garbage when full. Do you know of any switch that doesn't work like this? Thanks for all the help everyone!

Photo Egg

https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/comment/2421483#Comment_2421483

Repeater?

dmourati

https://ask-the-electrician.com/how-to-activate-a-garage-light-from-the-garage-door-opener/

smak

>>  but it looks as if the switch has to be in the physical on position to be able to be used remotely.

I *believe* that this is a "momentary" switch. You press the button I it cycles the state on/off and physically returns to the "ready to be pushed" state. The app *should* always be able to see the current state and change it.

If the switch controlled an outlet in a room that had a lamp (or something) plugged into it, then that lamp would have to stay physically turned on, but I do not believe that is what you are trying to do.

>>Seems easy enough to tell everyone where to leave it if someones out, but i know its not gonna work.

This is one of the big issues when people just use "smart bulbs". Someone flips the physical switch off and the bulbs have no power to be smart.

BugFreak72

Have you looked into Arlo systems? They have a light system that if it works like their cameras can be enabled from your phone anywhere. It can also be connected to turn on the cameras when the light comes on and it is all wireless on their own network. I use their cameras and love them.

poster

https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/comment/2421916#Comment_2421916

Ok, that would make sense, I read a couple of the question/answer things on amazon there is over 1000 for this switch. One of them mentioned it has to be physically in the on position to work. I will try the manufacturers website though and see what they have to say themselves, maybe its just a particular model

GaBGE

Would motion lights solve your issue?

poster

I talked with Kasa and their switch does in fact work remotely no matter the physical position. Amazon Q&A was wrong or grouped together with a bunch of their products. I will pick one up this weekend. Cheap too, only $30

Thanks for all the help @smak and everyone else. Im starting to feel old with these new fangled devices lol, and im not even 40 yet