|
|
Post by holiday121 on Oct 13, 2016 7:31:48 GMT -5
So looking to sort of get started into home automation and have it simple for fiancé to use as well. Must all be controlled from iOS since she has a iPhone.
First I want to be able to dim and control my basement lights and maybe move on to other things. I see things like Phillips hue and all them but are there more ways to do this without spending thousands ?
|
|
|
|
Post by mgbpuff on Oct 13, 2016 8:00:00 GMT -5
Best recommendation would be to go to a home automation web site like Smarthome.com
|
|
|
|
Post by holiday121 on Oct 13, 2016 8:22:55 GMT -5
Ok I'll try that thabks
|
|
|
|
Post by RichGuy on Oct 13, 2016 8:30:45 GMT -5
Yes I use Insteon which works great for me, it is available from Smarthome.com |
|
hemster
Global Moderator 
Particle Manufacturer
...still listening... still watching
Posts: 51,951
|
Post by hemster on Oct 13, 2016 8:38:42 GMT -5
I use a lamp dimmer to dim the lights on my riser. It's X-10 and works very well. X-10 technology is old and largely superseded by newer things like Insteon, Zigbee etc. but for my needs it works great. X-10 is cheap to get into. www.x10.com/ |
|
|
|
Post by holiday121 on Oct 13, 2016 8:50:46 GMT -5
I just need something more or less easy to use and easy to add.
I'm not looking to control drapes and saunas etc. some of these systems are crazy.
I just keep finding mixed reviews on things .i defiantly need 4 par 30 lights for sure in basement
|
|
|
|
Post by jlafrenz on Oct 13, 2016 10:03:02 GMT -5
Lutron Caseta. It is affordable, easy to use, lots of features and can integrate with other control systems (Pro version of the bridge).
|
|
|
|
Post by Wideawake on Oct 13, 2016 10:19:35 GMT -5
You may want to get a Neeo to remote control whatever you install. Very easy to use and it has iOS apps available. This can also be used in place of the Harmony remotes. neeo.com/ |
|
|
|
Post by ctau on Oct 13, 2016 11:36:41 GMT -5
Take a look at getirule.com/ for your iOS remote app. I have been very pleased with its ease of use and its ability to be customized. I was able to use it to make an extremely easy image driven interface that even the babysitter can use. |
|
|
|
Post by holiday121 on Oct 13, 2016 11:55:46 GMT -5
Is everyone buying those special lights from like Phillips and the other places to use along with these programs .
This is why it's confusing . All these responses and everyone is using something different
|
|
|
|
Post by jlafrenz on Oct 13, 2016 12:03:44 GMT -5
Is everyone buying those special lights from like Phillips and the other places to use along with these programs . This is why it's confusing . All these responses and everyone is using something different No. I use LED dim-able bulbs. |
|
|
|
Post by AudioHTIT on Oct 13, 2016 12:05:10 GMT -5
So looking to sort of get started into home automation and have it simple for fiancé to use as well. Must all be controlled from iOS since she has a iPhone. First I want to be able to dim and control my basement lights and maybe move on to other things. I see things like Phillips hue and all them but are there more ways to do this without spending thousands ? If you're familiar with Harmony remotes, their 'Ultimate Home' model has an add on Hub Extender, this allows you to add Zwave or Zigbee home automation products. I've added Zwave light switches, dimmers, plugs and garage door sensors. They also have locks, motion sensors, plenty of things; Nest thermostats too. You can control it all from the actual Harmony remote or any iOS device (I use both iPad and iPhone). Figure out what automation technology meets your needs (Zwave, X-10, etc), then find a product to control it. |
|
|
|
Post by ctau on Oct 13, 2016 12:42:30 GMT -5
Is everyone buying those special lights from like Phillips and the other places to use along with these programs . This is why it's confusing . All these responses and everyone is using something different You could go that route, but I would imagine that most are buying the light switches with the tech built in instead of the bulbs. In my case, I replaced all of my light switches with the insteon dimmer switches in the rooms I wanted to control. You can then communicate with the switches over the electrical wiring in your home. The insteon switches require you to have an Insteon modem and an Insteon compatible hub. |
|
|
|
Post by USNRet on Oct 13, 2016 14:21:38 GMT -5
I use OSRAM Lightify LED blubs (fully adjustable), Chamberlain garage door controller, Rachio irrigation. I do have to use two gateways, one for the lighting and a Wink for the irrigation and garage doors. Works with iOS and Android
|
|
