Some details…
-Working on getting new bedframe in
-I’m thinking of getting the Fibaro RGBW LED controller, running some LED strips under the bed
-Thinking of putting smart wall outlet on each side of bed, to control lamps on either end
-Room has Echo Dot, considering running some wiring to put speakers on the top of each book case
-Older house, so unfortunately no neutral in the light switch.
-So I’m thinking of putting in GoControl lightbulb in the one ceiling light
What are your thoughts? Would love your inspiration and outside-the-box ideas on how to make this room awesome!
Some details…
-Working on getting new bedframe in
-I’m thinking of getting the Fibaro RGBW LED controller, running some LED strips under the bed
-Thinking of putting smart wall outlet on each side of bed, to control lamps on either end
-Room has Echo Dot, considering running some wiring to put speakers on the top of each book case
-Older house, so unfortunately no neutral in the light switch.
-So I’m thinking of putting in GoControl lightbulb in the one ceiling light
What are your thoughts? Would love your inspiration and outside-the-box ideas on how to make this room awesome![/quote]How about some automated blinds?
#1 Work out how you would like to use the room & how it should look. Keep in mind that home automation is to improve how you use the home, but should not dictate how you use it. Do you want the bed in the same place? Do you want to move it so it’s backing against the wall so you can look out the window? If you’re not using them, do you want to remove those built in bookshelves to open the room up more? Perhaps consider a day bed under the window? Etc etc etc. Once you’ve done that, then consider how you plan to use the room and then work out how you can make it easier with some home automation tweaks. #2 Automatic blinds or (if you can afford it) switchable privacy glass are definitely worth considering. Personally I like my room to be dark when sleeping so privacy glass (also known as ‘smart glass’) would not be enough - so either just the blinds (solid shutters or ‘block out’ material) or that and privacy glass. #3 Lighting - smart wall outlets are good, but they generally don’t allow you to dim. I’d go normal outlets, but use lamps that allow you to use ‘smart’ lights. Ideally I’d use ones you can change the white colour temp depending on time of day etc. Consider also wall outlets or lamps that provide some usb ports for 'phone charging. No neutral in light switch is fine depending on what you use eg the aeotec nano dimmer (Nano Dimmer – Aeotec) copes just fine with or without neutral. #4 Audio - speakers are nice to have. If you are also considering a TV, maybe think about setting up the speakers for that as well. Wires are easy to run in walls, but you can also get flat wire that can be painted over. #5 Sensor (motion/temperature/etc) #6 If you have an ensuite, perhaps an electric towel rail
Once you have all that, then scenes can be created that open/close the blinds, dim/brighten lights, play music, turn lights on when you enter the room, let you know if someone is at the front door, warm the bathroom & towels in the morning, etc
You’ve blown my mind with this-- I’ve had Vera for a few months and had no idea about this product. I was under the impression that Caseta switches or smartbulbs would be the only no-neutral solution.
I’ve read the whole product page, and the Q&A on the Amazon page but am still not totally clear on how it interacts with a regular light switch. If I use this in a no-neutral situation with a typical on/off switch, how to the regular switch and the Aeotech switch work together? Will turning off the regular switch disable the abilities of the Aeotech switch?
[quote=“jrweiland, post:4, topic:198150”]So much inspiration, thank you!!
You’ve blown my mind with this-- I’ve had Vera for a few months and had no idea about this product. I was under the impression that Caseta switches or smartbulbs would be the only no-neutral solution.
I’ve read the whole product page, and the Q&A on the Amazon page but am still not totally clear on how it interacts with a regular light switch. If I use this in a no-neutral situation with a typical on/off switch, how to the regular switch and the Aeotech switch work together? Will turning off the regular switch disable the abilities of the Aeotech switch?[/quote]
No problem! With the aeotec dimmer it is connected up by the electrician, replacing the light switch itself - it is the switch and dimmer. If you want an external switch, that is connected to the aeotec device itself but it takes no part in the actual electrical circuit. Any normal/existing switch can be used (for the dim function you need a momentary push button - which is what I use - press button once to toggle on/off, press and hold to dim/brighten), or you can get a fancy touch panel to hook up to it. If you want, Aeotec even make a magnetic touch panel (they call it the ‘wall mote’ - WallMote Quad – Aeotec) that sticks onto a metal plate so you can remove it from the wall if you want and use it to run scenes as well as just turn on/off/dim the lights. You do have to manually charge that every few months, which doesn’t appeal to me personally. I stick with normal switches (people know how to use those) combined with scenes, imperihome on mobile/tablets, and voice commands via google home.
I use Clipsal (pretty common here in Australia) and they are really well made. They are also modular so you can mix/match different switches etc in the one wall plate. If you’re in the US of A then you might not be able to get that, but I’m sure there are stacks to choose from. If you can’t find something yourself, your electrician would probably be able to supply something that matches your existing wall plates/switches.
Sorry just seen this post, you can get around the no neutral by putting the module above the light fitting as there will be live and neutral there, then a switched live would go to the light switch.
Another idea: put an LED light strip under the bedframe on both sides, linked to a motion sensor also mounted under the bed. When you have to get up during the night, you’ll be able to find your way around the room without waking the wife. If possible, get a red LED strip (leaves your night vision intact) and dim it to a low setting, just enough to see by.
Of course if you have pets, you might want to replace the motion sensor with a button on the night stand.
I use the Aeotec Nano dimmer for six led ceiling lights in my bedroom. I don’t have a wired switch but use the two button Wallmote from Aeotec.
I control the lights from a bedside Amazon Echo spot.
The dimmer and Wallmote have not been reliable which means I have to crawl into the loft space Every few months to reset and repair. I’ve given up with the Wallmote.
The main issue is that the Alexa command to turn on/off the lights takes anywhere from three seconds to ten+ seconds to take effect on the Vera and quite often says ‘sorry the device is not responding’.
I’m not sure this answers your questions but may help your decision
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