Single Button Scene Controller

Other Devices & Integrations Lighting & Load Control
1

I’m trying to find what I would think to be a very useful accessory to home automation. I’m looking for a battery operated single button scene controller to use with my VeraPlus. I’m planning to install flood lights for the back yard and I’m going to install a GE 12727 switch in the attic (so I don’t have to run electrical down two stories of finished drywall. So, I’ll be able to operate the lights using my phone when necessary. However, I’d like to be able to also turn the lights on using a button/switch just inside the door to the back patio/yard. I’d like something semi-permanent that just sticks/screws to the wall. I’ve seen the AEON Labs Panic button, but that thing is $40+ (and it doesn’t really “mount” anywhere). There’s also the Aeon Labs AL001-W-US, but that seems to require 120v power. Worst case scenario, I’ve got a light switch at that door that controls the porch light, but I’d rather keep the two lights separate (currently the porch light is a blinding flood light that covers 10% of the yard).

I’m wondering if there is a hack available with existing window/door sensors. I just want it to look like belongs on the wall.

Thanks,
Steve

2

Battery operated switches(not single button).
GE 45631 Z-Wave Wireless Keypad Controller
Cooper Wiring Devices RF9500AW Aspire RF Battery Operated Switch/Dimmer

Wired single button scene controller, a switch that does not directly switch a load.
Linear WT00Z-1 3-Way Wall Accessory Switch

I’m sure that you won’t like the price, but I thought I’d also mention this option just so that you are aware that it exists. Single gang two button scene controller with locally switched loads(you don’t have to connect the loads).
Leviton VRCS2-MRZ 2-Button Scene Controller with Switches

3

Thanks Z-Waver. Seems like the only viable option (cost being prohibitive) is the GE 45631. Looks like it still needs to be mounted in a single gang electrical box, but i could probably add on to the existing switch to the side or just cut a hole in the drywall. I don’t understand why they don’t make a simple button (kind of like the Amazon Dash Buttons). Maybe I’ll just use my phone for now or wire up a Leviton switch with Instant Status that will trigger the flood lights when I turn on the porch light.

If I was going to get that last “dual switch” you referenced, I might as well spend the money and get an Amazon Echo…then I could just tell Alexa to turn on the flood lights. I’m trying to make life easy for my wife.

4

What about a minimote? Amazon. $20. Gives you three more buttons to use for something else. Stick it to the wall next to door with Velcro.

5

Nice…I looked at that one as well, but was hoping for a $5 single button thing. This may be my best option, though. Thanks winger. I wonder if could set the 4 buttons to light levels (dimmerness) for the same set of flood lights. Set mood lighting for when the adults are sipping beverages and set to daylight for when the kids are going nuts. I like it…

6

Looks like maybe Aeotec is working on something new. Should be out later this year. Probably cost a fortune.

WallMote - WallMote Quad – Aeotec

7

If you’re up for a bit of DIY you could hack an Amazon Dash button, they cost $5. I use one to shut off all the house lights at the end of the night and it works great. Sure, it says “Kraft Mac and Cheese” on it lol but that can be changed easily enough, or you could take it apart and mod it into a more professional looking switch.

8

zolakk,

You must consume an awful lot of Mac and Cheese to keep re-ordering every night! :slight_smile: :slight_smile:

-bob

9

So I did a bit of research and it looks like there’s up to a 10 second lag between when the button is pushed and the event is triggered (boot up and IP lease). That may not be acceptable for a light, but does seem to have applicability for non-instant events.

10

[quote=“magnum003”]Thanks Z-Waver. Seems like the only viable option (cost being prohibitive) is the GE 45631. Looks like it still needs to be mounted in a single gang electrical box, but i could probably add on to the existing switch to the side or just cut a hole in the drywall. I don’t understand why they don’t make a simple button (kind of like the Amazon Dash Buttons). Maybe I’ll just use my phone for now or wire up a Leviton switch with Instant Status that will trigger the flood lights when I turn on the porch light.

If I was going to get that last “dual switch” you referenced, I might as well spend the money and get an Amazon Echo…then I could just tell Alexa to turn on the flood lights. I’m trying to make life easy for my wife.[/quote]
To use this you would only need to get a 2gang cover plate and velcro or 2sided tape the GE45631/Cooper switch to the drywall next to your existing switch and then fasten one side of the 2gang cover over the existing switch. Presto a 2gang switch.

Sent from my SM-T320 using Tapatalk

11

I tried using the GE45631 to trigger scenes before in Vera2 and was unsuccessful. Has that changed with the Edge? Did the issue with it being a controller go away?

It made for a slick install. I had it next to a two gang box, just bought a three gang cover and mounted it to the cover, then hung the cover on the two gang box and you could never tell otherwise. No damage to the wall.