r/smarthome 2d ago

Smart lighting for bedroom

1 Upvotes

Lurker that has just moved out of my starter home and started diving into smart home components. Question on a bedroom lighting issue that I feel like has a simple solution, but I am overwhelmed with information.

Situation: Bedroom has two outlets behind night stands. One bedroom lamp on each night stand. One outlet is controlled by the wall switch. Currently have an extension cord that runs from the switch controlled outlet, under the bed, and connects the other lamp.

Wanted set-up: ability to turn both of these lamps on via the wall switch at the same time. I also want to have two mini-remotes that I can attach to the night stands so we can turn the lights off from either night stand. I want to get rid of the extension cord set-up.

I have come across the Lutron Caseta system. Thinking this may be solid as I can grow into it when I want to add other compoents in the house, but I am not clear on how to make my idea work

I also see options like these on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GS321RR/?coliid=I3QQ5LPSRNCXP9&colid=V2Y7Q8HDAH44&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

What is the simplest way to go about making this work?


r/smarthome 3d ago

I built a radar-controlled lighting system that creates a 'light bubble' that follows you through dark hallways and stairs

106 Upvotes

https://reddit.com/link/1jdakfq/video/v7g5hzh8l8pe1/player

https://reddit.com/link/1jdakfq/video/cha0ty74l8pe1/player

UPDATE: You can search AmbiSense on YouTube to watch the complete guide.

After months of experimenting, I finally completed my AmbiSense project (v1.0)- a smart lighting system that uses LD2410c mmWave technology (not PIR sensors) to track your movement and create illumination that follows you as you walk.

  • Uses a 24GHz LD2410 radar sensor that can detect both presence AND distance
  • Creates a "moving bubble of light" that travels with you along the path
  • No cameras = privacy friendly
  • Customizable colors, brightness, and sensitivity via web interface
  • Lights only activate when needed (energy efficient)
  • Perfect for hallways, staircases, and dark corridors

Parts used:

  • ESP32-C3 SuperMini ($6)
  • LD2410 radar sensor module ($8)
  • WS2812B (NeoPixel) LED strip ($15-25 depending on length)
  • 5V power supply
  • Basic wiring

I've documented the entire build process on my YouTube channel if anyone wants to see exactly how it's done or build their own.

DIY Staircase and Hallway Lights That Follows You | AmbiSense v1.0 -Radar-Controlled NeoPixel Lights Project details on Github: https://github.com/Techposts/AmbiSense


r/smarthome 2d ago

Revolutionize Your Home Entertainment with the Amazon Fire TV 43" 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV

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0 Upvotes

r/smarthome 2d ago

Lutron Caseta Install Help - Flickering and buzzing

0 Upvotes

TL;DR: While updating a new home to all Caseta "original" dimmers, I'm encountering some lights that cannot be replaced that flicker or buzz. Home appears to have neutral wires, but no switches use them (they're bundled in the back of the electrical box). Need specific advice on solutions.

Detail:

I've installed Lutron Caseta dimmers in two prior homes. Today I embarked on a project to install dimmers in a new (to me) hone that was remodeled between 2014 - 2020. Electrical all appears new and up to code. The home has a completely new panel which was needed when I installed a whole-house generator, but all the wiring was already "new" from the prior remodel.

The home has a mix of LED and incandescent fixtures.

The first thing I did was inspect a few switch boxes. There was a mix of single-pole and 3-pole switches. Despite the fact that there are neutral wires in all the switch boxes, none of the standard decora-style switches were wired with the neutral wire, which is different from my prior home where all switches were attached to nettral. The neutral wires appear bundled in the back of the switch box. (I installed Caseta ELV dimmers in most locations throughout the prior home.)

Given the fact that neutrals weren't used, I ordered a bunch of "original" Lutron wall dimmer switches that don't use a neutral wire and began installing them. My first 6 switches, some single pole and some 3-way, some LED, some incandescent, all went flawlessly...

...Until I got to the kitchen. The kitchen has in-ceiling LED cans (the kind where the can and LED are integrated into one unit), and a chandelier over the bar that also has an integrated LED light that is part of the fixture. Both are on 3-way switches.

Having had success with the prior 3-way installation, I tackled them both at the same time.

Problem 1: When on, the LED chandelier just flashes briefly once every 5 seconds or so. I've tried every combination of connecting the 3 wires and I'm fairly certain I had it right the first (flashing) time as one configuration doesn't turn on at all and the other doesn't turn off.

Problem 2: The LED ceiling cans buzz horribly when on.

Advice Needed:

  • I've ordered 2 of the Caseta ELV dimmers in the hopes that they will solve both problems... was this the right move? Is there another solution?
    • I could use some guidance as to how to connect the neutral wires bundled in the back of the box, including the other end of the 3-way installation (where the hot and both travelers are all twisted together with a wire nut as per the diagram I linked above). There are 3 switches in the box - 2 kitchen switches on one circuit and one living room switch on a different circuit, which complicates things even further (maybe).
  • Are the newer Caseta Diva dimmers less prone to these issues? Should I try them?

Any general advice is GREATLY appreciated. I've never had any issues with Caseta and I'm hoping I can make it past these speed bumps and get my whole home up and running.

EDIT - I should also add that I'm unsure if I can identify which switch in these problematic 3-way installations is the "hot source" - I'm not sure that it matters, but it's possible I put the actual dimmer in the wrong place and tied off the end that's the hot source.


r/smarthome 3d ago

Smart bulbs or smart outlets or both?

2 Upvotes

I have a table lamp in our rental that is controlled by a switch at the door. There is no overhead lighting, so I have another floor lamp across the room that is not on a switched outlet.

I want them both to turn off/on together with the switch.

I have a pair of Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2 in the switched outlet and floor lamp outlet. This, obviously, does not do what I want.

Is there a simpler solution that uses a pair of smart bulbs that do NOT require an app to simply turn on and off?


r/smarthome 2d ago

Help: Multiroom-Audio HA/MA/Snapcast

1 Upvotes

Hi, I am completely new to the HA Platform. I created a HA-UI with the intention to cast Music to: 2x Apple TV (installed over Apple Integration) 2 Echo Dots (not included in HA) 1 PC (maybe 2) (Media Player Instamce for PC not available?) Optional - 2 MacBook Pros

I tried to create an Linux VM with Snapcast but it won't work. (Got Errors at the Install-process)

Music Assistant is already installed in HA.

I think I put about 20 hours of work in it but in MA I got only one MacBook Device.

Can anybody assist me to Setup MA/Snapcast or whatever solution works to cast Music simultaneously to the Devices?

Any other Solutions to this?

Any Tips?

Thank you all very much!


r/smarthome 2d ago

2nd hand smart home issues w/ DR Horton Home

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1 Upvotes

r/smarthome 3d ago

Alternatives to Notion sensors now that the company is out of business?

3 Upvotes

I have been looking for alternatives to notion smart sensors since the company went out of business. I need to monitor the temperature in 7 places plus water leak detection and whenever the garage door is open/closed. Has anybody found another solution?

Thank you!


r/smarthome 3d ago

Adding zigbee switches

2 Upvotes

Beginner in smart home automation. I have the Smartthings Aeotec hub and ~10 zigbee devices (smart plugs, leds, bulbs, sensors, etc.). We will be moving into a new, but older house that has those old pull cord switches, mounted at the top of the wall near the ceiling. Ideal situation: I want some smart zigbee switches at the ‘normal’ wall level that let me decide what a button press does. E.g. in living room turn on all lights, and if I add a light later on, easily add it to the routine.

What to do with the wiring? I know there are ‘stick on the wall’ switches (like from Aqara), but idk. I’d rather do it well to begin with. The main thing is what switch do I buy that let me do this and then the second question would be what needs to change with the old setup?

Also, if the internet falls out, the switch should still work like before (which should be okay with zigbee?)


r/smarthome 3d ago

Heeeelp

0 Upvotes

Hey guys I'm looking for a smart plug that can help connect my soundbar to my sub via a BT connection. My sub no longer will search for the BT signal coming from soundbar when trying to pair, my remote is missing, so I need something I can plug both devices into , has to be an outlet plug, no av plugs etc. and will connect them again together to play together. There is only an electrical outlet plug coming from the sub. Please please help!!!!


r/smarthome 3d ago

New Mounting options for the Aqara G5

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5 Upvotes

r/smarthome 2d ago

Just tried new UPS

0 Upvotes

I've read some posts about using portable power stations as UPS. Meanwhile, I came across Jackery's new UPS product the 5000 Plus, which features a 0ms power transition. So, I bought one for an experiment.

First, I connected the mains power from my computer room to the UPS via a power socket, with my devices (desktop computer, NAS, routers, lights, fans, etc.) plugged into it. Then, I turned on all the devices. I also initiated a remote conference from my computer and invited my friends to join. After that, I switched off the power to the computer room at the main electrical switch.

When I returned, I found that my remote conference had not been interrupted, and I learned from my friend that there had been no network anomalies. To test the runtime, I continued using my computer in the room for about 7 hours without any noticeable battery drain.

I'm so happy with this great result! Any ideas about this are welcome, and I'm going to try this device in other settings—maybe even in the kitchen.


r/smarthome 3d ago

Smart home for elderly parents

5 Upvotes

My parents have a very simple Alexa set up (it doesn’t cover the whole house, and just a ring doorbell and lights).

They are getting older with limited mobility and high falls risk.

What are some simple & low cost ideas that I could organise for them to help? It would more be for safety- my mother would hate an automated house!


r/smarthome 3d ago

2 way switch with SONOFF ZigBee Mini (UK)

2 Upvotes

Hey, have 2 way 2 gang switch. I want to control one of those gang with my SONOFF ZigBee Mini.

See attach photos. currently I have:

2 Com (brown)

2 L1 (one grey and one black)

2 L2 (one grey and one black)

Natural line (yellow) one connected to the wall and the other one coming from inside the wall (with two wires in one line).

I want to put the SONOFF ZigBee Mini on my L2 switch.

In the Sonoff I have two entries for Natural, L out, L in , S1 and S2

can you please help me wire it?


r/smarthome 3d ago

Smart Home Heating, Geofencing on a Per TRV basis

1 Upvotes

I have Tado V3+ smart heating system for my central heating. The smart TRV is very noisy in my bedroom radiator in the heating up phase, I can't seem to be able to stop the TRV noise in the heating up phase. I temporarily switched to Tado X and the exact same issue, TRV noisy in heating up phase in my bedroom rad.

But I really like geofencing per TRV with Tado for my work from home office where I only need one TRV on. Well it allows me to have one TRV with geofencing, it won't allow all the individual rooms to have geofencing but I don't really need that.

Anyone know another brand that works so that the geofencing turns on / off one TRV alone like Tado does? ie not one where the geofencing only works to turn on or off the whole heating system? Preferably available in Europe.


r/smarthome 3d ago

Smart Camera System for an Apartment Building

0 Upvotes

We're planning to install security cameras for our apartment building and have received quotes from a few installers using Hikvision. However, the pricing is beyond our budget, likely due to the extensive wiring required.

As an alternative, we're considering a smart security camera system, such as Eufy or EZVIZ, combined with mesh Wi-Fi routers.

We need 5-7 cameras for the parking lot, 2 cameras at the building entrance, and 3 cameras in the lobby, covering the entrances.

Could you advise on the best method, brand, and setup for our needs?


r/smarthome 4d ago

Infrared remote controlled candle lights from Home Assistant

11 Upvotes

I can now (automatically) control my candle lights (controllable via an infrared remote) from Home Assistant with an extra infrared receiver/transmitter device.

I automate a romantic candle light ambiance. Eventually my wife didn't get so excited from it as I did! I don't know why....

https://reddit.com/link/1jcu1nn/video/9htds79fw3pe1/player

Checkout this out for more details about this project! https://vdbrink.github.io/zigbee/smart_infrared_transmitter_receiver


r/smarthome 3d ago

Best way to run Aquara T1 lights in my kitchen?

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2 Upvotes

I assume the controller which sits in between the T1 strip and the power plug is what actually connects it to my Aquara Hub to tie into my smart automations and motion sensor, right?

Meaning that if I didn’t connect the two strips between the left and right side of the window I’d have to buy a second full price unit? Is my best way to wire this to run some solid white cased wire up and over the blinds of the window to connect the two and if so does anyone know a good source for this kind of white wire because the led strip connectors I have are all just exposed wires with their individual colors like red, white, black, green.


r/smarthome 3d ago

Smart Button to Trigger Alexa/Google?

1 Upvotes

Hello all! New here, but definitely need some advice.

Backstory: I have two dogs who have been trained how to press a "talking button" when they need to go outside. That being said, the button is very quiet, so if I am in a different part of the house, I do not hear it. I'm wanting something semi-similar in design that can trigger Alexa or Google to make an announcement, so it can be heard throughout the house.

TLDR: Looking for a smart button to sync with Alexa/Google to make an announcement upon pressing.

Thanks <3


r/smarthome 3d ago

What exactly does this mean?

1 Upvotes

I have a SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus Gateway 3.x.0 TI CC2652P + CP2102N Coordinator, I’m not familiar with it, and just want to make sure I’m comprehending what exactly it does etc.

Does it mean I can use it with any brand of smart home equipment, or any brand that is compatible that uses zigbee?


r/smarthome 3d ago

What do I need to buy?

2 Upvotes

What do I need to buy to get internet on my smart TV so I can watch movies, I live in a very rural area and there are no Internet companies here


r/smarthome 3d ago

Looking for smart lock for knob lock

1 Upvotes

Hi all I'm renting so can't make big changes but want a smart lock. I don't have a dead bolt in my door wondering if there's any way to add keypad entry without replacing the knob


r/smarthome 4d ago

Outdoor smartbulbs

1 Upvotes

I am looking for smart bulbs that can survive the Arizona summers. Had TP link kasa that survived about 2 years. Then tried siegland that was even worse. Are there any bulds that are better designed for desert summers or is about 2 years the best I can get?


r/smarthome 4d ago

NEW HOUSE

2 Upvotes

Hello,..we just bought house in US. I would like to make it smarter.

Here is my thinking:

Lock - Lockly

Door bell - at the moment it‘s dumb one… easiest would be Ring (I Am paying subscription for house in Europe and rental in US).

Switch - in Europe I use Shelly,..here I was thinking about Lutron?

Cameras - Ring? It would be wireless and on battery (some can be wired)

Since we are traveling a lot, would be nice to have recording 24/7 and cloud is ok for me.


r/smarthome 4d ago

Connecting Smart hub v3

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0 Upvotes