Smart Bulb recommendations, tips, uses

[krs]

Slydude said:
That HomeKit automation idea to blink the lights in some kind of pattern is an excellent one. I had not thought of that. I wonder if that is possible.

MacinWin said:
Not possible, as far as I can see in a quick look. I'll do some research, though, it could be handy in ANY neighborhood.

Maybe that feature is coming.
Every high powered LED flashlight I have bought in the last few years now seems to have a SOS blink setting.

 

[pm-r]

For my application. control using a MacBook is actually a "must"

Ideal would be a way to have an application on the Mac that controls the X-10 system since I have a bunch of X-10 modules in a drawer gathering dust.

Maybe this X10 WiFi unit, if you even need it, would complete the other part of your puzzle and allow you to use your existing X-10 modules, but I didn't bother reading what software might be required:

X10 WiFi HUB for Android and Apple devices - WM100
Price: $109.99 [was $149.99]

Still seems to be available for shipping.

X10 WiFi HUB for Android and Apple devices - WM100

The X10 WiFi unit is here! Now, control all your same X10 units you have grown to love from your Apple or Android smart device anywhere you have internet access! With the WM100 X10 WiFi module you will be able to setup, use and control any of the 256 X10 codes. You can set timers and repeat...

www.x10.com

It sounds like an interesting and maybe a bit of a challenging project but I have virtually no knowledge that I can help with regarding X-10 modules and their control, or even how they all work.

I was directly in charge of a Direct Digital control system where I worked for years many years ago but it was designed for basically commercial HVAC and Lighting applications and I think the X-10 modules were quite similar with many improvements but more suited for home use.

Good luck getting your setup all working as you wish.



- Patrick
=======

 

[Slydude]

Maybe that feature is coming.
Every high powered LED flashlight I have bought in the last few years now seems to have a SOS blink setting.

You're right, I hadn't thought of that. I bought a couple of flashlights with that feature about two years ago.

 

[krs]

Seems for my very simple application I can just buy a Philips Hue bulb
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09SKPVQBK/

and control that via the Mac (Sierra and up) or an android phone.

 

[krs]

It sounds like an interesting and maybe a bit of a challenging project but I have virtually no knowledge that I can help with regarding X-10 modules and their control, or even how they all work.

I had the X-10 system set up in my previous house about 20 years ago or so.
Worked well, but the controller I have needs to be plugged into an AC outlet which is not an option the way I need the control now.
The only downside of X-10 at the time is that with a thunderstorm, sometimes all the lights connected to X-10 would come on.

 

[pm-r]

The only downside of X-10 at the time is that with a thunderstorm, sometimes all the lights connected to X-10 would come on.

That actually sounds like it was a pretty neat feature to have had. ;-)

Most people don't want to be left in the dark during a thunder and lightning storm, or their pets.





- Patrick
=======

 

[MacInWin]

Well, if you really want to control the X-10, and if you have the computer/X-10 interface wall wart, look at Insteon, Insteon

Also check out Indigo Domotics for control software for X-10. The Indigo Smart Home System for Mac OS X

Might be cheaper to just get new stuff that's more modern, TBH.

 

[talonracer]

I bought several of the Globe Suite lightbulbs from Costco and they've been quite good. They come with their own app, allowing for custom colors, dimming and you can even set up schedules if you like. I can't remember the cost but they were quite affordable.

 

[Slydude]

@talonracer Thanks for that tidbit. I don't remember seeing that brand in the group that I have read about so far.

@MacInWin Earlier in the Thread (post #7) you mentioned that the two competing protocols (Thread and Matter) were being used to extend the coverage of these types of devices. I read recently that some Apple TV models recognize thread-enabled devices and can act as the hub. This seems to be true for the two most recent Apple TV models. I assume it would be true for other devices such as the HomePod series of speakers but haven't run that down yet.

 

[MacInWin]

@MacInWin Earlier in the Thread (post #7) you mentioned that the two competing protocols (Thread and Matter) were being used to extend the coverage of these types of devices. I read recently that some Apple TV models recognize thread-enabled devices and can act as the hub. This seems to be true for the two most recent Apple TV models. I assume it would be true for other devices such as the HomePod series of speakers but haven't run that down yet.

Yeah, Apple does say it will support Thread. But Apple isn't the driving force in HA. Lots of competing vendors and systems and no clear winner yet. I invested in Homekit because I had the AppleTV boxes already and it seemed to make sense for me. Sooner or later a winner will emerge or a true standard will be developed and then we'll see what Apple decides to do.

 

[Slydude]

I think we are on the same page. HomeKit looks like the right idea for me for the same reason. I already have an Apple TV that can function as the "base" so to speak. I'm also thinking of replacing some of our speakers with either the HomePod or HomePod Mini.