Programmable versus Smart Light Switches Advice on Brand/System Setup - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2021, 03:33:57 pm
content: I need some programmable light switches and need some advice on what you have found works best and is likely to be supported in the future. So far my only experience is with the Levitron programmable switch seen here:https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/24-hour-programmable-timer-white/6000142540492I have 2 of these installed in my house. They are relatively cheap but "dumb" meaning I have to program it at the switch. They can only have 3 different on/off programs, which is enough for me, but throughout the year I have to change them according to sunrise/sunset times, activate or clear the programs certain days of the week, and so on.I've seen newer SMART switches and they are fairly more expensive. It seems they are more versatile, programmable through an app, and they have a "hub" that links them together that stores the programming and connected through WiFi or some other protocol. I'm worried about the long-term support for these switches and the apps, as with all "Smart" devices these days.On the one hand, it would be easier to program all the switches especially if I install another 2 or 3, so I don't have to run around and program 5 different timers every week or two. However, it will be quite pricey and will I be reliant on an app that I risk not being supported? That has already happened to me with some other "smart" devices, e.g. toys that use a smartphone as a remote control, some media players, etc.Any advice on what I should look into? Standalone cheaper programmable switches that have no reliance whatsoever on any external device/app/communication and will likely function forever, or dive into a pricey app-based smart ecosystem for only say 5 switches? Thoughts appreciated!

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2021, 07:21:02 pm
content: I recently bought a similar timer switch that claims to do sunset/sunrise based scheduling. Haven't installed it yet (turns out we'll need to pull new wire to the box first, joys of owning a hundred-year-old house!), so not sure how well it works, but maybe that would be a good enough solution for you. I think this is the one:https://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-15-Amp-In-Wall-3-Way-Daylight-Adjusting-Digital-Timer-Switch-with-Screw-Terminals-White-32648/300524126As far as generic smart switches, there's a lot of enthusiast interest in home automation so there are a fair number of projects to support various smart devices from different manufacturers, even ones that were meant to only be used with proprietary systems. Home Assistant is probably the biggest umbrella under which this sort of thing is done, but there are other projects. So if you're willing to put a bit of work into getting something set up and choose devices with good community support you might not need to worry so much about the lifespan of the device being limited by the lifespan of a proprietary app or whatever.

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2021, 12:43:53 am
content: Thanks for the reply. I noticed the switch you linked was also programmable and could adjust for sunrise/sunset times but not necessarily "smart"-connected. It would be good to get some open-sourced option that will allow manipulation through some method that doesn't rely on closed-in proprietary apps or ecosystems, but I'm not sure how developed along and available those options are. Perhaps a good idea for a Kickstarter though!If I go for the Levitron switches I'm already used to, it's just a matter of running to every switch and programming it... if I can keep it to a minimum (say 3 or 4 switches) it wouldn't be a big hassle. They are relatively cheaper, easy to use and less complex and don't rely on connectivity/apps/proprietary protocol. I believe Google, Amazon and Apple have home automation protocols that inter-operate and perhaps a switch that can fit into any of those ecosystems will be a safer bet as it seems they will be likely forward-compatible for a long time... even if I switch phones or ecosystems I would hopefully be able to still manage them from other platforms.Ideally, I would want some open-source "smart" switch that would connect over WiFi and have the option for several methods to allow you to program it. For example, there may be programming libraries available in several languages (C, Python, etc) with examples, or pre-compiled utilities or scripts. Perhaps then you could even set up task scheduler or cron tasks to update the program. There may even be support for a phone app. At the most basic it could even have a simple HTTP server to allow you to program it by browsing the switch, much like some printers allow you to check settings/ink levels by browsing to their IP address, or ssh login, or perhaps the ability to upload a schedule file formatted in some way. The point is, it would be possible to do stuff in a way that you can continue to develop and modify and access it no matter what happens.I have an old scrolling LED sign... it's probably 20 years old now or more. It has a serial port connection and you basically can just send codes to it and program the sign with your message. The protocol is available, it's easy. That's what we need with an open-source switch... some dirt simple human-readable code you can send to program it and set it up that will still be possible 20 years from now... if the switch lasts that long! I'm sure WiFi will still be available then.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2021, 01:12:59 am
content: I would suggest investigating the same type of stuff from your other topic - Sonoff, etc.As an example, I have one of those in short hallway between the shed and loo:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B082X3J7F6(This particular one was great hassle to fit since it appears not to be applicable to the UK, but once the mechanical issues of fitting in the wallbox were sorted out it is fine.)This is set to have the hallway on permanently (there is a motion-sensitive overhead light which sorts itself out), turn the shed light on 15 mins before dusk and off 15 mins after sunrise, and turn the loo light off after 20 mins (for some reason it tends to be left on after use). Control is via an app, which is one of the generic apps that controls stuff from many vendors.Using the cloud apps is a quick way to get going, and you can take your time setting up a non-cloud DIY controller if that's what you want/need.