Hello everyone,
I wanted to share my recent experience integrating smart lighting and motion detection in my home. It’s been quite the journey, but I’m thrilled with the results so far!
I recently installed a set of Hue outdoor floodlights around my house, paired with outdoor motion sensors. The goal was to create a seamless security system that activates lights based on motion detection. I also integrated Arlo cameras with person recognition features, which adds another layer of security. Here’s how I did it:
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Setup and Configuration: I started by installing the Hue floodlights and motion sensors in strategic zones around my property. Each zone has its own configuration, allowing me to enable or disable activation through a room lighting app. I set the lights to activate only between sunset and sunrise minus 30 minutes to save energy.
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Integration with Arlo Cameras: I connected my Arlo cameras to IFTTT, which triggers a virtual switch when a person is detected. This virtual switch then activates the lights in the corresponding zone. It’s been remarkably effective, though there is a slight delay in person detection.
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Rules and Automation: I created rules for each zone to activate lights based on motion or person detection. This setup allows me to choose between activating lights on motion, person detection, both, or none. Additionally, any person detection triggers an Echo Speaks alert, notifying me of activity.
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Challenges and Solutions: Initially, I faced some issues with false triggers due to low sensitivity on the motion sensors. Adjusting the sensitivity and refining the rules helped mitigate this. I also explored alternative outdoor motion sensors but found the Hue sensors reliable enough for my needs.
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Dashboard Monitoring: To keep everything under control, I built a SharpTools dashboard that monitors each zone’s status and allows quick configuration changes. It’s a fantastic way to visualize and manage the system.
While I’d prefer a more robust person detection system, the current setup works exceptionally well. The integration of lighting and cameras has significantly enhanced my home’s security without being overly complicated.
I’m curious to hear if others have similar setups or if there are better alternatives for outdoor motion detection. Any tips or experiences would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
[Your Name]