Exploring Smart Lighting Solutions and Dimming Techniques

Hi everyone, I’m really excited about diving into the world of smart lighting and dimming! I’ve been experimenting with a few different setups in my home and wanted to share my experiences and ask a few questions to the community.

First, I’ve been using some GE ZWave+ dimmers, and I’m absolutely impressed with how smoothly they work when dimming manually. However, I’ve noticed a slight difference in behavior when controlling them through my smart home system. When I use the on/off switch in my Lovelace interface, the lights dim smoothly to zero, which is fantastic. But when I use the slider on the light entity, the dimming doesn’t update in real-time—it only changes when I release the mouse. I’m curious if this is a limitation of the switch itself or if it has more to do with the LED lights I’m using. Also, I’d love to know if there’s a way to make the slider update live instead of waiting for the mouse release. Any tips or workarounds would be greatly appreciated!

Another thing I’ve been thinking about is automating transitions between different lighting levels. For example, I’d love to have my lights gradually dim down in the evening or brighten up in the morning. I’ve heard that some systems allow for very fine-grained control, but I’m not sure if this is possible with my current setup. Are we limited to stepping through 5 or 10% intervals, or is there a way to achieve smoother transitions? I’d love to hear from anyone who’s successfully set this up!

On a lighter note, I’ve also been exploring some budget-friendly RGBIC light strips to add a bit of ambiance behind my monitors and desk. I’ve seen some great recommendations in the community, and I’m curious to hear if anyone has a favorite brand or model that offers good quality at an affordable price. I’d love to create a cozy, tech-inspired workspace without breaking the bank!

Finally, I’d like to thank everyone in the community for their incredible knowledge and willingness to share. It’s truly amazing how much we can learn from each other. If anyone has any insights or suggestions regarding my questions, I’d be thrilled to hear from you!

Looking forward to your thoughts and experiences! :blush: