As I delve deeper into the world of smart lighting, I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect setup that combines ease of use with reliability. My journey began with the desire to group multiple lights together, allowing me to control them as a single unit rather than individually. This would not only simplify my routines but also eliminate the frustrating popcorn effect where lights turn on one by one, leaving some in the dark.
I stumbled upon a GitHub repository that offered a potential solution, but it quickly became apparent that integrating it into my existing setup was more complex than anticipated. The idea of grouping lights, much like how Alexa handles it, seemed too good to pass up. Alexa’s ability to turn on all kitchen lights simultaneously with 100% accuracy is something I’ve envied, especially since my motion-activated lights often miss a few bulbs.
In my research, I discovered the SmartThings app, which has a feature called Gentle Wake Up. This app groups lights so they turn on together, providing a seamless experience. While it’s not exactly what I’m looking for, it’s a step in the right direction. I’m hopeful that with some tweaking, I can achieve similar results for my kitchen lights.
Another challenge I’ve faced is creating a routine that turns on lights sequentially without missing any. I’ve experimented with various codes and scripts, but none have provided a consistent solution. The core issue seems to be subscribing to the actual button press event from my dimmer, which is crucial for triggering the lights in sequence.
I’ve also explored the possibility of using third-party apps and custom code, but the learning curve has been steep. My ideal solution would be a stripped-down version that only manages light groups, allowing the rest of the functionality to be controlled by my routines.
In summary, while I’ve made progress in understanding the capabilities of smart lighting and group automation, there’s still room for improvement. I’m eager to find a more straightforward solution that mirrors Alexa’s reliability and eliminates the popcorn effect. If anyone has successfully implemented a similar setup or has insights to share, I’d be grateful for your guidance!
Cheers,
Phil