I’ve recently started my journey into the world of smart home automation, and it’s been a fascinating experience! One of the first things I wanted to tackle was setting up smart lighting, especially in my basement. I came across some fantastic advice on forums about using motion detectors to automate lights, which I’ve been experimenting with.
Here’s a quick rundown of what I’ve learned so far:
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Motion Detectors and Timers: I’ve set up motion detectors to turn lights on when someone enters the basement and off after a period of inactivity. It’s been working really well, but I’d love to know if there’s a way to temporarily disable this rule at the switch itself. For example, if friends are staying over and don’t want the lights to turn off automatically.
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Smart Lighting Compatibility: I’m using a mix of Zigbee and Z-Wave devices, and it’s been great to see how seamlessly they work together. However, I’m curious if anyone has experience with Innr smart plugs acting as Zigbee repeaters for Hue bulbs. I’d love to expand my network without adding more bulbs!
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Scene Automation: I recently discovered how to create custom scenes using my Echo Glow. It’s amazing how you can set up routines that turn on specific lights or even play music when you activate the Glow. I’m hoping to explore more ways to integrate this into my daily routine.
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Security Sensors: I’ve installed some SmartSense Multi Sensors for detecting vibrations and motion. They’ve been incredibly useful for monitoring my garage door and windows. I’m also looking into using them to track how often my sump pump runs—any tips on setting this up would be appreciated!
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Troubleshooting Tips: If you’re having issues with devices not connecting, I highly recommend checking your router settings and ensuring there’s no interference from other devices. I also found that resetting the Z-Wave network occasionally helps maintain stability.
It’s been such a rewarding experience diving into smart home automation, and I’m excited to continue learning and improving my setup. If anyone has additional tips or advice, I’d love to hear them!