Hey everyone, I wanted to share my recent experience with setting up smart lighting automation in my home. It’s been a fun and rewarding project, and I’d love to hear your thoughts or tips!
I’ve been using a mix of Zigbee and Z-Wave devices, and recently I decided to integrate some Govee RGB strips into my setup. While they’re not natively supported, I managed to get them working using the API—a bit of a learning curve, but totally worth it! I’ve been experimenting with creating custom scenes and schedules, and it’s amazing how much it enhances the ambiance of my space.
One thing I’ve been struggling with is setting up contact sensors to automatically turn on lights for a certain duration. I’ve tried using both the Simple Lighting app and Rules Machine, but I can’t seem to get the timing right. Specifically, I’d love to have a light turn on for 5 minutes after opening a window, but only between sunset and sunrise. If anyone has figured this out, I’d be grateful for some guidance!
On a lighter note, I’ve also been playing around with the Light & Guess game. It’s surprisingly addictive! I managed to rack up over 200 points in a single day by creating custom light shows and guessing challenges. It’s a great way to get creative with your smart lights and challenge your friends and family.
If you’re thinking about diving into smart lighting or any other home automation project, my advice is to start small and gradually build up. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but taking it one step at a time makes the process enjoyable and sustainable. Plus, don’t hesitate to reach out to the community for help—there are so many knowledgeable people here willing to share their expertise.
Looking forward to hearing about your projects and tips! 