I’ve been really excited about setting up my outdoor lighting to work on a dusk to dawn schedule. It’s been a bit of a challenge, but I’m happy to share what I’ve learned so far. 
I started with some smart LED bulbs and a smart dimmer, but I ran into some issues with flickering and inconsistent dimming levels. After some research, I found that compatibility between the bulbs and the dimmer was key. I ended up switching to a Z-Wave dimmer that’s specifically designed for LED bulbs, and it made a huge difference! No more flickering, and the dimming is smooth from 1% to 100%. 
For the automation part, I set up a routine using my smart hub that turns the lights on at sunset and off at sunrise. It’s been working perfectly, and I love how it adds a warm glow to my evenings. 
If you’re thinking about setting up something similar, here are a few tips:
- Check compatibility: Make sure your bulbs and dimmer are compatible before you buy.
- Test settings: Play around with the dimmer settings to find the perfect level for your space.
- Use routines: Automate your lights to save energy and hassle.
Would love to hear how others have set up their outdoor lighting! Any tips or tricks you’d share? 