Smart Lighting Transition Tips and Experiences

Hey everyone, I wanted to share my experience with setting up smart lighting transitions in my home. It’s been a journey, but I’ve learned a lot along the way! :star2:

I’ve been using a combination of Shelly Dimmers and Homematic Actuators to control my lights. One thing I’ve noticed is that while the Homematic dimmers have great features like sunrise/sunset simulations, the Shelly dimmers are more limited in their transition settings. They only allow for fixed transition times, which is a bit frustrating when you want something more gradual, like a sunrise effect. :sweat:

Here’s what I’ve done to work around this:

  1. Custom Scripts: I’ve set up custom scripts in FHEM to handle more complex transitions. For example, I programmed my bedroom lights to slowly dim up over 30 minutes in the morning, mimicking a natural sunrise. It’s been a game-changer for waking up gently! :heart_eyes:

  2. Automation Rules: Using IFTTT and OpenHAB, I’ve created automation rules that trigger specific lighting scenarios based on time of day or motion detection. For instance, when I walk into the living room in the evening, the lights dim to a cozy level, creating a relaxing atmosphere. :dart:

  3. Integration with Other Devices: I’ve also integrated my lighting system with my Alexa Echo and SmartThings Hub. This allows me to control my lights using voice commands or through the SmartThings app, adding another layer of convenience. :iphone:

One thing I’d love to see in future smart lighting devices is more flexibility in transition settings, especially for devices like the Shelly dimmers. A variable transition duration option would be amazing! :bulb:

If anyone has tips or tricks for creating smooth lighting transitions, I’d love to hear them! Let’s share our experiences and make our smart homes even smarter! :hugs: