Suugestions needed for a smart phone app to turn outdoor lighting on and off

[Baz]

I have a client with low voltage landscape lighting that I installed quite a few years ago.

It consists of 4 outside transformers to run four different sections of the property (4 "zones").

The transformers all plug into 110v outlets.

Three of the transformers are mounted to the side of the house and one is in a more remote location - maybe about 70-90' from the house itself.

Two of the transformers are 900w and two are 600w but not sure if that even matters as they are all 110v with plugs which are plugged into 110v receptacles.

I had an X10 system set up but it stopped working on the remote zone and then just kept conking out, so we're looking for a better remote system.

I had originally set everything up with timers and photocells but this client wants to control strictly by remote.

Thanks for any suggestions!

[john70t]

https://www.smarthome.com/switchlinc-on-off-insteon-2477s-remote-control-switch-dual-band-white.html
Turn On Lights, Fans and Motors from this Switch, Other Insteon Devices, or a Smartphone
Remotely control any load type, such as fluorescent lights, fans and motors
Powerful 1800 Watt capacity
Perfect for commercial and residential applications (100-277VAC)
Insteon Hub Pro enables this device to work with HomeKit techonolgy
This product is an Insteon Dual-Band device
Works with Amazon Alexa for voice control (Insteon Hub required; Alexa device and Insteon"




Other than that. I got nuttin.

[fintstone]

Where does the electricity to run the transformers come from? Is there a switch or outlet to them that is indoors you can access? I use WEMO stuff myself with my IPhone (free ap). I turn on/off the lights and outlets at my second home...as well as the hot water heater and pump. You can set up pretty much any schedule you want in the ap as well. The components do not require a hub or other components (other than wifi access)

[Esel Mann]

Take a look at GE avi-on. Bluetooth connection with phone or tablet. Most of the line is indoor rated, but they do have an outdoor rated switch as well.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by fintstone

Where does the electricity to run the transformers come from? Is there a switch or outlet to them that is indoors you can access? I use WEMO stuff myself with my IPhone (free ap). I turn on/off the lights and outlets at my second home...as well as the hot water heater and pump. You can set up pretty much any schedule you want in the ap as well. The components do not require a hub or other components (other than wifi access)

Originally Posted by Esel Mann

Take a look at GE avi-on. Bluetooth connection with phone or tablet. Most of the line is indoor rated, but they do have an outdoor rated switch as well.

Thanks, guys......both of those look like they might do the trick. Will research more and let you know what happens.....

[Willem Fick]

I use these:

Sonoff Basic: iTead WiFi Wireless Smart Switch | ITEAD Studio


Works very well, but wi-fi only, so have to be in reach of your home wi-fi network. Not waterproof, but nothing a small waterproof enclosure doesn't solve.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Willem Fick

I use these:

Sonoff Basic: iTead WiFi Wireless Smart Switch | ITEAD Studio


Works very well, but wi-fi only, so have to be in reach of your home wi-fi network. Not waterproof, but nothing a small waterproof enclosure doesn't solve.

Thanks, Willem. They actually do offer a waterproof case for these. Looks like they have to be hard wired in though, not a big deal, just different than the plug in modules.

[Rtrorkt]

have been struggling with this. The issue is range from device to your hub. Exterior walls seem to be problematic in cutting down the range. I added Pentair wireless controller to my pool that allowed me to connect site lighting and control it through that system.

I installed a wireless sprinkler controller but it kept loosing connection to my wifi hub. After talking with the manufacturer it was clear I did not have enough signal. So I added a mesh system https://www.amplifi.com/ that has given me the range. The Pentair controller also benefits from the increased wifi range. Have had no issues with it connecting.

I have gone old school on my other landscape lighting with high quality transformers and timers. In doing my research, it seemed to me the Luxor ZD controller was the best for phone based app control of lighting. I opted for old school but the guys at Ewing Sprinkler said they recommend the ZD. I've copied two potential controllers.

Good luck. I can tell you this seems not to be a mature solution yet.

Wireless Landscape Lighting Control - ILLUMRA

https://www.fxl.com/product/transformers/designer/luxor-zd

[vash]

why?

i will cherish my mobility until i die..i LOVE my evening walk around the house shutting chit off. old school.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Rtrorkt

have been struggling with this. The issue is range from device to your hub. Exterior walls seem to be problematic in cutting down the range. I added Pentair wireless controller to my pool that allowed me to connect site lighting and control it through that system.

I installed a wireless sprinkler controller but it kept loosing connection to my wifi hub. After talking with the manufacturer it was clear I did not have enough signal. So I added a mesh system https://www.amplifi.com/ that has given me the range. The Pentair controller also benefits from the increased wifi range. Have had no issues with it connecting.

I have gone old school on my other landscape lighting with high quality transformers and timers. In doing my research, it seemed to me the Luxor ZD controller was the best for phone based app control of lighting. I opted for old school but the guys at Ewing Sprinkler said they recommend the ZD. I've copied two potential controllers.

Good luck. I can tell you this seems not to be a mature solution yet.

Wireless Landscape Lighting Control - ILLUMRA

https://www.fxl.com/product/transformers/designer/luxor-zd

Sorry I did not see your post until just now, Rocketman. Thanks for your input and your links!

I was at the property this morning and asked about his router and my client said it's on the other side of his house, furthest from the transformers. Then he showed me his iPhone and that it didn't have much of a signal (we were by the transformers side of the house). He said he installed a mesh system like you mentioned, but the walls of his home really create too much blockage.

Is this the Pentair wireless system you installed:

https://www.pentairpool.com/en/products/automation/screenlogic2%20interface%20for%20intellitouch%20an d%20easytouch%20automation%20systems

I wonder if something like this could help with the router signal?
N600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Range Extender

[TargaTony]

take a look at the Lutron Caseta system. I've been using it to control all of my outside lights and even some of the interior. Starter kit is around $100.00.
Caseta® Wireless – Overview

[petrolhead611]

Do they sell the HIVE system in the US? It will do what you need if is available.

[Rtrorkt]

Originally Posted by Baz

Sorry I did not see your post until just now, Rocketman. Thanks for your input and your links!

I was at the property this morning and asked about his router and my client said it's on the other side of his house, furthest from the transformers. Then he showed me his iPhone and that it didn't have much of a signal (we were by the transformers side of the house). He said he installed a mesh system like you mentioned, but the walls of his home really create too much blockage.

Is this the Pentair wireless system you installed:

https://www.pentairpool.com/en/products/automation/screenlogic2%20interface%20for%20intellitouch%20an d%20easytouch%20automation%20systems

I wonder if something like this could help with the router signal?
N600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Range Extender

Baz, yes that is the Pentair controller. Take another look at his mesh system. The one I posted is scalable. You can keep adding points to increase range of the signal. I would think any mesh system will allow add ons. I have one at each end of the house and another in the garage. Do have to be careful about how far from the main box you get. I had the garage one about 50' from the main box and it did seem to have difficulties staying connected.

I started to use Z Wave stuff, but the signal is just too weak. Will be trying the sono thingy that was mentioned earlier to control my fountain.

[RKDinOKC]

Yep, something that works with wifi is much more scaleable not to mention accessible over the internet when away from your local wifi.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by TargaTony

take a look at the Lutron Caseta system. I've been using it to control all of my outside lights and even some of the interior. Starter kit is around $100.00.
Caseta® Wireless – Overview

This is one I looked at early on - and actualy called their tech department to ask about using it for my application. I was told it was not intended for outdoor use, now would it have the range I needed.

Thanks anyway, Tony.....

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Rtrorkt

Baz, yes that is the Pentair controller. Take another look at his mesh system. The one I posted is scalable. You can keep adding points to increase range of the signal. I would think any mesh system will allow add ons. I have one at each end of the house and another in the garage. Do have to be careful about how far from the main box you get. I had the garage one about 50' from the main box and it did seem to have difficulties staying connected.

I started to use Z Wave stuff, but the signal is just too weak. Will be trying the sono thingy that was mentioned earlier to control my fountain.

To get away from the router issue.....what about using blue tooth technology?

Something like this:

GE Bluetooth Outdoor Smart Switch (Plug-In), 13868

• Lighting controllable and programmable from smartphone or tablet without the need of a gateway, hub or router
• Maximizes range of bluetooth technology with new CSR mesh chipset
• Allows scheduling and controlling of home's outdoor lighting and appliances including seasonal and landscaping light fixtures
• Features weather-resistant housing and outlet cover
• Features multiple scheduling options including 7-day, sunrise/sunset, random, vacation and customized countdowns

[fintstone]

I don't understand why you need the switches so far from WiFi. Surely the outlets that these transformers go to originate at a switch or circuit breaker box in the house. Why not just add an outlet/ switch box near the CB box and run these thought remote controlled switches there? The wires should already be there.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by fintstone

I don't understand why you need the switches so far from WiFi. Surely the outlets that these transformers go to originate at a switch or circuit breaker box in the house. Why not just add an outlet/ switch box near the CB box and run these thought remote controlled switches there? The wires should already be there.

I don't think it works that way, Fint.

I'm not an electrician but IMO the outlets for the transformer are tied into the house electrical but not on a separate circuit from other components. You cannot simply turn them on and off at the panel box...if that's what you are suggesting.

[fintstone]

I can't imagine that you have outside outlets where the wiring was not coming from the house...and likely from their own breaker (especially the most distant one). Usually, if not actually outlets on the side of the house, they were added later and it should be obvious where.

Even if tied into house wiring...it should not be difficult to find where. It should be a lot closer than where you describe the transformer be (70-90 ft from the house). All you need is an outlet box and a wifi switch there. If to code, there is already a box. All connections must in in a box. Just trace them back to where they come out of the house. Has to be either an outlet or a box...The place to control the 110 is inside the house. The owner likely knows where the buried the wire...and where it goes. Ask him.

[Rtrorkt]

Originally Posted by Baz

To get away from the router issue.....what about using blue tooth technology?

Something like this:

GE Bluetooth Outdoor Smart Switch (Plug-In), 13868

• Lighting controllable and programmable from smartphone or tablet without the need of a gateway, hub or router
• Maximizes range of bluetooth technology with new CSR mesh chipset
• Allows scheduling and controlling of home's outdoor lighting and appliances including seasonal and landscaping light fixtures
• Features weather-resistant housing and outlet cover
• Features multiple scheduling options including 7-day, sunrise/sunset, random, vacation and customized countdowns

Baz, bought one of those at Ace the other day. Can't get the app to recognize the unit even when wifi signal is strong. Noted that the app gets a 2.5 on the rating.

Haven't installed the sono thingy yet. Will let you know how that goes when I do.