remote control - outdoor flood light?

[jpcjguy]

Hi all,

So I want to mount a simple motion sensor light like this:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-270-Degree-Outdoor-Rust-Motion-Security-Light-DF-5718-RS-D/203766788?N=5yc1vZc7qfZ1z1163e

on a tree on my driveway. I plan on tapping into the power in my light post that is at the end of the walk - basically cutting the distance for the power by more than half and not having to trench back to the house.
Then I was thinking about how to manually turn it on and off if I want - outside of motion from inside? Wondering if I can a get a remote (like your garage door opener) to "act" as the light switch?
If the "receiver" is outside, it could be mounted up on the tree next to the light...

Anyone seen this? or put something together?

Thanks,
Joe

 

[Boatracer1000]

Something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007F7U9SY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[GN4WHLN]

I'm thinking of doing the same thing, however, my idea is to use the remote to toggle a relay. I'd wire the normally closed position to allow electricity from the motion sensor to the light allowing it to operate as intended. The normally closed position would be used to bypass the motion sensor and send electricity directly to the light turning it on when I wanted. When turned off, it would revert back to motion sensing.

 

[wnstwolf]

Joe I have a similar set up. Tried a few and had issues. My barn is about 200 yards away from house and switch is inside metal building so many barriers. In the end I am very happy with skylink system. Great remote, can program you cars buttons to turn on lights and they are affordable.

Good luck

 

[jpcjguy]

Cool ideas guys. I will check them all out. Thanks!

 

[Prototyper]

I did this very thing at my place. I installed a bunch of outdoor floods, wired them to a bank of switches in my garage. It wasn't long before I was looking into a way to control them remotely. I ended up installing an Insteon system. http://www.smarthome.com/insteon.html

It is pretty slick, as I can turn any outdoor lights on/off from my iPhone. I used the Insteon switches to replace the standard toggle light switches. Also have a camera facing our playground, which also displays on my phone. TONS of available modules to do just about anything you could imagine. Pretty affordable to get started, but adds up as you expand it (what doesn't?).

 

[Cyberbear]

Another place to check is: www.X10.com
They are another for DIY security set-ups and have switches that can be controlled remotely at a low cost.