Skylink Home wireless switches.. Anyone using them?

[BellyUpFish]

I'm trying to accomplish a simple task, but it's provingnot to be so simple.

On our house, we have exterior garage "accent" lighting controlled by one switch. I am also installing exterior "accent" lighting on my shop ~100' away. I'd like to be able to turn the shop accent lights on when I flip the switch for the attached garage lights.

Same thing with floods. I have house floods and will have shop floods. I'd like to be able to turn these on together, with the flip of the switch in the house.

Has anyone tackled something like this with Skylink switches?

 

[wimpy525]

I just installed a Skylink wireless 3 way switch in my shop which is about 250' from the house. Works great but each switch is only good for 600 watts so keep that in mind.

 

[Jack D]

I use Insteon electronic switches and they have a 600w and a 1000w wall switch. You can double up them so each switch operates the other. Word of caution even though the insteon switches use both RF and power line communication a simple setup with a large distance with switches on opposite sides of your 220 feed could require the addition of another device to extend the signal.

 

[csi123]

I have a bunch of skylink switches. They are much cheaper than your regular "smart" switches because they are one way only (i.e. the transmitter can talk to the receiver but not the other way around). Anyway in your case it doesn't matter. They are reliable enough that the lack of a feedback loop hasn't been an issue for me.

BTW in your case you shouldn't get 3-way switch kit. You need two wall switches (WE-001 or WR-001) plus a remote (TM-002) than go into the switch. You may also want a cover (TM-001) to go into the other switch.

The 3 way kit is for situation where you want two switches to control a light. Yours is the opposite. You want one switch to control two lights.

 

[Git]

There are a number of different ways to control things wirelessly, SkyLink, Z Wave, Insteon, X-10 etc

If you are thinking about going down this road - you should look to see what devices are available so you don't get locked out of something you would like to add later

For example - I know Z wave has these 20 Amp Relays. They look and act like a normal wall switch but can handle heavier loads. I have used two of them since 2008 to control 4 Attic Fans and they work great

http://www.smarthome-products.com/p-168-homepro-zrw103-z-wave-20-amp-3-way-relay-white.aspx

SmartHome is a pretty good website to check out for more info
http://www.smarthome-products.com/c-26-home-automation.aspx

 

[ard]

There are a number of different ways to control things wirelessly, SkyLink, Z Wave, Insteon, X-10 etc

If you are thinking about going down this road - you should look to see what devices are available so you don't get locked out of something you would like to add later

For example - I know Z wave has these 20 Amp Relays. They look and act like a normal wall switch but can handle heavier loads. I have used two of them since 2008 to control 4 Attic Fans and they work great

http://www.smarthome-products.com/p-168-homepro-zrw103-z-wave-20-amp-3-way-relay-white.aspx

SmartHome is a pretty good website to check out for more info
http://www.smarthome-products.com/c-26-home-automation.aspx

Spot on advice. I went zwave so I could have as many option open down the road, and wouldn't be tied to some proprietary system.

 

[Brandon314159]

I also went down the z-wave road. It's been around for quite awhile (and you can get controllers and devices from many different companies).

 

[Radix2]

for you guys that have played with Zwave for a while - is there a good overall system description and glossary for them ? Things like scenes, basic functionality and when you need or want a central controller in the picture.

At this point I am looking for adding 3-way style functionality to various lights that are not wired that way - garage lights, floods, ect. that I would like to be able to control from the front door rather than going to where the current switches are.

I have been thinking that Zwave will be able to do this by replacing the current switches with Zwave switches - but the programming for even this simple function seems unclear from the instructions I have read for some of the readily available Zwave switches out there.

Thanks

 

[Brandon314159]

At this point I am looking for adding 3-way style functionality to various lights that are not wired that way - garage lights, floods, ect. that I would like to be able to control from the front door rather than going to where the current switches are.

You can get stand-alone wireless 3-way solutions if you don't want to ramp up a full z-wave installation. The advantage of Z-wave is having 'rules' for automation (IE I unlock the front door and it's night, so turn on the hallway lights).

If all you need is a wireless 3-way switch. I'd hit up amazon.

 

[Radix2]

You can get stand-alone wireless 3-way solutions if you don't want to ramp up a full z-wave installation. The advantage of Z-wave is having 'rules' for automation (IE I unlock the front door and it's night, so turn on the hallway lights).

If all you need is a wireless 3-way switch. I'd hit up amazon.

Well, I would like to be able to add functionality at some point - are you saying that the controller-less configurations are not practical? For such a popular product, I am finding it hard to find clear descriptions of it's use.

 

[Brandon314159]

Well, I would like to be able to add functionality at some point - are you saying that the controller-less configurations are not practical? For such a popular product, I am finding it hard to find clear descriptions of it's use.

Controller-less configurations may be practical but I started with a controller right from the beginning because I needed those features first.

We're preparing to do exactly what you describe in a rear entry way (too hard to run traveler down to a new j-box for 3-way) so will have a battery or wall powered switch that will also turn on other lights.

The possibilities are endless (depending upon the controller you choose). The switches are both input and output devices (if wired). They operate as basic switches and the zwave can do more on-top of that.

 

[Radix2]

Controller-less configurations may be practical but I started with a controller right from the beginning because I needed those features first.

We're preparing to do exactly what you describe in a rear entry way (too hard to run traveler down to a new j-box for 3-way) so will have a battery or wall powered switch that will also turn on other lights.

The possibilities are endless (depending upon the controller you choose). The switches are both input and output devices (if wired). They operate as basic switches and the zwave can do more on-top of that.

is there a controller you would recommend?

 

[Brandon314159]

is there a controller you would recommend?

Not knowing your level of technical computing skill, I'd probably go with a packaged solution. Amazon reviews are pretty fair when it comes to z-wave controllers.

I spun my own using the OpenHab2 free software (though it's not quite ready for release yet...you can download the current beta). If you like getting your hands dirty with linux, that's a way to go.

We use micasaverde at our office but they're older buggy units.

I think some folks mentioned some controllers earlier in the thread? I'd let them chime in with their preferences.

Cheers!

 

[Jack D]

I have been thinking that Zwave will be able to do this by replacing the current switches with Zwave switches - but the programming for even this simple function seems unclear from the instructions I have read for some of the readily available Zwave switches out there.

Thanks

If you are interested in home automation one of the most flexible controllers is the ISY994Zw from Universal Devices. It will actually control multiple protocols and provide you with decision capability like.... if this motion detector triggers between time 'x' and time 'Y' then turn on this light or send me a text to my smartphone. This is all managed from a browser or an 'app' on your smartphone.

https://www.universal-devices.com/residential/isy994izw-series/

 

[Denwood]

We use both Vera and SmartThings over two sites, covering about 100 devices. The Vera Edge controller has been 100% reliable, but has required a PLEG plugin (allows more complex automations with variables, conditionals, timers etc. to handle security system integration, 9 stats, various zwave devices and automated windows. Vera can handle automations standalone, so no web connection is required..although you'll want it connected to program.

SmartThings is another option that can be a bit flaky at times, but is much easier to deal with. It also handles both ZigBee and Zwave radios. Unlike Vera, a solid web connection is required. It very much is biased to smartphone management, although a web based system gives you access to tweak, design your own apps, troubleshoot etc. Do a search for on my recent threads and you'll find plenty of info.

The basics are this: ZigBee and zwave are low power radio devices that create their own mesh network. This addresses their low range challenges, as most plug in (or constantly powered) devices can serve as relays for neighbour devices. battery powered devices usually do not serve as relays. You need a hub which is used at first to "include" the device. The hub also serves a role in managing the mesh network. The real power of these devices though comes in managing your devices via automations. We've cut up to 38% power consumption at two sites (one home, the other business) by creating automations that:

- enable whole building night pre-cooling
- turn off AC when zones windows are opened
- manages 5 air handlers and two HRVs based on presence, and security system so that we're running this equipment only when required.
- cut power to computers when security is armed
- turn off more or less our entire house when phone's leave the area.
- manage lighting on and off at home
- dim lights as appropriate based on outdoor ambient light.
- program locks based on time and day so cleaner for example can only access at specific times, and our iOS devices are notified when that code is used.
- manage my garage door so if left open I am notified and can close it remotely.
- handles garage "disco" lighting when my kids are partying in there
etc.

The hubs and the automations they host are key to all of this. When a security system and all of its sensors are seen by a hub, along with thermostats and zwave/ZigBee devices the path to efficiency becomes a lot easier.

 

[TheEquineFencer]

I just installed a Skylink wireless 3 way switch in my shop which is about 250' from the house. Works great but each switch is only good for 600 watts so keep that in mind.

Add a RIB relay and let it carry the load, you can get them in different amp ratings and they are cheap around here.

 

[Radix2]

We use both Vera and SmartThings over two sites, covering about 100 devices. The Vera Edge controller has been 100% reliable, but has required a PLEG plugin (allows more complex automations with variables, conditionals, timers etc. to handle security system integration, 9 stats, various zwave devices and automated windows. Vera can handle automations standalone, so no web connection is required..although you'll want it connected to program.

SmartThings is another option that can be a bit flaky at times, but is much easier to deal with. It also handles both ZigBee and Zwave radios. Unlike Vera, a solid web connection is required. It very much is biased to smartphone management, although a web based system gives you access to tweak, design your own apps, troubleshoot etc. Do a search for on my recent threads and you'll find plenty of info.

The basics are this: ZigBee and zwave are low power radio devices that create their own mesh network. This addresses their low range challenges, as most plug in (or constantly powered) devices can serve as relays for neighbour devices. battery powered devices usually do not serve as relays. You need a hub which is used at first to "include" the device. The hub also serves a role in managing the mesh network. The real power of these devices though comes in managing your devices via automations. We've cut up to 38% power consumption at two sites (one home, the other business) by creating automations that:

- enable whole building night pre-cooling
- turn off AC when zones windows are opened
- manages 5 air handlers and two HRVs based on presence, and security system so that we're running this equipment only when required.
- cut power to computers when security is armed
- turn off more or less our entire house when phone's leave the area.
- manage lighting on and off at home
- dim lights as appropriate based on outdoor ambient light.
- program locks based on time and day so cleaner for example can only access at specific times, and our iOS devices are notified when that code is used.
- manage my garage door so if left open I am notified and can close it remotely.
- handles garage "disco" lighting when my kids are partying in there
etc.

The hubs and the automations they host are key to all of this. When a security system and all of its sensors are seen by a hub, along with thermostats and zwave/ZigBee devices the path to efficiency becomes a lot easier.

Thanks- Just to clarify, I have poor internet connectivity (Hughes Satellite) - Does this rule out SmartThings? I would be starting out just controlling a few lighting circuits to create a scene or two.

 

[Radix2]

based on reading about the smartthings hub a bit more, it sounds like V2 has some local processing that should allow simple light controls to function without internet connectivity.

What is not clear to me is if in normal operation would the system have big delays even for simple things like "turn off exterior floods" from a master wall switch - would it normally route through the slooow laggy satellite to do it ?

The thing is so cheap at $49, I may just give it a try.

How about the MioS Veralite home controller hub ?

 

[ard]

I refuse to use anything that requires internet access. Period. I dont know about smartthiungs, so cannot comment on that. Be careful, some of these things have a monthly fee!

Ive been slowly replacing failing/failed X10 devices with Z-wave, and plan on a Homeseer hub in the future. Now I just use simple remotes to control the 8 or so switches we have.

 

[Radix2]

I refuse to use anything that requires internet access. Period. I dont know about smartthiungs, so cannot comment on that. Be careful, some of these things have a monthly fee!

Ive been slowly replacing failing/failed X10 devices with Z-wave, and plan on a Homeseer hub in the future. Now I just use simple remotes to control the 8 or so switches we have.

Yeah, I cant see the benefit of needing internet access for things that are purely local. Remote access and monitoring, sure.

The Veralite looks pretty good so far. Can operate stand alone and is only $89 on Amazon.

What do you like about the Homeseer unit ?

 

[ard]

Seems to be more accessible and less of a closed ecosystem.

 

[Denwood]

Radix, Smarthings V2 can do local processing providing you use supported devices, and use their lighting automations. I wouldn't use it though without a good web connection.

The Vera Edge would be a better bet, and likely the Vera Plus even better if you plan on doing ZigBee bulbs at all in the future.

Homeseer works well, is more expensive..but at least for now, not much in the way of ZigBee support.

None of these has a monthly fee requirement.

 

[Git]

I am still using a computer program that I bought about 8 years ago called Think Essentials. I believe that Leviton bought them out and they discontinued it. I just did a google search and I am surprised it is still for sale

It's a very simple computer program with a USB stick. You can draw out the rooms in your house if you want and then add your devices for a visual representation. You can also set it up to turn on/off your devices on a schedule (out door lights for an example) - which is the main reason why I use it. We also have several hand held remotes throughout the house. I got started using it because we have a recirculator on our water heater and I was looking for a cheap/easy way to turn it on and off when we actually are going to take a shower etc. (The USB stick is actually what sends the signal to the device)

One of these days I will move on to something else, but this has worked well over the years. If I cared about internet access - I would just remotely log in to the computer running it. It is also capable of setting up scenes (light dimming etc) but I never really use it


http://www.smarthome-products.com/m-41-controlthink.aspx

 

[Radix2]

Jeez, spending a bunch of time reading the reviews on these hubs is an exercise in frustration.

they all sit at about the 3.5 star level and are filled with people that have tried several and like the "other" one...

my conclusion is that there are a wide range of capabilities of users and some pretty giant networks that give people fits.. for my simple start, probably any will work well.

Considering the Veralite, Vera Edge ($89) VeraPlus ($139) and Homeseer Zee ($189) at this point as probably good starter standalone units.

Hmm.

 

[Brandon314159]

Pick one with the feature set you like, try it out, and if you don't like it, return it? I'd confirm on amazon the return-to date and make sure you get some nodes to play with.

A lot of negative reviews are related to folks having uphill battles with a learning curve. To their respect the manufactures are claiming 'plug and play'...those of us in the know realize Murphy can't allow that

 

[Denwood]

A lot of problems arise from folks not building the network properly. I've had to add a few devices in strategic locations to ensure a strong network was in place. Without that really important step, potential for all kinds of problems exist.

My background is IT, so although no expert, I can figure my way through most issues by reading and playing a bit.

I will say that Vera's phone support was surprisingly good, with near zero wait times. They also seem to release firmware updates frequently..and have excellent backup and restore tools on their hub. I suspect that Homeseer will be pretty good too. Don't bother with the Veralite. Of your list above, I'd look at the VeraPlus. I'm sure their Zigbee support will improve with firmware updates.

 

[Radix2]

Well, I ordered some stuff - decided on the Veraplus controller, a couple of GE switches and an outlet and a keypad, A leviton outlet, a ZOOZ z-wave plus 4in1 sensor, A ZOOZ z-wave plus switch

I thought I would try a few manufacturers and some plus versions to see how it goes...

Dennis - Ha, I ordered before I saw your last message - thankfully I accidentally followed your advice ! THX.!