[Shop-talk] left the light on? (One more to think about.)

[eric at megageek.com]

First, I am not a fan of ANY IOT device, solution, etc.  So I don't put 
anything like that anywhere in my home networks.

Next, sometimes old school is best.  There are X-10 devices that are way 
out dated (and hence, no one is trying to hack them, not like they can 
without accessing your AC current on your side of the transformer.  If 
someone can do that, you have bigger problems.)  They can also be bought 
for pennies.

Anyway, there are lots of switches and relays and such to control 120 vac.

There is also a serial (read- NOT NETWORKABLE) interface.  You need an old 
computer to run it (and it can be a stand alone machine.)

You program the interface to activate in anyway you want to or even run 
marcos.  Then the computer can be turned off.

What I would do would be you program the main 'X-10' switch that you use 
when you want to turn on the garage light.  The macro would do this...
-Turn on light G-1
-Wait 60 minutes
-Turn off light G-1
-Wait 30 seconds
-Turn on light G-1
-Wait 1 minute
-Turn off light G-1

The second 'turn on' would be if you were under a car or something.  You 
know your 1 hour is up when the light goes off, you can get up, the light 
will come back on, you walk over to the switch and press it.  This will 
start the macro all over again.

Note- I'm having serious questions about your 'shop status' if you ONLY 
need a light on for an hour in your shop.  8>)

Just an old school solution with new world security considerations.

Moose




From:   Steven Trovato <strovato at optonline.net>
To:     shop-talk <shop-talk at autox.team.net>
Date:   01/19/2023 14:45
Subject:        Re: [Shop-talk] left the light on?
Sent by:        "Shop-talk" <shop-talk-bounces at autox.team.net>



Lots of interesting ideas!

webcam.  This will allow me to look and see if the lights are on, but 
I don't think it can send me a notification if they are left on.

Alexa.  This is interesting.  If I can tell Alexa to alert me if 
lights are on for an hour, that would be good.  I'm not sure if it 
can do that.  I'll have to look into it.

Motion sensor + backup light.  This is a different approach that I 
will consider if I can't get what I'm looking for.

Wyze switch.  I am not familiar with the switch, but I do have Wyze 
smart plug modules and smart light bulbs.  The Wyze app does not seem 
to support what I'm looking for.

Thermostat hijack.  There's really no reason to do that.  It still 
won't give me the notifications I want.  If I just want to turn light 
on or off, I can do that with smart switch, smart plug module or 
smart switch.

You guys are all great at creative problem solving.  I was hoping to 
figure out how to get a notification if the lights are left on.  If I 
can't find a way to do that, I will have to look into some of these 
things as a plan B.  Thank you all!

-Steve


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