RF remote

[ParadigmDawg]

Hey guys, I want to add some automation to my pool system. All my gear except the landscape lights are controlled by a master panel that is fully automated but requires you to be outside at the panel to make changes. Since I really just want to add control of the lights, it seems crazy to pay over 1.5k for the wireless remote control package for the control system. My pumps, water features and lights are all on the automated system and that works fine for me.

On the cheap, I would think that some one makes a device that I could just plug into the electric outlet where the transformer for the low voltage lights plug in that would be RF controlled. Does anything like this exist for outdoor use?

 

[highfigh]

Hey guys, I want to add some automation to my pool system. All my gear except the landscape lights are controlled by a master panel that is fully automated but requires you to be outside at the panel to make changes. Since I really just want to add control of the lights, it seems crazy to pay over 1.5k for the wireless remote control package for the control system. My pumps, water features and lights are all on the automated system and that works fine for me.

On the cheap, I would think that some one makes a device that I could just plug into the electric outlet where the transformer for the low voltage lights plug in that would be RF controlled. Does anything like this exist for outdoor use?

What kind of lights are they- brand, model, etc? How would the $1500 remote go about controlling everything? Is it RF, RS-232, mini plug, ethernet connection using a proprietary protocol? Does that panel have an IR sensor? If it does, it's easy- get a remote with RF and place the RF receiver in a spot that won't see moisture, then place an emitter next to the IR sensor.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

The lights are Malibu from Home Depot.

The remote hooks up to the Intellitouch control panel that they will hardwire a wireless receiver into.

http://www.pentairpool.com/products/products3.php?id=49

http://www.pentairpool.com/pdfs/easytouchDB.pdf

I don't think their is anyway around using their system.

What kind of lights are they- brand, model, etc? How would the $1500 remote go about controlling everything? Is it RF, RS-232, mini plug, ethernet connection using a proprietary protocol? Does that panel have an IR sensor? If it does, it's easy- get a remote with RF and place the RF receiver in a spot that won't see moisture, then place an emitter next to the IR sensor.

 

[BMXTRIX]

It's not that you are paying for the RF, you are paying for the fully featured custom built RF remote and the service warranty that goes along with it to ensure full operation of the systems as specifically installed into your custom home setup.

You don't just need a RF remote, you need a completely customized written interface which goes along with the lighting system which you have installed. Even an Insteon system, which would not be nearly as reliable, would have a bit of a price tag for the remote and a significant amount of time required to build an interface which was easy to use to go along with that remote.

My guess is that $1,500 is a pretty reasonable price overall for hardware with integration and setup.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

That's interesting and may be just what I needed to hear.

Just incase I wanted to go cheap, is there a plug in RF system that would work just for the lights? Maybe something like this but better?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Home-RF-Remote-Control-Power-Outlet-Light-Switches-NEW_W0QQitemZ120526665699QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20100206?IMSfp=TL100206021007r34755

It's not that you are paying for the RF, you are paying for the fully featured custom built RF remote and the service warranty that goes along with it to ensure full operation of the systems as specifically installed into your custom home setup.

You don't just need a RF remote, you need a completely customized written interface which goes along with the lighting system which you have installed. Even an Insteon system, which would not be nearly as reliable, would have a bit of a price tag for the remote and a significant amount of time required to build an interface which was easy to use to go along with that remote.

My guess is that $1,500 is a pretty reasonable price overall for hardware with integration and setup.

 

[BMXTRIX]

As I said, Insteon, may provide what you need just for some extra lights.

It's similar to X10 stuff, but updated a bit.

http://www.smarthome.com/_/INSTEON/_/23b/land.aspx

You can get an outlet, or whatever you need for the lights specifically, then any of a number of remotes for it.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Sorry, I missed that.

Thanks for the help.

As I said, Insteon, may provide what you need just for some extra lights.

It's similar to X10 stuff, but updated a bit.

http://www.smarthome.com/_/INSTEON/_/23b/land.aspx

You can get an outlet, or whatever you need for the lights specifically, then any of a number of remotes for it.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Sorry, I missed that.

Thanks for the help.

Well, I certainly didn't elaborate before!

If you go with Insteon, let others know how you like it. I haven't used them and there are some mixed reviews. I have seriously considered trying them out with about a dozen or more switches in my basement so I can turn on/off/dim my entire basement with a single button press via Crestron, but I'm in the middle of the basement remodel, so I'm not there yet.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I decided to give this a try. I will report back once it comes in and let you know how it works.

http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/Intermatic/Item/HA04C/

http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/Intermatic/Item/HA07C/

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Got it in and hooked up. Seems perfect for this simple application.

I decided to give this a try. I will report back once it comes in and let you know how it works.

http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/Intermatic/Item/HA04C/

http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/Intermatic/Item/HA07C/