[diyguy]

Originally Posted by Sebring

Thank you. If you have done it please share pics

Here is a completed picture of the project of mine from last year. Since then this has changed but I used a NC (normally closed) Solenoid valve to prevent water from leaking always, and with a timer/wireless switch I was able to automatically or manually open the valve to let water/air go from the black RO pipe. I had sealed the switch and the smps with brown packing tape for rain water protection, but the wireless switch is partially visible.

[snallagatla]

Its nice to see many home automation DIY projects by fellow BHPians.

I would like to check if anybody has experience with readymade automation solutions like Curiousfly(https://www.curiousfly.com) and Smarteefi (https://www.smarteefi.com). I wanted to implement home automation solution for my new apartment which is going to be ready in few months and would like to understand the following points before proceeding.

1. Estimated cost for a 3 BHK house
2. Awareness for any regular maintenance charges.
3. Any other points be aware.

Smarteefi has quotation of Rs. 44,444 for a 3 BHK house on their portal. Curiousfly product looks are top notch but cant find pricing anywhere on the web.

[srini1785]

Originally Posted by snallagatla

Its nice to see many home automation DIY projects by fellow BHPians.

I wanted to implement home automation solution for my new apartment which is going to be ready in few months and would like to understand the following points before proceeding.

What type of automation are you looking at?. If its only light or curtains the probably a simpler Wifi switch is sufficient. If wiring is already done in your flat then it would be difficult to fit any wifi switch to that wall socket and re route the wires.

[snallagatla]

Originally Posted by srini1785

What type of automation are you looking at?. If its only light or curtains the probably a simpler Wifi switch is sufficient. If wiring is already done in your flat then it would be difficult to fit any wifi switch to that wall socket and re route the wires.

Thanks for the response @srini1785. I'm honestly looking for a simple automation solution like touch electrical switches, a Hub switch and control over the switches with a mobile app/remote. Wiring work just began in my unit. I guess, we can still make changes before the plastering work starts.

[srini1785]

Originally Posted by snallagatla

I guess, we can still make changes before the plastering work starts.

The metal GI box is placed inside the brick wall before the plastering starts and your touch switch should match that box. Anyways, Check with the electrician.

The wall box :


This switch has to go inside this box :

[condor]

Originally Posted by srini1785

// only light .. probably a simpler Wifi switch is sufficient..

Any thoughts on an off-line, timer based lighting setup ?

Basically, we set a time and the timer just triggers a bulb and then switches it off after a preset duration ?

[snallagatla]

Originally Posted by srini1785

The metal GI box is placed inside the brick wall before the plastering starts and your touch switch should match that box. Anyways, Check with the electrician.

The wall box :
Attachment 2234169

This switch has to go inside this box :

Attachment 2234177

Thanks @srini1785. Yes, I can see Electrician has already installed similar boxes in the walls. I shall contact these vendors immediately to understand if they have any specific requirements.

[srini1785]

Originally Posted by snallagatla

Thanks @srini1785. Yes, I can see Electrician has already installed similar boxes in the walls. I shall contact these vendors immediately to understand if they have any specific requirements.

Ah yes, Its exactly at the proper moment to incorporate your touch switches. Select the location and type of these touch switches and inform the electrician to provide the conduits, wall boxes and necessary wiring for it. Later it is impossible to do it without cutting the wall.

[srini1785]

Originally Posted by condor

Any thoughts on an off-line, timer based lighting setup ?

Basically, we set a time and the timer just triggers a bulb and then switches it off after a preset duration ?

Inside or outside the house?. For garden, terrace and external service area lights which needs to be switched on during night and off during the day automatically, auto timer switches will work :

https://www.amazon.in/Timeline-Metal.../dp/B00O5WSH72

PS : @MODS Pl merge with the previous post.

[condor]

Originally Posted by srini1785

Inside or outside the house?. .

Indoor.

I guess I would have to use temporary bulbs, and not existing wired bulbs.

[srini1785]

Originally Posted by condor

Indoor.

What time duration are you looking for?. If it is preset switch like Switch ON at 6.00PM and switch off at 6.00AM, then the previous one or something like this:

https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail...256935497.html

would do the job.

Originally Posted by condor

I guess I would have to use temporary bulbs, and not existing wired bulbs.

No need for temporary bulbs. You can wire the existing bulbs itself : Just by pass the manual switch which controls the bulb and give those leads to the switch leads on the timer. Ask any electrician and he would do it for you.

[snallagatla]

Originally Posted by srini1785

Ah yes, Its exactly at the proper moment to incorporate your touch switches. Select the location and type of these touch switches and inform the electrician to provide the conduits, wall boxes and necessary wiring for it. Later it is impossible to do it without cutting the wall.

Thanks @srini1785. I'm waiting for call back from these vendors now for quotation.

Originally Posted by condor

Any thoughts on an off-line, timer based lighting setup ?

Basically, we set a time and the timer just triggers a bulb and then switches it off after a preset duration ?

If you are looking for short durations, I would recommend motion sensor lights like https://www.amazon.in/Halonix-10W-B2...=118JOL1EJU2T3. It is pretty simple to install.

[itwasntme]

Folks, wanted a couple of robust smart plugs which will allow me to track power consumption of our fridges, washing machine, dryer and dishwasher. Any recommendations for a sturdy model which won’t overheat or fuse?

I am currently on Sonoff for my smart lights and switches.

[Newtown]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

Folks, wanted a couple of robust smart plugs which will allow me to track power consumption of our fridges, washing machine, dryer and dishwasher. Any recommendations for a sturdy model which won’t overheat or fuse?

I have been using HomeMate for the exact above purpose. It will track it using the Smart Life app. Warning - Do not use them on old window air-conditioners. The start-up spike is just too high for them to handle and they burn. I even use it for the water heaters. For different seasons I have made routines for varying amounts of time that i would like them ON.

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by Newtown

I have been using HomeMate for the exact above purpose. It will track it using the Smart Life app.

Just bought one of these on the Amazon summer sale.
https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B07...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Will get another few as soon as I evaluate it. Anything else worth picking up?