How to Control Wall Switches Without Using Apps or the Internet
Issue #52
The Problem:
Your elderly parent, who is very technology-adverse, would appreciate some smart home automation, such as lighting control. However, they don’t have a smartphone, Wi-Fi, or the Internet. They only use a flip phone and cable TV.
The Solution:
I recently set up a Lotus Smart Ring system, which allows remote control of wall switches via motorized switch covers from a ring worn on my finger. Since the wall switch covers are IR-controlled by the preconfigured Lotus Ring, no smartphone apps, Wi-Fi Bluetooth, or similar radio signal controls are needed.
I was very impressed with the attention to detail, from the design of the reusable shipping box to the ease of switch cover bi-directional installation and charging method for both the Lotus Ring and Lotus Switch Covers. The engineering design and quality manufacturing process is evident throughout. The Use Case for older adults is readily apparent as there is a “NO tools, NO Wi-Fi, NO Internet” required installation, allowing the Lotus Switch Covers to be easily installed as well as later moved to different switches within the home or taken on a hotel visit…. making a dumb home smart.
Setup:
Testing:
At first, I had difficulty with a greater than 50% chance of getting the Lotus Ring to control the Lotus Switch Covers. With a bit of practice, I could get 100% accuracy and even point just in the general direction of the switch when in small areas like a closet or bathroom utilizing the IR signal bouncing off walls or ceiling.
I installed one switch cover in the entryway to control a light, another in a closet to control a light, and a third in the bathroom to control a fan.
I was worried about false triggering due to other IR signals, such as TV remotes, AC remotes, and robotic vacuums, but I haven’t experienced any in my limited testing
Here is a YouTube video showing the easy installation
Additional setup information can be found here
Issues
· Only supports paddle switches- not toggle switches
· Two Lotus Ring Switch Covers can’t fit side-by-side on a multi-ganged wall switch panel
· One problem I encountered is that even though I ordered the largest ring size (12), it won’t fit past my knuckle. I’m now wearing it like this:
Bonus- My Enhancements:
Although the Lotus Ring system is designed for a Use Case for those who have no smart home system, Wi-Fi, or Internet, I decided to expand the Use Case into the area where an older person might already have a smart home and wants a way to have smart switches without doing any electrical work. This problem may be due to a lack of skill or because it’s a rental property. I found that Lotus Ring Switch Covers were easier to install and quieter than other brands of motorized switch covers.
I really like how the Lotus Ring is magnetically-charged and that the Lotus Ring orientation doesn’t matter. I decided to extend “magnetic-charging” to the Lotus Switch Covers by adding a USB C Magnetic Adapter. This allows a user with dexterity issues to easily attach the power cord.
I used my Lotus Ring to “train” a YoLink IR blaster and was then able to use simple YoLink automations and scenes to perform these functions:
· Turn on the entry light switch from dusk to dawn (Useful for security purposes)
· Turn on the bathroom fan or closet light based on motion detection (Handy if I’m not wearing the Lotus Ring)
· Use a Remote button to control Lotus Switch Covers (Even in a different room where the Lotus Ring IR wouldn’t reach)
· Use a voice assistant for those who have dexterity issues with the Lotus Ring:
o Use an Amazon Echo Routine to run a YoLink Scene that toggles the Lotus Switch Cover
o Use an Apple iOS Shortcut to trigger an IFTTT applet to run a YoLink Scene
I chose the YoLink system for these reasons:
· LoRa wireless does not require Wi-Fi
· YoLink Hub 3 has $7/month cellular service for homes without an Internet connection
· Battery-powered IR blaster allows mounting in a convenient location
o Use a light switch plate adapter for mounting without wall screws or wall adhesive
· YoLink SpeakerHub could be helpful to low-vision users who need to hear that a command has been issued
o “Nighttime entry lighting turned on/off”
o “Bathroom fan turned off” when they issue a command from their couch button
Note: If you’d like more details on the YoLink cellular service hub, see Article# 32 “How to be Notified of Events or a Power Outage at a Remote Home”
Watch for future articles showing how to implement these enhancements.