Smarthome

Being a little IT savvy, I researched abit on new tech . Back in early 2000, I studied on EIB system, which was an earlier technology for home automation, which is kinda PLC based and does not rely in the internet. This was a very expensive solution and only top tier hotels and offices were considering this option. Early brands were ABB and Siemens. There was an option where you can dial to your home and a few key notes can activate your devices at home.

Newer products such as Broadlink has made it cheaper and has integration with internet. This can be further linked with Voice devices such as Amazon Echo or Google Home.

First step was to replaced the switches for lamps that require automation. NOTE: There is a type that requires Neutral connection and also without. The apartments here do not have neutral connection at switches for lamps and hence I adopted Funry switches. The neutral connection is only at the end device such as the lamp.

The buttons are captive touch like modern smartphones and have a Radio Frequency option. I had to purchase an additional RF remote to program the switch. NOTE: 1 switch will require 2 channels . One for ON and one for OFF. In the case of the switch in image, 4 channels are required.

As a first step to easier lifestyle, lamps can now be toggled by using a handheld remote. As they are RF, no pointing or line of sight is required.

For the water heater, a different type of switch was required. eTouch is the brand. It has a higher ampere rating and a neutral connection was available. The programming principle is the same as Funry.

Next step is the Broadlink RM Pro+. This product can learn both Infra Red (IR) and RF. IR if placed correctly, can control TV On/Off, operations of Air Cons and the RF in my case controlled the Funry &eTouch switches. The RF distance has limitations and I have 2 of this in my place. The device requires internet (wifi) and also have a App on smartphone. Once programmed correctly, the RF remote that was used to program the switches will no longer be required. Your home can now be controlled via the App and can have programmable scenes and schedules. Example in my case, I have scheduled to turn on & off the water heater prior to me waking up in the morning leaving for work. The air cons are set to turn on a preset time, and 2 hours prior to waking up, it tuns to fan mode to save energy and subsequently switch off.

The last step was the Google Home Mini. I got quite a few of this for free thru my internet service package. I have this placed in a few key spots in my home. Not only Broadlink, but a few other devices such as Socket outlet switches by TP-link account can also be linked to the Google Home acct. In a few simple steps, you can have your own smart home too. I also have a Echo that works together as well. You will need to repeat the steps to link to Amazon as done on Google.