I have a halogen (five-bulb x 50 watt, GU10) overhead light fixture in my bath which i’d like to be able to control from the bathtub. I’d like to be able to dim, but i’d settle for on/off control. Is there anything like “The Clapper” that fits in a outlet or switch box, so that i could manage light output with sound?
Second choice: I’ve seen Lutron remote controls at HD for about $40. I could mount the remote on the wall above the tub so i don’t lose it or drown it, but i’m concerned it would be adversely affected by the humidity and heat…comments on that? Are these gizmos reliable?
Another thing i’ve wondered…what happens to a person in a tub when batteries are added?
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If you don't drop the remote in the water it should be OK.
And if you do drop it in the water it might not be good for the remote, but no safety problem.
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Thanks for the safety reassurance. I didn't want to find out if the thing exploded or whatever.
check out http://www.smarthome.com
They have a ton of remote switches
Wow, what a useful site! I'm all over it....thx!
I think the Clapper now has a remote !!!
go figure,
my first thought, the remote makes a clapping noise.....
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, wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?
I also found software that will allow me to verbally command my computer, even from far away, to manage my lighting, which has to be hooked up to the computer, of course. Now that'd be slick if i could just yell at my office to dim the lights if i weren't so sure all that complexity would end in tears. <G>
I also found on your site a small remote switch that wires inside the lamp fixture instead of replacing the switch, but it still requires a remote. I guess one keeps one's decor then instead of having switches that guests can't figure out without the manual.
I also realized i could just get the Clapper plug-in and run a wall-hung reading lamp or torchiere off that instead of using the overhead light for reading. That or the Lutron remote, if it doesn't rust in place.
This is my Christmas present to me. I used to have to traipse across the floor, shut the light, then rinse my dog-hairy feet off in the toilet in the dark before returning to the tub. There's a mood-breaker...
Some of the "remotes" are make like swiches and just mount on the wall.I keep trying to figure the right way to bring in certain "motor drive appliacnes" used for personal satisfaction into this conversation, but can' find the way to do it..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Careful...those kinds of insinuations are best left to a 'pro'. <G>
In the meantime, you could school James above on the Insteon/X10 thing. I was reading about it and am as lost as a lamb myself...
Well, I was going to make one of those salacious remarks, but modesty got the better of me :)You might try this for a primer on X10 -- http://www.brooklynrowhouse.com/x10/page1This guy has a blog on renovating his brownstone in Brooklyn, and is a fan of X10 to say the least.Best wishes for a happy new year!Steve
'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb
He likes wireless, but he's not exactly a fan of X10. He said Insteon with peer-2-peer technology (i can't believe i actually understand this now) was better bec the more of it you install the better it works. He also cautioned that X10 devices started breaking down in warm, humid conditions. Aha! Good to know for my app, so thanks for that link, Steve. I bookmarked it to come back to for enjoyment as it's quite well-written.
Ah, sorry, I'll blame that bit of misinformation on my flu. Glad it got you headed in the right direction, though.And, you should certainly browse around his site. I found it one of the more entertaining house blogs, and he's done some beautiful work there.'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb
I stayed up all night reading his site...inspiring!
good lord girl, how about some shower shoes or cheapo slippers...:).
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., wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?
then rinse my dog-hairy feet off
Ah, you could add a cat litter box "paw cleaning" mat to the bathroom floor decor. Not necessarily ideal, but not adding stray fur to one's ofuro often worth the least bit of declassè.
Not sure what it would take to get the electrical BI to sign off on a switch "inside" of tub/bath enclosure area--might be worth asking.
X10 would seem like a spiffy solution--stick on or remotes having only 1.5VDC on board. Remote likely a better answer, if only for the "keychain" attachment point allowing a person to tie off the switch--say from a loop off the shower rod or a handy robe hook--keeping it out of harms way.
The Lutron smart dimmer, even at $30, might not be too bad either, one of its options is "ramp down to off"--but, I've never installed one in a bathroom. Regular 'sliders' ceratainly; personal preference split between separate 'set dim' and 'on/off' and 'single control' dimmers. Neither seem to develop hums or buzzes in service (at least with incandescent lamps). Design-wise, I can think of nothing better than designing lamp wattage for bright-enough-to-clean-by and using that dimmer to 'run' less wattage on an as-needed basis.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Code doesn't allow a 110V. switch where you can reach it from the tub. I don't recall the exact wording, but that's the gist of it. Frankly, i don't want it closer than that, either.
The X10 type remote got a back rap for hot, humid locations from the reviewer FatRoman linked, so i'll find one in town with the other technology or order from Smart Home.
Anyway, thanks to all youse guys, i'm more confident about both what's available and what works...besides cat boxes (?!?) and wet slippers. Eeeuuuww!
are you going back to Evergreen Oak ?.
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., wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?
Evergreen Oak? No comprendo...<google, google, google>This one? http://www.evergreenoak.com/ Not that i comprendo any more than i did...
oops I meant Evergreen Oak / Crest Lighting...in Lisle.
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.double ooooops, I have my women mixed up. I thought you were plantlust never mind. wer ist jetzt der Idiot ? Edited 1/2/2008 7:33 am by maddog3
Edited 1/2/2008 8:52 am by maddog3
All us Internet women look alike... <G>
hehehe, my apologies... you sounded taller :).
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besides cat boxes (?!?)
Not the box, but a mat to go in front of one. They are of a synthetic material, with "fingers" pointing up. Creatures walking across the mat have hairs and the like "stick" to the fingers and not the feet of the trodders.
They make vinyl "shedding brushes" of similar design for dogs (and those work quite well, too).Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
I'll keep an eye out...i confess i haven't noticed them in the pet stores.
For five cats i have this mondo litter box, which means they can really wind up and fling grit clear across the bathroom. I've bought covered ones, but the attachment clips break off bec i have to clean it so often. Ah, well...what brooms are made for...
which means they can really wind up and fling grit clear across the bathroom
LoL!
Well, for litter boxes, they are (or can be) rubbish--good (cheap) door mat will 'catch' more "tracked out" litter than the made-to-order mats. But, those mats do collect hair, which can be useful.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
I don't want to hi-jack a thread, so I'll state my business (questions) and if you guys think I should move it to another thread, I will.
Just in the last week or so, I've been looking into more of the home automation thing. 2 separate issues going on.
1) (this is the more time sensitive issue) I've got an aunt who has suddenly found herself on her own (uncle passed away), and for "peace of mind's" sake, she wants to add a couple more lights outside in the yard, on the barn, etc. These would be in addition to what's already out there. The problem is, the power, and the current lights are controlled from switches both inside and outside the barn. My aunt wants additional lights and to be able to control those from inside the house also (she does not want to have to go outside at 2 am to turn on a light if she hears something, and I don't want her to either!).
2) I've been looking into this stuff for general info including home automation, remote lighting, lighting "modes", alarm and surveillance cameras, home theater, remote access from the internet, etc.
I was looking at Smarthome's site the other day and read a comparison on the different technologies out there (Insteon, X-10, Zigbee, Z-wave, etc). From my limited and brief research, it seems Insteon is the better "current" and possibly "future" foundation to start from scratch with. It also looks like it is compatible (almost fully ) with X-10.
Do any of you have a experience and/or a preference on these, or is this something I should look elsewhere for? Again, if I should move this to a new thread, I will.
James
ps, here's a link to a comparison chart on Smarthome's site comparing the different technologies.
http://www.smarthome.com/INSTEON_comparison.html
James, did you see this?
http://www.smarthome.com/2251ac.html
I'm a rank amateur electrician, but it looks to be wired in at the fixture, then controlled by a remote. If you can get power to the fixture, it'll save having to run line for the switch back to the house from the barn. If the signal is powerful enough to go the distance, that is.
I was thinking of using this for a remote-controlled carport light as i drive up to my house in the dark - just keep a remote in the glove box.
I had not seen this particular device, or maybe I did and just don't remember. I've seen so many of these the last few days I'm not sure what is what right now....thanks for the product link though. As far as wiring the lights, we definitely want to set it up remotely if possible/feasible given distance, signal quality, reliability (are these reliable outdoors??...yes I have plenty of research to do), and cost.
I have never worked with any of thsoe systems, but I can give an detailed information.But that device that you suggested is a dimming module. It won't work with sodium vapor lights and they don't spec the wattage so it might not work with the higher power halogens.But there are relay device such as this one.http://www.smarthome.com/2250.htmlBut I did find this for comparing the different types of systems.http://www.smarthome.com/INSTEON_comparison.html?int_cid=mp01-0004For your car port lights you can also use the Insteon/x10 system with a motion sensor to turn them on and a inside switch to turn them on/off..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
The difference between your first link and mine seems to be dimming capability. Yours is only on/off, but it can switch fluourescents on that account.
The second link makes it seem pretty clear that Insteon is the way to go. I also read that there's a delay time with X10 of a second or two, whereas Insteon gives immediate response.
Probably more than i need to know to switch my bath light, but interesting stuff, for sure.
James - Lutron Radio Ra will work providing the distance isn't too great - limited to 90-100 feet without a repeater.
http://www.lutron.com/radiora/ra_faq.asp#Q11
Jeff
Edited 1/1/2008 10:14 pm ET by Jeff_Clarke
Jeff,Thanks for the link. The FAQ, I found interesting, especially the info regarding some of the stereo, home theater, etc remote controls that by themselves, may be able to "learn" to control the switches and dimmers.They've also got some pretty decent packages that gives one some good ideas about stuff to do. Thanks,
James
No problem - I have RadioRa in my house.
Jeff
Sort of on-topic but you might have gotten more response with a new post.