I like automation, but I prefer things to run independently if possible.

One way to do this is via clocks and timers.

  1. what is this type of automation called? What keywords can I combine to find these tools?

  2. if I want power to be cut by time automatically, is there a gang extension cable I can get to do this?

  3. I want to set my lights to a timer. I couldn’t find a manual timer, so I had to get an IoT timer instead. Since I cheaped out with some rubbish Chinese switch, it was a pain to setup. Anything easier to set a 24hr cycle for?

Thanks!

  • @TheInsane42English
    1•1 year ago

    I’m using Domoticz with a donated rflink and kaku outlet adapters. (old and new mixed, have impuls units unused as spare) Each outlet is linked with 1 system remote and the rflink, so I can switch them either manually or automated. 1 set is grouped on a remote, but each has the rflink as unique device. That way I can switch each one on and off individually or via a scene in domoticz (on is either timed based on sun down or a fixed time, whichever one comes 1st, off is a fixed time, usually past our bedtime) or use the programmed remote to switch them manually.

    As an IT specialist, I assume everything will fail when you need it, so I have backup.

    BTW the kaku system (new) has a remote with timer option that can switch 16 codes on or off at specified times. No need for a computer that way. (but less fun for an IT guy)

    • @MoskusMEnglish
      1•1 year ago

      I’d go for a more advanced system, at least if it’s a little more than an outlet or two. It can still run offline. O ce installed, you can deny HomeSeer or Home Assistant access to the internett.

      Much easier to handleand easier to expand.

      • @Windex007English
        1•1 year ago

        I also would go for a more advanced system… But OP seems to be explicitly saying they want to avoid that.

        And although it isn’t MY preferred approach, I can respect that they want to go in another direction. I’m not stackOverflow

        • @MoskusMEnglish
          1•1 year ago

          Yes, I agree with you. Your solution answers OPs question. However, sometimes the question does not cover the problem completely.

          As long people know what they want, it’s easier. But that’s not always the case.

  • @[email protected]English
    1•1 year ago

    I have a bunch of these in my house: Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A: https://a.co/d/iLhmDDu

    Their app is really simple. Each switch has independent schedule and timer options. You connect via WiFi.

    I also control them with HomeAssistant if I want more coordinated control, and you can do that at the same time as using the native app to manage them, so free to use whatever works best for you.

  • @AA5BEnglish
    1•1 year ago

    I really don’t understand much of what you’re trying to say, but

    • try searching for “programmable switches”. I have several in my house, where you can set a timer on the switch and it’s all self-contained.

    • maybe you’re thinking of “automation” wrongly. I agree that things should still work locally as expected but there’s plenty of opportunity to add automation

    For example, I believe there are programmable smart switches that do keep their schedule locally but you can much more easily configure it from your phone or computer, plus synch time, plus the extra capabilities of automation