James Forde wrote: » Picked up a TP link plug today. Using it to schedule my dehumidifier to come on/off during the night. Very simple to set up and it's works with Google home which is great!
Mach Two wrote: » I am looking for a smart socket. Something that will switch on/off a socket remotely using mobile preferably. There seems to be so many gadgets out there that I don't know what does what.
Black_Knight wrote: » At their most basic, they allow you to turn on and off sockets remotely. This requires they are connected to the internet via a wireless signal. They usually allow you to set up scheduled on/off times and timers. More advanced smart sockets allow you to monitor energy usage in addition. Would a socket with a basic timer be as good so.
Mach Two wrote: » Would a socket with a basic timer be as good so.
bk wrote: » Depends what you are trying to do. If a simple schedule will do, that is fine. The advantage of these sort of plugs is that you can also control them if you are out and about from your phone. They can also do things like only start the schedule if you are actually out. If you are home, then they don't do the schedule. Plus setting them up via phone app just tends to be easier and easier to adjust (adjusting the schedule based on time of year, etc.). But then they are more expensive, so it depends really on what you want/need and willing to spend.
Mach Two wrote: » Should I be going down the Alexa/echo dot route to future proof.
Mach Two wrote: » If I am out of the country will the TP link plugs function remotely.
bk wrote: » Yes, as long as your mobile has a data signal, either 3G/4G roaming or connected to a hotel/cafe wifi, etc. That is an important use case for my Smart lights and IP cameras, to make the place look lived in and keep an eye on it remotely while abroad.
Kintarō Hattori wrote: » Folks, why do the Belkin Wemo's cost so much more than the likes of the TP Link plugs? I bought a TP Link HS100 last week and I'm wondering if I've bought into the wrong product. Thanks.
Black_Knight wrote: » Can't speak for the Wemo products, but what makes you think the HS100 is the wrong product? What are you trying to achieve with it?
Kintarō Hattori wrote: » Oh I'm still waiting on it to arrive so no complaints as such. We've a five month old daughter so the plan is to use this with an electric heater for set periods at night when it gets cold. So for example, it might come on at 3am for 20 minutes then turn off, on again at 4:30 for 20 mins. I know I won't need a complicated plug for that. I'm really just curious as to what's in the Wemo that it's twice the price.
dazberry wrote: » For something that like you need to check out that the plug can handle the load from the heater - both the TP Link and the Belkin plugs are rated to just 15A.
Kintarō Hattori wrote: » Folks, why do the Belkin Wemo's cost so much more than the likes of the TP Link plugs? I bought a TP Link HS100 last week and I'm wondering if I've bought into the wrong product.
Mach Two wrote: » Can you elaborate on your smart lights and IP cameras please.
bk wrote: » IP Cameras are just cameras which you can remotely view what is happening back at home. They can also usually notify you if they detect movement at home when you are out. There are many good options, I've a Logitech Circle camera.
bk wrote: » Yes the circles also make this clicking sound. It is when they are switching between night time mode. In my case it only seems to happen in the morning when it get bright, but obviously it may differ for you.
bk wrote: » Philips Hue Smart lights. They require a hub but are VERY good. Can be remotely controlled, set to come on based on timers, movement, sunset/sunrise timers, etc. They are LED lights that come in all the normal bulb sizes. Can come in white only, white ambiance and colour (can make your lights lots of interesting colours). Also come in various lamps, light strips, motion detectors, switches, etc. IP Cameras are just cameras which you can remotely view what is happening back at home. They can also usually notify you if they detect movement at home when you are out. There are many good options, I've a Logitech Circle camera.
Mach Two wrote: » When you say the Philips light requires a hub can you elaborate. Also which Logitech circle camera are you using and the approximate cost of same. I see there are motion detection cameras available. How reliable are they.
