Philips Hue WiFi lighting set up - what do you have?

eamondunphy · 02-01-2018 4:53pm

Has anyone any good apps for the Philips motion sensors, I'm trying to get the sensor to do separate things to the bedroom and the en suite but the functionality isn't there on the Philips app. Any good 3rd party apps?

AndyBoBandy · 02-01-2018 5:30pm

eamondunphy wrote: »

Has anyone any good apps for the Philips motion sensors, I'm trying to get the sensor to do separate things to the bedroom and the en suite but the functionality isn't there on the Philips app. Any good 3rd party apps?

A lot of people say good things about iConnectHue

I don't have it myself, but I believe it does what your looking for.

The high horse brigade · 02-01-2018 6:42pm

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

A lot of people say good things about iConnectHue

I don't have it myself, but I believe it does what your looking for.

It's an Apple only app. I'm in the same boat, I want to add a timer to a dimmer switch action. I've tried all4hue on Android but it doesn't give me any options to modify dimmer switch.

eamondunphy · 02-01-2018 9:11pm

i'm on android so unfortunately iconnecthue isnt available to me, was hoping there was a good 3rd party app that would have more functionality as i find the sensors limited as they currently are

bk · 02-01-2018 9:30pm

Maybe you guys have a family or friend with an iOS device that you can temporarily use. Also don't forget iPad will work too.

AndyBoBandy · 10-01-2018 8:00am

There are now some good formulas in Hue Labs that solve the problem of sensors overriding scenes that you already have running in a room (turning lights off 5/10/20 minutes after detecting no motion)

You can have snooze periods for the sensors (where they become inactive), you can also have lights return to the previous scene as opposed to turning them off when no motion is detected. And you can set up weekends where the sensors react differently on days you designate as weekend days.

The Hue Labs is the test bed for beta testing of new features, but it’s available to all from within the main Hue App.
Usually after some time, the good features are added to the main app.

There’s also huge updates available for all bulbs to bring them up to Hue Entertainment spec/speed. I updated 39 of 49 bulbs yesterday and it took about 24 hours for all the updates to download (after it had shown the bulbs were updated). I started updating another 4 bulbs this morning and it’s at about 90 minutes and counting for the downloading to finish!

Yamanoto · 10-01-2018 9:55pm

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

There’s also huge updates available for all bulbs to bring them up to Hue Entertainment spec/speed. I updated 39 of 49 bulbs yesterday and it took about 24 hours for all the updates to download (after it had shown the bulbs were updated). I started updating another 4 bulbs this morning and it’s at about 90 minutes and counting for the downloading to finish!

Is there a way to manually push that update? Hue app is telling me no updates are available.

micks_address · 10-01-2018 10:59pm

Yamanoto wrote: »

Is there a way to manually push that update? Hue app is telling me no updates are available.

Hi folks,
I asked this in the Google home thread but might get answer here. Do you need the hue hub to control hue bulbs via Google home?
Thanks
Mick

wingnut32 · 10-01-2018 11:08pm

I am thinking about adding another two hue spots for the hallway. The only problem is they are an MR16 connection. Will a simple MR16 to GU10 adapter do the trick or will they have to be rewired?

RobbieTheRobber · 10-01-2018 11:54pm

micks_address wrote: »

Hi folks,
I asked this in the Google home thread but might get answer here. Do you need the hue hub to control hue bulbs via Google home?
Thanks
Mick

Yes you will need a hue hub to control the bulbs.

nialldinho · 16-01-2018 2:29pm

What bulbs/fittings do people have in their bathrooms?

I like the idea of the motion sensor there but we only have one of these 4-pin fluorescent fittings.

AndyBoBandy · 16-01-2018 2:31pm

nialldinho wrote: »

What bulbs/fittings do people have in their bathrooms?

I like the idea of the motion sensor there but we only have one of these 4-pin fluorescent fittings.

My bathroom & Ensuite have these Ikea ones installed since we moved in, they take 1 E27 bulb, and I have a colour Hue bulb in each one.

Both rooms will probably need renovating in the next 2/3 years, and at that point, I'd probably like to put spots in each one, 4/5 in the bathroom and 2/3 in the ensuite.

copacetic · 17-01-2018 4:56pm

I have 4 bathroom gu10 type fittings with the Osram lightify gu10s in them. Fiddly with the fan to be leaving them powered for control and they don’t play very well with the hue control and sensor. So just have them currently as dumb lights, have the same gu10 lightify in kitchen, utility and downstairs loo.

Stoner · 18-01-2018 7:15am

wingnut32 wrote:

I am thinking about adding another two hue spots for the hallway. The only problem is they are an MR16 connection. Will a simple MR16 to GU10 adapter do the trick or will they have to be rewired?

Rewired and removal of the transformer is required

AndyBoBandy · 18-01-2018 7:23am

As Stoner says, you’ll need to swap the MR16 for a GU10 connecter, the actual fitting that holds the bulb should still hold a GU10 bulb.

I had to do it in my kitchen when I installed 10 GU10’s

Bought 10 fittings on eBay for about €3, and 1 by 1 swapped them with the GU5 (in my case), while also removing the individual transformers at each fitting.

Each one takes about 3/4 minutes to do.

bk · 18-01-2018 11:15am

Yes, most of the light fittings in my apartment were originally MR16's, changed them all out for GU10's.

Relatively straight forward job, as always take the usual precautions with electricity.

I was actually delighted to get rid of the MR16's, they were such a headache having to frequently change bulbs (like every 6 months or so!) and burned out transformers were a real pain to change.

ctlsleh · 21-01-2018 6:32pm

To the Hue experts out there, I was looking a GU10 models and there seems to be two different White ambiance versions, a 5.5W and a 6.5W.........can anyone tell me what that equates to in a normal build?

Also, the 6.5 looks larger than the 5.5, almost like it would protrude from a normal GU10 fitting, can anyone help me understand that?

I’m thinking of installing them in a ceiling, so wouldn’t want them protruding at the same time, I’d want as much light as possible.

They are also going into a kitchen, so don’t want them as spots, want as wide angle as possible beam from them, is that possible and what’s people’s experince with them from that perspective?

Thanks in advance for the feedback

micks_address · 21-01-2018 6:39pm

Hi folks,
Which of the hue setups would you recommend to replace a corner lamp in a room?
Thanks,
Mick

The high horse brigade · 21-01-2018 6:45pm

micks_address wrote: »

Hi folks,
Which of the hue setups would you recommend to replace a corner lamp in a room?
Thanks,
Mick

What bulb does the lamp take?

micks_address · 21-01-2018 6:53pm

The high horse brigade wrote: »

What bulb does the lamp take?

https://www.woodies.ie/philips-plusline-240w-bulb-1061883

That shape... Thinking of replacing the lamp altogether.. Would the hue go give enough light?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00TPKQ6DG/ref=pd_gwm_simh_0?pf_rd_p=65b7e0dd-f899-4e87-9d0f-a0838e16bb6c&pf_rd_s=blackjack-personal-1&pf_rd_t=Gateway&pf_rd_i=mobile&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=K6HGAM7R3KMRQWDRGPJ6&pd_rd_wg=8Z6Rq&pd_rd_r=K6HGAM7R3KMRQWDRGPJ6&pf_rd_r=K6HGAM7R3KMRQWDRGPJ6&pf_rd_p=65b7e0dd-f899-4e87-9d0f-a0838e16bb6c&pd_rd_w=lHQte&pd_rd_i=B00TPKQ6DG

AndyBoBandy · 21-01-2018 6:53pm

ctlsleh wrote: »

To the Hue experts out there, I was looking a GU10 models and there seems to be two different White ambiance versions, a 5.5W and a 6.5W.........can anyone tell me what that equates to in a normal build?

Also, the 6.5 looks larger than the 5.5, almost like it would protrude from a normal GU10 fitting, can anyone help me understand that?

I’m thinking of installing them in a ceiling, so wouldn’t want them protruding at the same time, I’d want as much light as possible.

They are also going into a kitchen, so don’t want them as spots, want as wide angle as possible beam from them, is that possible and what’s people’s experince with them from that perspective?

Thanks in advance for the feedback

There are only 2 types of Hue GU10

White ambiance & colour ambiance.
The colour version is a lot larger than a standard size GU10, but the white ambiance version is similar in size to a regular size GU10.

The colour GU10 will fit into the type of fitting that comes in 2 parts, but will not fit into the enclosed ‘top hat’ type fitting

The attached photo is a colour Hue GU10, and the type of fitting it will fit into

AndyBoBandy · 21-01-2018 6:57pm

Heres the photo

ctlsleh · 21-01-2018 6:57pm

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

ctlsleh wrote: »

To the Hue experts out there, I was looking a GU10 models and there seems to be two different White ambiance versions, a 5.5W and a 6.5W.........can anyone tell me what that equates to in a normal build?

Also, the 6.5 looks larger than the 5.5, almost like it would protrude from a normal GU10 fitting, can anyone help me understand that?

I’m thinking of installing them in a ceiling, so wouldn’t want them protruding at the same time, I’d want as much light as possible.

They are also going into a kitchen, so don’t want them as spots, want as wide angle as possible beam from them, is that possible and what’s people’s experince with them from that perspective?

Thanks in advance for the feedback

There are only 2 types of Hue GU10

White ambiance & colour ambiance.
The colour version is a lot larger than a standard size GU10, but the white ambiance version is similar in size to a regular size GU10.

The colour GU10 will fit into the type of fitting that comes in 2 parts, but will not fit into the enclosed ‘top hat’ type fitting

The attached photo is a colour Hue GU10, and the type of fitting it will fit into

Thanks AndyBo,

Can you post that pic of send me a PM, on the fittings?
I’m not sure what type I have, they are in the ceiling for the last 18years......:)
Not sure what a Top Hat or two part is.....?

AndyBoBandy · 21-01-2018 7:02pm

ctlsleh wrote: »

Thanks AndyBo,

Can you post that pic of send me a PM, on the fittings?
I’m not sure what type I have, they are in the ceiling for the last 18years......:)
Not sure what a Top Hat or two part is.....?

This type will hold the colour GU10 (providing there is enough space in the ceiling cavity (which there would be)) I have 10 of these in my kitchen holding colour GU10's, and 4 on my Landing holding White Ambiance GU10's

This is the 'top hat' style fitting that wont fit a colour Hue GU10, but will fit a White Ambiance Hue GU10 - I've 6 of these in my attic holding White Ambiance GU10's
2375.1.jpg

bk · 21-01-2018 7:03pm

ctlsleh wrote: »

To the Hue experts out there, I was looking a GU10 models and there seems to be two different White ambiance versions, a 5.5W and a 6.5W.........can anyone tell me what that equates to in a normal build?

I think there is only one White Ambiance, a 5.5w, I think the other one is the Colour + White Ambiance which goes up to 6.5w.

Note the 6.5w supports full colours in addition to the white ambiance. So it can do red, green, etc. in addition to the different whites.

ctlsleh wrote: »

Also, the 6.5 looks larger than the 5.5, almost like it would protrude from a normal GU10 fitting, can anyone help me understand that?

Yes, the colour one is larger, probably because it needs three LED's to generate the different colours.

I've both the colour in my living room and white ambiance in the bathroom. Both fit fine in my fittings, but that may not be the case for everyone. I do prefer the colour, they seem to go brighter, but then they are a lot more expensive too.

EDIT: Beaten too it

AndyBoBandy · 21-01-2018 7:06pm

bk wrote: »

I do prefer the colour, they seem to go brighter, but then they are a lot more expensive too

They are very cheap right now on Amazon - £36.99

bk · 21-01-2018 7:09pm

micks_address wrote: »

https://www.woodies.ie/philips-plusline-240w-bulb-1061883

That shape... Thinking of replacing the lamp altogether.. Would the hue go give enough light?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00TPKQ6DG/ref=pd_gwm_simh_0?pf_rd_p=65b7e0dd-f899-4e87-9d0f-a0838e16bb6c&pf_rd_s=blackjack-personal-1&pf_rd_t=Gateway&pf_rd_i=mobile&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=K6HGAM7R3KMRQWDRGPJ6&pd_rd_wg=8Z6Rq&pd_rd_r=K6HGAM7R3KMRQWDRGPJ6&pf_rd_r=K6HGAM7R3KMRQWDRGPJ6&pf_rd_p=65b7e0dd-f899-4e87-9d0f-a0838e16bb6c&pd_rd_w=lHQte&pd_rd_i=B00TPKQ6DG

Massive difference in light output, the 240w bulb is 2,000 lumen, the Hue Go just 300 lumen.

You would need to replace it with two full size Philips Hue Bulbs, they are about 950 lumen, to get an equivalent brightness.

But then there can be the issue if that 240w bulb in a shade, thus you aren't really getting that level of brightness.

BTW that bulb is using massive amounts of electricity. You will save a lot my going LED. Two Hue bulbs will be less then 20w, more then a 10 times reduction.

bk · 21-01-2018 7:14pm

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

They are very cheap right now on Amazon - £36.99

Haha, don't tempt me. :P What I have will do fine for now.

To be honest it is more just getting use to it.

I went from crappy 50w MR16's to 7w LED GU10's which were way brighter. I thought too bright initially, but then got use to it. Then I switched to the Hue lights and I thought they were a little on the soft side, though I suspect they are still brighter then the MR16's.

AndyBoBandy · 21-01-2018 7:21pm

Here is a photo of a Hue Colour Ambiance, beside a White Ambiance, beside 2 regular LED GU10 bulbs,

As can be seen, the Hue Colour Ambiance is much larger than the other 3, the Hue White Ambiance is almost identical to a regular LED GU10

micks_address · 21-01-2018 7:29pm

bk wrote: »

Massive difference in light output, the 240w bulb is 2,000 lumen, the Hue Go just 300 lumen.

You would need to replace it with two full size Philips Hue Bulbs, they are about 950 lumen, to get an equivalent brightness.

But then there can be the issue if that 240w bulb in a shade, thus you aren't really getting that level of brightness.

BTW that bulb is using massive amounts of electricity. You will save a lot my going LED. Two Hue bulbs will be less then 20w, more then a 10 times reduction.

We always have it dimmed. Probably 30% of its output

bk · 21-01-2018 7:35pm

micks_address wrote: »

We always have it dimmed. Probably 30% of its output

That would still be 600 lumens or double the Hue Go.

Why not try it if you like it? Just buy it from a place with an easy returns policy and return it if it doesn't suit.

BTW a lot of this light stuff can be personal preference, so a good idea to try and see for yourself.

AndyBoBandy · 21-01-2018 7:35pm

micks_address wrote: »

We always have it dimmed. Probably 30% of its output

The longevity of the Hue Go’s supposedly isn’t great as the battery will eventually die.

My own preference would be to always install a light/fitting of my choosing, and simply install a Hue bulb into it. That way you have all the function of Hue, yet all the individuality of your own personal fittings.

ctlsleh · 21-01-2018 7:36pm

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

This type will hold the colour GU10 (providing there is enough space in the ceiling cavity (which there would be)) I have 10 of these in my kitchen holding colour GU10's, and 4 on my Landing holding White Ambiance GU10's

This is the 'top hat' style fitting that wont fit a colour Hue GU10, but will fit a White Ambiance Hue GU10 - I've 6 of these in my attic holding White Ambiance GU10's

i guess mine if the top hat then.......

Stoner · 21-01-2018 7:36pm

AndyBoBandy wrote:

This is the 'top hat' style fitting that wont fit a colour Hue GU10, but will fit a White Ambiance Hue GU10 - I've 6 of these in my attic holding White Ambiance GU10's

There are no issues getting enclosed fittings to hold longer than "normal" gu10 fittings.

I have fittings that are not only enclosed, but the chamber is insulated and they have heatsinks and cages that allow the insulation to be pulled right up to the fitting.

There is a led sticky on the electrical forum. There's a few posts on these fittings.

Thing is people don't want to spend more than 10 euro on a fitting.

They end up with a 50 euro lamp in an open back fitting with no fire rating and let's the air wizz into rooms

You'd need to spend about 25 euro a fitting.

To win work the fittings in most houses cost the electrician about 4 euro and are fit for the bin.

AndyBoBandy · 21-01-2018 7:37pm

ctlsleh wrote: »

i guess mine if the top hat then.......

No, it looks like that fitting is a 2 part set up.

Part 1 holds the bulb

Part 2 connects to the bulb via a flexible power cable, so I’d say you’d fit the colour GU10’s in there if you wanted.

micks_address · 21-01-2018 7:45pm

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

The longevity of the Hue Go’s supposedly isn’t great as the battery will eventually die.

My own preference would be to always install a light/fitting of my choosing, and simply install a Hue bulb into it. That way you have all the function of Hue, yet all the individuality of your own personal fittings.

We have a five bulb chandelier in the room and I put white hue lights in it. Kinda sorry didn't go for the ambience or coloured bulbs. Might not need the lamp with them. Used to find old incandescent bulbs buzzed when dimmed.. Hue doesn't at all. Wife very sense to light so the colour temp option is nicer to have. Of anyone fancies five white bulbs let me know as may swap them out.

AndyBoBandy · 21-01-2018 7:47pm

Most of the white only bulbs I’ve had have all been swapped out for colours over the last few years, only still have 2 in outside lights and 2 in the attic guest room, every other of my 45+ bulbs are either colour or White Ambiance (GU10’s).

ctlsleh · 21-01-2018 7:55pm

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

No, it looks like that fitting is a 2 part set up.

Part 1 holds the bulb

Part 2 connects to the bulb via a flexible power cable, so I’d say you’d fit the colour GU10’s in there if you wanted.

heres a better pic, maybe i can screw off the black part and fit it in?

thanks for all the feedback

AndyBoBandy · 21-01-2018 7:59pm

ctlsleh wrote: »

heres a better pic, maybe i can screw off the black part and fit it in?

thanks for all the feedback

Yeah, looks like your fitting is restricted in terms of size, but as you say, you could unscrew the back holder to allow a larger bulb fit in.

Or you could easily replace the fitting for the one i linked to above.

Do you know any electricians that could advise you as, you’d always want to ensure what you do is completely safe.

Caillte · 23-01-2018 8:50pm

micks_address wrote: »

We have a five bulb chandelier in the room and I put white hue lights in it. Kinda sorry didn't go for the ambience or coloured bulbs. Might not need the lamp with them. Used to find old incandescent bulbs buzzed when dimmed.. Hue doesn't at all. Wife very sense to light so the colour temp option is nicer to have. Of anyone fancies five white bulbs let me know as may swap them out.

Mick,

Are these e14 type?

micks_address · 23-01-2018 8:53pm

Caillte wrote: »

Mick,

Are these e14 type?

No b22

AndyBoBandy · 23-01-2018 8:53pm

Caillte wrote: »

Mick,

Are these e14 type?

White only Hue lights currently only come in B22 & E27

E14 only come in White Ambiance & White & Colour Ambiance.

I’m surprised they haven’t released a White Only E14!

micks_address · 23-01-2018 8:56pm

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

White only Hue lights currently only come in B22 & E27

E14 only come in White Ambiance & White & Colour Ambiance.

I’m surprised they haven’t released a White Only E14!

I'm trying to decide if I should go for white ambience or colour

AndyBoBandy · 23-01-2018 9:01pm

micks_address wrote: »

I'm trying to decide if I should go for white ambience or colour

Just get the colour now and bypass the white ambiance.

You’ll eventually just want colour anyway!!

The only White Ambiane I still have/use are 4 spots on the landing, and 6 spots in the attic. But putting colour in there would just be silly (although the low price of £36 per colour GU10 is rather tempting)

micks_address · 23-01-2018 9:01pm

micks_address wrote: »

I'm trying to decide if I should go for white ambience or colour

The colours are about 20 euro more expensive than the ambience.. The main thing I want to upgrade for is different colour temps for more relaxed lighting etc.. Not sure if colour would just be for novelty

AndyBoBandy · 23-01-2018 9:05pm

micks_address wrote: »

The colours are about 20 euro more expensive than the ambience.. The main thing I want to upgrade for is different colour temps for more relaxed lighting etc.. Not sure if colour would just be for novelty

You’ll be having a bit of a soirée some day, and will kick yourself that you didn’t plump for the colour bulbs!!

All in I have around 30 various colour bulbs (B22, E27, E14, Strips & Blooms)

irelandrover · 23-01-2018 9:40pm

I got some white only initially and I eventually replaced them with colour. I use the color quite a bit. Red lights for night lights. Different colors when watching movies. I find them great.

I wouldn't miss them if I never had them, but I did use them a lot

irishproduce · 23-01-2018 11:26pm

@ Those with the switch, can a switch only be paired to one grouping of bulbs or one bulb? i.e one room or scene?

Like if I had a switch, and pressed dim, would it dim all the bulbs that it is programmed to control or is there a way to switch between rooms?
I see it mentioned having multiple switches so I assume each switch controls a different room/ setup

AndyBoBandy · 24-01-2018 1:36am

A Hue dimmer switch can be paired to up to 2 rooms, with however many lights are in each room.

mrcheez · 24-01-2018 1:02pm

Interesting, I received my electricity bill today for the first time since I plugged in all the "always-on" Hue lights in every room in my house and it's about 40% higher than normal (even comparing the last 3 years at this time of year).

€110 vs the usual €76

Philips Hue WiFi lighting set up - what do you have?

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