Help with basic lighting automation

[raz1888]

Hi guys,

I have finally finished decorating my bedroom, wall mounted my tv all is looking good. I have left the lighting till the end as im not too clued up on automating things. Basically i have 4 GU10 led spotlights currently controlled by your basic on/off switch. I wanted to replace this with a rf dimmer and also alongside the tv i have 2 free standing lamps and dioder led lights from ikea behind the lcd tv i was wanting to be able to turn these on and off remotely too. Any help and suggestions on equipment i need would be much appreciated guys

[byronsp]

Hi - am looking into this and although not bought anything - this from B&Q seems to be getting good reviews and it will do plugs etc. 1 channel Dimmer is about £20 and you can buy 3 plus sockets plus remote for £20.

http://www.homeeasy.eu/product2.php

[raz1888]

I had a look at the b&q stuff earlier today i was wanting to get some advice before buying anything as im looking at one of the logitech harmony remotes to control everything in my room and im sure i seen thread in here saying the b&q stuff isnt compatible with any harmony thought not 100% on that

[neilball]

The only kit that was compatible with Logitech RF remotes was z-wave kit which is difficult to find in the UK. You may be better off looking for IR controlled dimmers instead.

[raz1888]

I had a look about the lets automate website and noticed that they sell some z wave modules which would probably do and i presume a varilight dimmer would work with harmony remote. Only snag is the 895 is almost 300 bucks which is a bit above what i budgeted for a remote. Anyone else have any suggestions on anything slightly cheaper which would work lights and lamps as mentioned above

[neilball]

You can get the 895 much cheaper if you don't mind a european model rather than a UK unit - the only difference is the plugs are 2-pin euro rather than 3-pin UK and easily sorted with adapters. If you order from the likes of Komplett (I got mine from them nearly 2 years ago) then you should receive the adapters FOC.

[raz1888]

Had a look around and i think x10 starter kit and a varilight dimmer would be best option. Can anyone confirm that that the logitech harmony 885 remote can control the x10 modules and varilight dimmer thanks.

[neilball]

If you get an IR-X10 interface then the 885 can control X10. I assume the Varilight dimmer has IR built in so again as long as it has line of site between 895 and dimmer switch then it will work fine.