What's a better way to control holiday lights *next* year?

[NeverDie]

This year I did it by adding to my regular z-wave setup, and so I'll be taking those nodes out soon. I'll bllink, a year will have passed, and then I'll be putting them in again.

This year I made the mistake of buying these to control the lighting:

I bought them because they have great range (better than anything else z-wave that I've tried). Incredibly, though, they don't support "scenes", so they can't be controlled by z-wave alone without homeseer intermediating. Not the end of the world, but disappointing.

Originally I had envisioned having a separate z-wave system control them, but then it wasn't obvious how to have the static controllers in my main system control the lights.

Anyhow, seems like there should be a better/faster way to set it all up next time.

[sparkman]

I use X-10 modules for my holiday lighting. It's basically the only thing I still use X-10 PLC for. Quick and easy set-up and tear-down. Having said that, I am in the process of converting most of my outlets to z-wave outlets, so for next year, I may just use them to control the holiday lighting.

Cheers
Al

[denisl]

I'm new here so maybe I'm missing some basics. I put my circuit feeding my outdoor outlets on an intermatic 3750. I also have a couple of micro switches controlling some outdoor light fixtures (installed in the attic). Lights go on 30mins after sunset and off at midnight. I use an event. Why would you (or I) tear this down every year? What does a "scene" provide that the event is lacking?

[Krameduoh]

I have 10 dedicated z-wave devices for Christmas that get packed up each year after the Holidays. I've tried several approaches over the years to save the events, node ID's, z-wave files, etc., for the following year - all to no solid, easy solution and a lot changes in a year.

In the end, I've found it easier to permanently label each device by name; "tree", "MBR window candle", "nativity", etc., then add those nodes into my Z-Wave network, write down the node ID and for each named device, create a group called Christmas, a couple of On/Off events for those nodes added to my existing sunset and retire events via the "run another event" and I'm done - about an hour of my time.

I know, it seems like more work, but actually, I've found it's a lot quicker than tinkering around with last year's idea's and solutions only to find that you don't quite remember what last years solution was.

[gmitch64]

I've found it easier to permanently label each device by name; "tree", "MBR window candle", "nativity", etc., then add those nodes into my Z-Wave network, write down the node ID and for each named device, create a group called Christmas, a couple of On/Off events for those nodes added to my existing sunset and retire events via the "run
another event" and I'm done - about an hour of my time.

That's pretty much what I have done, although I only have a couple of devices. The only issue with that, is that when you optimize the network, it complains that it can't communicate with the z-wave devices that are packed away (fair enough), so what i do, is leave them plugged in down in the basement, then re-optimize the network when I pack things up, and then again when I take things back out. Seems to have worked well the last couple of years.


G

[Rupp]

I replaced my outlets with the Z-Wave outlets where I wanted Z-Wave control of Christmas lights so they stay put permanently.

[Pete]

I use the old X-10 Black and Decker Freewire outdoor switches and indoor X-10 appliance and light switches all set to the same house code; easy peasy no work involved.

I test that they all go on at once outside with an old X-10 palm pad. They do fine.

[Steve Q]

Like Pete, I use x10 modules all on the same code. But I also have an outdoor outlet box controlled by an inline x10 module. That module is located in my electrical service panel. I also use in line modules to control my ceiling fans. I have found them to be extremely reliable. They are not as susceptible to interference by line noise.

Steve Q


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