INSTEON Wireless Mini Remote Single Button - Is it a rocker button?

[edokid]

Just wondering is the single button remote a rocker, like an actual switch?  Or is it just a large button?  Curious if it feels like a normal light switch or if it feels cheaper?

 

Also how do people mount these or other Remotelinc's in an existing wall box?  I'm ditching Lutron Caseta but have a ton of Pico remotes mounted over actual wall boxes that aren't in use (we have tons that are connected to wall outlets that I've permanently wired on, but put a Pico over top for 3 way and so on.)   I used Insteon years ago but I seem to remember the wall mounting kit being just to mount on a wall not a light box (and it wasn't very good quality either compared to the Lutron ones).  Or do most people just use a SwitchLinc wired to no load as an expensive 3 way switch?  Thanks!

 

Quick edit, by cheaper above I mean compared to the Pico remotes I always found the 4 button Remotelinc to feel cheaper, like it's hollow or lesser quality, where the Pico when mounted on the wall feels exactly like a Caseta dimmer to the point you forget which is the actual wired in switch.

[larryllix]

I use SwitchLinc Dimmers for any control usage. I use one pair, both with loads connected, for a three-way configuration done in ISY logic.

 

I have a few mini-remotes but do not use them since I have an Echo and a few Dots.

[stusviews]

The Mini Remote fells and acts like a regular paddle switch, but how it feels is subjective. In any case, it cannot be installed on a wall box. The Mini remote wall bracket requires a blank wall behind it.

[JimMc]

The Mini Remote fells and acts like a regular paddle switch, but how it feels is subjective. In any case, it cannot be installed on a wall box. The Mini remote wall bracket requires a blank wall behind it.

It can be installed in front of a wall box, just not easily. The metal frame salvaged from an old toggle switch can act as a backer for the SH wall bracket. I know, a kludge at best, but it gets the job done.

[DStampfer]

The wall plate for the mini remote does not screw to a single box, however, it can be easily mounted over a multi gang box-- the wall plate fastens to the back of the regular switch plate and the switch plate then is held by the remaining screws.

[ScottAvery]

I use SwitchLinc Dimmers for any control usage. I use one pair, both with loads connected, for a three-way configuration done in ISY logic.

 

I have a few mini-remotes but do not use them since I have an Echo and a few Dots.

 

I agree with Larry that using a wired dimmer is the right move, and yes you can have the additional ones with no load for multi-way arrangements.  If you happen to have multiple switches in one of the locations I would put the load on the switch that does not have a competing dimmer in the same box because multiple dimmers side by side reduce the load capacity.

 

The hardwired switch is much, much more convenient for both operation and maintenance: remotes require removal to charge and all wireless battery-operated devices have to be manually activated to program them, and they can time out.  It is trivial to connect one on a box where there was a switch going to an outlet.  If there is no power at the switch box location, you just connect power at the outlet end.

 

Buy dimmers in 5 packs when on sale, like cyber Monday, which has lately been 2% cheaper than black friday. 

[ScottAvery]

That said, I did buy 4 of the single button mini remotes during the last holiday sale to use in locations where there is no box and I don't want to cut a hole in the wall.

[stusviews]

That said, I did buy 4 of the single button mini remotes during the last holiday sale to use in locations where there is no box and I don't want to cut a hole in the wall.

 

That'd precisely the purpose of the single-button remote.