Micro module sense + photocell, will this work w/o being too hacky?

[chris932]

I was wondering what are your thoughts on this... If I wire a photocell to switch the sense wire on a micro module could I then capture the status of that micro module directly without having to hack around it (create programs and the like)?

In other words photocell turns on (because it's dark outside) could this directly trigger the scene where the micro module is a controller?

[jec6613]

I don't believe that will work, as the micro module looks for line voltage, so unless your photocell is closing a line voltage relay, you'll have trouble.  An iolinc, on the other hand, would be a better bet with low voltage outputs.  Both require that the output be binary though, they won't work with a voltage threshold.

Of course, you could just use something like a Z-Wave or Insteon motion sensor that will give you light values.  That's how I trigger based on light, just read the photocell output if I want fine-grained control, or use the dark/not dark node if they have one.

[KSchex]

I use an Aeotec Door/Window sensor to detect a specific light level.  I removed the internal magnetic switch and put my circuit in place.  I used a resistive photo device and a couple of transistors to adjust for a specific light level.  Best of luck.

[chris932]

The one I'm looking at is Intermatic EK4236S which is line voltage. Supposed to be relay based and "compatible with LED lamps"

I'm not particularly interested in making circuits or finding spare outlets to hang IOlinks (and then having to run the lv wiring) I did look into the Insteon motion sensor but it's unclear how the photocell works, if it will withstand outdoor operation, and lugging a device around to charge batteries would be annoying.

[MrBill]

7 hours ago, chris932 said:

The one I'm looking at is Intermatic EK4236S which is line voltage. Supposed to be relay based and "compatible with LED lamps"

I'm not particularly interested in making circuits or finding spare outlets to hang IOlinks (and then having to run the lv wiring) I did look into the Insteon motion sensor but it's unclear how the photocell works, if it will withstand outdoor operation, and lugging a device around to charge batteries would be annoying.

I looked for the specs on Intermatic's site, they don't list a minimum load but that would be my concern.  I'm thinking about a case where we replaced a photocell for a customer many years ago. The total wattage in the fixture was like 25W, but the replacement turned out to have a 40W minimum--- we figured that out after several days of head scratching.

Unless you already have those parts laying around, for the price of the photocell and micro module you might consider something different, like a motion sensor with a light sensor, or a (CAO) WirelessTag with a lumen sensor.

[chris932]

I can either use an existing micro module that controls outdoor lighting or install a new one in an empty junction box that's a few inches away from the PLM.

Upon bench testing it appears to work as intended toggling the micro module on and off. I have yet to test how well it will integrate with my scenes.

Also I can't recommend the WAGO Levernut enough, especially where you have a junction box with 4-5 neutrals. No more nightmares thinking about replacing a failing Insteon device!