Simple remote switch and light bulb recommendations?

[paulbates]

My daughter, not an home automation enthusiast, lives in an apartment where there's no over head light or wall switch.

She wants to have either bulbs or lamp modules and a remote control switch by the door (as opposed to a 120v switch).  She won't have an home automation controller but does have google home which would be ok for her to use for this application.

I sent her the links for the Insteon lamp module and mini remote because that's what I know. Works great but not the cheapest.

Recommendations for lower cost versions of products you've used that fit those requirements?

[IndyMike]

@paulbates, I have just enough Google Home knowledge to be considered dangerous.  I'm thinking that it's natively a WIFI based system (that can interface with other bridges).  

If that is the case, you may want to look at something like the following: Linkind Remote Bulb Kit.  It's inexpensive and interfaces with Google Home.  The battery remote is not my cup of tea, but I've learned that my daughters taste in these things differs somewhat from mine.  

Not sure how you are planning on routing power to the ceiling, but that's another item...

[paulbates]

Gonna avoid the ceiling... She's ok with turning lamps across the room with a remote switch at the door and/or Google home voice activation. Voice is probably better as she can voice activate on/off anywhere in the room.

Passing your recommendation along to her. My wife and I are going to visit her in the great white North of Michigan next month so I can "help" her then 🤪

That's a great suggestion and info, thanks Mike!

[IndyMike]

Let me know how things work out.  Curious if it will meet the DAF (Daughter Approval ...).  

My automation suggestions for my Daughter have been about 50% successful.  In retrospect, that's probably better than my WAF%.

February is a tough month for visiting the great white north (UP?).  I wake up every morning ~ 300 yards South of the MI line.  Very good to have indoor projects.  Thankfully the IN State line deflects all the bad weather back to the North.

[paulbates]

Yep, will do. WAF in my new life has been fairly good, even encouraged. But I've narrowed my HA scope down at this house given we'll likely have moved in <10 years. And where WAF isn't good, I can visit the nearest mirror to identify the root cause 🤪😆

My #2 daughter lives in Kalamazoo area and the nearby area is known as Michi-ana. My wife has family in Chesterton and Dune Acres and we're there from time to time. I've pulled our camper to Indiana parks a few times last year. which we've really enjoyed.

#1 daughter lives in Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on Lake Superior 🥶.  

[IndyMike]

I own the same mirror.  

Daughter #2 is an hour down the road.  We know the area well and regularly bike the parks there as well as the Kal-Haven trail.

Daughter #1 is truly in the great white north.  I've spent a little time in Houghton in my youth.  Have not been to Marquette.  Given the proximity, I'd guess it's white and cold this time of year.  Don't go out without snowshoes and heated whatever-you-can-get.

Best of luck.

 

[Guy Lavoie]

WAF...there's a term I haven't seen in a while! In that regard, I think that voice control has been a game changer. Given how they like to have "people" do things on command! But seriously, my legally blind wife has finally found a benefit that really suited for her, by not needing to walk to switches, remember which one does what, etc. Also loves Alexa as a kitchen reminder, talking clock, temperature and weather source, etc. Home automation has also evolved beyond the geek only image it had 20 years ago, and is becoming mainstream, just like computers did with the internet. even my 88 year old mom has Alexa and a few smart plugs to turn on lamps. If you only need that level of control, then there is no need for the full blown controller. We need to recognize that.

[paulbates]

@IndyMike your recommendation worked and well received. My daughter says "thank you"

[IndyMike]

@paulbates, thanks so much for getting back.  It's been a rather lean month for me on the home front.  Turns out switching phone carriers and devices isn't to everyone's liking.  Very few "atta boys" and a number of the opposites to cancel them out (tough crowd).  Glad to hear that something worked out.  

Edited 12 hours ago by IndyMike

[paulbates]

@IndyMike - I lobbied to get your post marked the solution, but found out that that things can't be marked solutions here in the coffee shop.

Edited 12 hours ago by paulbates

[IndyMike]

@paulbates, thanks for the thought...

After re-reading my post I clarified to point out that it's been a lean month AT HOME due to changes in phone carriers. 

Family members always have the right to disagree - and my family exercises that right often.