It’s easy to try home automation
Q. We are building a new addition to our home to serve as a “great room” to entertain friends and family. We recently received an Amazon Dot as a gift, and a few people have suggested we use it to integrate home automation into the room, but we find this a bit intimidating. The electrician will be wiring things soon and we need to make a decision. Any pointers?
A. You don’t have to jump in with both feet if you want to try home automation, and you don’t need to get an electrician involved, at least not yet. It is easy to get started with a few basic pieces that plug into a wall socket and are controlled over your wireless network using your smartphone and Amazon Dot. I suggest starting with some Wi-Fi plug-in switches to control a lamp, for example.
Just plug the switch into the wall socket, plug the lamp into the switch and follow the directions to set it up. Then you can use the Dot’s Alexa voice assistant or the switch’s smartphone app to turn the lamp off and on. Just be sure the lamp switch is on when you plug it in to the wireless switch.
Once you get your feet wet with home automation, you can move on to hardwired light switches and dimmers, thermostats, garage door openers, window shades — you name it. The automated equipment is almost always the same size as standardized electrical hardware, so your electrician can swap it very easily and inexpensively when you are ready to take it to the next level.
One of the most appealing systems I have tried is from Skylink (also referred to as SkylinkNet) because of its ability to affordably create a comprehensive, subscription-free alarm system along with home automation. Skylink offers a variety of starter kits from $99 to $199 that include a hub with keypad and a variety of wireless security sensors. Connect the hub to your wireless modem, download the app and follow the instructions for easy setup of the hub and sensors.
Once Skylink is configured, you can purchase the pieces you want to customize the system for you home and your needs. The system can integrate up to 100 sensors, including security cameras you can monitor from your smartphone ($59) and motion sensors ($39), all controlled by an app, voice command or a hand-held remote. You build a system that is perfect for you and you are not saddled with burdensome monthly fees.
A full range of home automation hardware can be integrated into the system, and like the security starter kit, it is high quality and reasonably priced. A Skylink plug-in switch is only $22.95, noticeably less than what other companies are charging; if you buy a lot of switches it adds up quickly. With a Skylink switch you can turn off the hypothetical lamp above by saying to your Amazon Dot, “Alexa, ask SkylinkNet to turn off bedroom light.” skylink home.com
Contact Don Lindich at www.soundadvice news.com.