Siemens's new home control range in B&Q

[wywywywy]

Hi all,

Went to get a couple of things in B&Q today, and noticed that they are selling a new range of Siemens home control products (dimmers, sockets, remotes, thermostats, radiator valves, etc). They look really good in a German bauhaus sort of way, and the prices aren't too bad either - around £29 for a 1-gang dimmer. Oh and within they same range they also have dimmable CFL bulbs both ES and BC.

Does anyone know anything about them? In particular which protocol do they use? It would be a dream come true if they are compatible with Home Easy, but that is pretty unlikely.

Thanks.

[wywywywy]

By the way I have the B&Q link but can't find it on Siemens's website.

http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/electrica..._start_index=0

[Quinten]

They look awfully familiar to http://www.lightwaverf.com/productsLighting.php

Cheaper though!

I'm using BBSB extensively around the house and have been very happy with them, but the lack of manufacturer support and dwindling supply is making me look around again for an alternative, and this may just fit my budget... as much as I like ZWave, it is just too expensive

[wywywywy]

Interesting. They also have a module called "Wifi Link" and an iOS app for £99.

[Quinten]

Interesting. They also have a module called "Wifi Link" and an iOS app for £99.

http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/Revie...th-Review.html has lots of info and screenshots of the iOS app...

[Vangelis]

I am using this product from B&Q, and also noticed the difference in price from the lightwaverf reseller!

I have the dimmable light switches and the WiFi link (along with the iPhone app)

If you want cheap simple control they are just the trick - you are able to run some timers / schedules (stored on the WiFi link and not the iPhone), but I know the developer is struggling with some of the functionality behind these.

As for the protocol, a friend actually sniffed his network to find out how it works and it basically send out a 'string' cmd to control the lights, which can be easily replicated. I might even have a play with an Arduino and an Ether Shield to inject my own sequences...

[Quinten]

If you want cheap simple control they are just the trick - you are able to run some timers / schedules (stored on the WiFi link and not the iPhone), but I know the developer is struggling with some of the functionality behind these.

In what sense?

As for the protocol, a friend actually sniffed his network to find out how it works and it basically send out a 'string' cmd to control the lights, which can be easily replicated. I might even have a play with an Arduino and an Ether Shield to inject my own sequences...

You mean, the app sends a string command to the wifi link, which then acts on it? If so, that is good to hear, as with my BBSB online controller I have the ability to turn lights on/off at my demand using the command line, and I would certainly not want to go without that level of control...

[Vangelis]

All I know is that the Scheduler and Timers can be a little 'buggy' - but the developer is working on this and there is alot of chatter from users of this equipment.

As for the coms - When looking at how the iPhone app talks to the WiFi link for 'real-time' control, yes it just sends a string cmd to it (which can be picked up using WireShark or similar), I expect this consists of an ident and % dim level (for light controls)

[Quinten]

I've since posting this morning found a lot more about the wifi-link, including php control of devices, but as there is no status available, I'm most certainly going to give this a miss.

[kev_t]

For those who don't or wont go into BnQ (don't you hate those self service tills...), here is are some pics of the LightwaveRF/Siemens Sales Displays.

This sales display has been installed in the same space previously occupied by Home Easy

kevint