Fresh New Ideas- Theft Proof- Smart Controller Apps

Los Angeles, Calif, USA; areas has seen a spike in home invasion robberies and garden theft by 50%- 75% in 2017. Like to learn some ideas on how to camouflage outdoor light fixtures, or how to camouflage LED light bulbs, so the property is eliminated 360°, but still the burglars cannot steal the light fixtures or steal LED light bulbs. We're also seeing a 150% increase in security cameras usage, and said security cameras only work well in areas which are illuminated, so I'd like to get some ideas on how to illuminate Intimate Gardens vistas-vignettes, so the security cameras will work, yet the burglars will not steal or smash the LED lights or LED light fixtures. Like to get some information on outdoor lighting apps, so the property owners can control their lights via a smartphone app, in order to discourage burglaries. Security cameras, irrigation, alarms all have apps, we need to get some apps for outdoor lighting programming in the garden, via Wifi controls or hand held key chain beepers.

 

Yes! I thought I was the only crazy one to think that it would be awesome to have an app that allows us to control the outdoor lighting! Maybe incorporate the lighting with an alarm system, so when the alarm is triggered, the lights flicker on and off?!

 

There's pretty much an app for everything. Why not landscape lighting. In fact, how cool would it be to be able to control color by fixture in addition to on/off times, days of operation etc.

 

If you only need to control all your lights on the same schedule and want to use dusk and dawn time, then use of a timer like the Intermatic Astronomic Digital Timer will most likely meet your needs (available from VOLT or Amazon for less than $40). But if you want to control multiple landscaping lighting zones, connected to the same transformer, operating on independent schedules, then a more sophisticated solution is required.

This is the solution I used and will work within a VOLT 150W or 300W transformer:

Hardware (less than $100):

1. Raspberry Pi 3, with case, heatsinks, 8GB Micro SD card (min.), and power adapter
2. SunFounder 4 Channel 5V Relay Shield Module
3. 3D Printed case for the 4-channel relay module
4. 120 V AC Y-Splitter power cable
5. Breadboard jumper wire, Female to Female (6)

Features:

1. Schedule on and off times based on sunset, dusk, dawn, sunrise, or specific time of day.
2. Automatically calculates local sunset, dusk, dawn, sunrise each day. Dusk and dawn times may be adjusted based on the number of degrees below horizon for the sun (e.g. -6° for civil dawn/dusk). I find -4° works well for our location.
3. Allows for time off-set for both on and off times (e.g. -59 to +59 minutes).
4. Automatically set lighting zone’s status (e.g. on or off) after power failure or system reboot.
5. Uses network time protocol (NTP) to keep system time in sync.

Optional capabilities:

1. Turn on lights using motion sensor.

Additional Requirements:

1. Knowledge of electrical wiring
2. Some knowledge of the Linux operating system or the willingness to learn
3. Some programming knowledge, the willingness to learn, and/or use previously developed programs. Use your kids, a friend or hire someone if desired.

 

Bypass the photocell & timers
Put a smart switch like an Insteon ahead of line feeding transformer Get the Hub & download the app
From your phone you can set up schedules as well as manually control

 

Awesome product, quick shipment, and installed in under 2 hours. Very pleased with VOLT. Highly recommend.