Automating house lights

CathJ

CathJ

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I'm looking for a way to automatically turn my house lights on when it gets dark - this could be via a timer, a light-sensor, or whatever. The catch is, I want it to turn on the normal ceiling lights, not a stand-alone lamp (otherwise I could use one of those 15a timer plugs).

It's only for one room in the house (because it gets dark so early in winter, my budgie goes to sleep before I get home, then I have to wake up him :)). Is there a cheap-ish, easy solution? The Belkin WeMo looks awesome (http://mygadgetdeals.co.za/shop/belkin-wemo-light-switch/), but it's a bit pricey. I don't need the wifi part, just a timer that replaces the existing light switch.

Any ideas?
 
Check ebay.

I suppose you want to be able to turn it off/not have it run all night?

You could also use a day night switch.
 
AstroTurf said:
Check ebay.

I suppose you want to be able to turn it off/not have it run all night?

You could also use a day night switch.
Click to expand...

Yes, I'd want to be able to override it manually (both for switching on and off).
 
There are lots of ways like.
a day night sensor(you can wire it into the circuit then switch on the lightswitch in the morning the light wont go on until its dark then switch the lightswitch off at night )
use a X10 or other automation device that will switch itself on/off (obviously you can override it and you have many options here)
Use a plug timer with a stand lamp.
 
You can get a timer that fits into the DB board of your house. You can put it in place of the light switch circuit you want activated.
 
Builders Warehouse sells the energy saver light bulbs with a built in light sensor, so it's just a simple bulb replacement solution. If I can remember correctly for about 70 bucks or so.
 
Not to burst your bubble CathJ, but unlike humans, animals actually adhere to the laws of nature. To your budgie it's normal going to sleep when it's dark. Soooooooooooo don't wake him up? If you're looking for nightly love, get a cat?
 
envo said:
Not to burst your bubble CathJ, but unlike humans, animals actually adhere to the laws of nature. To your budgie it's normal going to sleep when it's dark. Soooooooooooo don't wake him up? If you're looking for nightly love, get a cat?
Click to expand...

He wakes up when I come home, since I have to switch the lights on to cook, etc. Plus, he actually does like it when I'm around, and would get lonely if he only ever saw me in the mornings. Also, if he goes to sleep at 5 when it gets dark, he'll wake up way too early in the morning... and wake me up as well :D

It's not a big problem (and yes, very much a first world problem, I don't blame anyone for laughing! :)) - which is why I don't want to spend a ton of money on it. Just thought if there was a cheap and simple way to improve his day, why not?
 
Dear OP
I can help you, with a bit of custom electronics
 
patrick123 said:
Builders Warehouse sells the energy saver light bulbs with a built in light sensor, so it's just a simple bulb replacement solution. If I can remember correctly for about 70 bucks or so.
Click to expand...

^^ This, Builders, Pick 'n Pay, etc, most places that sell light bulbs have them.
 
patrick123 said:
Builders Warehouse sells the energy saver light bulbs with a built in light sensor, so it's just a simple bulb replacement solution. If I can remember correctly for about 70 bucks or so.
Click to expand...

Yes i use those, works like a bomb, especially if you shoot them, bang bang.
 
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