How to implement remote control of lighting in your area? How to make remote lighting control

In the house, without exception, everyone most often uses switches for lighting. And if there is a desire to make a smart home system with your own hands, it is best to start with lighting control. This will allow you to gain experience and test a do-it-yourself remote lighting controller.

You should be aware that incandescent and LED lamps without a built-in converter are more efficiently regulated compared to base fluorescent lamps. The latter contain a voltage converter with a power stabilization function, as well as some LED lamps. Therefore, in such lamps there will not be the same smoothness of dimming as incandescent lamps and LED lamps without converter.

The task of remotely controlling the brightness of the light source is reduced to creating the necessary signal at the control electrode of the power electronic key remotely. This key is usually a triac. Transistors or relays can also be used as a key. The transfer of the signal from the control panel to the device with a key is provided by one of the types of radiation:

• infrared radiation;
• radio signal;
• ultrasound.

Infrared radiation from the control panel always works within the room in which the receiver is located infrared radiation. Either a direct line of sight between the source and the radiation receiver is required, or its power is sufficient for the operation to occur from the reflected IR radiation. The appearance of the IR remote control, as well as its possible scheme, are shown below:

Scheme of the receiver of IR radiation for remote control of lighting by the regulator.

Lighting control is possible within a distance of seven meters between the remote control and the receiver. The microcircuit used in the IR radiation receiver must be flashed with the appropriate firmware. Firmware is carried out special program IC-Prog, which can be obtained along with the instructions at http://www.texnic.ru/program/prog008.htm. Such a regulator will allow you to turn on 1 - 3 lamps connected to the relay contacts.

This is the simplest controller that allows you to remotely turn on and off the lighting. The brightness of the lighting is determined by the number of lamps on.

For smooth adjustment of the light of the lamp, a triac with a phase control circuit is required. An example of such a circuit is shown below.

Such schemes allow the use of remote controls from TVs. This reduces the amount of work performed, since it is not necessary to manufacture the most labor-intensive unit - the control panel.

Radio signal and ultrasound have the ability to better control lighting remotely, since their propagation is less obstructed. The best for control is a radio signal, which can be in one of the following standards:

• bluetooth;
• wifi;
• CDMA/GSM.

Bluetooth and wi-fi standards are used in short-range systems. They work within the boundaries of the house and personal plot and allow the use of computer equipment and smartphones for these purposes. At the same time, wi-fi provides a more remote control of lighting.

CDMA / GSM standards are used in long-range systems. They work anywhere and at any distance as long as they are available at that location. mobile communications. But such control systems, also using computer technology, are too expensive to control lighting. They justify themselves if it is a "smart home" system in which light control is an integral part.

Now on sale there are different modules, the so-called "master kits". They allow you to quickly assemble the required scheme for remote control of lighting. An example of such a module is shown below.

Such a module allows you to smoothly and separately adjust the brightness of two lamps with a power of up to 300 W. In this case, the frequency of 433 MHz is used.

Having started and manufactured remote lighting control, you can then make similar systems for other household devices. In the end, these devices are combined into a "smart home" system, which gives the most high level comfort of housing.

In the era of technological progress, it is not necessary to get up from the sofa or bed to turn on / off the lighting. A remote light switch with a remote control makes it possible to do this anywhere in the room.

• Principle of operation
• Additional functions
• Switch connection diagram
• Instructions for use

Principle of operation

The process of controlling the switch is carried out using a remote control, the radius of which is approximately 20 m indoors, up to 100 m outdoors, they are of 2 types:

1. Equipped with a motion sensor. The device has an infrared port, so the lighting turns on only when there is someone in the room.
2. A remote switch that senses sound. The device responds to a specific sound or word.

The principle of operation is quite simple. Inside the coil is a steel core. It starts the contact mechanism, which connects and opens the power circuit.

After the button is pressed, electricity reaches the power coil. The magnet, in turn, drives the steel core. Further, the mechanism of the device starts its work, which starts the electrical contact.

Additional functions

The most basic function of a switch is, of course, lighting control. You can switch the light on or off in manual and remote mode. In the latter case, the control panel is used to turn it on. As a remote control, a remote control from a TV, air conditioner or any other household appliance can be used.

A remote switch also allows you to adjust the brightness. This function makes it possible to extend the period of operation of 2 types of lamps - halogen and incandescent.

The remote control mechanism will help out when you forget to turn off the light, and you yourself leave for another city for a week. After 12 hours, the lighting will automatically turn off.

The remote light switch supports the simulation function. After a certain period of time, the lighting device in the room will turn on and off. This is a good opportunity to deceive unexpected guests.

Switch connection diagram

To save time, a light switch with a remote control can be mounted in the same place where a conventional switch was installed.

Before you start changing devices, first turn off the machine on the panel. Next, remove the key of the old light switch and unscrew the spacer screws. After that, disconnect the mechanism from electrical wires and from the socket.

In the next step, you will see 2 wires:

1. phase, the "route" of which runs from the shield to the junction box;
2. phase that goes to the lamp through the same junction box.

Before installing the light switch directly, be sure to remove the sensor from it. It is fixed to the frame with 2 side latches. The frame is connected by 2 wires to the touch key. And the wires that are located on the side of the frame must be connected to the terminal clamps by soldering.

At the next stage, the phase from the apartment shield must be connected to the “phase” terminal, and the phase going to the lamp to the “zero” terminal.

For those who installed the socket modern type, we advise you to fix the frame on the fixing screws.

Now it remains to insert the sensor into the frame and turn on the machine on the shield. At this point, the light switch is ready for operation.

Remote models that are designed to work with LED or energy-saving lamps, are connected a little differently. The installation of such devices must be carried out closer to the lighting source. In addition, the safe operation of these switches is impossible without the presence of a phase and zero.

Some owners prefer to mount lighting mechanisms with the possibility of remote control under plasterboard or stretch ceiling sheets. As a rule, the mechanism is mounted between the installed and the main wall.

For lighting in courtyards, radio-controlled remote models are most often used. They can turn on / off not one, but several lighting sources at once. Remote control possibly up to 100 m.

If you plan to install a voice control mechanism, then we warn you that it should be mounted near lighting sources. Installation can also be done in the place of the old device, but there must be an additional power cable.

Instructions for use

You can manage devices in 2 ways:

1. in manual mode;
2. remote mode.

In the first case, the user needs to touch the sensor button with the whole palm, and not with 2-3 fingers. To turn on the lighting, the user must make a minimum of effort.

To increase or decrease the brightness, you need to hold your palm on the switch. The brightness of the light will slowly increase and then decrease. Then everything repeats in a circle.

Almost any remote control can be used for remote control. Before use, make sure that the batteries have sufficient charge for use.

To turn on the lighting in the room, you should press any button on the remote control and hold it until you hear a sound. This will enter the remote control mode. After pressing any of the buttons again, you turn on the light in the room. To turn off the lighting in remote control mode, you need to press any button again.

The brightness control process is carried out in the same way. First, the user holds down any key on the remote control to go to the remote control. When he hears a sound, he presses the button and holds it down. The brightness will slowly increase and then decrease. After turning off, the brightness level remains at the same level.

To switch to the simulation mode, press any button on the remote control several times in a row (usually 9). Exiting this mode is carried out in a similar way.

In order to adjust the lighting parameters at a distance, using a light switch with a remote control, specialized radio signal transmitters are built into the power grid. The latter exchange data packets with the remote control, which include codes responsible for a specific command. To increase the reliability, the level of responsiveness of the remote means, the information is transmitted sequentially several times.

Each remote light switch with remote control has its own unique address. In other words, individual signal radio transmitters respond only to commands given from a control means fixed in memory.

Functionality

The basic skills that a remote light switch with a remote control has include activating and turning off chandeliers from a distance. Thus, to control the main lighting, the user does not have to get out of bed or get up from the workplace.

Modern electronics is able to control individual segments of chandeliers. Such an opportunity becomes useful, for example, if it is necessary to dim the light while going to bed or if there is a need to create too bright lighting.

A remote light switch with a remote control is able to weaken or increase the brightness level of all light sources that are connected to electrical circuit chandeliers. That is, the user gets the opportunity at any time to change the saturation of the lighting in the room at will.

What other features besides making and breaking the electrical circuit of lighting fixtures does the wireless remote control have? The light switch with built-in dimmer allows you to remember all kinds of settings, which helps to create a particular atmosphere in the room at the touch of a button.

To save the user from having to search for a lost remote control, most devices are equipped with light and sound alarms that can be activated upon contact with the wall radio signal transmitter.

Characteristics

A standard remote light switch with a 220V remote control has the following technical characteristics:

• power - about 10 mW;
• frequency - from 430 to 870 MHz;
• operating range - in the range from 30 to 500 m;
• switched power - at the level from 200 W to 5 kW.

When choosing suitable remedy for remote control of lighting parameters, it is extremely important to pay attention to the ratio of the powers of the transmitter and receiver of the signal. It is from this characteristic that the performance and level of responsiveness of the system depends.

Advantages

Using a remote light switch with a remote control, the photo of which is presented in this material, the user receives the following benefits:

1. It becomes possible to combine all lighting elements into a single system.
2. When connected, there is no need to install additional wiring.
3. The overall comfort of controlling lighting sources is increased, in particular for people with handicapped.
4. Installation is not particularly difficult.
5. If necessary, you can upgrade the installed system.
6. Increases the safety of lighting fixtures in the room.

Flaws

Along with the obvious advantages, the use of remote control has some disadvantages. First of all, it is worth noting the rather high cost of most functional systems.

Using a remote light switch with an outdoor remote control, you will have to put up with the limited possibilities of its use inside the house. Ultimately, the radio signals that come from the remote control negatively affect the functioning of the communication lines that are close to the object.

Smartphone control

There are lighting remote control systems that allow data transmitters to be synchronized with mobile devices. In this case, the smartphone will play the same role as the remote control. However, by controlling the functions from the display, the overall usability of the system will be greatly improved.

AT mobile phone special applications can be downloaded. Thus, relying on a regular smartphone, the user gets the opportunity not only to turn off and turn on the lighting, but also to adjust the intensity of individual light sources. Usually, the transmission of commands occurs by sending a signal to the radio receiver in the form of encoded text messages.

Connection

The principle of connecting a light remote control element differs, based on the type of light sources for which it is intended. If you have to work with a system that interacts with standard incandescent lamps, installation will take place in the same way as connecting a conventional switch.

The bulk of remote lighting controls work with LED and energy-saving lamps. Connection here has its own nuances. To ensure the safe, correct operation of the system, you will need the organization of good nutrition. A mandatory requirement is the presence of a phase and zero. Such remote switches are mounted in close proximity to the light source.

For the yard and garden, the most powerful radio-controlled remote devices are used, which make it possible to control lighting at a distance of about 100 m. The latter, most often, support work with various types lamps. To control LED lighting elements in controllers, the output stages must be made in the form of semiconductor transistors.

If we talk about remote systems, where control is carried out not only with the help of a remote control, but also with voice commands, their connection is possible in place of the old standard switches with an additional power wire.

DIY remote light switch with remote control

The task of personally organizing a lighting control system both from a switch and via a radio channel is doable, but quite complicated. The project will require the following:

• a set of radio transmitters MP325M;
• PW1245 brand power supplies;
• one-button switch without contact closure fixation.

For starters, the section of the circuit on which the modification will be carried out is de-energized. The first step is to remove the standard switch. interconnected and then isolated.

One of the radio transmitters is disassembled. The pieces of wire are soldered to. The resulting contacts are cleaned and connected to the contacts of the switch.

If the housing is equipped with stretch ceilings, the designed modules can be hidden in the space between the panels. In the absence of such an opportunity, the system units should be placed in the ceiling niche, having previously isolated the power source and the receiver module.

After completing the above tasks, you can switch to lighting control from a wireless remote control or use a standard manual switch. If after some time the system stops functioning, do not panic. To restore functionality, it will be enough to replace the transmitter battery.

Finally

Remote control of lighting sources is first of all practicality, convenience and a tribute to modernity. Enough to install the simplest system adjusting the light, and the problem of changing it, turning it on and off at a distance forever ceases to worry the owners of the home.

The most rational installation of a remote lighting control system looks when arranging country houses, which are distinguished by an impressive number of rooms, utility rooms, and a spacious backyard.

Only a small controller makes it possible to control large-scale lighting systems. Therefore, it is not surprising that remote switches are increasingly being used in enterprises where there is a need to control light sources in vast areas under their control.

To increase the comfort of using lighting devices in a room, radio-controlled switches are widely used. They provide lighting control in rooms from anywhere in the house, since the radio signal from the remote control to the switch passes through walls and furniture.

This is very convenient for those who want to make their stay in the room comfortable, and for those who do not have the opportunity to move a lot.

The main components included in the design of the GSM switch are:

• the power unit in which the radio signal receiver is located;
• remote control with batteries.

In some cases, a controller is also included in the package. It provides control of both a single lamp and groups of lighting fixtures in a room. The remote light switch is compatible with any type of lamp (incandescent, energy-saving, halogen).

During operation, the remote control transmits a signal that includes a recognition code that is received by a certain radio-controlled switch, if there are several of them in the house. The distance of possible signal transmission is from 20 to 500 m, depending on the conditions of use of the devices. Control of the GSM radio switch is possible with the help of infrared, radio frequency and other devices.

Today, a remote light switch can be controlled not only with a remote control, but also through proprietary applications on smartphones or a browser with access to the company's website.

Also, in order to increase the efficiency of its work, motion or light sensors can be used in the remote GSM switch. As for the remote control, radio wave models are much more often used than infrared ones.

Light switch with remote control

Advantages and disadvantages

The switch with remote control has the following advantages:

• control of the operating mode of electrical appliances at a great distance. This advantage is especially useful when placing remote circuit breakers on a personal plot or in a large house;
• the ability to change the intensity of lighting. Circuit breaker"day-night", for example, turns on and off depending on the level of illumination in the room. This allows you to significantly reduce the amount of your electricity bill;
• programming the GSM switch to work at the right time. This will help create the effect of the presence of the owner in the house, reducing the likelihood of intruders entering there;
• ease of installation and use;
• multifunctional control panel. It will allow you to adjust several lighting units at once;
• increasing fire safety due to the possibility of timely shutdown;
• no need for wiring, unlike an ordinary switch;
• considerable power of the switch and control panel (up to 5 kW).

Despite the abundance of advantages, a light switch with a remote control has some disadvantages:

• the possibility of the influence of metal structures on the radio waves of the remote control;
• the high price of the device.

Types and manufacturers

A light switch with a remote control is like this:

• with motion sensor. Turns on when moving in the room;
• with sound sensor. Contains a microphone. The light turns on the light when it responds to a pop, word, click, or other sounds.

The mechanism of the devices includes a steel core, which is located inside the coil. Through its core, an opening and closing device is activated. The circuit begins to work only after pressing the power button, when the coil receives power. After that, thanks to the magnet, the core begins to move, and an electrical contact is also triggered. Thus, the operation of the switch will not depend on the button.

Remote rocker switch 600W with Wookee remote control

There are enough automatic GSM switches on the Russian market, the most popular of which are the devices of the following companies:

• Wookee. The devices consist of a remote control and a radio signal receiving unit. To make it convenient to use the switch, a wall bracket is included in the kit. It is attached with a self-tapping screw. The switches of this brand have a pair of switches that can interact with 2 different electrical networks, each having a load of 500 watts. In order for the automatic device to work correctly, it is better to install a relay with a switch in a junction box. The remote control operates on a standard area. Indoors - up to 20 m, outdoors - up to 100 m;
• "Nootechnics". The products of the Belarusian company are switches of the Sapphire series, made of high-quality white plastic. They adjust the brightness, which allows you to extend the life of the lamps. The system has an option to save the specified brightness parameters. Many models can follow a schedule by automatically turning lights on and off to simulate presence. Among the shortcomings, users note the presence of a not very sensitive sensor - the switch can be controlled only by touching the palm of your hand;

Light switch with remote control Sapphire-2503

• Jung. The company's products look presentable and have the entire standard set of options. Used simultaneously to control multiple power grids

Wiring diagram

To save time, the radio light switch can be mounted in the same place where an ordinary switch was installed. Before starting work, first turn off the machine on the electrical panel.

Before installing the switch, remove the touch panel from it by removing a pair of side fasteners. Next, connect the product frame with a pair of wires to the sensor button. The wiring, which is located on the frame side of the switch, is connected to the terminal clamps by soldering.

Wiring diagram for touch light switch with remote control

Next, the phase from the shield must be connected to the terminal with the phase. And going to the lamp 0 - to the zero terminal. After that - mount a new switch in the socket, securing it, as usual, with spacer legs. The frame can also be fixed with screws. It remains to insert the sensor by turning on the machine. After that, you can turn on the lighting.

Each of us dreams that his house was convenient and comfortable. And here modern technologies come to our aid, which are becoming more and more every year. They allow you to automate some household processes, including those related to lighting.
One of the latest developments in this spirit is a radio light switch.

it modern device, which is one of the elements of "smart home" technology. With it, you can automate the work of lighting in the house, since such a radio switch is equipped with a remote control. Our article will tell you what you need to know about this device and what benefits it will bring to your home.

Device details

Device structure

Furnishing your home modern technologies not the last place is occupied by the automation of the process of turning on the light in the room.
The radio switch with a control panel has a simple structure. It consists of two blocks:

• remote controller;
• power unit, which includes a radio adapter and a radio relay.

Light radio switches can work not only from the remote control, but also from other types of devices. For example, you can connect a wireless wall switch or a motion sensor to it, which will further add comfort and practicality to your home.
As you can see, the scheme of the structure of the power unit is nothing complicated. Moreover, in order to simplify the search for the remote control in the open spaces of an apartment or house, the switch itself has a special search button, as well as a control button. With it, the device can be operated as a standard switch.
The scheme of operation of radio switches is based on receiving a signal from the control panel. From the remote control, a packet of information is sent to the switch device, consisting of a code and a command. According to it, the switch recognizes the purpose of the command and executes it.
Note! For reliability of transmission, the information packet is transmitted several times.
It should be noted that the remote itself has its own address. Therefore, the switch will only operate from the memorized remote control.
As you can see, with its simple device, this device will be an excellent addition to the lighting system of your home.

Purpose of the device

A radio switch for light, whose operation is controlled by a remote control, can perform the following functions in the house:

• turn lights on and off;
• adjust the level of brightness of the light coming from the fixtures;

Note! In order to gain control over the level of brightness of lighting fixtures, the switch must have a dimmer.

• remembering the level of illumination using special settings. This function available only in modern complex devices. Thanks to it, the device saves the settings after turning off the network and can subsequently reproduce them.

By connecting such a switch, you get the following benefits:

Also, all devices of this kind have a universal modern design, due to which they are applicable in rooms made in a wide variety of styles.
Another important point of using radio switches in your home is that a person with disabilities can handle them. As a result, the installation of such a device will allow such people to feel much more comfortable in the house.

Variety Available

On the this moment time, radio light switches controlled by a remote control can be of the most diverse shapes and sizes, and also work with a different number of control channels.
By its nature, remote switching on of light can be of two types:

• wired;
• wireless.

In addition, depending on the type of signal received, radio switches are:

These products can be used both indoors and outdoors. Accordingly, they are of the following types:

• street;
• domestic.

Also, these devices may differ in the number of keys. They are:

• single-key;
• two-key;
• three-key.

Separately, it is worth noting that the external design of detailed switches can be very diverse. Most often you can find such options for their execution:

• white;
• black;
• pink;
• gold;
• silver;
• Ivory.

With such a variety, the appropriate model should be carefully selected according to appearance so she can perfect way fit into the interior of the room.

Specifications

Like any electrical appliance, radio switches differ from each other by technical specifications. For the prevailing majority of devices, the following technical parameters are characteristic:

• the power consumed by the device is not more than 10 mW;
• the range of the radio signal is in a fairly wide range and, depending on the model, varies from 30 to 500 m;
• the operating frequency of the product is often 433 MHz. In rare cases, this figure is 868 MHz;
• the switching power parameter varies from 200 W to 5 kW.

Note! When choosing a device, the most important parameter is the switching power. It is necessary to know that the power of the luminaire operating with this radio switch must not exceed its maximum allowable switching power.

Specifications are always indicated on the packaging

Depending on the ratio of power, with the help of a radio switch on the controller's console, it is possible to control the light coming from both individual lighting devices and general lighting for entire complexes. But it is considered more rational to divide an apartment or house into separate food groups.

Instrument Features

Switch installation

When installing a radio-type switch operated by a remote control, you get many advantages, which were discussed a little earlier. All of them are based on the features of this kind of devices, which include the following points:

• in the process of installing this kind of switch, there is no need to use additional wiring;
• it is possible to combine home lighting control devices into a single system;
• installation of such equipment is quick and without any problems. Any person who is more or less familiar with the work and structure of electrical appliances can handle it;
• the installed switch can be easily dismantled and the existing light control system in the house can be upgraded.

Separately, it is worth noting that due to the simple device and design features, such products significantly increase the fire and electrical safety of the premises in which they were installed.

A few shortcomings

With so many advantages, installing radio switches on the remote control has its drawbacks. These include:

• like all modern innovative technologies, such devices have a rather high cost;
• limited indoor use;
• influence on communication lines, which are located in close proximity to metal structures.

As you can see, the list of shortcomings is not very large, but you should be aware and remember about them when installing a radio switch in your home. Otherwise, you will not be able to level some aspects.

How to install

Instead of a switch

When installing this type of switches, first of all, you need to focus on installing the power unit. It can be installed in two ways:

Installing a radio switch in the general scheme involves the following manipulations:

Connecting the device

• first of all, you should make sure that the connected load in terms of its power does not exceed the permissible switching power parameter for the power unit;
• turn off the mains power supply in the room;
• we install the device by analogy with connecting a standard switch. We connect the mains phase to the phase terminal (L) on the power unit, and neutral wire- to the neutral (N) terminal of the power unit;
• then we connect the load to the terminals (output) of the power unit (OUT).

After that, turn on the power in the room and activate the mode. It turns on with a simple push of a button. Then, when the LED blinks, we send a signal to it from the control panel to store its address on the switch receiver. It remains only to configure the device according to the criteria that are included in its functional responsibilities. The more complex and expensive the switch is, the more options you get to control the level of illumination in the room.

Conclusion

The installation of radio switches operating on the control panel will bring a lot of positive moments to your home, will make your home modern and more comfortable for living. In addition, this device will perfectly fit into any interior, which eliminates the need to replace it during repair or finishing activities, as well as after a monumental change from one style to another.
Be sure to remember that when choosing a device, you need to correlate power lighting device with the switched power of the power unit of the radio switch. This is the most important criterion for choosing such products.