DIY Automated light switch

[bennelson]

I just saw this on INSTRUCTABLES and laughed too hard not to want to share this.

Easy DIY Home Automation (using servo switches)

It's a computer/servo controlled setup for your lights.

It really does have possibilites for energy saving at home. Just program your specs for when and how you want the lights to go on and off!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9Obz0TavRc

[TomO]

That's cool, or you could just buy a motion sensor light switch from Home Depot?
Motion Controlled light switch For $15

[MetroMPG]

I love the Intertubes. So great to see people having fun nerding out.

[Christ]

LOL the DIY part of it is cool. But I'd probably take the motion light switch over a jumble hanging off my wall, even given the added features of the "thing".

Frankly, I've been looking into something like the motion controlled lights though... but I'd rather have something that senses in IR, and is computer controlled with a before/after sensor...

i.e. It has an image of the empty room, and if anything is changed from that image too drastically, the light is on.

Secondary feature would be that if the room stays changed from the before image, (you're in it.) but there is little or no movement after some time, the lights dim to 50% (movie or TV watchin time!)

But even all that is just pure laziness on my part... hook a dimmer to a motion sensor and walk in the room.. you want it dimmer, you use the dimmer.

Still, a good thing has happened in that video... someone built something, and it works!

[NachtRitter]

Hmmmmm.... Add a temp sensor, use with grill block door...