Wireless light switch

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi,
this is probably an evergreen on this forum, but I started thinking how to remotely control the lights in my flat. Conditions are that every existing switch has only 2 wires (hot and load), and I dont want to add any more cables.
I have read existing topics on this forum and from what I can tell I don't want to put any "leeching" controller in the existing switch - it would contrain the choice of lights etc. I dont think there is any alternative using batteries or something else that would be reliable? But correct me if I'm missing something.
Instead I was thinking about finding the place (i dont know the correct english word) where the cables split into the lamp and switch, and install the controller there - i could add the controller in parallel with the lights, and just join the cables in the switch. Only problem would be making enough space but let's see, it would only contain transformer, controller with radio and relays. Does sound doable right?

The other part would be the switches. They should communicate with the either controller directly or through another hub if needed. Question is what kind of switch. I guess simplest solution is something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wireless-Gate-Garage-Door-Opener-Remote-Control-Switch-Transmitter-/121247704035?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1c3aed23e3 connected to arduino?
Interesting find was the harvesting solutions, such as this ECO 200 - EnOcean, can this power some low-power Arduino clone for some time? Or I could buy ready made solution https://www.enocean.com/en/enocean_modules_315mhz/ptm-200c/...
Or another one similar Lightning Continental Transmitter - On/Call - Small Plate. Does anybody here have experience with this? Could I read the signal with the Arduino, is it worth it over replacing battery once a year or less?

Thanks :slight_smile:

2

one thing I have thought about was to wire all the receptacles to be hot all the time.
then remove the switch and put in a transmitter.

then add a receive in the lamp base itself.

you key a lamp to a switch. then you can plug that lamp into any receptacle in the house and when the switch is toggled, the light goes on.

I think this will be the future for home lighting as it eliminates a lot of wiring and opens all the receptacles up to any use.

the next step would be that a switch would have a primary and a secondary and maybe more levels. you do a quick tap and the primary light goes on. press and hold for a second and the secondary light(s) go on. you could have the switch by the garage light the hall and kitchen, but have the kitchen only work the kitchen....

work that in with dimming and you really have a neat lighting system.

the beauty is that the lamp would have power all the time, as would the switches, so there would be no batteries.