HomeKit compatible device to control lights

[AJsAWiz]

Sorry, in advance, if there is a similar existing thread but I could not find one.

Does anyone have experience with using HomeKit to control lights (turn them on and off as well as set a schedule or timer)? I was looking for a HomeKit compatible device to turn lights on and off, remotely and also be able to set a schedule when I'm not home.

I found this two on Amazon:

iHome ISP6X Wi-FI Smart Plug
https://www.amazon.com/iHome-ISP6X-...39074&sr=8-2&keywords=smart+plug+homekit&th=1

iHome iSP8 Wi-FI SmartPlug
https://www.amazon.com/iHome-ISP6X-...39074&sr=8-2&keywords=smart+plug+homekit&th=1

I believe that the main difference between these two models is that the second one includes a remote so you don't have to use your iPhone or iPad.

I'm also open to suggestions for other similar products as well that are HomeKit compatible. I've read the reviews on Amazon but they seemed to be mixed so I decided to come here where I've found invaluable, reliable information in the past from knowledgeable Mac Forum experts.

 

[kylew1212]

Those would work for controlling a lamp. I use a Koogeek Homekit wall plug purchased from Amazon all the time to control my lamp.

I have automations setup to turn the lamp on when I get home, and to turn it off when I leave.

 

[AJsAWiz]

Would you recommend the Koogeek brand?

Thanks for posting!

 

[kylew1212]

Would you recommend the Koogeek brand?

Thanks for posting!

I have had great luck with the Koogeek wall switch, so yes I'd recommend it.

However I've not use any other brand names to compare to.. I recently purchased LIFX bulbs and I'm sending them back because they didn't work. I replaced the bulbs with Sylvania SMART+ bulbs and they have been good, but are not as fast to respond as the Koogeek wifi wall switch.

 

[cynics]

Sorry, in advance, if there is a similar existing thread but I could not find one.

Does anyone have experience with using HomeKit to control lights (turn them on and off as well as set a schedule or timer)? I was looking for a HomeKit compatible device to turn lights on and off, remotely and also be able to set a schedule when I'm not home.

I found this two on Amazon:

iHome ISP6X Wi-FI Smart Plug
https://www.amazon.com/iHome-ISP6X-Wi-FI-Smart-Plug/dp/B01HCVG9NG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1510839074&sr=8-2&keywords=smart+plug+homekit&th=1

iHome iSP8 Wi-FI SmartPlug
https://www.amazon.com/iHome-ISP6X-Wi-FI-Smart-Plug/dp/B01HCVG51M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1510839074&sr=8-2&keywords=smart+plug+homekit&th=1

I believe that the main difference between these two models is that the second one includes a remote so you don't have to use your iPhone or iPad.

I'm also open to suggestions for other similar products as well that are HomeKit compatible. I've read the reviews on Amazon but they seemed to be mixed so I decided to come here where I've found invaluable, reliable information in the past from knowledgeable Mac Forum experts.

Yes the difference between those are one comes with a remote and the other does not.

They can handle 1800 watts, so you can plug pretty much anything into them (1800w / 120v = 15amp which is the standard circuit/breaker sizing for plugs in NA).

I have a couple of them and while I dont use them often they are always responsive in the Home.app. So from my experience they are good. While I would recommend them that is only because I personally haven't had a problem and I haven't used any other type of smart plug.

The reason I initially bought them was because 1. They didn't require a hub. 2. Inexpensive but not poor quality Chinese cheap. 3. The design of them lets you use the other outlet or plug in another iHome smart plug, some smart plugs block the other switch....greedy smart plugs...

Side note: Bed Bath and Beyond sells these. I've seen them in store for 25 dollars plus you can use one of their coupons that everyone always seems to have 20 of in the mail (unless you need one).

 

[AJsAWiz]

Yes the difference between those are one comes with a remote and the other does not.

They can handle 1800 watts, so you can plug pretty much anything into them (1800w / 120v = 15amp which is the standard circuit/breaker sizing for plugs in NA).

I have a couple of them and while I dont use them often they are always responsive in the Home.app. So from my experience they are good. While I would recommend them that is only because I personally haven't had a problem and I haven't used any other type of smart plug.

The reason I initially bought them was because 1. They didn't require a hub. 2. Inexpensive but not poor quality Chinese cheap. 3. The design of them lets you use the other outlet or plug in another iHome smart plug, some smart plugs block the other switch....greedy smart plugs...

Side note: Bed Bath and Beyond sells these. I've seen them in store for 25 dollars plus you can use one of their coupons that everyone always seems to have 20 of in the mail (unless you need one).

Wow! Thanks for all of the information, especially the Bed, Bath and Beyond availability. I always have those coupons plus I get them on my phone as well.
[doublepost=1511323463][/doublepost]

I have had great luck with the Koogeek wall switch, so yes I'd recommend it.

However I've not use any other brand names to compare to.. I recently purchased LIFX bulbs and I'm sending them back because they didn't work. I replaced the bulbs with Sylvania SMART+ bulbs and they have been good, but are not as fast to respond as the Koogeek wifi wall switch.

Thanks again.

 

[AJsAWiz]

Yes the difference between those are one comes with a remote and the other does not.

They can handle 1800 watts, so you can plug pretty much anything into them (1800w / 120v = 15amp which is the standard circuit/breaker sizing for plugs in NA).

I have a couple of them and while I dont use them often they are always responsive in the Home.app. So from my experience they are good. While I would recommend them that is only because I personally haven't had a problem and I haven't used any other type of smart plug.

The reason I initially bought them was because 1. They didn't require a hub. 2. Inexpensive but not poor quality Chinese cheap. 3. The design of them lets you use the other outlet or plug in another iHome smart plug, some smart plugs block the other switch....greedy smart plugs...

Side note: Bed Bath and Beyond sells these. I've seen them in store for 25 dollars plus you can use one of their coupons that everyone always seems to have 20 of in the mail (unless you need one).

Home
[doublepost=1511627505][/doublepost]I purchased iHome Smart plugs. On the first one, I kept getting an "incompatible network (90)" error using the iHome app and a network not supported error when using Apple's Home app. I kept trying, resetting the iHome device several times, and finally got it to connect. I'm having the same issue with the other iHome Smart plugs and can not get them to connect. I've tried resetting repeatedly like I did with the first one but so far no success. I've tried to add these accessories with the iHome app as well as the Apple Home app. If I recall I think I successfully connected the first one, after repeated resets, with the Apple Home app.
I think the problem might be my dual band modem (2.4 and 5.0) hence the incompatible network errors. Perhaps it's trying to connect on the 5.0 band instead of the 2.4.

Any suggestions, other than the repeated attempts I used with the first one?

Update: Problem solved; changed to 2.4 on my iPhone when setting up iHome devices

 

[cynics]

Home
[doublepost=1511627505][/doublepost]I purchased iHome Smart plugs. On the first one, I kept getting an "incompatible network (90)" error using the iHome app and a network not supported error when using Apple's Home app. I kept trying, resetting the iHome device several times, and finally got it to connect. I'm having the same issue with the other iHome Smart plugs and can not get them to connect. I've tried resetting repeatedly like I did with the first one but so far no success. I've tried to add these accessories with the iHome app as well as the Apple Home app. If I recall I think I successfully connected the first one, after repeated resets, with the Apple Home app.
I think the problem might be my dual band modem (2.4 and 5.0) hence the incompatible network errors. Perhaps it's trying to connect on the 5.0 band instead of the 2.4.

Any suggestions, other than the repeated attempts I used with the first one?

Update: Problem solved; changed to 2.4 on my iPhone when setting up iHome devices

Glad you got it working. Just for future clarification....

Many (most) smart devices use the 2.4ghz band for Wi-Fi. If your network combines them a setting up the devices won’t be an issue since SSID and password will be the same.

However many isp provided routers separate 5 and 2.4ghz to different SSIDs so you’ll need to select the 2.4ghz band SSID.

This can get confusing because some smart device apps will just use what you are connected too not let you select it.

 

[AJsAWiz]

Glad you got it working. Just for future clarification....

Many (most) smart devices use the 2.4ghz band for Wi-Fi. If your network combines them a setting up the devices won’t be an issue since SSID and password will be the same.

However many isp provided routers separate 5 and 2.4ghz to different SSIDs so you’ll need to select the 2.4ghz band SSID.

This can get confusing because some smart device apps will just use what you are connected too not let you select it.

Thanks for the additional information