ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Some new drivers have just been added to the BLGW database:
WeMo Insight Switch
WeMo Air Purifier
WeMo Slow Cooker
It's nice to see the driver database growing. Especially with drivers for some very affordable solutions.
I see the WeMo Insight Switch as being a great and cheaper alternative to the Lutron RadioRa 2 power switch module. This could be used for turning on and off Christmas tree lights or for turning on and off portable fans. I've used similar switches (Lutron) to turn on/off scented candle warmers using the B&O remote. I would be interested to hear other suggestions for uses!
Here's another suggested use for the WeMo Insight Switch, which I've done with Lutron's module:
Connect a popcorn popper (I used a hot air popper) pre-loaded with corn. When you're watching a movie, with a press of your B&O remote you can start making popcorn. You could even get creative and attach the command to the CINEMA macro.
Some more ideas:
Tea: You could connect an electric kettle to begin heating water for tea when you select a MORNING macro.
Toast: You could switch power to a toaster that has been pre-loaded with bread or bagels. (The freshness and safety of this might be questionable, though.)
Eclipse 65V1-32Beosound M5Essence MK2BLI
I do see a disadvantage to the WeMo Insight Switch as compared to the Lutron RadioRa 2 Appliance Module. The WeMo switch must be hardwired as an outlet. Whereas, the RadioRa 2 Appliance Module simply plugs into the existing outlet much like an extension cord to the appliance.
beojeff: I do see a disadvantage to the WeMo Insight Switch as compared to the Lutron RadioRa 2 Appliance Module. The WeMo switch must be hardwired as an outlet. Whereas, the RadioRa 2 Appliance Module simply plugs into the existing outlet much like an extension cord to the appliance.
It seems that I was mistaken. The WeMo Insight Switch does not need to be wired. It just plugs into the existing outlet. I'm thinking that the new WeMo Mini Smart Plug should also work with the driver, but I haven't tested it yet. At $35 USD, that's a very affordable way to add some home automation solutions!
I wanted to report back that I've tested the new WeMo Mini Smart Plug and it does indeed work with the WeMo Insight Switch driver. The BLGW captured three controls: on, off, and toggle. Easy setup took just seconds. At about $30 USD, this is a very affordable appliance switch control.