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Wall sockets with built in timers - Preferences / opinions

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  • Wall sockets with built in timers - Preferences / opinions

    Hey guys,

    In the market for a wall socket with built in timer for my heat exchanger and was hoping to get some advice on what to look for, potential risks to my machine etc..

    Firstly, will there be an issue with leaving the coffee machine switch in the on position and just switching the power off directly at the wall (forgive me if this is a stupid question)?
    Secondly, is there specific options to look for that's preferred?
    Lastly, has anyone used one of those WiFi smart plugs? The idea of being able to switch the machine on while driving home from work sounds like a great idea..

    Cheers...

    Jack J.

  • #2
    Hey Jack,

    1. No, it's fine.
    2. This is all up to you. Simple is better for some, so some go with mechanical timers, for others like me, electronics are fun.
    3. Yes I've been using a Wemo Insight for over a year and it has been absolutely faultless. If you want one of those, they're ~$60 if you shop around.

    The issue you need to keep on top of is having surge protection to protect your machine's control board, and also ensuring whatever solution you purchase is actually reliable. Some people have enjoyed using the DLink options, I personally didn't consider them.

    See my reflections here: http://coffeesnobs.com.au/general-co...tml#post576665

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    • #3
      One other thing to consider is that Belkin WeMo switches are Google Home compatible. Between Google Home and If This Then That I never have to use the WeMo app (which is a pos, pita and total woftam imo).

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      • #4
        Originally posted by readeral View Post
        Thanks for your feedback.. also read your post - very clever!!

        Im tossing up between the D-Link wifi smart plug and WeMo... Will do some more reading and report back with the outcome!

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        • #5
          Originally posted by Magic_Matt View Post
          One other thing to consider is that Belkin WeMo switches are Google Home compatible. Between Google Home and If This Then That I never have to use the WeMo app (which is a pos, pita and total woftam imo).
          And a bimbo

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          • #6
            Also I actually kinda like the Wemo app. All my schedules are still in the app ATM, although I'm moving them into NodeRED soon.

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            • #7
              Thanks readeral.. just picked one up on evil bay, should have it by mid next week..

              Thanks again for your advice!

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              • #8
                Another vote for WeMo here. Been using them for years for coffee machine, garden lights and EV charging.

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by readeral View Post
                  Also I actually kinda like the Wemo app. All my schedules are still in the app ATM, although I'm moving them into NodeRED soon.
                  You don't find it laggy and buggy as heck?

                  I've also found that since getting WeMo Link lights (which annoyingly aren't supported directly by Google Home), there's a firmware update at least once a week, none of which never actually resolve the many persistent bugs 🤔

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                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Magic_Matt View Post
                    You don't find it laggy and buggy as heck?

                    I've also found that since getting WeMo Link lights (which annoyingly aren't supported directly by Google Home), there's a firmware update at least once a week, none of which never actually resolve the many persistent bugs 樂
                    Matt I found the Wemos all of that and would take half a day to update firmware which is probably a few 100kb. The thing which changed mine was giving them fixed ip, upgrades are much quicker and zero dropouts. They should have it written on the back of the device in 10mm letters 'give me a fixed ip'.

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by 338 View Post
                      The thing which changed mine was giving them fixed ip, upgrades are much quicker and zero dropouts.
                      Hi 338, would you suggest fixing the IP address and stick with the wemo app or use Google Home? Does Google Home have the same options (i.e. schedule times and switch the machine on if I'm out of the house) like the wemo app??

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                      • #12
                        Originally posted by tampinator View Post
                        Hi 338, would you suggest fixing the IP address and stick with the wemo app or use Google Home? Does Google Home have the same options (i.e. schedule times and switch the machine on if I'm out of the house) like the wemo app??
                        Google Home is purely for voice control - and you'll need the actual speaker unit for best results. Android phones come with Google Assistant, which you can set up ITTT rules for, but you need to use an exact phrase so it's not a genuine 'interfaceless' voice experience like Google Home. I've also found ITTT pretty flaky and slow.

                        You still need to install the WeMo app to have your ITTT account recognise the switch - so you have the option of using WeMo for rules and Google Assistant for manual on/off.

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                        • #13
                          Matt's covered it but found the Wemo app adequate for the simple things I do with these, mainly timed on/off and occasionally to turn the coffee machine on before arriving home

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                          • #14
                            WeMo [emoji1417]

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                            • #15
                              Originally posted by Magic_Matt View Post
                              You don't find it laggy and buggy as heck?

                              I've also found that since getting WeMo Link lights (which annoyingly aren't supported directly by Google Home), there's a firmware update at least once a week, none of which never actually resolve the many persistent bugs [emoji848]
                              I have Philips Hue lights, so maybe the limit of my Wemo experience makes me like the app more...

                              Also the fixed IP advice above was a must for proper firmware updates and stability issues.

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