Ideas for controlling bedroom lights from bed (using zwave, upb, etc)

[tmbrown97]

I use one of the Simply Automated tabletop things on my nightstand - it has a 4-button controller in it - for the ceiling light, the fan, one I totally forget, and one "everything off" button.
 
I also have a W800RF32 so I can use X10RF remotes and motions - the little stick-on slimline switches actually stick on the side of some of our nighstands and kids' furniture so we can turn off the lights as well.
 
Otherwise I just fire up eKeypad on the phone - and my wife does quite often too.

 

[wkearney99]

I've got a RA2 hybrid keypad at the bedside to handle most of what you mention.  The important part being not having to fiddle with a tablet or phone.  Just reach over and tap the button, the bottom-most of which I always configure as an "area all off" function.  This makes it easier to use in the dark without having to dig up the reading glasses to see the button label...  Don't laugh, you'll need 'em eventually too...

 

[pete_c]

Yup; here the "small" button / touchscreen with multiple functions is way low on the WAF.
 
The buttons on the small tabletop touchscreen have been getting bigger over time.   The thought process initially was to try to fit as many buttons and variables on one screen that I could fit. 
 
Today there is a large button to turn off the display; that and a timed off after bedtime event running. 
 
Today / this morning only care was to look at the weather map / radar "blue sections" and the minus whatever temperatures outside.
 
I did also have an issue with the flashing "blue" network interface LED's for a time. 
 
They are very noticeable when the room is dark.
 
I was going to unsolder the LEDs originally and ended up covering them up with a tiny piece of duct tape/

 

[IVB]

I'm using Voice Recognition. AutoVoice with Tasker calling a CQC url. Right now I have a Nexus 5 so I have to unlock and press a button but I'll switch to the next MotoX if they continue to do rapid android updates. The dedicated always on microphone would eliminate even that.

 

[kwilcox]

Cheap X10 remotes everywhere in the house here too. Wireless signals received by the WGL Designs W800+ (massive improvement over Warren's original W800RF32 btw) connected to Home Control Assistant. It bridges X10 wireless to UPB (which is the home's primary automation interface) and Insteon.

My only issue is their lack of a backlight. I may actually end up modding one or two to add a backlight option.

 

[tadr]

Thanks for the tips, everyone!
 
I just picked up one of the aeon labs minimotes and I'm going to try using that.  I'm tentatively planning to velcro it to the side of the nightstand and leave it connected to the charging cable.  I understand that it supports 8 functions (and more if you configure it for double/triple taps).  I plan to print labels on my label maker.  Not ideal, but it should work.
 
I already have a wall mounted tablet in the room, but I don't particularly want one at the bedside -- it's just too harsh in the dark.

 

[wkearney99]

I already have a wall mounted tablet in the room, but I don't particularly want one at the bedside -- it's just too harsh in the dark.

 

 did also have an issue with the flashing "blue" network interface LED's for a time. They are very noticeable when the room is dark. I was going to unsolder the LEDs originally and ended up covering them up with a tiny piece of duct tape/

 
+1  The wife HATES anything that lights up enough to be seen when sleeping.  Thankfully the indicators on the wall switches are tiny enough to not be noticeable.  My 'To Do' list has an item for covering the green LED for the smoke alarm up on the 12' high tray ceiling...
 
And don't get me started on the hassles of eliminating the tiny bit of drive I/O noise from the Tivo... damned furniture would actually amplify it when closed...  
 
The minimotes look interesting.  How well can their functionality be used from Elk or HAI systems?

 

[CAI_Support]

Great ideas!

 

[tadr]

I just saw that a new device came out -- Ivee Sleek.  This might be a great way to get bedside voice control.
 
It looks like the software is still pretty immature (no vera support, yet), but it is available at Staples now.
 
Thread on the topic here: http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php?topic=15613.0