dw886 Posted February 27, 2020 Share Posted February 27, 2020 I'm not sure why I hadn't even given this though earlier, but for closets and other places where aesthetics aren't top of list, is there any drawback to using TP-Link switches where I'd normally put C4-SW120277 switches if the zigbee mesh in those areas is already strong when Alan's driver is already part of a project? The HS200 switches are $20 retail, so for the spare bedroom closets where I find the traditional switches left accidentally on, it seems like a no-brainer...the only downside that I can see is that they look different and the TP-Link switches obviously wouldn't help to strengthen the zigbee mesh. Am I missing something? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chopedogg88 Posted February 27, 2020 Share Posted February 27, 2020 I think you meant to say "aren't top of the list"...but no, no reason not to use them really. I'm not going on experience here though, as I don't have much with those switches. There is probably just a slight lag when controlling them as compared to C4 switches. And of course, there is the $90 cost of the driver, a little bit longer time to program, and you'll need a good wifi signal in the switch locations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dw886 Posted February 27, 2020 Author Share Posted February 27, 2020 6 minutes ago, chopedogg88 said: I think you meant to say "aren't top of the list"...but no, no reason not to use them really. I'm not going on experience here though, as I don't have much with those switches. There is probably just a slight lag when controlling them as compared to C4 switches. And of course, there is the $90 cost of the driver, a little bit longer time to program, and you'll need a good wifi signal in the switch locations. Correct, I did mean where aesthetics aren't top of list - I corrected it in my original post - thanks for pointing that out. The driver is a one-time cost, so if you needed 10 switches, you'd be looking at like $290 total (10 switches @ $20, and the $90 driver), or $29/each. Seems reasonable provided that wifi signal is decent at each location. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msgreenf Posted February 27, 2020 Share Posted February 27, 2020 And then they're not zigbee repeaters they don't help with your mesh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chopedogg88 Posted February 27, 2020 Share Posted February 27, 2020 2 minutes ago, msgreenf said: And then they're not zigbee repeaters they don't help with your mesh yeah he already mentioned that point in the OP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msgreenf Posted February 27, 2020 Share Posted February 27, 2020 yeah he already mentioned that point in the OPAnd thats what happens when you skip down... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAV Posted February 27, 2020 Share Posted February 27, 2020 I have more faith in Lutron Caseta than TP Link, long term. Twice the initial cost per switch. Pro bridge cost vs driver is almost a wash. But great Lutron quality vs TP Link, AND it's not 10 more things on your WiFi, and the Lutron Pico is a great remote for the cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chopedogg88 Posted February 27, 2020 Share Posted February 27, 2020 agreed, as long as the house isn't so large that the bridge won't reach all the switch locations. Time2Jet 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlemonakis Posted February 27, 2020 Share Posted February 27, 2020 I've had a bunch of them for I think around 3 years or so, with no down time. They're actually super reliable, and now the chowmain driver allows them to be added to advanced lighting scenes.. So really as long as you don't need a whole bunch of them (extra wifi congestion), and don't mind the other points already mentioned, they work very well in my experience so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Lowe Posted February 27, 2020 Share Posted February 27, 2020 if aesthics are not top of the list look into buying older c4 lighting on ebay can usually get it for cheap. Or if its a closet lutron has some switch with built occupancy. cant control them with your phone but do you really need to if they auto on and off? chopedogg88 and msgreenf 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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