Escapees March-April 2024

rv gadget box

Home Monitoring and Control on a Budget By MARK NEMETH #45776, Escapees Technical Advisor, Send your questions via e-mail to techquestions@escapees.com

independently communicates through the cloud and is controlled by an App on your phone. The Enbrighten app allows you to control the switches and also see the current status (On/Off) of each

When I’m on the road for months at a time, I often wonder about my house and how it’s faring. Years ago, I reviewed a Wi-Fi temperature monitoring system, but sadly, it’s no longer available. Recently, I began looking for a replacement and started playing with Wi-Fi smart switches and devices. These gadgets communicate across the “Internet of Things” (IOT) and don’t require a hub to work.

switch. However, the real power is in the app’s ability to set timers and conditional automation sequences (or “scenes” in the parlance of home automation speak). TEMPERATURE MONITORING Okay, this is great for timers, but what about temperature monitoring? Well, after some experimentation, I discovered that the Enbrighten app is compatible with a wide range of devices,

ENBRIGHTEN SWITCHES I started with some Enbrighten switches, mostly because they were inexpensive and on the shelf at Lowes. These compact little switches simply plug into any AC outlet and will allow you to control lights and appliances. Each switch

including temperature and humidity monitors, water leak detectors, LED

bulbs, home security sensors and devices, and smart wall switches and outlets. Now, I can add a temp/humidity sensor and easily

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ESCAPEES Magazine March/April 2024