Escapees March-April 2024

rv gadget box

Calling All Gadgets I enjoy RV gadgets, and I’ll bet that most of you reading this have at least one special gadget that you can't live without. Why not share it? Contact me at techquestions@escapees.com and tell me about it. If I like it, I’ll review it in the “RV Gadget Box” column and credit you with discovering it! Check out the RV Gadget Box archive : https://gadgetbox.escapees.com

“I have been impressed with the reliability and stability of the system and app!”

program a macro in the app to turn a dehumidi fi er on or off based on the humidity. Plus, I can monitor and control every device in my house when I’m on the road. There are a bunch of other home automation apps out there, like TuyaSmart, Geeni, SmartLife and Home Assistant, to name a few. Also, all these devices can be controlled by Alexa, Google nest, Echo and more. And, best of all, the devices are surprisingly affordable and functional. For instance, the Enbrighten smart plugs are available online and at Lowes stores and are about $10 each. Online, you can often fi nd them on sale for about one half of that price, which is very affordable! SOME CAVEATS All the devices I’ve played with require a 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi connection and won’t work on a 5Ghz Wi-Fi network. There is a setup procedure for each switch or device, just follow the easy directions that come with them. Look for devices that are compatible with Tuyasmart or Smart life apps. I have been impressed with the reliability and stability of the system and app! I now have a temp monitor on my chest freezer that will send me a noti fi cation if the temperature gets out of the desired range, and a humidity monitor that controls the house dehumidi fi er andnoti fi es me when it runs. Plus, I have sunset to sunrise outdoor lighting that automatically adjusts to the change of seasons. Best of all, I can see and control each device from the RV in another state and change things if they need changing, all for a very small mone tary investment. If you have Internet and wi fi inyour RV, think of what you could do with a few of these little smart devices!

ENBRIGHTEN SMART DEVICES Jasco Products Company 10 East Memorial Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73114-2205 855-527-2687, www.enbrightenme.com

Switches are around $10 each, and other sensors and devices are in the $20-$40 range. Switches and some additional devices are available at Lowes. Many Tuya-compatible devices that will work with the Enbrighten app are available at online retailers.

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March/April 2024 ESCAPEES Magazine