I want to install a light switch at my church that has a remote control. Similar to the Lutron Caseta. The only requirement is that it has a remote control. Prefer not to have a dimmer. I would like to have as few accessories as possible. Are there any solutions that have the switch, the remote and nothing else (i.e. a hub etc)?
I was thinking about Z-Wave or Wi-Fi, but it doesn't matter, as long as it's reliable and easy to use.
A Z-wave scene-capable switch can be operated directly with a Z-wave remote (like the $19 Aeon Labs DSA03202 Minimote). No hub is needed for a simple setup, but you will have to have to go through a "network inclusion" step to get the switch to recognize the remote.
The advantage of using devices that communicate via a broadly accepted protocol (like Z-wave or Insteon) is that if you need to add more control or devices, your existing hardware investment won't be wasted. They are also typically more secure than a typical IR remote.
If you really don't think dimmer switches are appropriate, you can choose a Z-wave "appliance" switch, which is a simple on-off toggle. The advantage is that it will work with every lighting technology; while a dimmer switch must be appropriate for the lighting technology it is controlling (a dimmer switch that works with CFL lighting might not work with LED lighting or halogen lighting, for example.)
Something else important to consider are the form factors of the other switches in the building. If the rest of them are traditional toggle switches, will ordinary people understand this one being a touch-on/touch-off switch? If you do introduce a new switch type, be sure that all the other new switches you add operate the same way.
A Z-wave in-wall module is also an option that would preserve your existing switches while enabling remote control.
I created a project a while ago that some kids could/did put together. If there is Wi-Fi access, have a look at my project: http://davidtaylorgineer.blogspot.co.za/2017/07/wi-fi-enabled-bed-lamp-project-to-teach.html (Source code available)
ESP8266 with an appropriate relay would work. Probably cheaper than the same 433MHz remote without any range issues. ;-)
Schematic
We built it on Veroboard
Screenshot from my Phone.
Only thing left to do would be to make the ESP8266 accessible over the internet (Securely) and you're done.
Hope this is useful.
The simplest remote control outlets typically use a digitally coded radio signal from a dedicated remote operating at 433 MHz or a similar unlicensed locally appropriate frequency band.
These systems typically have no real security, and make only moderate efforts to avoid false triggering from interfering signal, however their digital nature tends to mean that it would take a quite similar transmission to false trigger them - probably a remote from the same series of product, even if sold under a different brand or role (for example outlet and light socket form factor products may actually be the same internally, and the same design may wear many different brand names and plastic housings)
On the plus side, they're cheap, "boot" instantly, respond quickly, and you largely avoid all the "network down", "server down" and "long distance attack" possibilities - though a mischievous teenager can buy a matching remote, hide in a closet, and turn off the lights in the middle of services.
Should you later decide you want to create a more networked setup, play with voice assistants, etc, there are hubs available which can talk to these as well.
EDIT: Since having a physical remote seems to be a must, you can check the Sonoff RF that uses a remote to turn the lights on and off. But, RF are low security and does poor filtering of bad signals, so, it might be attacked. I'll go with wifi if possibe.
First of all, I don't have any partnership with this brand, just sharing my experience as a maker and electronics enthusiastic.
I have a couple of sonoff s20 at my place. It cost me about 12€ a month ago (buying in China), but you can find it up to 20$.
It came with an app that works pretty well. You can set up scenes and it haves ifttt integration. The phone (android or ios) doesn't need to be on the same network as the sonoff to work.
Also, the sonoff s20 it's easy to hack and it's possible to replace the firmware with a custom one.
It's a nice way to get started with home automation.
