Smart lamp: features of use, types, device + review of the best models of light bulbs

Xiaomi Yeelight Desk lamp

The device, released under the Yeelight brand, is focused on working with the application of the same name for iOS and Android.

The device has only one bright lamp, but it is located on a movable hinge, which allows you to set up a comfortable illumination of the workspace.

There are three touch keys for control in the base. With their help, the brightness is adjusted, the device turns on and the night mode is activated with a minimum glow level.

Advantages:

• the luminaire has a flexible swivel post with a large degree of freedom
• There is an adjustable light temperature

Flaws:

• the device can be controlled only through the Yeelight application, there is no support for Mi Home, scripts and automation
• touch buttons are not always convenient for quick adjustment of parameters

Buy Xiaomi Yeelight Desk lamp - 2282 rubles.

Device and principle of operation, stages of connecting smart light sources

Smart lighting consists of a light source and a control system. As a light bulb, LED is usually used, supplemented by various built-in sensors:

• self-diagnosis;
• microphones;
• cameras;
• temperature, motion, photosensitivity sensors;
• modules for remote control and programming (for example, an alarm clock);
• speakers.

Experiments are underway to equip smart light sources with gas analyzers, microclimate controllers, an emergency call function, and full combination with a mobile phone.

To connect, simply screw the lamp into the socket and set up the control system.

You can control smart lights in different ways. The control system generally consists of three parts:

• microcontroller;
• receiver;
• control sensors.

As a rule, regulation takes place remotely using wireless devices. For these purposes, different communication channels are used: radio channels, Bluetooth, wi-fi.

Radio control. The method allows you to control smart light sources using a remote control, computer, phone. The system consists of:

• remote control;
• battery;
• special controllers that are included in the control unit.

The nuances of installation, settings depend on the specific model of the device. Consider an approximate installation scheme using the UNIELUCH-P002-G3-1000W-30M as an example.

The radio signal receiver is installed in the junction box or next to the lamp, if possible.Then the light sources are connected to the receiver through three communication channels (brown, blue, white wires) and a common minus (thin black wire).

Then the control unit is connected to the mains using a red and thick black wire. At this stage, put the switch.

Finally, an antenna (white wire) is connected to the receiver to amplify and more accurately signal.

This method of regulation has one drawback: everything is connected in series. If one element fails, the entire system will stop working.

WiFi regulation. In this case, the luminaire becomes one of the electronic devices of the home network, it is assigned its own IP address. To install, screw the light source into the chandelier, find a new electronic device on the router, give the router permission to connect. After that, the smart lamp receives a signal from the router and transmits it to the entire apartment through the built-in amplifying antenna.

Let's analyze the regulation on the example of Xiaomi.

On a mobile device connected to a wi-fi network (phone, tablet), the Yeelight application is downloaded and installed.

You need to run the program and select the nearest servers (German ones are recommended for the European part of the Russian Federation). Confirm the license agreement.

Next, either register or log in with your Xiaomi account. The main menu will open. In it, you need to add your light source, give her access to GPS.

Selecting a smart lamp in the software

Select the MAC address of the lamp, click "continue": a list should appear. If this does not happen, then the settings should be reset and repeat all over again. If the connection was successful, then you can make settings by pressing the power button.

Setting up a smart lamp

After that, a list of additional settings will appear: brightness, warmth, color (Flow function), custom templates. The setting is intuitive, after selecting the desired parameter, do not forget to save it.

To configure automatic on/off, use the "Schedule" option.

The "Pipette" option allows you to automatically recognize the color of an object, set this shade for the glow. The Music Mode option sets the light to blink in time with the music playing on your phone.

Regulation via Bluetooth. The smart lamp has a built-in Bluetooth module. After screwing the light source into the chandelier, just turn on Bluetooth on your phone (tablet), find a new gadget. Next, you need to install a management application. Let's look at the Lumen smart lamp as an example.

Application of the same name: Lumen

Lumen Software

The application controls both one lamp and several.

As long as the phone is within the Bluetooth coverage area, the lamp shines in the specified color. After 2 minutes of turning off the Bluetooth, the light stops working.

A smart light source flashes to the beat of the music, but only played in the application. The Music option is responsible for that.

When you call the phone, the flashing will start. You can set up a light alarm. The application allows you to set custom lighting modes, change colors, brightness.

Design and principle of operation

Essentially, smart lighting consists of a lighting fixture and a system that controls it. The light bulb runs on LEDs, which is in greatest demand today. After all, the diode consumes a minimum amount of electricity and emits a large amount of light.

The control system consists of the following components:

• microcontroller;
• receiver;
• sensors and sensors that help monitor the status of the device.

Unlike standard incandescent bulbs, their smart counterparts allow you to fully control the operation of the entire system. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity gives you the ability to control your lighting from anywhere in your home. All you need is a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

The main components of a smart lamp are the E27 base, a frosted cap made of plexiglass, an aluminum ribbed base that provides rigidity and better heat dissipation. Inside the device there are many LEDs, a transformer, a controller and a Bluetooth or Wi-FI module. The model can also be equipped with a microphone or camera

Xiaomi COOWOO U1

One of the latest lamps from Xiaomi. The device is compact in size and light in weight.

The round diode lamp is located on a bending base, it is convenient to place it at any angle.

The main feature of the model is the built-in 4000 mAh battery.

This allows the lamp to operate at an average brightness level of about 8 hours without being plugged into an outlet. At the same time, the device can act as a PowerBank. On the back of the base is a pair of USB-A charging ports.

Advantages:

• light and compact design
• built-in battery, about 8 hours of battery life
• it is possible to charge a couple of gadgets from the lamp

Flaws:

• no integration with the smart home system
• no color temperature adjustment
• charging or powering the lamp is carried out through an obsolete microUSB connector
• USB ports give out 1A each, which will not allow you to charge gadgets quickly

Buy Xiaomi COOWOO U1 - 1716 rubles.

Application area

Often presented devices are used not only for their intended purpose. The operation of such a device can provide other functions that are classified as useful features:

• Such a system is able to simulate the presence of a person in the room. This will turn the light on/off.
• The device can also perform the functions of an alarm clock - the light will turn on at a certain time, reacting to the lighting situation in the room.
• The light brightness can automatically decrease when a secondary light source is activated - a TV, a computer.
• The lamp can become a signaling device for incoming messages and calls when the phone screen is activated.

Additional functions

Additionally, bulbs of this type allow you to create light scenarios. They are actively used by interior designers to highlight the desired areas in the room. With the help of such visualizations, you can “hide” some elements of the interior in the penumbra, and bring others to the fore, highlighting them with light.

Features of choosing a table lamp

Now let's look at a few practical examples when choosing a table lamp, using the above recommendations.

For a student

The most profitable option would be table lamps with a good plastic shade. This is due to the fact that children are very mobile and can easily catch the appliance, so the glass can break and injure the child, and hot metal can cause burns. Therefore, polymer is a much more practical option, but be sure to check the quality certificate, do not purchase models that have an unpleasant pungent chemical smell.

In appearance, the table lamp should match the interior of the nursery, but it is better for the child to participate in choosing the model. It is advisable to avoid bulky devices, if it will serve the student for more than one year, it is better to use a flexible leg so that over time it can change the height. Note that everyone chooses the appropriate light intensity, so get a lamp with power control.

For work

When performing various types of work, such as embroidery with beads, soldering boards, manicure and others, it is necessary to move the light flux over the entire working surface, redistribute the illumination, adjust the brightness, etc.

Therefore, a table lamp for work must have maximum functionality, a movable tripod that can change not only the height, but also adjust the tilt. In some situations, it may be necessary to move the ceiling in a horizontal plane.

Rice. 8. Desk lamp for work

For office

Office table lamps should be chosen in a strict business style, so there should be no frills in the decoration of the lampshade, there should be no backlighting. It is advisable to give preference to strict body colors so that it does not distract from work. The glow color should be chosen from 4500 K to 5000 K, as it is most suitable for office operations. Here, too, a dimmable table-top unit will not be superfluous, allowing you to dim and intensify the light, depending on the type of work performed.

When writing the article, the following literature was used:

• S. Koryakin-Chernyak "Lighting the apartment and house" 2005
• M.Yu.Chernichkin “All about electrics. Modern illustrated encyclopedia» 2016
• MM. Gutorov "Fundamentals of lighting technology and light sources" 1983
• V.B. Kozlovskaya "Electric lighting.Handbook» 2008
• B.Yu. Semenov "Economical lighting for all" 2016

Application

In the application, for each lamp there are two round scales that allow you to select either the color and its intensity, or the color temperature and glow level in the simple light bulb mode. In color mode, you can choose any color, set the brightness, and even save your favorite combination to your favorites. Under the color control bar, there is a menu that allows you to select a glow theme, such as sports, relaxation, and others. These are ready-made presets that, according to LIFX, are ideal for the described situations. You can also find special effects in the application menu. There are 8 different presets here - for example, you can turn on pastel shades and the colors will change smoothly, reproducing soft and warm shades. There is a music mode in which the color changes to the beat of the music. Well, the last mode in the settings is “Day and Sunset”. It allows you to automate the glow temperature depending on the time of day. This way you will wake up in the morning to cool white light and fall asleep at night to warm and dim lighting.

Connecting and configuring a TP-Link smart light bulb

I will show on the example of TP-Link LB130. The setup process for all models will be the same. The difference is only in the functions that are available after configuration.

We take a light bulb and screw it into our chandelier, floor lamp, sconce, etc. Turn it on with the switch. Light bulbs require a constant supply of power to function properly. The light will blink a few times and stay on.

Install the Kasa app on your phone or tablet (from the App Store or Google Play). Next, open the Wi-Fi settings on your phone and connect to the smart bulb's Wi-Fi network. The network will be something like this: "TP-Link_Smart Bulb_".No password.

If the light is on, but the Wi-Fi network does not distribute, then it may already be configured. You need to do a reset. This can also come in handy if you want to reconfigure the light bulb, connect it to another Wi-Fi network.

To reset the settings, you need to turn it off with the switch. And then turn on and off 5 times. Turning on the light bulb, it should blink several times. This means that the settings have been reset to factory defaults.

After connecting, open the Kasa application. You can immediately create an account and log into it (to control the light bulbs via the Internet, even when you are not at home). Click on the "Add device" button. Select the type of device. Instructions will appear. Click "Next" and again "Next" (if the light is already on).

Then the search and connection to the light bulb will begin. If your device is connected to the light bulb's Wi-Fi network, a field will appear where you need to specify the name of the light bulb and click "Next". In the next step, select an icon. We connect the light bulb to our Wi-Fi network. You need to enter a password for your Wi-Fi. If you need to select another Wi-Fi network, just click on it and select your network from the list (I understand that the application automatically selects the Wi-Fi network with the strongest signal).

If you entered the Wi-Fi password correctly and the light bulb was able to connect to your wireless network, then the connection process is complete. The Kasa application will display a list of devices where the light bulb will be installed.

If the list does not appear, then make sure that the mobile device is automatically connected to your Wi-Fi network (from the router). After setting up, the light bulb no longer distributes the Wi-Fi network.

How to install Xiaomi/Aqara switches

The described nimble switch models have one serious drawback - the square shape of the intravenous block.

The switch will not fit in the round socket that is familiar to us. At the stage of construction or overhaul, it is enough to purchase special square boxes in which such switches are perfectly installed, and replace them with their native round ones.

It is difficult to fit such a switch without noise and dust into a room with a ready repair. There are special outer boxes that hide the insides of the square switches outside the wall.

The view is so-so, the thickness of the box with the switch is about 4 cm. The wife will definitely not praise for such a decision.

This is how you need to enlarge the hole in the wall

It remains only to expand the existing hole in the wall from the round socket so that a square switch is placed in it.

It all depends on the material of the walls. Plasterboard walls can be easily cut to the desired size, but brick or concrete walls will have to be hollowed out.

In most cases, you can lightly work with a hammer and chisel, and sometimes you will have to resort to using a hammer drill.

15 minutes of work and a round hole in the wall turns into a square one.

The rest is a matter of technique. We connect the breaking phase to terminals L and L1 (for a two-button also in L2), and if there is a zero line, we connect it to terminal N.

We pair the switch with the gateway through the Xiaomi Mi Home app (iOS, Android) and it immediately appears in the Home app.

Unfortunately, voice cannot be set to turn off or turn off by timer

All! You can control the light in the room from your iPhone, using your voice assistant, or in the Home app on iOS.

Peculiarities

A smart lamp is an ultra-modern device, a trend of the last few years. It looks like the most ordinary light bulb, but the equipment is much more technologically advanced - there are built-in sensors, it is possible to connect to the application, additional modules protect the house from intruders, from smoke. There are several types of lamps:

• With motion sensor. It determines the presence of a person, the operation of the device is autonomous. Such lamps are simple and useful in everyday life.
• Smart lighting. Such lamps are controlled using a special application installed on a smartphone. Manufacturers combine motion and smoke sensors, alarms, light music and many other interesting features in lamps. They naturally affect the cost of the device.

There are models with voice control, some do not work on electricity, but on batteries. This diversity allows buyers to choose exactly what they are looking for and equip the home with a useful and multifunctional product.

Criterias of choice

Improving your home, a smart lamp is the best way to make your home modern and comfortable. When buying a lamp, be guided by the purpose of use. Consider the following features when choosing:

1. The motion sensor turns on the lighting at the moment when the owner passes by. There are devices with face recognition and determining the user's location by GPS. Such a system is suitable for house lighting, in hallways, inside the garage.
2. Bluetooth driver, suitable for turning on and off the lighting inside the house, such as for the hall, kitchen, living room or study.When controlling the lamp, you must be in the same room with the Bluetooth device.
3. Wi Fi lamps are an innovative development. Online devices can be controlled via the Internet if it is connected to the network. Management is carried out through a mobile application from the manufacturer. Such lamps can be used in any conditions.
4. Through the infrared port, you can adjust the color of the lighting, turn on the light off, various modes. The driver for receiving a signal from the remote control is implemented only in some devices.

Models are known that turn on from claps, voices, touch. Interactive models also fall into this category of luminaires, but they have less convenient installations than online smart lighting.

Philips Hue

Surely many people know about light bulbs from Philips. They are expensive, but very high quality and durable. The manufacturer also produces a system for smart bulbs Philips Hue, which includes a special bridge to combine all the lighting into one. Up to 50 light bulbs can be connected and configured in this way. The smartphone application allows you to fine-tune each. Whether you are reading a book with optimal lighting or simply relaxing with dimmed lights, there are a lot of settings.

You can change the color (16 million shades), turn-on time and light intensity from 360 to 600 lumens. Remote control from anywhere using a web browser is also possible. The operating time of the E27 bulb is 15,000 hours. Any smartphone or tablet running Android or iOS is supported. If you decide to buy Philips Hue smart bulbs, you will get a set of three along with a transmitter bridge for 20,000 rubles. One light bulb will cost about 4500 rubles.

Lifx light bulb

Cost - $ 47.97 Service life - 27 years Base format - E27

This WiFi bulb from Lifx is a real long-liver and the undisputed champion of this rating. Its developers promise 27 years (!) of work, which fully justifies its cost. This is the option when the device does not have to be changed every year, or even a decade. With all modern technology, such an indicator seems simply incredible.

The rest of the functionality is also not inferior to competitors. It is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as the Apple HomeKit system. Set it to automatically light up when you get home and your windows will always have friendly light on. Sixteen million different shades guarantee that you will definitely find the perfect option for your comfort. And the function of an alarm clock with imitation of light is especially relevant on cloudy winter days, when you really don’t want to leave a warm bed.

Characteristics

Colorful temperature:	2700K
Brightness:	1100 LM (analogue of an incandescent lamp - 90 W)
Power:	11 W
Compatibility:	Android and iOS 9.0+
Connections and interfaces:	WiFi
Protection against moisture and dust:	No data

Fluorescent lamps (CFL and LL)

The devices consist of a flask, the inner surface of which is coated with a phosphor. The container where the electrodes are located is filled with a mixture of mercury vapor with an inert gas.

To start, a special unit is used - an electronic or mechanical ballast. When turned on, a charge is sent inside the flask, which causes the formation of ultraviolet waves, under the influence of which the phosphor begins to glow evenly.

Fluorescent lamps can emit light of different shades. Various markings are used to designate it.As an example, one can name LTB - a lamp of warm, LHB - cold, LE - natural light

Models are divided into two types:

• linear devices (LL) - bulky tubes, at the ends of which there are two pins;
• compact lamps (CFLs), having the form of a twisted spiral, in which the starting block is hidden in the base.

The G marking indicates devices with a pin design, and the letter E indicates a threaded cartridge.

Technical characteristics of CFL:

• light output - 40-80 lm / w;
• power - 15-80 watts;
• service life - 10000-40000 hours.

An important advantage of fluorescents is their low operating temperature. Even when the product is switched on, you can safely touch it with your bare hand, making it safe to install it on any surface.

At the same time, such devices have many negative aspects. First of all, they are not environmentally friendly enough - the mercury vapor inside is poisonous.

Although in a closed bulb they do not have a detrimental effect on humans, broken or burned out light bulbs can be dangerous. Because of this, they require a recycling procedure: they will have to hand over their used products to recycling points, which are not always easy to find.

Fluorescent devices consume significantly less electricity than incandescent lamps, they have a long service life and good light output.

Other disadvantages include:

1. Unstable operation at low temperatures. At -10 °C, even powerful devices shine extremely dimly.
2. When turned on, the lamps do not light up immediately, but after a few seconds or minutes.
3. Their cost is quite high.
4. Operation may be accompanied by a low-frequency hum.
5. Such models are difficult to compatible with dimmers, which makes it difficult to adjust the light intensity. It is also undesirable to use them together with switches that have backlight indicators.
6. Although the service life is quite long, it is significantly reduced by frequent switching on and off.

In addition, the luminous flux emitted by these devices pulsates strongly, which tires the eyes.

You can read more about the design of fluorescent lamps, their advantages and disadvantages here.

Mybury Wi-Fi Lights Bulb First

Unlike the previous smart bulb model, Mibery Wi-Fi Lights Bulb First uses Wi-Fi to communicate with a smartphone, which has a wider coverage (up to 60 meters in this model). Therefore, if you live in a large house, then this gadget is perfect for you. The light bulb can change its color from 16 million shades, turn on or off at a certain time and be used as an alarm clock.

The consumption is 7.5 watts, which is equivalent to a conventional 40 watt E27 incandescent bulb. The savings in electricity are enormous, especially given the current trend of regularly rising energy prices. The aperture is 550 lumens. The app is available for Android and iOS smartphones. The price of the device is about 4000 rubles on the Russian market.

Design and principle of operation

Essentially, smart lighting consists of a lighting fixture and a system that controls it. The light bulb runs on LEDs, which is in greatest demand today. After all, the diode consumes a minimum amount of electricity and emits a large amount of light.

The control system consists of the following components:

• microcontroller;
• receiver;
• sensors and sensors that help monitor the status of the device.

Unlike standard light bulbs, their smart counterparts allow you to fully control the operation of the entire system.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity gives you the ability to control your lighting from anywhere in your home. All you need is a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

The main components of a smart lamp are the E27 base, a frosted cap made of plexiglass, an aluminum ribbed base that provides rigidity and better heat dissipation. Inside the device there are many LEDs, a transformer, a controller and a Bluetooth or Wi-FI module. The model can also be equipped with a microphone or camera

Mistake No. 2 You need to buy only a brand, not a Chinese product with Ali Express.

The fact is that the vast majority of ring lamps on the market are produced in the same Chinese factories, only under different brands.

What matters is not the sticker, but the quality of the components and
LED cooling level

So always pay attention to the body
products

It must have enough on the back
number of slots for good natural ventilation. The more there are, the
better.

Although the ring lamp itself does not heat up like the same softbox, the temperature of the LEDs on the board directly affects their service life.

As for build quality, cheap copies on
light-scattering rim often have cracks that form from
fastening screws.

Do not be surprised, this is not uncommon even for new ones.
copies just delivered in the mail.

However, there is no need to chase after some “European”
goods by checking brand nameplates. You can easily buy popular
products on Ali from:

Fosoto or Travor

a more premium model from Godox (see the review of it at the end of the article)

More

All of them will work well for you for many years. Just read reviews from real owners.

Types of LED smart bulbs

All models on the market are divided into two main categories. The first includes models that determine the presence of a person in a room using motion sensors. Their work is completely autonomous, which simplifies their operation.

The second type is smart lighting controlled by a smartphone, for which a special application is used.

Manufacturers offer models that harmoniously combine both of the above categories. They can be fine-tuned using the program - set the brightness, select the color and specify how it works. And then turn on the automatic mode.

As a result, the lamp will work completely autonomously with the user's settings.

Devices can be divided into types depending on functionality. Some of them work for some time without electricity, for which they are equipped with an internal battery.

Models with voice control are in demand, which allows only by pronouncing one specific phrase to turn on or turn off the lighting.

Operating principle

To describe the principle of operation of the device, it is necessary to consider initially the equipment itself, and then the features of its functionality. But not a single light bulb has a complete set of modules. Only in the near future it is planned to produce universal samples with a complete set.

The set may include:

• Sensors for self-diagnosis of the light bulb and the general house system, in which the device operates.
• Microphone and video camera of circular action.
• Temperature sensors that determine the microclimate in the room.
• Motion sensors.
• Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module for remote control of the lamp and distribution of the Internet signal.
• Module for timer programming and alarm function.
• Multi-band speaker, mono or stereo sound.
• A sensor that reacts to the degree of sacredness to automatically adjust the intensity of the light.

Device versatility

In the future, almost all developers plan to equip all models of such bulbs with the functions of a gas analyzer, automatic call of emergency and rescue services, microclimate control in conjunction with the ventilation and air conditioning system. Many companies are planning full integration of light bulbs with the mobile phone. This will make it possible to make calls from any room where a smart lighting device is installed.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Bulb with speaker, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module:

Smart lighting is a novelty that is becoming more and more popular every day. With its help, you can make the interior of absolutely any apartment or house really comfortable and cozy.

In addition, many models can improve mood and normalize sleep. If you get acquainted with the functionality in detail, then we can say that these devices fully justify their price.

Tell us about how you selected a smart light bulb for integration into the lighting control system of your own house/apartment. Perhaps you have interesting information that will be useful to site visitors? Please write comments, post photos, share information and ask questions in the block below.