I've just noticed this new release from Samotech.
For those of you, like me, who have installed a dimmer module in parallel with your manual pull cord switch for your bathroom, this looks like a good option. Not too badly priced either.
I just might have to get one. 
2 Likes
Neat, thanks for sharing.
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So wait... you pull to turn on and off like basic old school pull cord bulb housings? And than you pull and hold to dim? I have never seen one of these in my life. Must be a European thing?
Could really confuse some people with one of these in a home in the US, just remove the light switch in the bathroom and hang this cord from the ceiling.
I've never seen a manual/non smart one that could do this either.
Presently I have a pull cord switch with a Fibaro dimmer attached to it to do my bathroom light dimming.
I think I'll replace all that with one of these.
Just an update on the device.
It turned up and I fitted it OK.
Removed my Fibaro dimmer that was across the 'dumb' pull cord switch.
Installed it OK. No neutral needed.
It paired OK but was found as a Zigbee Smart Bulb.
Changed device type to Generic Zigbee Dimmer.
Works OK and is controllable through the device page and Node Red.
Using it manually, pull the cord to turn it on. Hold cord 'on' and if the lights are bright it will dim. Also visa versa.
All in all a nice piece of kit.
3 Likes
Looking to get this. If it’s full brightness and a rule says turn on 20 percent does it turn on full brightness and then dim or does it turn on 20%?
Update. I sacked this off and returned it. Wasn't happy with the feel/quality.
Also, I am UK based. Pretty common to find the existing light switches have a 2-wire connection with a rocker switch, either on or off, acting as a switched live. Apparently in the world of smart lights, momentary switches are more commonplace I. E. Press once, toggle, hold to dim, release, hold to brighten. Etc. You get the drift.
I've bought a stack of these mini dimmers for less than a tenner:
Turns out it's a doddle to add one of these modules to the actual light fitting/loop. I sent the pull cord zigbee device back, got my £35 quid back, and added a standard momentary switch instead of a cord.
Switches are readily available from screwfix for a fiver. Plastic too, so no safety issues regarding a lack of earth at the switch points. I've bought a stack of them.
Summary
If you're lucky enough to have your light switches earthed, there's a huge variety of sexy metal switches and facias so you'll be able to make use of the 2nd gang or even add multiple dimmer/switch modules. I wanted to add some grid-style switches, maybe 4 of them to replace my single light switch to control blinds, scenes etc. But the lack of earth meant I needed to stick to plastic, seriously limiting the choices.
