Arlec Smart RGB+CCT Globe With Grid Connect

Looking for a cheap and easy intro into smart home lighting...this is it – After installing nine Arlec Grid Connect Smart Plugs, I wanted to extend my smart home further with some smart lighting. This led me to finding a replacement. After having such an easy installation with the Arlec Smart Plugs, I chose two Arlec Grid Connect GLD122HA globes as a starter (I’ve since extended this to a total of eight globes). At… Read more

only $19.90, the ARLEC Grid-Connect smart globes, I felt, were very reasonably priced. I was somewhat concerned they could be “cheap and nasty” but being from Bunnings, I knew they it would be fairly easy to return if I was dissatisfied.

UNBOXING Out of the box the globe is around the same size as a typical LED globe. These were E27 based (Edison screw) but are also available at the same price with a BC (bayonet cap). The materials utilised do not feel cheap (certainly no worse than any other LED globe) and I was impressed with them for the price. Supplied with the globe is a foldout “leaflet” style instruction sheet which sets out the step by step instructions (via text and clear diagrams) required to set up the globes and use them (see sample at the bottom of this review). It was only ¼ the size of the leaflet supplied with the smart plugs and contained brief troubleshooting guides ...but it did the job. There is also a Q-Code on this leaflet to connect to the web site for further information. Instructions are supplied in English only.

SETUP To set-up, you need to download the Arlec “Grid Connect” app from the Apple or Google stores onto your phone. Step by step instructions lead you through setting up with putting the globe into pairing mode being achieved by flicking the wall switch on and off six times (they say five but that was sometimes “iffy” so I went with six) quickly in succession. The app will then prompt you to join your WiFi network, assign the globe a name and then a room location. It only took about five (or less) minutes to have each globe up and running. You will have to create a (free) account in the app but it only requires an email address, password and general location (so it can set the time-zone). There are separate instructions for those using a Telstra Smart Modem on the Grid Connect website.

The smart globes will interface with Google and Amazon Assistants and I found it to work quickly and without issue. When controlling them from the app on my phone it worked almost as quickly when being accessed remotely on 4G as it did with the WiFi at home. When using the app, you can set schedules/countdowns as well as adding them to “Scenes” where a number of smart globes (and plugs) can be added to perform simultaneous operations under preset conditions.

TROUBLESHOOTING I’ve now had them operating for around two months without the slightest issue. You can email tech support if you have a problem or there is a toll free (Australian) number to call. I haven't had reason to contact tech support for the globes themselves but needed to when attempting to navigate the app. Both times I received assistance within 24hours.

FUNCTIONALITY As well as being able to switch the globes on and off, you can use the app to set schedules, countdowns, level of brightness and even change their colours(You can get a cheaper version that only has dimming built in...not colours). They can also be attached to Automations and Scenes (See below in the “App” section). Packaging says they consume 9.5w and illuminate to 806 lumens. Globes can be set to any colour with colour temperature adjustable from 3000K to 5700K. Globe lifespan in hours is not stated. They are plenty bright enough when using them for Cool White and Warm White colours however it was a little disappointing to note that they are considerably less bright when getting towards the darker colours such as blue, green and red etc. I would therefore recommend using the colours to “theme” a room,...not illuminate it. If you get tired of using them as a “smart” globe, they can also be switched on and off as normal at the light switch. The only thing to be aware of is if there is a power outage while you are away from home, their default condition is “on” when power is restored. You do, of course, have the option to remotely switch them off after power has come back. The app will always show their current status. Firmware can be updated in the app where you can see the current status. It may even update automatically?

THE GRID CONNECT PHONE APP Apart from the lack of brightness when choosing a colour other than “white”, the main thing I’m not happy with is the app. While the globes work without issue, the aesthetics of the Grid Connect app is another story. Admittedly, this is a personal thing and your view may differ. I just felt the “harsh industrial” look wasn’t the greatest compared to the interface supplied by other manufacturers. It is, in my opinion, rather ugly and badly in need of a makeover or being able to apply different themes to suit the user. There is a charcoal background with icons being a kind of bluey-green in colour (see image below). Circular for smart globes and hexagonal for smart plugs. You are able to move the icons around (they default to left top position as you add them) but how to do this required a lot of poking around in the app. It certainly wasn’t intuitive. HINT. You have to click on the “+” sign in the “ROOMS” section, select “Device Sequence” and then drag and drop them into the position you want.Also, basic on/off functions and scheduling work fine but creating Scenes and Automation require use of online videos to get your head around. Essentially Automation sets up things for that globe to do (device status changes, location changes or even weather changes) while Scenes gathers groups of devices (and associated Automation settings) to be actioned (activate groups of smart globes to to action preset automations etc). Fortunately I only tend to use the app for “setup” purposes as using the Google or Amazon assistant is adequate for the day to day operation of the globes. eg. Turning on/off or even telling the assistant to change a room of globes to a certain colour. “Hey Google, change the lounge light to green” etc. When you dig into the settings there are also ways to have a globe flash or phase through a random selection of colours with you able to set speed. However, I have not been successful in getting my Google assistant to do this so it may not be possible. You may just have to rely on the app. If any of your globes go off-line (maybe someone turned it off at the wall or there was a power outage), after about a minute their app icon will go grey and have a yellow warning triangle in the corner. If it stays off-line for more than about 30 minutes, you will get a notification alerting you to this (This function is off by default).

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS Overall, I have found the Arlec Grid-Connect Smart Globes to be great. They appear to be of good construction and work flawlessly. The bonus is their relative “cheapness” compared to some other brands. They come with 12months warranty and the online support (that I have so far experienced) is prompt and knowledgeable. There are numerous online tutorials by Arlec (although some are more like an advertorial than a tutorial) and if there is an issue, you can always return them to Bunnings. Also worth noting is there are numerous other Grid Connect products to work with them including smart and energy monitoring plugs, power boards and even ceiling fans etc. The globes also come in different shapes (candle style etc)

Recommended you give them a try!