Comments on: Peel-and-stick electronics

A radio-powered light switch might not sound interesting at first, but EnOcean hopes to make the device ubiquitous.

[MrHandle]

Energy shouldn't be a problem in bursts.

They should be able to store energy into a capacitor(s) that would allow for decent bursts of energy. This is pretty feasible. I'd be curious to see what kind of thermal differential mechanism they have that allows them to derrive small amounts of power off a 3 degree Celsious difference.

[jtjans]

Nothing New Here

We have been producing data systems with these "low power" techniques for 10 years. 50 mw is not a small amount of power. When they get the collection of energy from a 3 degree temp differential or small vibration developed, I will be interested. Our system averages less than 80 micro Watts.& runs 12 years on a AA Li primary battery with no external power source

[hawkeyeaz1]

Why not use RF?

Crystal radios for example, require no power source as it gets power from the radio transmitter. True, it is very little (not sure how much, but it is small), but it might be worth a shot.

[Visualdude]

The author forgot X-10

Current systems require CAT-5? I'm pretty sure that X-10 power technology has been around for longer than CAT-3 and the RF modules have been around longer than CAT-5. It also allows for timed events and programmed macros without a computer. Two default commands in the X-10 language are "All off" and "All lights on", the former shuts off all units regardless of type the latter is kind of a panic button.

[lesswire]

where can I get it?

These switches can be found at www.RunLessWire.com and also www.Adhocelectronics.com I have installed quite a few and they work great...