We are replacing outdoor speakers at a beach house. I know, rough.
Client is older and wants option to control different zones with some sort of outdoor VCs. Property does not have a control system I can integrate with.

Was thinking of using Picos and a Caseta to give him basic functionality (Volume, Play/Pause, Skip). That way, he can adjust volumes, etc., but people who use iOS or Android can also control.

Will I have problems with water if Picos are in a covered single gang? Then again, they're cheap enough I could just have replacements to swap out.

Are there also any other options I can use that have a better button layout, either by going up the Lutron line or with another system?

If they're using Sonos, why not just show them how to use the controls on the app? How many speakers need to be controlled?

iPort has a Pico-sized controller, too.

4 zones.
They know how to use the app but want to be able to control without opening or navigating a device.

So IF you need to use a PICO vs. XPRESS, which do you all prefer and why?

Pico, better battery life. Does not require a "wifi wake up" each time it is used.

Because at 70 years old, getting out of a chair on your arthritic legs, walking across the deck, finger #ucking a weather proof single gang cover is easier than opening the app on the phone and pressing play?

This is dumb idea. What it's going to lead to, is a volume control that's turned up to max all the time because otherwise, everytime they open the app they'll be calling you saying...it doesn't work.

Take the money you're going to spend on picos and buy better speakers.

[Link: goo.gl]

If the customer is a phone/pad user, make sure that wireless coverage is adequate outside and convince the customer to go this route. PICO could be a quickie secondary control.

Ok, I cant disagree with the request. When im working in the garage or driveway washing cars I rarely have my phone with me. Its annoying having to go find your phone, unlock it, get into the app and change the song/volume.

A few picos are not a horrendous idea, but I dont think its the right idea. Sure they are cheap enough but my concern would also be distance from the bridge. Im also not sure if you put them in an "outlet cover" if that would be very convenient. Hell they are even frustrating to use when you need to plug something in, let alone pressing buttons.

Unfortunately for outdoors I think APP based is the only option.

While not fully environment proof, estecally pleasing, or satisfying your sense of "proper", a PICO could be protected with a simple plastic film. Perhaps a resealable plastic bag could be converted into a sort of "pocket".

I guess I misunderestimated the price of the iPort- I just looked and it's a hundred bucks! OTOH, the Pico would need the Smart Bridge, so.....

My question about this and all of the comments about weather- if they use something as small as a Pico or iPort, why would it be left outside when the rain comes if it's small enough to go in a pocket?

Another piece that almost nobody seems to know about- Logitech Pop. It's a small hub that pairs to the network and two square buttons that are pretty well sealed- totally sealed from the top, anyway. These have three controls that can be assigned by using the app- one press, two presses and one long press- one could be used for Volume Up, one for Volume Down and the other could be for Track Forward. It's about $100 and works with a lot of other brands and items. I have one that I use for controlling a Caseta light switch and it also activates 'Watch TV'. Each button can be assigned separately. I haven't checked the range, yet.

How far would the controller be from any kind of receiver for its signal?

Controller will be within 20'.

I know this isn't the ideal solution, but if a client asks for something and it's not terribly difficult, I will give it to them (for a price).

Since the Pico solution works for the basic functions he wants, we are going to 3D print a waterproof resin membrane and something similar to a 4 button Pico but with volume play/pause and next. Mount in small surfaceboxes with no covers.

Will share updates as we get into it.

You could go to an auto upholstery shop and get a small piece of clear vinyl, to make a cover.

You could also look at sending a few picos to Sealoc and have them "waterproof" them.

I did this with a C4 SR-260 for a hot tub. I made sure they understood they can't drop it in the water or they would have to let the battery compartment dry out. It's a long time customer, and I also told them we would just try it out. But they do use the remote in the hot tub, so you know there is some moisture happening, and it's been going strong for close to a year now.

I googled 'Waterproofing Lutron Pico remotes' and found a link to the Lutron Community forum asking about this kind of thing and someone mentioned that it was a project which Lutron scrapped.

Someone posted a link to this- would it work?

[Link: forums.lutron.com]

Since Sonos works with Alexa, would it be feasible to set up an Echo Dot for this area?

Yes, I do understand how annoying it may be but if this guy is 70, he's not that much older than me, so I don't see age being a particularly good excuse.