# ISO clever (but not "Smart") solution to this communication issue **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 1, 2025, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487 "2025-11-01T22:05:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2025, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/1 "2025-11-01T22:05:43Z")
My husband and I live alone in a 3-level house, which is as non-”Smart” as a house can be these days, being linked to the internet through Comcast cable (computer and TV) plus my smart phone, which is all I want. Top level is the main living area: living room, kitchen, bathroom, large bedroom, spare/sewing/TV room. Second level is street level, has one-car garage, bedroom, bath, office, and leads to the deck, which goes down to the back yard (we live on a hill, so the ground in back is one level lower than in front). The lowest level, on the same level as the back yard, is an unfinished area which contains storage and my small workshop. I spend most of my waking hours in my office or in my workshop, while my husband spends his time in the top level. He would like to be able to know where I am, second level or lowest level, which makes some sense as we get older (mid 70s for both of us). I always go upstairs and tell him when I actually go out and come back, so the choice is really just those two places. I don’t want to have to run upstairs to say “I’m going down to the shop” and then again to say “I’m back from the shop.” I am interested in finding some **passive** way of letting him know when I am in the default place (office) or the alternate place (workshop). My first thought was an electronic sign that could be mounted in the upstairs hallway, which I could trigger remotely from my desk. It could be as simple as saying “In” (at desk) or “Out” (in workshop) or any other two messages that could be interpreted in that way. I have looked but been unable to find anything like that. By “passive” I mean he could check it when he wanted. I don’t want him to have to do anything to be notified, like answer a phone or an intercom or walkie-talkie. And as noted I’m not interested in any Smart solution like having an electronic spy in the house that would let him know where I am (e.g. Siri and her ilk). So, clever folks out there in SDMB land, if I haven’t worn you out with the specifics, any ideas or pointers? ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2025, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/2 "2025-11-01T22:24:38Z")
Speaking for myself, I’d rig up a pulley system with a wheel on each of the three floors, such that turning any one of them turns all three. Then, stick flags on them with the different locations on them, or write with different orientations, or whatever. If there’s not some existing passage like a clothes chute, the lines would have to go through the walls, but then, wiring for a light-up sign would also have to go through the walls. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2025, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/3 "2025-11-01T23:19:12Z")
If you always carry your phone on your person, you can enable location sharing in Google maps. My wife and I do that. However, you’ll have to check whether the resolution is good enough to show exactly where you are. It would certainly be good enough to show whether you’re in or out of the house. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2025, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/4 "2025-11-01T23:47:50Z")
Google might know what floor you’re on, but it’d be difficult to display that information on a map. ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/5 "2025-11-02T00:12:32Z")
Would remote controlled puck lights work? Like this > **[Amazon Basics LED Puck Lights, Color Changing, Battery Operated, IR Remote, 40...](https://www.amazon.ca/Amazon-Basics-Battery-Operated-Multi-Color/dp/B0B4SG74XQ)** > > An Amazon Brand You could arrange a simple “one if by land, two if by sea” code. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/6 "2025-11-02T00:13:30Z")
Are you willing/able to string some wires between the switch and the sign? Something could be made with a switch and a couple of lights. Wireless solutions are possible but requires more components. Brian ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/7 "2025-11-02T00:17:08Z")
Not sure IR will work, RF might be better. [https://www.homedepot.com/pep/DEWENWILS-Wireless-Remote-Control-Wall-Light-Switch-Kit-Light-Switch-for-Ceiling-Lights-Fans-Lamps-100-ft-RF-Range-HRLS11D1/329997248](https://www.homedepot.com/pep/DEWENWILS-Wireless-Remote-Control-Wall-Light-Switch-Kit-Light-Switch-for-Ceiling-Lights-Fans-Lamps-100-ft-RF-Range-HRLS11D1/329997248) Brian ---
**Author:** ![vbob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vbob/32/4439_2.png) [@vbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vbob)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/8 "2025-11-02T00:19:46Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > I am interested in finding some **passive** way of letting him know when I am in the default place (office) or the alternate place (workshop). My first thought was an electronic sign that could be mounted in the upstairs hallway, which I could trigger remotely from my desk. If you need to trigger the notification, that’s passive for him, but not for you. Depending on when and why he needs to know where you are, your forgetting to flip the switch could have unanticipated consequences, ranging from simple misunderstanding on up to unnecessary emergency rescue call. If that’s not a issue for you, then something like an new-fangled version of an old-fashioned butler’s call box, that lights up an indicator when the remote button is pushed in various locations. This would take extensive fiddly low-voltage wiring, and there is almost certainly a ‘simpler’ modern ‘smart’ solution using WiFi or Bluetooth. One benefit of a simple smart solution might be the ability to let it get smarter as you need it later, to include “I’ve fallen” sensors or other periodic wellness checks. Hmm - you can get baby monitors with indicator lights for deaf parents - so if you occasionally make a bit of noise (or whistle…) while you work it would show up on the receiver… ---
**Author:** ![Manduck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/manduck/32/256_2.png) [@Manduck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Manduck)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/9 "2025-11-02T00:34:17Z")
If you have an IPhone, you can use the Shortcuts app to make an automation that will send a text message to your husband whenever you leave or arrive home. I don’t think it can tell what floor of the house you are on, though. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/10 "2025-11-02T00:50:58Z")
You want to do it the Free way? You said you have a Smart phone. You both should download WhatsApp. Your profile has a customizable Status. You can add “Shop” and “Office” to the list of options. It takes only a couple thumb swipes (precisely 5 presses) to change your current location from Office to Shop, and that’s it. That’s fewer presses than it takes to call a phone. It’s passive for him. If he is curious where you are, he can just look at your WhatsApp status. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/11 "2025-11-02T02:06:52Z")
> [@markn\_1](#): > > you can enable location sharing in Google maps. He doesn’t do smart phones; he can use his flip phone for calls, that’s it. > [@Kropotkin](#): > > Would remote controlled puck lights work? > [@N9IWP](#): > > RF might be better. Sounds promisingly possible, I’ll look into it. Just one light, on or off, would probably do it. I know RF can work from top level to middle level, I have a gadget that duplicates the doorbell on the middle level, because I can’t hear it from there. It looks like there are a lot of different gadgets like this to choose from. Thanks all, I do really appreciate the other responses too, including the sort of steam punk approach of a butler’s call button. That’s probably more than we need though. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/12 "2025-11-02T02:57:14Z")
After looking at RF remotes, this is what I’m looking at: [Remote control of an outlet](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HRD1GXP?smid=A33V0LA7KRMN9P&th=1) [Outlet to socket adapter](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B55Q5QR1?smid=A18EXBAXL997E9&th=1) [Green bulb](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CLNVV7D1?smid=A3EQVURE1PLEON&th=1) (might pick blue instead, I just want a distinctive and otherwise-unused color) Then all I would have to do is make a new habit of clicking the switch every time I go downstairs, and every time I come back up. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/13 "2025-11-02T03:20:43Z")
What about a baby monitor? ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/14 "2025-11-02T04:22:01Z")
Possible, I’m not familiar with them really, just what I’ve seen on sitcoms. I’ll keep that in my pocket in case the first idea doesn’t work. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/15 "2025-11-02T04:37:49Z")
I have a baby monitor that I used when my wife was dying. It’s basically just a pair of walkie talkies, with one of them always transmitting. The parent side requires you to push a button to transmit. On mine, the parent side has a battery so you can carry it around but the baby side has to remain plugged in to a power outlet. There may be models that have a battery in both sides. If I’m understanding the use case, it seems that if you’re going down that route, actual walkie talkies would be better. They both would have batteries and both would require pushing a button to transmit. It can be pretty annoying to be forced to hear everything that’s happening in the room with the baby side, if that’s not what you want. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/16 "2025-11-02T05:17:29Z")
I was more thinking the kind that’s basically just a constantly transmitting video camera (no wifi), like [Amazon.com: HelloBaby Upgrade 5’’ Baby Monitor with 30-Hour Battery, 2 Cameras Pan-Tilt-Zoom, 1000ft Range Video Audio Baby Monitor No WiFi, VOX, Night Vision, 2-Way Talk, 8 Lullabies and Temperature : Baby](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6Y89H47?ref=emc_s_m_5_i_atc&th=1) The two cameras can be plugged in constantly, and I think the monitor part of it is rechargeable… not sure if you can just leave it plugged in and always on. But none of it goes over the internet or requires an app. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/17 "2025-11-02T15:43:28Z")
Well, thanks for the link, but a camera is surely overkill for what we need, and perhaps a little intrusive. Maybe at some point in the future when one of us is really feeble and needs constant monitoring. The trouble with a sound-only device is that either he would need to carry it with him, or else he might be out of the room when I tell him I’m going downstairs, and he wouldn’t hear it. The idea of a specific light that is either on or off depending on where I am (mostly off for being in the office, on for being in the workshop) seems to meet the need pretty well, from my point of view. I need to run it by my husband to see what he thinks. ---
**Author:** ![ricepad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b38774/32.png) [@ricepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricepad)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/18 "2025-11-02T17:12:03Z")
Do it our way: Yell. Me: “WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU?” Wife: “FOR THE THIRD TIME, I’M IN THE GODDAMN DEN!” ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/19 "2025-11-02T17:36:15Z")
For sure. If you can get the light idea working, that’d be much nicer. ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487/20 "2025-11-02T22:47:54Z")
There’s also RF remote controlled LED bulbs. You can use the remote to set the color to where you are at (or back to neutral). If you already have fixtures you could use, it would save a component. Also you can control multiple bulbs at the same time so you could have beacons in different places. Sort of a cross between @N9IWP and @Kropotkin 's suggestions. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iso-clever-but-not-smart-solution-to-this-communication-issue/1024487.md?page=2)