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    Home Unlabelled Home Automation Installing a Nest Doorbell...How do I find my transformer voltage?

    Home Automation Installing a Nest Doorbell...How do I find my transformer voltage?

    December 03, 2019

    Home Automation Installing a Nest Doorbell...How do I find my transformer voltage?

    Installing a Nest Doorbell...How do I find my transformer voltage?

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 02:00 PM PST

    Most Home Automation is really Home Remote Control. What Home Automation do you actually have?

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 05:32 AM PST

    Most home automation that I see is really home control. Basically an easy way to control your house from one device.

    I am looking for ideas that people have done that is actually home automation. Making your house actually smarter, such as having multiple devices talk to each other so things automatically happen.

    An example is having the HVAC pay attention to your alarm system that when it is armed in away mode your HVAC goes to away mode, etc...

    ​

    Thank you

    submitted by /u/ytruhg
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    Is my HVAC system compatible with smart thermostat?

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 10:09 PM PST

    UPS recommendations?

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 07:09 PM PST

    A bit tangential and maybe irrelevant since if the power is out all our little HA boxes probably have little to control, but... What do folks recommend for a UPS that will keep Internet and such up and running for maybe an hour?

    I started reading reviews on Amazon and the two major players APC and Cyberpower get some real stinkers of reviews - way too many people reporting DoA systems, failed within a month systems, and even quite a few "it caught fire" systems. Can we really attribute these all to folks who don't know how to install a battery, get dropped systems or have defective wiring or extreme power surges?

    Is there actually much difference between sub $100 consumer stuff these brands sell and their $400+ systems?

    And do any of these really work well with a router drawing a few Watts Vs much heavier several hundred watt loads they can technically handle?

    Why can't I just get an off the shelf system you connect up to a standard car battery that costs less than the special low capacity batteries they sell as UPS replacement batteries which for whatever reason seem to die after three years despite having almost never being utilized in anger.

    I did see one APC UPS that has a LiIon battery you can detach and use as a USB power bank. It seems like a good idea although the capacity is quite low (20000 mAh). Perhaps someone should make system that can take multiple standard sized power packs that plug in like a RAID storage device. The more you have the more backup capacity. And don't charge 5x what you'd pay for a similar standalone USB power pack.

    submitted by /u/O1O1O1O
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    Wiring up a thermostat using an Arduino and relays

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 07:37 PM PST

    Hello! I am trying to build a smart thermostat. What I have is an 8 channel relay and an arduino. I have watched many many youtube videos on the subject but want to clarify with reddit before I go in and destroy my apartment system.

    My main issue is that it seems my thermostat is wired up in a non-standard way, details of what wires connect where can be seen below: (Thermostat Symbol -- Wire Color -> What I think it does)

    R -- Red -> 24v Power G -- Green -> Fan O/B -- Orange -> Changeover (heating AND cooling?) Y -- Blue -> Compressor C -- Black -> 24v Common W2 -- White -> Heat E -- White -> ? In addition to this there is a yellow wire, not connected to anything.

    Does anyone recognize this color scheme? I reeaaaalllyy don't want to mess up my apartments heating right now (Its winter in KS) and don't want to do anything stupid.

    Now, as to my knowledge of how I could utilize this (correct me if I am wrong):

    R + G + W2 -> Heating R + G + Y -> Cooling

    So now for some questions:

    • What is the 24v common wire for? (C -- Black)
    • What is this mysterious white E wire?
    • Do I need to briefly power the O/B wire (orange) before changing between heating and cooling?
    • Is this all even worth doing?
    submitted by /u/Def_Your_Duck
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    Z Wave or Wifi

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 06:56 PM PST

    I am looking for some smart light switches. I have an echo dot and a ring security system. What technology would everyone suggest? I would really like to voice control lights, and setup schedules while I am away. Has anyone bought zwave switches, connected them to ring, and then controlled them with voice with Alexa? What switches or brand would you reccomend?

    submitted by /u/Captainmdoge
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    zwave - secure vs. regular ? what is best practice for lights?

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 06:38 PM PST

    Is there any performance tradeoff from joining nodes "secure" vs. standard ?

    I run a zwave network with 15-20 devices on it, mostly light switches. The performance is OK, but not great (slow responses on some nodes, or when a large amount of traffic flows through the network). I am trying to figure out best practice if light switches should be joined secure or just normally to the network.

    submitted by /u/abarbaccia
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    Got the Roborock S5, probably going to return it

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 03:19 PM PST

    First I'll say that I actually like S5: the size, the low volume, the app, the navigation--I think it's a good product. I just don't think it's the correct choice for an apartment that's mostly carpet w/ area rugs. And I'm only posting here because I did a decent bit of research beforehand, and wish I had seen this sort of post to inform my decision.

    Basically it can get up some of our area rugs but not others--it will either vacuum around that real estate entirely, or it may make it up by chance and then get kind of confused--not sure why, but I'm guessing maybe it has something to do with the cliff sensor and the deepness of the rug? Or something? Who knows.

    Worth mentioning that it does easily get up a couple of the rugs in my apartment but not others-- I have a couple older ones that are pretty broken in, and they seem to be thin enough for the S5 to handle.

    Anywho here are some pics: one shows it getting stuck between a rug and the wall, one shows it getting stuck trying to get up a rug, and the in-app photo shows you both the large rectangular patch it vacuumed around, as well as the spastic path it took when it managed to climb on another one of the rugs: http://imgur.com/gallery/oHV2KUG

    Edit: spelling and correct link

    submitted by /u/Date_Knight
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    Smart thermometer for a fridge recommendations?

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 04:12 PM PST

    Hi,

    let's get straight to the issue. I am looking for a smart thermometer that would work in a fridge. In said fridge there are medical vaccines and other medical material that needs to be kept at a certain temperature, GP's office, so not a huge amount, like, 10? 20?, you know. Should the temperature change for various reasons for T amount of time (malfunction of the fridge, power outage), the very expensive material could be compromised/ruined.

    Right now the temperature is measured by a simple (dumb) "radio wireless" thermometer (or a wired one, doesn't really matter) sitting on top of the fridge.

    Today we received an offer for a smart thermometer that will log the temperature (online, as you need to log the temperature every x hours) and notify us should there be a problem - via an sms, even during power outage. The problem is they want 300 dollars (in conversion) and a hefty subscription fee. They claim it to be medical grade, however it's not and they don't provide any warranty anyway.

    Now, I'm looking for an alternative. I know there must be some sort of a "smart" fridge thermometer with logs and wifi and notifications and "normal" subscription or even none at all. However so far I've only found 1 thermometer from La Crosse. None other.

    Would anyone have any recommendations?

    Wired temp probe is an options, it should survive longer than something placed directly into a fridge.

    submitted by /u/MPenten
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    Nest Hello not chiming Google Nest Mini

    Posted: 03 Dec 2019 12:16 AM PST

    I got my Nest Hello set up today and bought 6 Google Nest Mini speakers to put around the house as doorbell chimes.

    Unfortunately they don't chime. I'm pretty sure I've followed all of the directions. I have both the Nest app and Google Home app. All of the gadgets show up on both apps. The Nest account is linked in Google Home. Visitor Announcements in turned on in Nest. I even watched several YouTube videos and followed along meticulously. But alas, I push the doorbell and no chime is heard.

    What am I missing?

    submitted by /u/RufussSewell
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    Smart lock options for a clueless newbie. What are the best options for my front door?

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 10:24 PM PST

    Roborock S4 Vs ECOVACS DEEBOT 920

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 06:28 PM PST

    Already put an order for Roborock S4 when it was $300, should I get DEEBOT 920 for $350 instead?

    My thoughts:

    The mop feature can be handy on 920, I know essentially its just drags wet rag through out the floor, but some vinegar/cleaning solution mixture should do some good cleaning

    I am worried about the low/mid pile carpet issue with S4,

    S4 has suction power of 2000 pa, 920 has 1200 pa, big difference in numbers.

    Even though the S6 variant had 2000 pa similar to S4, the 950 with 1500 pa outperformed S6 in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZuHgVoJnok

    Wondering would that be a slimier scenario for 920. May be with 1200 pa it will be equal in performance with S4 picking up derbies.

    For the room feature with S4, you can only keep 2 floor maps and over time it removes the virtual walls, with 920 you can save 3 floors which my house has.

    920 does come with 2 brush and more accessories/replacement parts.

    S4 has larger battery. 150 min run time against 920's 110~120 min

    920 has google assistant and alexa support

    The 920 is essentially half ($350) off regular price $700, while S4 is/was $100 off of regular price 400

    The 950 comes in second in the vacuum wars for the premium category , only if I could have the 950 for $350~400!!, but its going for $599, which is $200 off of regular price $800

    S4 comes in second in the vacuum wars for the mid range category

    Wondering if 920 would be better then S4 for being $50 more...

    I can always order both S4 and 920, try them out and return one. But feeling guilty about repackaging and returning a used item :(

    ​

    Edit: I also read that its harder to get parts for deebots in general, some time you have to order the entire assembly, for Roborock parts are easily and cheaply available and even on Ali Express. People were complaining about the app failure and awful customer service more for Deebot

    submitted by /u/hakumanatata
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    Wifi low voltage switch for outdoor use

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 02:13 PM PST

    I have a low volatge outdoor lighting setup. Basically a transformer which converts AC to 12-15V DC (I actually haven't tested it with a voltometer yet, but that's what the lights support and they haven't caught on fire yet) and 2 pairs of wire to light up the 2 zones of my yard. It obviously has power all the time to the transformer, so no battery solutions please.

    ​

    What is the preferred device these days that:

    1. Uses wifi (I have Zwave but I think range is going to be an issue)
    2. Local control, no cloud
    3. Preferably can control 2 outputs, but if it's a good product, having to use 2 is doable.
    4. Is suitable for outdoors. There currently isn't any weatherproof box to put it in, but I could create a weatherproof box for it, or pack it in silicone or something. But if there was something already waterproofed, that would be a bonus.
    5. Dimmable ? Not sure if my landscape lights support dimming, they are just the cheap Hampton bay ones from Home Depot. But a switch that supported dimming would be good in case these support it, or I swap the lights out later.

    ​

    I already know about the option to use ESP8266 boards, but I'm already backed up on some DIY electronics, so getting something off the shelf for this would be preferable.

    submitted by /u/ShameNap
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    Air handling control with interfacing fireplace

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 05:45 PM PST

    Hi folks,

    I'm new to the idea of smart homes but I am also trying to take advantage of cyber Monday... please bare with me :)

    I have a standard controller for my central vac (heating and cooling). There's also a fireplace in the house and it is operated with a separate mercury wetted switch.

    I'd like to get a controller for my air handler that would interface with the fireplace controller using the same app. The main purpose of the fireplace is for ambiance but it is in a spot in the house that gets cooler (even though it receives air from the central vac) and so I'd like to also be able to program the fireplace to turn on but itself or work with the central vac.

    Looking for suggestions! Thankyou!

    submitted by /u/billLaunie
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    Thermostat that knows I'm on my way home

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 03:02 PM PST

    I'm looking to get a smart thermostat (UK)

    My finishing time at work is very varied, so I want a thermostat that knows to put the heating on when I'm travelling home (I'll either be using Google maps to navigate "home" or I'll be in an Uber going "home").

    I was going to go with Nest thermostat and use IFTTT, but I've read that's no longer an option. What thermo should I get instead?

    submitted by /u/Time_is_time_was
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    Google responsiveness

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 08:29 PM PST

    Anyone here having problems with Google in general? Home, assistant and my pixel responsiveness has gone downhill over the past 6 months or so. Chromecast works less than half time. Is Alexa really much better?

    submitted by /u/Inkei91
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    How to turn the smart devices I have into a smart home

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 01:25 PM PST

    I have a Google home mini, Phillips hue bridge, nest thermostat, and 20 Phillips hue bulbs. I bought a shark vacuum and a smartthings outlet, but I'm having trouble connecting the outlet to the Phillips hue bridge. I also don't know if the shark and the nest will connect to the Phillips hue bridge because they haven't come in the mail yet.

    Basically my question is: is there a way to turn what devices I have into one interconnected working smarthome, or am I going to need an actual smarthub besides the bridge?? My end goal is to have everything working on one app and if possible one smarthub

    submitted by /u/eltomato159
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    Got my first smart plugs today!

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 07:20 PM PST

    Set up 3 lamps because my house has very few overhead lights and it's a pain to walk around and turn off the lamps at bedtime. Also set up the Christmas tree lights. My favorite part, though was the scenes. I asked my wife what to call the scenes (since we can speak to our phones to control them, of course). So here they are:

    All lights off is: All hail the lord of darkness All lights on is: The lord of darkness slumbers

    submitted by /u/Silent--Soliloquy
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    Upgrading Thermostat?

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 09:12 AM PST

    Hey guys, I have a honeywell T6360-1028 MECHANICAL dial and I was wondering if I can upgrade to a smart thermostat? I have read on some forums that Honeywell dials cannot be done, so does anyone have any experience? As you can tell I have no idea about this stuff so just asking questions before I dive into buying one haha

    submitted by /u/Stevilinho
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    Smart Light Switches from AliExpress, Alibaba etc look much better than the USA ones, has anyone bought these?

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 05:55 PM PST

    The overall design is way more modern, sleek and futuristic than what I typically see available in the USA. I really like the glass display and backlit glow, in addition to the price. Has anyone had any luck installing these? https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-smart-light.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.60114332LRu6O0&CatId=200002277

    submitted by /u/bullcitythrowaway0
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    Is the $20 2 year warranty for the nest hello doorbell worth it?

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 05:33 PM PST

    For anyone that has this doorbell, does it break? Get damaged by weather? It floods here and pours a LOT, to the point where my front door light broke after water seeped in and I only had it for a few months. There's no overhang. Usually I don't get warranties because I would rather eat sand than talk to an Asurion customer service rep, but I'm wondering if I should get the warranty for my new video doorbell?

    submitted by /u/bullcitythrowaway0
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    Smart home products that some people might not know about?

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 03:11 PM PST

    Hey Everyone.

    Much like I assume most people on this subreddit, my smart home journey is now at a stage where I'm looking for automation in most things I buy. The issue is however that every smart home device I come across is something that I've either, already purchased and or seen before, so I'm wondering if you can tell me the smart home products that you've come across that you think are good but perhaps not everyone knows about them?

    Just for a reference and in case other people are curious, here's what I have so far:

    I know I'm missing a smart door lock but I'm renting so I don't have permission to install one and environmental sensors and blind automation for blinds like these seem to be way too expensive for what they do. I'm still looking for something that just turns the rod to open the blinds.

    Anyway, what do you think I and perhaps others are missing?

    submitted by /u/Richysgames
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    Dumb question - if I have smart bulbs why have a switch at all? Why not just wire the fixture as always hot?

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 07:21 AM PST

    Need help finding Australian alternative to the firestick 4k

    Posted: 02 Dec 2019 02:45 PM PST

    Hey guys I'm looking to make my entertainment system fully automated I have a Samsung series 7 smart tv which I have basic controls with alexa but I am looking to be able to fully operate my tv by voice control e.g. open apps, search movies in Netflix. I was looking at firestick 4k but atm alexa doesn't work with that in Australia yet as it hasn't been officially released here, I'm just seeing if any Australians have found away around this and have some alternatives

    Cheers guys

    Edit: alright looking into the NVIDIA shield but alexa doesn't have compatibility in Australia but Google home does, anyone had both and found one better than the other and is it worth changing

    submitted by /u/alianperception
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