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    Sunday, January 5, 2020

    Home Unlabelled Home Automation Added RGB Lighting to mudroom cubbies to give us visual feedback on our way out the door

    Home Automation Added RGB Lighting to mudroom cubbies to give us visual feedback on our way out the door

    January 05, 2020

    Home Automation Added RGB Lighting to mudroom cubbies to give us visual feedback on our way out the door

    Added RGB Lighting to mudroom cubbies to give us visual feedback on our way out the door

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 01:03 PM PST

    When I say, “Okay, Google, morning music.” it will often start a Spotify playlist called morning music instead of beginning my “morning music” custom routine.

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 06:32 AM PST

    I've had to change the names of other custom routines for this reason.

    Is there a better solution?

    submitted by /u/SmirnOffTheSauce
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    I'm getting really tired of bright LED lights on every smart switch/outlet/device.

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 03:24 PM PST

    Nothing follows.

    submitted by /u/McFeely_Smackup
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    Controlling the dimmer using Siri /w smart plug - question about use case

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 11:38 PM PST

    Hi guys,

    Long story short I'm on the market for an intelligent speaker, so I started looking at some home automation ideas. One of the possible choices is Apple Homepod, since both me and my wife are heavily into Apple ecosystem - 2x iPhone, iPad Pro, Macbooks, etc.

    One thing I'm wondering about is the following use case - my living room lamp is connected to a dimmer switch that you operate with a foot. I was wondering if it was possible to buy a smart plug that can be controlled via Siri (I guess Apple Homekit) and allow me to regulate the dimmer, something like: 'Hey Siri, turn on the living room light at 50 percent'?

    Anyone else set up this before? If so, which plug did you use?

    submitted by /u/castorkrieg
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    Help needed integrating devices

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 11:08 PM PST

    Hello,

    I'm in the process of setting up my new house. Currently I have the following devices:

    1. 2 Yeelight ceiling lights YXLD01YL
    2. LG 65C7 Smart TV
    3. 2 Ubiquiti in-wall APs
    4. Roborock S6 Robot Vacuum

    To get:

    1. Synology DS218+ NAS
    2. Motion/door sensors (most likely Xiaomi/Aquara, open to other suggestions)
    3. Denon AVR
    4. Universal remote (most likely Logitech Harmony)

    I'm trying to make sense of all the different platforms to integrate all these devices together, so that I can create scenes and get certain things automated (lights with sensors etc). To say that I'm overwhelmed is an understatement. What would be the best platform for me to do this?

    At the moment I'm considering running Home Assistant in a Docker container on the NAS. Experts out there, do you see any potential issues with this setup?

    submitted by /u/kiwizt
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    What is the best way to make a ceiling fan without a remote "smart"?

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 10:36 PM PST

    My room has separate light and fan controls. I'd also like to have Amazon, Google, and Siri integrated if possible.

    submitted by /u/The_Baconbitz
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    LED dimmer with smart + dumb controls?

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 06:44 PM PST

    Right now my studio has LED ceiling lights on two circuits, one for the living room and one for the kitchen. Both circuits are controlled from a 2-gang switch with LED dimmer+switch for each circuit, and the living room lights are also controlled by a simple on/off switch by the door.

    I'd like to make the living room light circuit (and maybe the kitchen too) capable of being turned on/off on a schedule, like a wake-up light. But I also want to retain dumb on/off/dimming capability if possible.

    Beyond that, just looking for something that's not reliant on an outside tech/network infrastructure, so it can't be bricked.

    Any suggestions for hardware that would be a good fit?

    submitted by /u/Zymosis
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    Got my doorbell cam installed today. Continuing to build my google ecosystem.

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 04:05 PM PST

    My own Home Automation server ramblings and thoughts. Suggestions and discussion welcome!

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 09:14 PM PST

    First, not sure if PROJECT would be the right flair for this, or DISCUSSION, or IDEAS. Let me know if I should change it.

    Hey all! I am in the planning phase of doing a Home Automation server build out, and would like some feedback from those of you who are more experienced. So far I have purchased an Ecobee "new version" or whatever the heck it's called that should have been Ecobee4+ or Ecobee5 or whatever. I've also been tinkering about with HAss.io/Home Assistant, and have been loving it over all so far.

    I also plan to get some smart switches for lights and outlets, as well as a 6-8(ish) channel security camera system, some smart door locks, an electrical power monitor system of some kind, possibly some smart bulbs, and probably some other little things like garage stuff.

    The big part is that I'd also like to build out a server for home automation and some minor web server tasks. I'm likely going to use some form of bare metal hypervisor for VMs, and I'm liking Hyper-V for that (because it's free and any of my win10 pro boxes can make/manage the VMs), but open to suggestions (familiar with Hyper-V, VirtualBox, and a little VMWare). I also know next to nothing about server hardware, but I have heard Supermicro makes some semi-decent lower cost stuff.

    Unfortunately, the server form factor matters. I have a "small" 9U wall-mount network rack with my current network equipment that I also plan to stick the encoder (or whatever comes with the security cams to make them record to a system) and the server into. I've been gradually running cat6 for my home, so there's two patch panels, a 48-port switch, a dedicated hp thin client pfsense router, two modems, etc. I only have about 2U available for the server without removing modems and/or the router, which I'd prefer not to do. Also the depth is about 16-17 inches in this rack. So any space-conscious VM server suggestions would be great.

    I'd also like to use a tablet to control my home stuffs - I have an old Kindle Fire, an original Google Nexus 7, and an Asus TF-101 with Windows 8 RT on it, all that could be repurposed. The TF-101 would be preferable, if possible, as it's just collecting dust, and the Nexus is old, slow, and likely somewhat broken, having been dropped seriously at least once by an ex. I also have a really old off-brand tablet running some super archaic generic Android (2.2), but it's basically trash and far too slow to do anything of value. I might consider wall board/PC options, but there isn't really a good spot in my house for that other than by the server rack, though I rarely go down to the basement... Maybe the bedroom? I don't know. A tablet just seems more convenient.

    I'm leaning toward either August SmartLocks (non-pro) or Kwikset Kevo (and remove the key timber or something for security reasons) for the locks... though I'd really prefer a wired option over batteries, even if I have to hax it together with one of those. I'm not really sure what to do about the doorknob locks, but I suppose just a standard, non-lockable one should work?

    I really don't like the look/feel of Lutron Caseta style switches/dimmers and push-button ones with remotes... I really prefer "rocker" decora style ones that have a tactile "switch" to them. Are there (m)any smart switches that are like this, or are they all push button types?

    With regard to the power monitoring system, something that installs in the breaker box (200-amp GE) would be nice, but anything that will allow me to monitor branch circuit usage (power consumption, alerting, efficiency monitoring/logging, etc) will be considered, provided it can integrate with Home Assistant in some way.

    I'd like everything I use to be as ecosystem agnostic or friendly as possible, in case a platform dies, or I decide to move to another one. I haven't seriously looked at any existing options other than noted here. I kind of want to try to stay away from DIYing most things simply because I don't have the time to invest in coding things for RasPi or Arduino and all that, but I can code if required.

    I also have a Google Home Mini and a couple Fire TV devices (like the Cube that can control my TV a bit but not too well). Otherwise, it's a pretty "dumb" house so far haha!

    Are there "required" smart home/home automation pieces I'm missing here? Special software that I may need other than Home Assistant? Things I should avoid due to incompatibility with other products listed? Snags or catches that you've run across in your own builds? Let me know! Any/all suggestions are welcome here since I'm still planning.

    submitted by /u/DemiseBehindBlueEyes
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    Logitech circle 2 security camera HomeKit questions/issues

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 03:37 AM PST

    I have setup my Logitech circle 2 cameras to work with HomeKit, So far all seems to work well, and I'm able to also view the livestream, historic recordings. I have shared it with my partner, but the following are some issues that I'm seeing:

    1) my partner is not able to view the historic recordings via her phone, is this an issue or a current limitation? 2) my partner is able to see the live stream of the cameras from her phone home app, but not able to see it with her MacBook home app?

    submitted by /u/Afshari
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    An update to my wall mounted tablet project, fixing problems with the previous iteration

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 08:42 PM PST

    Adding a sensor to dog water tank/bowl to let us know when it’s empty... Anyone done something like this?

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 08:40 PM PST

    We have this dog bowl that's like a water cooler with a tank on it.

    I'd like to add something to the bowl part that sends an alert when the water level drops below a certain point.

    Can anyone point me to some kind of smart sensor or microswitch to do this?

    I'd make it similar to a toilet tank ball, where it lets water in after a flush, or, "if water level drops, open valve." In this case it's: "if water level drops, electrical circuit breaks (or is completed?), and an alert is sent from IFTTT."

    If I got the balance right I could use a door/window sensor for this, but I'm hoping there's something better suited out there that I'm not finding

    submitted by /u/Shirkaday
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    Best whole home automation system?

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 08:31 PM PST

    I am looking for a whole home automation system. Right now I have Lutron Caseta lighting, ring doorbell, 2 ecobee thermostats, August smart lock, 3 nest cams and AladdinConnect. I also have LifeShield security system. I would like to add some ring outdoor cameras. This setup works fine in my house now. I am getting married and moving into a bigger house with two kids so I was looking for a complete system so I can compare to what I have now. Thank you. Medium budget

    submitted by /u/truth2121
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    First impressions of iWalldock and iPad Pro 11" in-wall mount

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 08:23 PM PST

    Is there any way to permanently use Home Assistant (voice commands) on IPan mini?

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 12:27 PM PST

    HI guys

    I have installed Google Home on Ipad mini. I also installed Home Assistant. They both work but not like on Android in the sense that I need to manually start the assistant either from within Google Home or by itself. When started by itself it does not send the commands to Google Home

    Is there any way to fix this?

    submitted by /u/MineMe4Reddit
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    Enable tv on and off?

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 07:31 PM PST

    How do I enable hubitat or echo to turn my tv on or off? Do I need to purchase something else?

    submitted by /u/Tdubb1
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    I’m new at this, and an idiot

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 07:13 PM PST

    I have a wall switch that controls an outlet (A)... I want a lamp plugged in to outlet A plus another lamp in outlet B to come on when the switch is flipped.

    What is the "best" way to do this?

    What is the cheapest/easiest way to do this?

    ...I was thinking those little ce smart plugs from Costco and a ifttt? But I have no idea

    submitted by /u/CommonDopant
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    "Alexa/Hey Google: Play Jazz from Spotify on the Living Room Speakers?" (with ARC!)

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 05:23 PM PST

    Let's say I have a Roku TV controlling a home theater receive via ARC. If I put an Echo or Google Home on the same WiFI network, how can I get the music playing through the receiver without disrupting ARC from the Roku TV?

    -Would Alexa/Google Assistant instruct my Roku TV to play the music through the Spotify App on Roku? Would this be easier if I had a fire TV device?

    ...or

    -Would Alexa/Google Assistant need to directly connect to my AV receiver via 3.5mm or Bluetooth?

    ...or

    something else? Sorry - am a little new to all of this Home Automation stuff. Thank you!

    submitted by /u/qd78Sdk387
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    Inovelli Dimmer (works) + GE Auxiliary Gen-2 (doesnt work)

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 03:12 PM PST

    Hi everyone.

    Any idea how I can fix this issue?

    I recently installed an Inovelli Dimmer Red Series Gen-2 (seems to works well) paired with a GE Auxiliary (Gen 2 - amazon.com/dp/B07RQ8K25S).

    That Add-on / Auxiliary device does NOT work right now and that's my issue.

    I believe I followed all the instructions:

    1) Wired The main Inovelli Dimmer following the PDF manuals

    2) Wired the GE Auxiliary following this https://youtu.be/Xp4FWJRzHdo and this https://youtu.be/Fx1luE9llSQ (very helpful videos in my view)

    3) The main Inovelli dimmer works and is paired to SmartThings

    I followed these instructions for the handlers https://inovelli.com/shop/smart-light-switches/zwave-smart-switches-gen2/z-wave-dimmer-switch-no-neutral-required-scenes-notifications/#installation-instructions

    4) I followed this Inovelli video instruction to config the dimmer to Aux: https://youtu.be/QzcQtrJwItg

    (I went back to the Dimmer + Aux, pulling them out of the wall the re-check the wires. It seems fine to me.)

    5) The ONLY difference from the wiring instructions is that the main Dimmer does not have a Ground wire attached to it, while the GE Auxiliary does have a Ground wire attached to it.

    Question:

    • What troubleshooting should I do?
    • Is it because it is a GE Gen-2 Aux vs Gen-1?
    • Is it because of the Ground Wire only at the Aux and not at main Dimmer?
    submitted by /u/bdrrr
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    Alex, play spotify playlist + raspberry PI ?

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 06:24 AM PST

    Hi all,

    I currently have Volumio installed on a raspberry pi and it works great. However i would like to control it via alexa voice commands. The guys at Volumio do have an alexa skill but they charge 28 euros a year. https://volumio.org/volumio-plans-pricing/

    Is there another way of achieving this. I was looking into Mopidy on raspberry PI as it has alot more integration with gmusic and soundcloud, which would make my music experience better as i have accounts with those services. But i would like to avoid paying additional subscriptions considering im already paying for spotify premium

    if you have acheived this i would be interesting in knowing how.

    many thanks

    submitted by /u/lixxus_
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    Does anyone know what kind of bulb is this ?

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 02:46 PM PST

    Zwave controller on DMP alarm panel

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 10:53 AM PST

    I asked this question in r/Homesecurity but got no answers, so perhaps this is the better sub.

    I have a DMP security system and it allows you to add on a Zwave module to communicate and control zwave devices. Does anyone have this setup and can tell me if it will play nice with Smartthings?

    submitted by /u/inteller
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    Looking for recommendations for Smart Curtains or Blinds

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 01:19 PM PST

    Hi guys

    I am looking for components for my Home Automation system (based on Google HA for now) . I already asked around about smart bulbs and now I am trying to find a solution for curtains or smart blinds

    Smart Curtains
    As far as I can see Smart Curtains is a more cost effective solution as you buy one motor per window and you get to source the courtains yourself (have more flexibility from interior design perspective)

    I set my eyes on ZemiSamart brand with their Motorized Smart Curtain.
    Are there any other reliable and cost effective brands that you would recommend?

    Smart Blinds
    On the Smart blinds side I have looked at the Ikea solution which is prohibitive. Any other out of the box solution seems also prohibitive compared with Smart Curtains. I am thinking going the DIY way, ZemiSmart also has affordable tube motors but I am not decided on what blind to buy and I have not researched the market to see what is available (price and finish/color etc) . One big question here is whether the tubes are standard or each manufacturer has its own ID (internal diameter)

    Any recommendations or guidance regarding the above would be much appreciated

    Thanks

    submitted by /u/MineMe4Reddit
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    Smart bulbs (dimmable, hue, outdoor,security camera built in, two ways communication) recommendations needed

    Posted: 05 Jan 2020 12:38 PM PST

    Hi guys

    I am just starting with HA and I am looking for good options for smart bulbs.I need the following:

    #1 one or two smart bulbs that would work outdoor

    • WiFi, compatible with Google Home
    • water proof,low temperature (Canadian winters)
    • built in camera (360)
    • two ways communication
    • casing or some protection to prevent the removal -they will be reachable by a standing adult

    ​

    #2 indoor smart light bulbs

    • WiFi compatible with Google Home
    • allow adjusting the color (hue?)
    • dimmable
    • motion detector (trying my luck here not sure if this exists, I am planning to build a Sonoff-HC-SC505 PIR based solution)

    Also for #2 I am seeing there is an option to buy just a wifi socket (thinking about buying this for areas where I would not bother with Hue/dimmable bulbs, just wifi)

    ​

    Any recommendations will be much appreciated!

    Thank you

    MiniMe

    submitted by /u/MineMe4Reddit
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