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    Sunday, January 26, 2020

    Home Automation Are there any top down/bottom up cellular shades that are motorized and work with homebridge?

    Home Automation Are there any top down/bottom up cellular shades that are motorized and work with homebridge?


    Are there any top down/bottom up cellular shades that are motorized and work with homebridge?

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 09:06 PM PST

    Anyone know of a brand? I believe Hunter Douglas makes a set (and they work with Homekit which is ideally what I want) but HD is $$$ and unfortunately I need like 8 large blinds.

    submitted by /u/kadify
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    Insignia Switch Unpaired (HELP)

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 07:00 PM PST

    Today my insignia switch wouldn't connect so Best Buy customer support told me to reset it. Their connect app was discontinued in 2019, so does anyone know of a way to reconnect my switch to my home?

    submitted by /u/IdRatherFANSD
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    Automate Apple tv + Hue lights

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 07:55 PM PST

    Hi guys, how dim the lights when I'm playing something on Apple Tv. I found this video showing it on Home Assistant, I don't' use it because it's just tooooo complicated to set it up.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfzKJfB-_QY

    Is there another workaround?

    submitted by /u/yonibitc
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    Control TP-Link Kasa from PC

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 03:52 PM PST

    Is it possible to control my TP-Link smart products from my computer? Sometimes I would prefer to just click a button rather than pick up my phone and open up the app. I haven't found an official Windows app, there may be a solution through IFTTT? But I have not been able to find it if so.

    Thanks for any help!

    submitted by /u/Galavantes
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    Smart AV Receivers - do they exist?

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 05:51 PM PST

    Searching this group, it seems to be about three years since something similar has been asked, so a lot can change in that time. Being in the obligatory situation where I want to upgrade my TV and AV receiver, I, of course, want to go with "smart" devices. Doing a general Google search yielded nothing to help guide this journey.

    Currently, I am using a Harmony hub to automate all the AV stuff. It's integrated with Alexa so I can turn on theater mode by voice, etc. I assume most of you are doing something similar. That said, it works okay, but not perfectly. Specifically, it's uni-directional, so it doesn't know if my receiver or TV are on, what inputs they are on, and thus issues commands when they are not necessary, and sometimes turns the devices off when switching inputs. It's smart, but not quite as "smart" as it could be.

    It seems "obvious" to me that the harmony hub concept should be built into a modern receiver. Thus it would know the state of all other components and coordinate them all. It would use a phone app as the remote and in addition to triggering commands could show you the current state (e.g. what device is currently being displayed.) Maybe it could even integrate with Smartthings so a physical switch could activate states. I cannot find a receiver with this kind of intelligence.

    Also, given that all these new TV's are smart with built-in apps, it should be able to pass audio to and to a degree control the receiver so sound (volume adjustments) are made to the receiver and the TV will have its built-in speakers permanently disabled.

    Is anyone able to recommend products that might be in this category that I am unable to locate? Is Harmony Hub the best option we still have? Am I wrong to think the receiver should be the hub of not just AV inputs, but also device orchestration?

    submitted by /u/CodyLeet
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    Sensibo vs IntesisHome

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 07:09 PM PST

    Hi all,

    I was wondering if anyone has experience of either the Sensibo or IntesisHome AC control solution? I was about to go and buy the Sensibo as it seems to get positive reviews, but then I realised my Mitsubishi Heavy AC splits are compatible if I buy a WiFi add on. Sadly whilst I can find plenty of (positive) Sensibo reviews, I can't find much about the IntesisHome!

    From what I can tell: Sensibo

    Pros - Cheaper ($140 per unit) good user experience, extra features (e.g. Geofencing)

    Cons - Needs external mounting where it can 'see' the AC to control it via IR. Only one way comms, that is it can't get a response from the AC unit, works like a universal remote.

    IntesisHome

    Pros - mounts inside the AC head unit, connects directly to the control board so nothing external and can read the AC status (although not sure how useful this is)

    Cons - More expensive ($200 per unit), from what have read isn't a well supported app or user experience.

    Any advice would be welcome!

    Thanks

    submitted by /u/Groundbreaking-Front
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    Setting up a new 3-way smart switch

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 06:23 PM PST

    We recently moved into an older house built in the 1960's and I am trying to replace some of the light switches with TP-Link Smart switches. The kitchen light has two switches, the first pic shows the old switch I tried replacing, the second pic shows the smart switch hooked up (black wire is the load, red is travel, and white is neutral?), and the third pic is the other light switch. When I hooked up the smart switch I got power to it but it did not let me turn off/on the kitchen lights and the other switch did not work either. Any ideas on what to do? http://imgur.com/a/kqZ63M9

    submitted by /u/Chrs987
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    All devices disconnect. Advice?

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 05:52 PM PST

    Hello. I have 3 Google minis, about 9 smart plugs/lights from Gosund, and a Withings sleep pad.

    Everything except for the google minis disconnect from my wifi constantly. I'm not sure what causes it, but when I go into my wifi settings and change the 2.4Ghz radio to a new channel (any new channel) all my devices reconnect.

    It's a cheap Arris modem/router combo, and it feels like that's what's causing the problems. I'm thinking of replacing it with Google wi-fi, but thought I might ask you guys for advice before pulling the trigger. Do you think replacing the modem/router will fix the problem? Is Google wi-fi the right way to go? Thanks all.

    submitted by /u/Maybeon8
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    Hue Lightstrip versus Zigbee Controller

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 05:41 PM PST

    Hello everyone! I have a new video out with a chance to win a Zigbee LED Strip controller, strip and power supply. Check it out!

    https://youtu.be/khlIKeDqN2g

    submitted by /u/K2-Home-Tech
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    How can I seamlessly integrate Philips Hue with Lutron Caseta in the same room?

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 02:44 PM PST

    My kitchen currently has 2 Hue bulbs above the island. I want to automate the par20 bulbs in the room which are on a different switch, but Philips doesn't offer par20. I can put a lutron switch (already have the hub) for the pot lights, but then I'm running two separate systems in the same room and it looks like they don't play nice together.

    Activating by voice or by routines would be done via Alexa, but what do I do for the light switch? Are there any smart dimmer switches that could control both?

    submitted by /u/imightgetdownvoted
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    Modular Electronics

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 10:05 AM PST

    With the recent news of Sonos obsoleting some of their older speakers it got me thinking about modular electronics. I understand why companies can't continue to drive innovation on older hardware, but why can't we make hardware that is upgradeable? Google's project ara for example, or swidget (which I think could be an awesome platform for smart homes). I think these kind of platforms could reduce waste as well as reducing the need to outright replace items every few years. The biggest issue would be agreeing on a common interface.

    Just wondering what people think about these kind of platforms and what might be some of the cons to them.

    submitted by /u/Slack3r_2540
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    How to link Philip's Hue Motion Sensor, to generic (Teckin SP25) Wi-Fi smart plug?

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 01:12 PM PST

    I'm a techie/sysadmin/programmer, but new to home automation.

    We have a Philips Hue setup, and Google Home. Also have a few Teckin Smart Plugs that integrate well with Google Home.

    What is like to do is to use the Hue Motion Sensor to also control some of these smart plugs - both integrate with Google Home already.

    Can someone tell me the best path/toolchain to do this? I'm guessing IFTTT might be an open, but I'd prefer all the logic to happen within our network if possible, for speed.

    How do I automate these two things together?

    submitted by /u/SignedJannis
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    Any products for a dumb washer and dryer?

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 01:09 PM PST

    Just bought a new washer and had a homer simpson moment. Why didnt I get a wifi one? Oh well. Any products out there that can tell me when my dumb washerand dryer is done washing and drying?

    submitted by /u/chenyu768
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    Just put in a Nest x Yale smart lock. What did you do with your locking door knob when you got a smart lock?

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 12:56 PM PST

    Just installed a nest x Yale smart lock, but I need to replace the door knob itself bc its a different color. Also, the knob has it's own lock/key, which kind of defeats the purpose of having the smart deadbolt, bc if it's locked, you can't get in with a code anyway... Has anyone found any good outdoor, passage-way only door knob that matches the satin nickel finish of the nest x Yale lock? Kind of a shame that for the price, it didn't come with one.

    submitted by /u/jackruby83
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    Temp/Humidity sensor in Beehive and Chicken Coop

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 11:46 AM PST

    Hi all,

    I have been into home automation for a long time (I have Home Assistant running in Docker on my homebuilt server, operate z-wave outlets/switches, thermostat, lights, et cetera) but I want to try something new. Prepping for next season I am building an insulated chicken coop and beehive in my backyard. I'm currently using the Xiaomi Mijia Hub v2 with Mijia temp/humidity sensors for my indoor stuff, and know these units can be placed outside as long as they are sheltered from the elements. Ideally, I'd like to kick on a heater in the chicken coop if the temps dip down too low and open vents if the temp or humidity rises too much. I'd just like to monitor the beehive, at least for the time being. From what I understand these use the zigbee protocol, but do they use a mesh network as well? I'll need about 100ft range ... might need extenders. If there are any better (or cheaper) options I'm open to that too. Just looking to hear from people utilizing these types of devices in a manner generally outside of "normal use".

    Any input appreciated. Thanks!

    submitted by /u/takeabreakybreak
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    make a hardwire outlet control a second wireless plug?

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 10:59 AM PST

    I have a switch in my living room that controls one outlet (hardwired). We use it to control a lamp:

    switch A->outlet A->lamp A

    I would to add a second lamp in the opposite corner and have both lamps turn on/off at the same time.

    If possible, I'd like to leave the original switch and outlet as is, and have something like:

    switch A->outlet A->(relay "broadcast" plug A)->lamp A

    outlet B->(relay "receive" plug B)->lamp B

    So just 2 outlet plugs that talk to each other and whenever one (plug A) gets power, tells other (plug B) to turn on.

    Does something like this exist? Or is there some alternative setup to achieve this result?

    submitted by /u/brainwrangler
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    Alternatives to xiaomi aqara contact sensors

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 06:22 AM PST

    We have a SmartThings hub and I have the xiaomi aqara set up but can't get them to sense when the window is open or closed.

    So I'm looking for alternatives that are reliable. I am in Canada if that matters. I bought the xiaomi aqara because they were cheaper but clearly that wasn't a smart move.

    Hoping to find sensors I can buy direct from China or a Canadian online retailer. (Willing to wait for China shop of its significantly less, of pay a premium for Canadian retailer who can ship faster).

    Edit to add we also have a Google Home Max.

    submitted by /u/lonelyfatoldsickgirl
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    Connecting Ikea E27 Tradfri to Xiaomi Gateway

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 10:05 AM PST

    Hi there,

    I'm using two Xiaomi gateways at home with many different Xiaomi sensor.

    Now I braught a Ikea lightbulb and tried to connect it to the gateway.

    It tells me to turn it On and Off six times, but it seems not to work.

    I guess it should be on at the end so its 7x on and 6x off or am I missing someting?

    Thanks!

    submitted by /u/CH0ckTheN0rris
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    Tile Pro accidental activation HELP

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 09:27 AM PST

    Is there a way to disable the beeping when you double click the button on a Tile Pro? I accidentally activate it almost daily in my pocket (it's on my keys). I have already deactivated 'find my phone' in the settings, but that doesn't stop the beeps, it just makes them utterly pointless. Is the feature just baked into the tile's programming or is there a way to get it shut the hell up?

    submitted by /u/Galbert-dA
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    Looking for some help with my first time using a Sonoff Mini in 3-way switch

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 09:19 AM PST

    I'd like to install a Sonoff Mini in a 3-way switch in my shop, but it's my first time doing anything with a 3-way switch (aside from replacing a standard light switch), and I'm a little confused due to the multiple different examples online for using a Mini in such a way.

    HERE are some photos of both switches in the circuit; I'd like the switches to control the relay in the Mini, rather than the actual light, so I can control the light from Home Assistant and still retain use of both physical switches without cutting power to the Sonoff mini.

    My issue is I'm not sure which box would be the best one to place the Mini in; the 2-gang in the shop would be easiest (the very old, dirty looking one in the pics), as there's more space, but I'm not sure if that's the best choice or not.

    Also, I'm not quite sure the best way to wire it to retain normal use out of the switches and still have smart control over my lights.

    Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

    submitted by /u/PMaxxGaming
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    Wifi Light Switch without glowing faceplate?

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 08:52 AM PST

    I'm looking to swap out some of the light switches in my house with Wifi enabled ones, but every single one on Amazon has a glowing LED embedded in the face plate, which will look odd next to ones I don't replace and frankly, I don't want a glowing face plate regardless.

    I know other people have similar complaints, like with TP Link ( https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/forum/topic/165992?page=3 ), but I haven't been able to find a Smart Switch that doesn't have the LED, or at the very least gives you the ability to disable it.

    Any recommendations (other than electrical tape over it)?

    submitted by /u/klopeks
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    Multiple TVs and Alexa integration (i.e. my rat's nest of a home automation)

    Posted: 25 Jan 2020 08:50 AM PST

    Hi,

    Please feel free to direct me to appropriate resources. I am not having any luck.

    Here is my equipment set up:

    - A Wink hub from 3 years ago

    - A bunch of GE Smart Switches from 3 years ago. Most lights I want voice control.

    - A bunch of Philips Hue bulbs with a bridge

    - 2 FEIT smart switches (from Costco?)

    - 2 Arlo wireless cams

    - 7 Alexas

    - 2 Nest Thermostats

    - 1 Harmony Hub (For TV/Receiver in home theater setup)

    - 2 Tuyasmart IR blasters (For 2 Samsung TVs)

    - TPLink M5 3 node Mesh network with ethernet back haul

    - All screens/Xbox/Apple TV are hardwired

    Most of this mess was under relative control until I added the IR Blasters for my other two TVs and the FEIT Switch.

    My issue is around voice integration from Alexa to the various endpoints. I have now added two new items containing the word TV and am trying to get a group around basement lights which are GE and FEIT devices.

    Does anyone have a set of best practices around this as it has to be a standard use case? I'm a bit lost if I should create groups in Hue, Wink or only in Alexa. Is there any way to limit certain voice commands only to the nearest Alexa?

    Thanks very much for any help that can be provided.

    Andrew

    submitted by /u/ThronedCelery
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