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    Tuesday, April 7, 2020

    Home Unlabelled Home Automation [Update 2: Out of Preview] Google announces the local home SDK, full-screen app support for smart displays, and third-party availability for App Actions

    Home Automation [Update 2: Out of Preview] Google announces the local home SDK, full-screen app support for smart displays, and third-party availability for App Actions

    April 07, 2020

    Home Automation [Update 2: Out of Preview] Google announces the local home SDK, full-screen app support for smart displays, and third-party availability for App Actions

    [Update 2: Out of Preview] Google announces the local home SDK, full-screen app support for smart displays, and third-party availability for App Actions

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 02:08 PM PDT

    google Local Home SDK Ready for Actions

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 04:19 PM PDT

    DIY Amazon Key?

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 08:42 AM PDT

    I was wondering if anyone has made a DIY Amazon Key? Unfortunately, I don't like some of the restrictions that Amazon Key entails including not allowing other integrations. A DIY solution would also be more friendly with other shipments/shippers.
    This is Amazon Key: https://www.amazon.com/b?node=17861200011

    EDIT: We do not have any space out front to put any kind of storage box. And I want something that functions for more than one use before package removal.

    My idea is to generate a code that would be put in the delivery instructions/notes field at the time of a purchase. It could be as simple as the last 4-6 digits of the purchase price, this would be reasonably unique and could simplify the workflow(easy for wife too). The code(perhaps extracted from email?) would then be programmed to my smart lock for usage between 8AM-8PM(or whatever time covers majority of shipments) and after usage automatically lock the door and delete the code. Code would expire/be deleted if not used for a week.

    I know a lot of people might paranoid by Amazon Key(or even DIY Key?) but our new place is in a high traffic(car and walking) area with a highly visible door, right at the sidewalk. A solution for deliveries is definitely needed. Additionally, the house has a vestibule, so it would be protected by a second locked door.

    submitted by /u/CaptBrett
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    I have some stuff at my apartment automated, simple setup though, hue lights and some outlets, controlled with Alexa. Is there a way I can control this from my phone as well?

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 10:41 PM PDT

    Schlage BE469 Touchpad Problem

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 10:02 PM PDT

    I have a few Schlage BE469, but one has a keypad that works.. but only for the first 5 minutes. Once a little bit of time has passed, the keypad no longer works until the batteries are removed and re-inserted. Testing with a keypad from a different lock confirms it's the keypad and not the base unit.

    The keypad doesn't seem repairable due to the assembly process. Has anyone else encountered this issue?

    submitted by /u/AndrewX192
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    Practical reverse engineering and integration of the LG AC ThinQ serial protocol

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 02:26 PM PDT

    A follow-up to this post (https://old.reddit.com/r/homeautomation/comments/dtcmyz/i_made_a_proof_of_concept_of_noncloud_2way_wifi/) At this point I can control enough for an integration to be useful to other people. I have now used it with an ESP32 as a serial bridge, but it's still pretty ugly, so any input would be appreciated. I am omitting certain details and commands for the security of other ThinQ users as you can do bad things ;)

    Interestingly, there are functions and settings that are possible to use via the IR remote that you can't access via ThinQ, and vice-versa. In the process I also found a bug in the communications stack of the ThinQ module's firmware - this bug is actually quite noticeable to the end user and explains why some ThinQ operations get randomly delayed or fail.

    While I (almost) completely understand the communications format now, I don't understand the meaning of many particular values. I'm an amateur at this but I found the APK for the LG installer app, which can read the entire command set. A few places in the disassembly confirm my conclusions so far but I can't make full sense of it. If you are a disassembly ninja, your help would be much appreciated!

    More technical details in the pastebin here

    submitted by /u/thinq_local
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    Ring Alarm - Arming & Triggering

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 03:15 PM PDT

    One I like about my old ADT hardwired system was that when I triggered it upon entering my office, It put out a fast sound that reminded you to shut off the alarm & enter the pin to disarm and had an optional flashing strobe to visually remind you.

    To the best of my knowledge neither of these things appears to be an option with Ring? I regularly forget and then half to deal with the siren blaring...

    submitted by /u/blarggendarf
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    Smart Plugs on 2.4GHz: Does my mobile device need to be on 2.4GHz?

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 08:55 PM PDT

    So I'm considering getting the TP-Link HS100 which only works on a 2.4GHz network, while my Google Pixel 3 is connect to the 5GHz network at home. My router does both 5GHz and 2.4GHz so it should not be a problem setting up the plugs and them working.

    However, in order to turn the plugs on and off, do I need to switch to the 2.4GHz network?

    submitted by /u/dDt_HS
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    Amazon Blink: Any opinions/ feedback?

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 07:44 PM PDT

    Seems like a fairly simple and clean camera system?

    submitted by /u/StinklePink
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    Using alexa smart plug for the wifi box - is it possible?

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 03:52 PM PDT

    So I have an alexa and a smart plug, and I want to know if its possible for example to create a routine that would make the plug (which is connected to the wifi modem) close at 1AM and it turns back on automatically at 7AM. I have tried fiddling around with it, however the plug obviously wouldn't turn back on because it wasn't connected to a wifi connection - so I was wondering is there a workaround to this? Or is it not possible?

    Thank you

    submitted by /u/ExoticHaha
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    The rental place I live in will get torn down at the end of the year, so I can do what ever I want. Any proposals for crazy home automation projects?

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 01:38 PM PDT

    So, the apartment I currently live in, as well as the whole house, will get torn down at the end of the year. This means I'm free to do what ever I want with this place, even though it's just rental.

    What are your best or craziest ideas for home automation/home improvement?

    I'm an engineer, so fairly confident I can build many things.

    For now I started to take apart the external roller blinds and I'm trying to fit a motor inside for automating them. I already have automated lights. I was thinking about putting speakers with a raspberry pi and volume into the ceiling, but so far I'm not happy with the audio quality....

    A thought was an automated irrigation system for my plants on the balcony, but on the balcony I don't have access to water, so I would need some kind of tank or something...

    Once I move out of the building, I will take apart all the systems and repurpose the parts, so nothing gets wasted.

    submitted by /u/corny96
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    Cheapest & easiest way to have a constant camera feed I can monitor?

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 12:47 PM PDT

    I know this sub hates Ring, but I've been very happy with my 4 Ring cameras.

    However, I'd like to do some things that Ring can't do:

    1. A camera I can view continuously. The Ring app disconnects every few minutes. So, I'd like to have a constant feed to monitor my dogs, etc. in the yard. It doesn't have to record. I'd prefer if I could view it in a window on my computer, but I'd even consider a dedicated monitor hard-wired to a camera.

    2. Even better if I can view it on my phone and Chromecast, but not necessary. Also great if I could view it from outside my home network, but again not necessary. I figure it will be more complicated and expensive to have these options.

    submitted by /u/yneos
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    Lutron Homeworks vs. RadioRA vs Caseta

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 06:19 PM PDT

    Seeing lots of Homeworks and RadioRA equipment on Ebay, including bridges and repeaters. Anyone seen any decent info on these systems online for DIYers?

    submitted by /u/bizzyunderscore
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    Using smart switches on dumb ceiling fan - thoughts?

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 01:31 PM PDT

    I recently had a ceiling fan stop working and since I had a spare one still in the box was planning on using that one.

    However, it's a traditional pull chain style fan & light combo. Now, I have separate switches for fan & light, and I was thinking of putting a smart dimmer switch on that line, then turning the pull chain on high and from that point forward only using the smart switch to control the light. Similarly, I was going to put a smart fan switch (Hi-Med-Low-Off) on the fan line, set the fan to high on the pull chain and use the smart switch hence forth.

    Has anyone done this, successfully? Any pitfalls I may encounter (besides some taller than me lunkhead soul using the really short chains)?

    Thanks

    submitted by /u/BudH52
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    Any Z-Wave plus toggle style fan controllers? Also looking for toggle style light switches recommendations

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 11:56 AM PDT

    Toggle switches seem to be out of style at the moment but I personally still prefer them over rocker style.

    I've been using Honeywell 39358 controllers and Inovelli red switches for months now and while the functionality is near perfect I find myself missing toggle style switches.

    The Zooz toggle switch Zen23 looks like it could be a good alternative. Does anyone have experience with it? I have smart bulbs so I need to be able to leave the power on to the light fixture.

    Edit: A key feature I'm looking for is the ability to disable the internal relay in the switch. That lets you press "off" on the switch without actually turning off the power to the fixture but it still registers as a button press.

    I so far haven't been able to find a single toggle style fan controller.

    Thanks!

    submitted by /u/puhtahtoe
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    Looking for recommendations for a budget friendly weatherproof(ish) enclosure for HA equipment (Canada)

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 11:34 AM PDT

    I've built a custom pool equipment controller and I'm stuck trying to find a good enclosure to put everything in (control boards, relays, breakers, power supply).

    I've found a few online for around $80-130USD, but not much in Canada, and I'd like to try and keep the price down as much as possible, which is tough to do when buying from the US with the exchange rate/shipping/duty.

    The ones I've been looking at that seem to suit my needs well are around 17x14x6"

    Anyone in here have any (hopefully Canadian) suggestions? As long as it's semi weatherproof or can be made weatherproof I don't care about the material or IP/NEMA rating.

    submitted by /u/PMaxxGaming
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    Toying with the idea of changing controllers. Would love suggestions based on what I've got

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 11:14 AM PDT

    Been running Homeseer for a year and a half (more on that later). Would be some work to switch, but just not feeling it and want to look around. I'm a gadget toting techie type with a background in network and software, not afraid to dive into things, but don't want to have to write all my own plugins either. Which is why I spent a little up front on HS, plug and play mostly. What I have/want to do:

    • Run on Windows 10 Pro machine (shared Minecraft/Plex/Unifi/file server)
    • Homeseer-brand SmartStick+ USB Z-wave interface
    • All Z-wave switches/deadbolts throughout house (GE/Inovelli/Homeseer/Schlage)
    • Multiple MyQ garage door hubs
    • Ecobee
    • TP-Link WiFi plugs on some appliances
    • Ubiquiti cameras (running thru Unifi Protect, also have BlueIris installed but would be nice to go direct)
    • Unifi network
    • Have a number of old devices would like to put to use as wall interfaces - Android tablets, early gen Kindle Fire, Android/Win10 phones
    • Alexa Echos scattered about for voice control
    • Want to automate irrigation; blank slate here other than a couple hose-spigot B-hyves, but have underground runs to change valves for solenoids and integrate it all
    • (Also own a Gen2 Smartthings hub in a drawer somewhere if that's useful)
    • WAF: stable, ease of use upon completion

    Why switch? Overall Homeseer's been pretty stable, easy to setup, good compatibility. But, IMO it is expensive and far from slick - The interface is not great, the HSTouch software to build your own interface software is clunky and seems like it's all but abandoned, so why invest time in it, and the client is not great. Compatibility achieved through 3rd party plugins that feel mostly like DIY works which may or may not work or be supported. Attempted to play with the upcoming beta release, but found it non-functional and not excited about what I've seen so far.

    submitted by /u/Wabbastang
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    Smart bulbs dimmable to zero?

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 02:57 PM PDT

    Hi all, I've got a Yeelight RGB V2, and one thing that winds me up is that it does not dim to zero. Ideally I would have a bulb where setting it to 1% was effectively off. Does such a bulb exist?

    submitted by /u/yugiyo
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    Do you experience delay with the Smart Life app?

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 10:45 AM PDT

    So I'm looking to buy a few smart bulbs and some strips, I really don't need a hub so I'm looking at the no hub options. They all use Tuya or Smart Life as their app.

    The thing I want to do is when a motion sensor detects movement, it will turn on the light strip. It's possible to do it in the app. The question is, how long is the delay when the sensor detects movement and then turns on the strips, if my internet connecting is stable?

    submitted by /u/amazondrugsparcel
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    Any cool uses

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 02:15 PM PDT

    Ring, Amazon Key and a Front Gate

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 01:02 PM PDT

    So, some background: this is the gate to my front yard.

    My wife and I just moved in, it's a neighborhood where low and upper income butt right next to each other, so gates around the front yard are common as a deterrent. The previous owners had installed a Ring 2 (which came with the home), and were using an old NuTone intercom system to control the electric strike plate in the gate.

    Now, I want to be smarter than that. I want to be able to buzz people in remotely, preferably via the Ring app, and I want Amazon to be able to deliver packages inside with Amazon Key.

    If worst comes to worst, I can hack the electric strike plate by putting an arduino in the NuTone, wiring the door release button to that and triggering it with an ifttt hook or set up a web page with a button or something to remotely unlock the gate.

    But the amazon deliveries are a bigger deal, but most smart locks seem to be made for front doors, not gates.

    Anyone work around this before? I'm open to pretty much anything, though if I could reuse as much of the stuff I already got, that's better.

    submitted by /u/thekiyote
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    /r/Gadgets Smart Shades Giveaway

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 09:14 AM PDT

    Need help with electric heaters

    Posted: 06 Apr 2020 12:45 PM PDT

    I recently got electrical baseboard heaters installed in my basement. The issue I am having is the controls for them is a manual dial. I tend to forget turning the heat down after I leave the basement. I want to install a thermostat with motion sensing so I don't waste energy. The heaters are hard wired 240V. I tried looking for some thermostats that could handle this voltage but haven't seen anything. Anyone have a suggestion for a product or solution to what I am looking to do?

    submitted by /u/Newrad132
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