Home Automation Cross Post: I'm tracking my cat's location within my house, with great results!

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• Cross Post: I'm tracking my cat's location within my house, with great results!
• How does Mycroft stack up to Google assistant?
• Plant watering system
• [Update] Hunter Douglas PowerView Shades
• I am a beginner, is there a sonoff sensor or the like that I can connect to a button and when that button is pressed I will be notified?
• Daisy-chained soffit lighting for garage that can be controlled remotely?
• Using FFT on ESP32 to send phone notifications for analog door bells
• Wired PIR sensors, microwave etc
• Is it possible to utilize the gps location of two devices to trigger a routine?
• Rachio 3 flex daily. There’s no rain skip option.
• Adding Bluetooth to a Projector
• Dimmer for dimmable LED clarification
• And decent metered PDU (6+ sockets, EU/Schuko) that can output to MQTT?
• I’m glad I got a notification by my camera while coming home
• Control Portable A/C
• Is there any way I can do Siri/HomeKit to Alexa Smart Plug integration?
• Thermostat options if nest isn’t compatible
• Connect to smart bulbs with only mobile hot spot
• Stick with Nest or switch to HomeKit?
• Google vs Alexa
• How to Connect an FLAIR ViYu Bulb to a Philips Hue Bridge | Alternative to IKEA Trådfri Smart Bulbs
• Looking for keyless option for metal security screen door
• Virtually visiting friends

Cross Post: I'm tracking my cat's location within my house, with great results! Posted: 02 May 2020 04:46 PM PDT Posted this over on /r/homeassistant but thought you guys would appreciate it over here as well! ​ Home Assistant Cat Location Sensor Motivation My wife has lost multiple cats over the years, so she gets a little anxious when a door is open or when we're travelling (and have family water the plants for example). To be fair, this cat will bolt as soon as a door is cracked open 🙄 The solution A $10/€10 Trackr Pixel. It's essentially a BLE beacon but the one important caveat is that you cannot pair it with the Trackr mobile app. If you do, it stops sending out BLE adverts. The battery lasts for 3/4 months, so I ordered a 10-pack of CR-2016 batteries to have at the ready. ​ So, in short: ​ I bought two ESP-32 boards (like these ones). Placed one in the living room, and another in the bedroom. Essentially, one per floor of my house. I 3D printed this case for the sensors, which is quite nice. Flashed them with esphome (living room config is here, and bedroom config is here), and simply have them report the signal strength (RSSI) to home assistant. I also designed and 3D printed a case for the Trackr Pixel that fits the cat's collar. You can find it here. [alternative snap-fit design here, but I ended up going with the first one] In home assistant, I setup a sensor that displays the location based on the highest signal: ​ - platform: template sensors: cat_location: friendly_name: Cat Location entity_id: - sensor.cat_bedroom_rssi - sensor.cat_living_room_rssi icon_template: mdi:cat value_template: >- {{ [ (states("sensor.cat_bedroom_rssi"), "Bedroom"), (states("sensor.cat_living_room_rssi"), "Living Room") ] |rejectattr(0, "equalto", "nan") |rejectattr(0, "equalto", "unavailable") |max(default=(0, "Unknown")) |last() }} I also set up a couple of automations: Notify us if the Cat's location is "Unknown" and nobody is in the house. Notify us if we're home and the Cat's location is "Unknown" for the last 15 mins. ​ The end result? Perfect. I know that blindly checking the highest RSSI is not the most optimal strategy but I have to say it works _really_ well. To be honest, being able to know the location is already a bonus. Most of the time we just want to be sure that the cat hasn't left the house. I plan to add a few more ESP32s around the house for a more precise location and, as you can see from my configs, I also re-use them for plant sensors and other things! ​ Obligatory Cat Tax submitted by /u/nunofgs [link] [comments]

How does Mycroft stack up to Google assistant? Posted: 02 May 2020 10:31 AM PDT I'm thinking of setting up some diy assistants using raspberry pi, and I'd like to give Mycroft a try (since it's open source and doesn't feed off my data), but I'm worried I'm going to lose functionality. submitted by /u/Dial_H_For_Hornets [link] [comments]

Plant watering system Posted: 02 May 2020 10:23 AM PDT Hi guys, i want to build a plant watering system with a raspberry pi. I already got a soil moisture sensor and a xiaomi mi flora to choose from. Does anyone know a good instruction? Thanks for your help :) submitted by /u/EPGRampage [link] [comments]

[Update] Hunter Douglas PowerView Shades Posted: 02 May 2020 10:53 AM PDT There's a few users in this subreddit that asked for an update on my previous thread. It's been about 5 months since I posted and about 4 months since I have had the blinds installed. After discussion with my "blinds guy", I got the Hunter Douglas PowerView installed. His personal recommendation was to go with Somfy Motors, but at the time they didn't have any 2-way communication nor native Homekit integration. Let's start with the bad: Bad manufacturing experience; for those who don't know, Hunter Douglas manufactures the blinds and then sends them to installers. They don't sell direct to consumer. The blinds that we received were horribly defective in terms of manufacturing. I'm talking about (this despite double and triple checked measurements from my installer) banded/alternated shades having not being properly aligned bands when fully closed. One had the fabric stuck into the casing and another was just simply not working (pairing button was broken). RF interference; there's also a (what I suspect) a severe level of radio frequency interference or RF blocking. I honestly did not expect this to be an issue and had I known I would have done a lot more research into it. I have over 30 different Zigbee sensors around the house and I have Eero mesh router around the home (2200 sft). I have a mesh router (overkill) because the modem is set up in the garage and the walls around the garage are made of concrete/brick. Zigbee sensors are nothing special: door, water, window, temperature, motion, etc. When I first received the blinds, I had the PowerView hub plugged into the garage with one repeater in the hallway. I had extremely spotty control of the shades (lots of them dropping connection frequently). Eventually, I asked my installer for an additional repeater and I moved things around. The control of the shades are slightly better now but not without their faults. Delayed response (because of the above issue?); I have a morning automation set up to open the blinds at sunrise for the ones facing the backyard/patio door (so that I can let me dog out in the morning). This routine has almost never failed. However, I don't know if it opens at sunrise or not because I am never actually awake to see what happens. I have noticed that sometimes I will send a command either through Siri or the PowerView app and the blind only responds like 2-3 minutes later. Not a HUGE deal to me since it's not like we need to constantly open/close/adjust the shades, but the Mrs. isn't a big fan. Other times, the blind doesn't listen at all. This happens frequently enough for me to notice, but not frequently enough that I can diagnose what is going wrong. This symptom was alleviated when I moved around the repeaters around, but has not completely disappeared. Once this whole COVID thing is over, I'll ask for another repeater and I think this will solve all my issues. Horrible user interface with their native app. I'm very happy they have native Homekit integration because their native app is just simply horrid in my opinion. It lags on my iPhone X and is just not super intuitive. Controlling the shades are just an unpleasant experience (you get a slider in the picture of a up/down shade with no % indicators). Adjusting the shade up/down for just a bit is even more unpleasant because the moment you touch the slider, it'll jump up/down a bit to match your finger (and unless you're using a stylus, it's so hard to touch the blind at the current position). Homekit integration solves this issue though, I almost never use the native app now. The Hub has a mind of it's own; the hub was set up via ethernet to my modem initially. Given the dropped signals, I moved the hub to the living room and connected it to my router via Wi-Fi. This caused so many issues... sometimes the hub would disconnect, sometimes it would connect but not communicate. Either the Wi-Fi chip inside the hub is low-build quality or that the chip just doesn't like mesh routers. Finally, I decided not to use Wi-Fi anymore and just used ethernet and connected it to one of the Eeros. ​ Now that we have the bad out of the way, let's go with the good: Incredible energy saving, I was very skeptical about running these shades off of just simple AA batteries. I haven't switched the batteries yet from the ones that were included. The lowest % reported on Homekit is 89% (after using the shades on a daily basis for 4 months). Quiet and soft motors; the motors are much more quiet compared to the Ikea one and more so than the Dooya ones I had previously. The motors also start and stop softly so there's no jerking motion when they reach a certain position. Nice fabric; there was an incident involving a toddler and some chocolate milk in the kitchen. We wiped down the shade with some water and it was back to looking like brand new! The installer recommend a more plastic-y shade for the kitchen because of this exact reason. I'm very happy we listened to him! Good customer support... until the COVID hit. Hunter Douglas sent replacement shades for the defective ones right away and didn't give the installer any trouble whatsoever. Until the COVID hit, now I am still waiting on one of the replacement shades. Esthetic; at first I thought having a valence and a nice looking casing was no big deal. I was wrong. This looks WAY better than the Ikea shades and it makes a huge difference. However, this isn't specific to Hunter Douglas... but don't underestimate how much a valence changes the looks of your window. Powerful motors; as stated in the previous thread, I have some wide windows. The motors were able to lower and raise the wide window shades without any problems. The motors didn't seem like they were straining or anything. Even though it's been 4 months, I think it's still a bit premature to render a decent experienced opinion. I will post another update thread a few more months down the line. submitted by /u/m3m3a [link] [comments]

I am a beginner, is there a sonoff sensor or the like that I can connect to a button and when that button is pressed I will be notified? Posted: 02 May 2020 09:48 PM PDT submitted by /u/rafao13 [link] [comments]

Daisy-chained soffit lighting for garage that can be controlled remotely? Posted: 02 May 2020 09:36 PM PDT I want to install small, ideally recessed lighting in the soffit of a small garage. It seems almost all of what I'm seeing are retrofit or LED cans with some sort of junction box nearby that all the lights go from A to B. The garage is unfinished and I would like the least amount of wires running back at forth in the joists. Thought in series would be a lot cleaner but I'm only finding lighting meant to go recessed in decks. submitted by /u/ReneRobert [link] [comments]

Using FFT on ESP32 to send phone notifications for analog door bells Posted: 02 May 2020 02:04 PM PDT submitted by /u/AMAIamaHuman [link] [comments]

Wired PIR sensors, microwave etc Posted: 02 May 2020 03:59 PM PDT I'm trying to figure out the best layout to track people presense and movement during a full remodel, so while the walls are down I'm hoping to get things wired up. The Aeotec multisensor I have is too slow of a polling rate for the motion to determine if someone walks by (it can take up to 2 seconds even at the lowest setting and plugged in to power) so I don't plan on getting any more of them. My current plan is one in-ceiling sensor outside of each door (For the hallway), and one in each room, also in the ceiling. Most likely will end up using DT8360, though I'm happy to consider others if someone has suggestions. I however have one room that I can't put a standard PIR sensor in. I'm hoping to find a microwave sensor that I can use to see presence through walls. Honeywell seems to have it with their Dual Tec, but I can't figure out if I can rely on just the microwave sensor. It doesn't seem to have any technical documentation on what sort of data is provides to the controller. Anyone have suggestions for monitoring presence without putting the sensor in the room? submitted by /u/Narolad [link] [comments]

Is it possible to utilize the gps location of two devices to trigger a routine? Posted: 02 May 2020 07:25 PM PDT Example: I'd like to set up my two led lamps to come on for my pets if BOTH my fiance and I are away at work (we work nights). Sometimes I come home and I know they spent all night in the dark :( This would be nice, if both of our phones are away and it's after sunset, for these smart devices to be triggered. Anyone heard of a way to do this? Background: I have 3 echo dots, Android phones, multiple sonoff s31 plugs and sonoff micros. I have no standalone alternative such as home assistant, but am familiar with and use IFTTT. I would like to transition to home assistant at some point, but have zero experience with coding and don't even understand GitHub lol submitted by /u/juttep1 [link] [comments]

Rachio 3 flex daily. There’s no rain skip option. Posted: 02 May 2020 07:23 PM PDT I recently installed a Rachio 3 controller. I'm trying to get familiar with it. I have 3 schedules, 1 flex daily and 2 fixed, just to see what works best for me. Today it rained, .22 inches. My sprinklers are set to go off tomorrow (Sunday) Both my fixed schedules are not going to water tomorrow due to rain skip because it rained more than my threshold is set at. I have the rain threshold set at .125 The flex daily is still set to water, in fact I checked and under weather intelligence there's not even an option to have rain skip on flex daily. There's only 2 options on flex daily; wind skip and freeze skip. If my flex daily schedule is still going to water, that isn't a very smart setup. Rachio Calendar & Settings submitted by /u/steeve725 [link] [comments]

Adding Bluetooth to a Projector Posted: 02 May 2020 06:53 PM PDT Currently I have an epson projector in my living room that I have connected to an Apple TV. In order to get sound through external speakers, I have the Apple TV going into an audio extractor with the audio going into a 5.1 SmartCast sound bar. And the HDMI going into the projector. Now with that said, I am looking for a way to connect the aux to the sound bar through Bluetooth so I can relocate it to the other side of the room. The sound bar has Bluetooth integrated so you can connect your phone or computer to it. I was looking into Bluetooth receivers and transmitters. With the sound bar putting out a Bluetooth signal, which one would I need to plug into the audio extractor in order to connect it to the sound bar. If you can attach some links from amazon that I would require would be greatly appreciated. submitted by /u/WPBBOSS [link] [comments]

Dimmer for dimmable LED clarification Posted: 02 May 2020 06:16 PM PDT Hello, I want to buy some Z-wave dimmers for LED bulbs and wanted some clarity. Now from what I've seen a lot of the LED flickering issues with dimmable LED bulbs are mostly from the non-neutral dimmer right? submitted by /u/BORIStheBLADE1 [link] [comments]

And decent metered PDU (6+ sockets, EU/Schuko) that can output to MQTT? Posted: 02 May 2020 06:02 AM PDT I've been using Ubiquity mPower-Pro with few hacks that plug it into MQTT but it has died on me today and afaik the product line is basically dead (no update to the software) so I'd rather not invest more into it. Is there any reasonably expensive (say $100-$150) PDU/power strip with: 6+ sockets -EU/Schuko - eventually 2x4 if the PDU itself s cheap metering - at the very least power per socket, mPower had power/voltage/current/power factor but I didn't really use the rest standalone MQTT, or eventually an API that's easily accessible. ethernet/wifi (wired ethernet preferred but I can live with WiFI) having to flash the device with custom/open source firmware is fine by me. So far from my search TP-Link's Kasa power strip seems to be "perfect" except one tiny little problem of it being 110V/US plug and NetIO4All does every thing I'd want it to do at double the price I'm willing to pay per socket. submitted by /u/XANi_ [link] [comments]

I’m glad I got a notification by my camera while coming home Posted: 02 May 2020 04:51 PM PDT submitted by /u/inwisso [link] [comments]

Control Portable A/C Posted: 02 May 2020 02:42 PM PDT Is it possible to control a portable A/C with a Harmony hub and smart outlet? submitted by /u/Jake201546 [link] [comments]

Is there any way I can do Siri/HomeKit to Alexa Smart Plug integration? Posted: 02 May 2020 02:30 PM PDT I have an Apple Watch and iPhone. I also have a few LightwaveRF Smart Dimmers controllable via HomeKit. I have an Amazon Smart Plug controlling a lamp. Is there currently any way of hooking that up to HomeKit/Siri? Without having to buy an IKEA/Eve smart plug? submitted by /u/MtSnowden [link] [comments]

Thermostat options if nest isn’t compatible Posted: 02 May 2020 01:18 PM PDT I had a nest in my last house and loved it, but our new home's wiring isn't compatible (at least not without changing the wiring board according to nest chat support). The new HVAC system is American Standard Allegiance 20 Acculink. Are there any good options for a smart thermostat short of redoing the wiring? Thanks for your help! submitted by /u/agjw87 [link] [comments]

Connect to smart bulbs with only mobile hot spot Posted: 02 May 2020 12:21 PM PDT I only have a mobile hotspot wifi at home. Is it still possible to connect smart bulbs through the hotspot wifi, schedule different light modes and steer it with the phone? What kind of bulbs would work? Thanks. submitted by /u/snoh91 [link] [comments]

Stick with Nest or switch to HomeKit? Posted: 02 May 2020 12:13 PM PDT I currently have a Nest and Google-centric house. But I don't love it.... My wife and I have iPhones so the native integration is missing. I'm not a fan of paying monthly fees for Nest cameras. And I don't appreciate Google's security concerns. So I'm considering switching to devices that are compatible with HomeKit. Here is what we have right now: Nest Hello doorbell. I'm a huge fan of this and unsure what is better right now? Nest Protects. I like them and would be okay with these being the only Nest products. Nest Thermostat 2nd Gen. This came with the house. I'd like to replace this with an Ecobee and get room sensors for the main bedrooms and living areas. Nest indoor camera. I'd like to replace this with Ubiquiti cameras. Google Nest Hub. My kids enjoy the rotating pictures and we use it to set timers. I got this free with the Nest Hello and I don't love it. So I'm okay with ditching this. So, is it worth it to ditch Nest and switch to HomeKit-compatible products? What doorbell should I consider and, as a lower priority, what should I replace the Nest Hub with? submitted by /u/scr0llwheel [link] [comments]

Google vs Alexa Posted: 02 May 2020 11:54 AM PDT Hello everyone I hope you are doing well. Recently I have been watching the youtube channel What's Inside family. I really loved there smart home but it cost a lot! I want to make my own smart home, however, I'm not sure which one is better for smart home, google nest home or Amazon Alexa. I currently have an echo dot and a google home mini. I love both of them but I don't know what is better for the smart home. Can anyone Help? ​ Thanks in advance! submitted by /u/EMCB06 [link] [comments]

How to Connect an FLAIR ViYu Bulb to a Philips Hue Bridge | Alternative to IKEA Trådfri Smart Bulbs Posted: 02 May 2020 04:53 AM PDT submitted by /u/Gromish1995 [link] [comments]

Looking for keyless option for metal security screen door Posted: 02 May 2020 02:37 AM PDT I currently use a Schlage keypad door lock on my entry door. We want to install a security screen door but the door is dual bore (2 holes deadbolt and door knob holes) Does anyone have a solution for this? It needs to be keyless but I'll even settle for no home automation connectivity https://i.imgur.com/9C0ewe3.jpg submitted by /u/Cboy808 [link] [comments]

Virtually visiting friends Posted: 02 May 2020 08:11 AM PDT Thinking about Paul Hibbert's Communication Station™️ some more, I am wondering if instead of it being a desk-bound system I could build something around the tv. Posting in r/homeautomation because I think I'll find likeminded people here. So the tv. Mine is 55-inches in diameter and it makes a nice size to see friends and family on. Instead of looking up nostrils, I see their lounge area like they see mine. Sort of like what you see when you go and visit friends and hang out for an evening. At least in the Netherlands, you'd sit on a sofa, have coffee, snacks and drinks later, and you talk. Odd concept, I know. But oddly missing from life at the moment. So, video and audio out onto the tv. Will need a good mic for audio in. Something that picks up the room so to speak, but of course there is the feedback problem. The video input. A camera. Directly connected or a stream from an existing camera? It needs to all connect to something. Can a Raspberry Pi handle all this? And then I need the software. Jitsu seems to work well and be implemented simple enough. Who out there has tried this before? I appreciate its not home automation, but surely others have thought of this before and worked something out. Very curious about what you've learned. submitted by /u/robdejonge [link] [comments]

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