Home Automation What useful, uncommon automations do you have setup? |
- What useful, uncommon automations do you have setup?
- Using Docker Compose to build ZigBee infrastructure - Medium
- Is it better yo use multiple raspberry pi's for multiple applications or just use one?
- A video on Control4 logic based programming using conditionals and strong variables in response to a viewers question.
- GE Z-Wave Dimmer Switches Failing
- Light switchers/dimmers in Australia
- Best robot vacuum WITH self emptying Dock?
- How much do you enjoy your RGB smart bulbs?
- Starting Home Automation - Gateway/Hub?
- Is there a smart lock for this particular door knob?
- Ambient TV Lighting
- Thermostats galore, but not what im looking for
- beginner questions, Forgive me. Qolsys IQ panel
- Does such a time logging device exist?
- Are my Kasa HS200s installed correctly? (2 Gang)
- Question regarding Animus Heart and Aeotec Siren 6
- How can I make this light switch smart without damage?
- Roof water tank automation
- Dyson + Heat Automation
- Need general direction(s) on which technology to use and automation
- Best "smart" camera for reliable live stream
- Do I need a central hub?
- Smart lock with RFID or keyless entry?
- The FCMila Smart Lamp Quest - solved
| What useful, uncommon automations do you have setup? Posted: 02 Aug 2020 04:49 PM PDT I'm interested to hear what kind of interesting, uncommon automations people have setup. Not the typical "lights with door/motion" or "lights with tv", but truly useful things that make your life better and/or save money. I'll put a few examples of my own in the comments. [link] [comments] | ||
| Using Docker Compose to build ZigBee infrastructure - Medium Posted: 02 Aug 2020 03:43 PM PDT
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| Is it better yo use multiple raspberry pi's for multiple applications or just use one? Posted: 02 Aug 2020 04:59 AM PDT I already have two Pi's running, one is running Pi-Hole and the other one is running OpenHab. I want to setup a Unifi Controller on a Pi, so do I use another pi for it or just install the software on one of the existing ones. I know its possible to have multiple applications per pi, but in terms of performance - what is the best thing to do? (I have 2 spare pi's I can use) [link] [comments] | ||
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| GE Z-Wave Dimmer Switches Failing Posted: 02 Aug 2020 06:01 PM PDT I have 3 z-wave dimmers (GE - the toggle kind). 2 of them stopped working about a year ago after a power outage. Would not work by physically pushing the switch up and down. GE replaces them because they were still under warranty. Last week it happened again where they stopped working but I'm only like 50 percent sure there was a power outage in that time period. Are these switches just garbage and there's a different manufacturer / model I should try, or is it possible they're wired improperly (I had an electrician do them the second time though)? Is is also possible to salvage the ones I have? [link] [comments] | ||
| Light switchers/dimmers in Australia Posted: 02 Aug 2020 08:49 PM PDT Hi there, I've setup some Mirabella Genio smartbulbs around my house and they work great. Especially with its seemless integration with my Google homes, but I was wondering if anyone has some smart switches or dimmers they could recommend, just incase I happen to not have my phone on me, and don't want to turn off the actual switch and cut the power, or call out to a Google Home and have it turn off that way.
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| Best robot vacuum WITH self emptying Dock? Posted: 02 Aug 2020 12:38 PM PDT My wife and I are looking a new robot vacuum after making the mistake of buying a cheap one that can't find its way back to it's dock. Luckily this experience taught us what we want out of a robot vacuum. Room mapping and self emptying. A quick search brought up the Roomba 8 and 9 and a less expensive shark model. Are there any other options with our wants? Anyone know why the Roomba 9 is so much more than the 8 besides it being newer? Anything else we should consider? P.s. we have 4 dogs and 3 cats so our main use of the vacuum is fur cleanup. [link] [comments] | ||
| How much do you enjoy your RGB smart bulbs? Posted: 02 Aug 2020 09:30 PM PDT Bit of a mix of question and discussion here, so let's get stuck in. I recently moved into my own place for the first time, and I'm finally in a position to start building the smart home of my dreams. I have however run into a minor bit of indecision. While I want to automate my lights using ESP8266 based systems, there are two that I've come across. One is using a Sonoff with custom firmware attached to a modified light switch (I can't use most smart switches because they all seem to be 1 gang, and all if my switches are 2 gang) while my other choice is to grab some of those cheap esp powered RGBW lightbulbs. I know that with the latter I can't use my light switches without at times disabling my smart control which is a pretty big downside to me, but I also can't control the light color with the former. I would like to have some colorful mood lighting, but I'm not sure if I would use it enough to justify not using my light switches, so I came to y'all. So basically, those of you with RGB wifi bulbs, how much do you use their various colors? Do you think they're worth it? How long have they lasted, especially some of the cheaper off brand ones? And finally, if given the choice, would you choose the LED bulbs, or being able to use your light switches and not have to pay to replace smart bulbs, instead just going for traditional LED bulbs? Edit: cut it into paragraphs for ease of reading, also, do you think that LED strips mixed with normal lights work well for mood lighting? Is that enough to tip the scales into using smart switches instead of bulbs and just implementing a separate RGB system? [link] [comments] | ||
| Starting Home Automation - Gateway/Hub? Posted: 02 Aug 2020 09:30 PM PDT Hi everyone, I'm trying to get started with home automation starting with lights. I'm aware of hubs like the Philips Smart Hub and the Tradfri Gateway from IKEA. From what I've read, these two hubs also need to be connected to the network via a cable. I saw that the Samsung SmartThings Hub can be connected to the network via wifi which I prefer because I'm out of ethernet ports on my router. Are there any other recommended hubs? Second, is a hub needed or can a server be repurposed to be a hub using the proper software and hardware (USB stick, etc?)? I'm familiar with Home Assistant and OpenHAB and prefer to use (one or both of) those in the future for my own setup in order to control lights and expand to other functionality. I have a spare computer to dedicate as a server and also raspberry pis if they can be of any use for this. I'm at the beginning of my research but I hope what I wrote so far will help someone guide me into the right direction. Thanks, [link] [comments] | ||
| Is there a smart lock for this particular door knob? Posted: 02 Aug 2020 08:45 PM PDT So I have this type of door knob and would like to put some sort of smart lock on it. Any recommendations? Ideally something that integrates with Home Assistant. [link] [comments] | ||
| Posted: 02 Aug 2020 01:35 PM PDT I'm looking to add dynamic ambient lighting to my tv. What options are there besides hue play? I'd like to add led strips instead of a light bar. [link] [comments] | ||
| Thermostats galore, but not what im looking for Posted: 02 Aug 2020 07:18 PM PDT Hey All. So I've decided to wade in to home automation. Getting a new home and I'm going to start lightly with Google and Samsung ST. Getting some Lutron switches, a few motion sensors, and schlage z wave locks. My STRUGGLE is with thermostats. I'm trying my best to purchase products I can transition to other controllers like Hubitat or Homeseer, while still enjoying aesthetics and security. Nest is by far the prettiest of the group, but not being zwave, and being completely isolated from integration with other systems, I dont think its right for me. Problem is, I'm having a real hard time finding anything that looks even remotely decent and works with other systems. Everything is a white box amd the reviews im reading are all mixed. Can anyone help me?? Is there nothing that is both sent AND functional? [link] [comments] | ||
| beginner questions, Forgive me. Qolsys IQ panel Posted: 02 Aug 2020 05:37 PM PDT I'm sure this question has been asked 1000 times, I've looked and read the answer and only get more confused. I apologize in advance Buying a new house, comes with the IQ panel, from what I can tell the IQ2. Wifi devices I understand, Zwave Zigbee only a very loose understanding. I'm hoping to install smart switches for light/fans, and the garage door but I'm in over my head. I get Zigbee isnt "standard" but Zwave is, lead me to assume all Zwave switches should work with the IQ panel, but then I read that's incorrect. Really liking the inovelli switches but I'm getting the gist that wont be an option, Looking at Qolsys compatible devices they range from GE switches that I cant find in stock per model number, or pay $50 a switch and that seems like too much, and the garage door unit on board with Qolsys seems to die after a year. I get some wifi things can work through the hub via alarm.com. but am pretty lost as a whole. After some research I'd prefer to start from scratch, throw home assistant in an unraid docker and go nuts, but the only way I can convince the wife to get on board is by making it easy for her with the IQ2. So please lend me your sage advice so I can get onboard this train. What really are my options with switches for this hub that wont break the bank? [link] [comments] | ||
| Does such a time logging device exist? Posted: 02 Aug 2020 05:10 PM PDT I want to have a device, with just one button, when pushed, it logs the current time. The sequence of time should be scored locally and can be downloaded to a computer. The device must be battery powered. Does such a device exist commercially or I have to build my own? [link] [comments] | ||
| Are my Kasa HS200s installed correctly? (2 Gang) Posted: 02 Aug 2020 11:09 AM PDT So before I get flamed... I know I'm completely clueless which is why I hired a licensed electrician. He installed 2 HS200s to control my lights and fan, and everything is working great. However, my voltage detector consistently beeps even when the breaker is turned off, which did not happen before he did the install. Did he wire it correctly? They seem to be connected to each other, so both green wires connected together and with the ground, both neutrals connected, one black wire from each and the other black wire from each. Yes, I'm giving away my complete lack of knowledge. 🙈 All I want to know is if I should be worried and perhaps hire someone else, as I was hoping to convert many more switches to the Kasa line. Thank you so much! Pics: (http://imgur.com/a/79ngPJz) [link] [comments] | ||
| Question regarding Animus Heart and Aeotec Siren 6 Posted: 02 Aug 2020 10:51 AM PDT Hello, I'm thinking about buying an Aeotec Siren 6 and pairing it with an Animus Heart. Will I be able to sync the siren with a door/window sensor that is also connected to the Animus Heart, I mean, can i configure any rules or triggers for it? Otherwise I don't see the point in using one if it can only be activated manually. Thanks! :-) [link] [comments] | ||
| How can I make this light switch smart without damage? Posted: 02 Aug 2020 01:49 PM PDT
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| Posted: 02 Aug 2020 01:28 PM PDT Hey everyone, I'm in need of help from people more experienced than me which probably includes almost everyone in this sub! My parents house has a water tank on the roof, they have a motor that pulls water from a well to the tank whenever it's needed. I've been thinking for sometime on how could I automate this in someway because the process right now is: water runs out in the tap, someone screams "water's out, turn the motor on!", someone flicks a switch and sits next to it until they no longer hear the water tank filling up or they hear it overflowing at which point they flick the switch back off again. Great fun everytime. I've been searching for existing solutions and found a few posts but they all seem to revert back to the same solution: https://community.home-assistant.io/t/water-tank-level-and-water-volume-with-esphome/192666 The thing is, the components cost a bit above what they are willing to spend and can see a few people complaining about an eco issue in some tanks. I've seen someone try to use a xiaomi temperature/pressure sensor and measure the pressure inside the tank as well but that looks way less reliable. I don't really care about water level, I just care to know if it's full or not. So my thinking right now is: Xiaomi water leak sensor on the top of the tank to mark the "full" state Xiaomi smart wall switch to replace the current wall switch With just these two things I think I can automate it for all the requirements my parents have. Been even thinking of something like every day at 7am turn the motor on to fill the tank which will then stop it automatically when full. Problem is I haven't seen this even suggested anywhere, I understand that having a water tank on the roof nowadays is not that common but just curious if people that own or know how the xiaomi water leak sensor works think that this is feasible. Would it handle constantly being submerged when at 100%? Does it need to have the water removed after triggering so it doesn't keep saying it's at 100%? Does it need to sit horizontally for it to work or does vertical on a wall also work? Or, is there a better solution anyway? Open to suggestions, just trying to think how this could be achieved without going overboard with the cost (the ~$100 for the solution on the link above is already more than willing to spend on this.) [link] [comments] | ||
| Posted: 02 Aug 2020 07:26 AM PDT Prepping for the winter season. Has anyone found a way to automate heat with a Dyson? I do it now with our Rollibot Portable HVAC unit in one room, but would rather have it done via individual Dyson units in reach respective area of the home. [link] [comments] | ||
| Need general direction(s) on which technology to use and automation Posted: 02 Aug 2020 01:14 PM PDT Hi all, First of all, thanks for any input, feedback, comments and suggestions that anyone would give! TL;DR questions:
A couple of things around the house starting to fail and need replacements and I've been thinking of starting to connect things together. Before jumping on, I wanted to plan things out and get a good picture on how should it go. Overview of what we currently have:
I think the first question is what should be the "main controller" (backbone) that will control everything? Wife likes Alexa and she have the first echo spot. She uses that to view the first gen blink xt camera in our front door. But since the blink is operating on battery and the lag on starting to record or show live feeds, this will possibly be replaced by a PoE camera down the road. My idea is to have a tablet that can be wall mounted which will be the primary "controller" of everything, one in the living room and one in the master bedroom. I've read about SmartThings, IFFT, HomeKit, etc. but not sure which is which and what should be used where. My "vision" is to be able to ask alexa to show all security camera feeds or specific camera, and it will shown in the tablet and will also do push notification to android phones when we are away. I think once this has been decided, then I can move on selecting security camera and how it will record the video (NVR, Synology Home Surveillance, dedicated pc, etc.). Based on the answer to the second question, what would be the best route for the security cameras? At work, we use ubiquity at our NY branch and Nest at our SF branch. I don't like to have monthly fee so that would rule the nest out. Does ubiquity + cloud gen 2 key plus would play nicely with the controller + alexa and be able to do what I want to do? or Synology Home surveillance with ONVIF IP cameras would be better? PC with BlueIris + ONVIF cameras? Third thing I wanted to do is to get a smoke/carbon detector that can also be integrated and controlled using the controller and alexa. Fourth, I think this would be easy. Light switches, electric outlet, thermostat, etc. choices. Not planning to do all this in one go, but it would be nice to get an overview and overall direction before starting, than to get half way down the road to only realized that I need to start over again because one thing won't play nice with the other. Thanks! [link] [comments] | ||
| Best "smart" camera for reliable live stream Posted: 02 Aug 2020 01:13 PM PDT Hi all, looking for recommendations for indoor "smart" cameras with very reliable live streaming. I have 2 toddlers that I would like to be able to keep tabs on, mostly at night/nap time to see when they fall asleep and wake up, make sure they're not just goofing off instead of sleeping, etc. Not super concerned about video lag, as I'm not really monitoring them for safety anymore, but I want to be able to maintain a good connection all night, be able to consistently use 2-way audio, and access 2 simultaneous feeds from an Android tablet and ideally also an Echo Show (i.e. 2 cameras feeds simultaneously, accessed from just 1 device at a time). Recording, motion detection, things like that not really important right now, though it would be nice to have those for future security-oriented uses once we stop monitoring the kids. For context on what we really need improvement on: For the last 22 months or so we've been using 2 Arlo Babys. They have nice features but the reliability has been absolutely horrendous. They have built-in music/lullaby playing, but after several months of using it we realized it would drop out frequently overnight, and the sudden changes in noise would actually wake the kids up sometimes. When trying to use live feed they also frequently fail to connect, lose connection, app randomly crashes, 2-way audio fails constantly (has gotten worse recently), and worst of all, sometimes it shows an image and plays audio, but the image is actually frozen and very stale. It also used to connect reasonably well to Echo Show, but now video connection fails every time. Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! ETA: this is the most relevant subreddit that I'm subbed to, but if y'all know another subreddit that may be better suited let me know. [link] [comments] | ||
| Posted: 02 Aug 2020 01:03 PM PDT I've always been interested in smart home and I soon will get my first own house. I plan on starting small with a 3 google homes(mini, normal and nest hub), a nest thermostat and a couple of phillips hue lights and a couple of outlet plugs to turn devices on and off and maybe a smart TV with chromecast. Now my question is, do I need a smart hub like smartthings from samsung? When would you need a hub and when dont you? As far as I understand all the hub does is make devices that work with different techniques work together right? Can someone explain a hub better to me and tell me whats the best for my scenario? I did my own research ofcourse but couldnt find out everything I wanted. [link] [comments] | ||
| Smart lock with RFID or keyless entry? Posted: 02 Aug 2020 08:46 AM PDT Are there any smart locks out there that dont require me to unlock my phone and open an app to open my door? I just want to touch my door or be within proximity to have it unlock. Pin pads feel like a step backwards because I am not looking to eliminate keys, I am looking to eliminate effort. I have seen the Kevo but reviews look concerning. Price isnt a concern. [link] [comments] | ||
| The FCMila Smart Lamp Quest - solved Posted: 02 Aug 2020 03:43 AM PDT TL;DR: manual is shit, app is in mandarin and the lamp simply doesn't work with motorola phones. Maybe has the same issue with another brands. Samsung worked just fine. I just started my home automation project. Having no prior experience, tried to start as one would a new hobby: not spending much. So I just bought an echo dot, an echo show, and a google nest mini. Bought somethings from China: a smart lamp, a smart socket (for lamps), a smart remote control center, a smart power plug, one sonoff mini and one sonoff (the normal bulkier one), and this lamp. First one to get here was the lamp. So, let's start making shit blink! First of all, the manual is shit. There's a qr code (it comes in the box too) to install the app from a shady website, even though the same app (Cloud Intelligence) is available on play store. So I did it anyway and the freaking app is in mandarin. The app is unresponsive at times during install, making you wonder if it is doing something. After 2-3 tries, each one stalling at some point (some messages needed to go ahead were invisible and just appeared after another try), I actually got to the login page. Still in mandarin, got to understand that you simply CAN'T register eith your email - it does nothing. You have to do it by your phone number. Did it, got the verification by SMS and got ahead. Shuffling around, the first thing you need to do is put it in some other understanble language. I put it in portuguese, some parts of the app are still in mandarin. Put in english, same problem but fewer errors. Did the on-off-on-off-on and it started to blink. Tried to find it from my echos, nothing. Nest, nothing. Phone: went to the automatic detection, and it found the lamp! SUCCESS! NO! Forgot to login to my 2.4Ghz wifi. Did it and SUCCESS! NO! It detects, prompt to put the wifi password and tells you that "couldn't connect to bluetooth". Tried everything I could. nothing. Tried other apps to the same affect (although they're better to work with): smartlife geeni. Always the same problem. Tried on other phone (was in a Moto G5, tried on a Moto G7), same problem. Tried on android emulators, still no luck. I'm a stubborn guy. I tried every single day for the last month. Always the same error, no luck on the internet about solutions. Yesterday my sister was here. I was talking about this freaking lamp when she said "try my phone". Did it. THIS SUCKER DETECTED IT ALL THE WAY. Put on the network, blinked, changed colors, made the "rythm" party thing. So I thought "cool, let me try from my phone now", just NOPE. It was almost 3 hours until I figured I hat to install MY NUMBER on the app on HER PHONE for it to remember the lamp in my settings. ONE MONTH. And I still don't know why it doesn't like motorolas. But it did work on a samsung phone. But now my lamp can blink. EDIT: everytime you log in your account in another phone, it disconnects from all the other devices. So, for 2 people to be able to use the lamp, they have to have separate accounts and one account can share the device with another - AGAIN, IT ONLY WORKS IF SHARED THROUGH PHONE NUMBER - EMAIL DOES NOTHING. In the account that will receive the sharing, look fot "notifications" and the request will be there. Just tap accept. That's it. The ONLY guide on the internet about these freaking lamps. Not sure if I want more of them. But besides the "dimmering" being shit (there are maybe 2 or 3 settings, that's not gradual), they work just fine. [link] [comments] |
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