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    Wednesday, September 2, 2020

    Home Automation Built a web dashboard for controlling smart appliances

    Home Automation Built a web dashboard for controlling smart appliances


    Built a web dashboard for controlling smart appliances

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 09:06 AM PDT

    HOW TO: Turn An Old Phone Into a Smart Doorbell Camera With Facial Recognition

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 09:01 PM PDT

    Just bought my first place. Looking for advice.

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 11:52 PM PDT

    Hello everyone, I'm a little bit obsessed with home automation.

    I'm excited to automate as much as possible but looking for stuff compatible with HomeKit.

    I'm located in Europe so not everything is available here. I've already found a smart lock that works for European locks:

    https://www.amazon.de/dp/B084LCQ751/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Zc0tFbJPPD28F

    I've also found smart electricity sockets for my "dumb" stuff.

    Do you have any opinions or advices?

    Thanks.

    submitted by /u/damon_021
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    Robot Vacuum for big office space

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 11:07 PM PDT

    We have an office with one large room (but pretty standard size for an office, just in the middle of the room is a big empty patch) and we tried some robot vacuums already (Roborock S6 MaxV, Deebot 950) but both loose orientation in the middle of the room and then don't manage to clean the whole room in a systematic way and just start driving around aimlessly. Is there any robot that specifically works in big rooms? Camera based robot are also not really an option as the robot should clean in the dark at night.

    Thanks!

    submitted by /u/sunilson
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    US vs European power wiring - fine details?

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 10:07 PM PDT

    I'm currently fiddling with this box here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MBIRF5W

    It's an interesting feeling - on one hand, it seems to be well engineered and quality of manufacturing seems to be above what you'd usually get from... well, other manufacturers, but some things just make me go for the facepalm. Though, I know the quality of German engineering, and know that if something is there, there's usually a good reason for that, and suspect that this unit is just of place here. So I wonder if there's someone intimately familiar with European power wiring so they can shed some light on these funny things.

    Just in case, the user guide is here: https://aeotec.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/6000161813-heavy-duty-smart-switch-gen5-user-guide-

    The very first of them is - the unit comes with wire terminals which look like they're intended to be used with stranded wire - but US is primarily wired with solid wire. What wire is used in Europe? (I know it's 240V and all, but this specific unit is for 240V circuits no matter where, so it would be interesting to find out about the difference).

    Then, the mounting screws on this thing... I kid you not, they're 3x20, the only way they can hold this box is when it is the rigid wire holds it in place and they're only cosmetic. Also, no drywall, they will just make a hole in it and fall out immediately.

    Then, the fact that it's declared outdoor safe. The first thing Americans will say is "where's the conduit mount"? but it looks like there's a contraption that *will* make this thing outdoor safe, it will probably withstand rain and dew exposure.

    So, to wrap it up and come back to the original question - all the things I pointed out probably do make sense given the way Europeans do power wiring, right? I'd love to see the pictures of how you guys do it there - I need to marry this contraption with existing American wiring, and while I'm sure it will not catch fire like its predecessor did, it would be nice to see how it is *intended* to be done.

    submitted by /u/climategadgets
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    LED Controller 12V strip

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 10:00 PM PDT

    I have a bunch of cut ends from LED projects, all of which are 12V strips. The issue is all the Magic Home controllers I have seen are for 5V.

    Does anyone have a link to one that can handle 12v strips?

    submitted by /u/StumbleNOLA
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    Indoor lights on a timer. Is it possible without bluetooth/an app?

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 08:50 PM PDT

    Hello, I'm new to this Subreddit and am learning a lot from reading. I'm not very tech-savvy so I don't even know where to start with this question.

    I would like to get lights for the bedrooms in my house that work on a timer, so that the room gradually gets lighter in the mornings. The idea is to have the lights coordinated with my alarm so it's easier to get up in the morning (this is particularly challenging in the winters when the sun's not out till 8 or 9 am.)

    My main criteria is that it's not bluetooth operated or run through an app that could easily be hacked or compromised, and the ability to turn the lights on and off normally throughout the day. If the second part isn't possible, would the solution be to install 2 sets of lights and wiring (normal lights and timer lights)?

    Things that are nice to have but not necessary: the ability to individually program each bedroom in case people in the house get up at different times.

    Is there a product out there or a way to do this?

    submitted by /u/yogacat72
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    Sengled Smart Wifi Led Bulb

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 08:38 PM PDT

    I recently purchased a Sengled LED smart wifi bulb and successfully tested it at a friends house on their wifi. After bringing it home and trying to connect it to my wifi, it gets recognized but always fails to connect no matter what I try. I have deleted the bulb off the sengled home app, deleted and reinstalled the app, restarted my phone but nothing seems to be working. Any advice?

    submitted by /u/AD080205
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    Z Wave Outlet for IOTAS smart hub “No Settable Features”. How do I fix / reconnect this outlet?

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 08:01 PM PDT

    I live in an apartment complex with Z Wave Outlets and switches. I was attempting to turn off the blue led light that indicates the power is on for the outlet and in my efforts, it no longer works with my app and the outlet will only turn on / off with the button on the center. I've tried repeating what I did this morning in order to create my current problem but have had no luck. Any time I try to mess with it in the app it says, "This device has no settable features."

    Can anyone help me remedy this? Also, is there a way to shut the blue light off while the outlet is powered?

    Thank you!

    submitted by /u/PhoneticLasanya
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    Can someone assist me in setting up any beginner automation?

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 08:00 PM PDT

    After finally getting Home Assistant and HACS all setup on a NUC, I've been trying to start automating, or at least learning how to.
     
    I've only been able to setup some Wyze Door sensors, the motion sensor, and indoor camera. While I have an Aeotec and Conbee, I don't have any devices setup in the new house.
     

    To continue the bit of momentum I have, I figured I'd try to see if could do something simple: Anytime the front door opens, send a notification to my phone.
     
    Unfortunately, this has been much more difficult than I thought. I don't even know how to get started. Can someone point me in the right direction in how to get started? Or maybe there's something more simple you can suggest I try?

    submitted by /u/Checksout__
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    Looking to make or buy a super large button remote to change color of bulbs

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 06:33 PM PDT

    Trying to come up with some sort of like 5-10 button remote situation that my toddler could play with to change the color of lights. We have a couple WiFi bulbs in our living room I was thinking about.

    He's 18 months, so it really doesn't have to be a proper remote and the buttons need to be pretty freaking big.

    Any ideas on how to get this done?

    submitted by /u/Waves619
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    Philips Hue messes with GFNB?

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 06:00 PM PDT

    Hi all - been dealing with all sorts of problems with my Google Fiber. We use the GFNB for wifi. Was told by support I have too many devices for the router to support (18 vs 16). Finally got to a "supervisor" who called me back and said no that is not correct, the likely problem is my Philips Hue hub interferes with the router's wifi performance.

    Disconnected Hue and 4 days later wifi is still sketchy.

    Has anyone experienced this? I am realizing I should just bite the bullet and buy a new wifi router, the only reason I haven't is to keep Google phone (which requires the GFNB). But even that has alternative solutions.

    Really bummed out about how problematic Google Fiber has been. Was hoping they'd be different than the dumpster fires that are Spectrum and ATT.

    submitted by /u/ZarnonAkoni
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    No load dimmer as remote

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 05:49 PM PDT

    I have a multi-gang junction box that has a dimmer for a now defunct light circuit. Thinking of replacing it with a homeseer zwave dimmer and a dummy load to use as wireless remote for another lighting circuit across the room to avoid having the run a traveler for a real 3-way. I'd have the button presses trigger the corresponding actions to sync the dimmers via my hub.

    Has anyone tried this? Do I need the dummy load or will the dimmer cycle through the dimming range without any real load?

    submitted by /u/__Joska
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    Compact smart plug that has outlets on the side?

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 11:47 AM PDT

    I'm looking for a smart plug that is Alexa or ZWave compatible that has the outlets that don't come out of the front, but instead come out of the side. Preferably I would like a plug that has 2 outlets on it.

    I can't seem to find anything. Best I found was possible this outlet replacement.

    Note:

    • I found this GE plug, but it's Zigbee and I don't have an Alexa model that has the zigbee hub built in.
    submitted by /u/bobby-t1
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    Lutron Caseta switch with a classic toggle or rocker?

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 01:46 PM PDT

    Hey everyone - I am a huge fan of the Lutron Caseta line. I have quite a few installed around my house. However, I really dislike the ergonomics. They are just not as easy to flip on/off without looking when compared to a classic toggle or rocker switch. So I'm wondering how I can get a classic toggle switch but still get the awesome features of Lutron Caseta (like the responsiveness and the wireless 3-way switch setups, etc...)

    • Does Lutron make anything like this?
    • Has anyone seen any 3rd party companies that make smart switches like this off the shelf? Including a wireless remote version for the 3 way switch setup?
      • Or maybe does anyone know of someone developing such a thing?
    • Has anyone seen a mod to an existing Lutron switch that makes it more ergonomic? I'd be willing to pay quite a bit for this
    submitted by /u/ybahman
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    Looking for in-line 110V dimmable 'module'?

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 07:51 AM PDT

    TL;DR version: Trying to find a 'smart' (Zigbee or Wifi, though Zigbee preferred. Google Home capable) light dimmer module that can be run in-line such as in a lamp cord.

    Longer version: Currently working on completely revamping a room in my house and figuring lighting out as our house was not built with overhead lighting but switched outlets. I've just about foregone relying on these and slowly migrating everything over to smart bulbs in some fashion. This particular room the most attractive lighting option has been some wall mounted corded lamps. The catch is that the particular model I am looking at uses E12 style candelabra bulbs which, as best I can tell, is nigh impossible to find individual smart bulbs for at least inexpensively. So my thought was going the other route and doing an in-line smart dimmer on the whole lamp. I know some exist that just do on/off but have not been able to find any that can dim the lights as well. Would also be nice to handle dimmable LEDs with reasonable 'accuracy', no flicker, etc..

    submitted by /u/cr08
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    Outdoor Gate monitoring

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 12:29 PM PDT

    Hello,

    I would like to monitor two outdoor gates and have an alert sent to my phone if the gate is left open for more than a certain time.

    What are my options for doing this?

    I own the following but assume they are no help: Google Home minis, Phillips Hue Hub/Bulbs.

    I own 2 waze cameras, but do not trust the sensors to work outdoors in the winter. I own a set, and do not like them.

    I found this honeywell sensor that seems promising https://www.security.honeywellhome.com/product-repository/5816od But I do not want to buy a honeywell alarm panel for this. I am not sure how it can be used with other systems.

    What kind of hub would give me the most options? Would I just use IFTTT to send a notification for my phone for when the gate is left open?

    I am just looking for someone to point me in the right direction.

    Thanks!

    submitted by /u/jda823
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    MOES Ceiling Smart Switch

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 03:57 AM PDT

    Hi everyone, so I have this MOES Smart Ceiling Fan Switch and I've recently got a new wifi network and I've been struggling to get it to go into pairing mode. I tried pressing and holding all of the buttons and nothing yet. Any help would be greatly appreciated considering the manufacturer hasn't responded. (I hope I didn't post this in the wrong subreddit)

    submitted by /u/Khaltac
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    Sensor Network Ideas

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 03:52 PM PDT

    I have a hobby project that has recently turned real for a non-profit to remotely monitor a bunch of systems for them. The group has a historical space with several areas that they are worried about having leaks in, and a few other things that need to be measured.

    They have four locations across the space that are relatively far apart (a few hundred feet). Each space has about 6 sensors that need to be monitored. I then want to take all of that sensor information (whether its temperature, humidity, open or closed, etc) and send it back to one place. All locations have power. Does anyone have any advice?

    I was thinking about setting up four arduinos. One master and three slaves on a I2C network. The master Arduino could have a wireless shield and connect to some form of a cloud based dashboard. I think there are too many walls between each board for communication but i could connect them all with a CAT cable or something similar. Does this make sense? Anything that would make it better?

    Thanks! (also posting in the arduino community)

    submitted by /u/NavalArch1993
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    Automate ceiling fan with 2 pull chains and single wall switch

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 03:28 PM PDT

    Our home has all the lights controlled by the Lutron caseta dimmer switches.

    We have this ceiling fan in the bedroom: https://www.hunterfan.com/collections/low-profile-ceiling-fans/products/ceiling-fans-builder-low-profile-with-3-lights-42-inch-fam717?variant=31317844787332

    It has 2 pull chains - one for the speed and one for the lights.

    There is a single switch which controls the power to this fan and another wall outlet: https://imgur.com/BaCzVei

    The wall outlet has a floor lamp with 2 hue bulbs. As of now this switch is always set to "On" and then the fan and its lights are being controlled via the pull chains.

    Can I automate this using a Lutron fan switch?

    What happens to the outlet power if I replace the switch with a the lutron switch for fans and how does it affect power to the 3 bulbs in this fan?

    submitted by /u/gullyBo1z
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    Motor for Smart Shades?

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 03:07 PM PDT

    I have an extra long weekend coming up and wanted to have a go at building DIY smart shades for a single window upstairs where we watch movies. I'm currently putting together a parts list so I can order everything I need and have it arrive in time.

    My question is: How strong of a motor would I need for this? I have electronics experience, but I'm never really dealt with motors and how to determine how much torque is required. I was planning to use a Raspi zero or an Arduino as I have both of those readily available, but now I'm wondering if either of those would be able to power anything over 5v.

    Extra info: As for the other parts, I'm going to repurpose an old plastic shower rod since it can be cut to the right length and is lightweight. For the shades, I was going to get some blackout fabric from a craft store. I also have a 3D printer to create enclosures for the electronics or adapters for the motor/rod.

    submitted by /u/alex_co
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    Control LightwaveRF lighting from Logitech Harmony Elite - via Homebridge?

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 03:22 AM PDT

    As the title says - I'm wanting to control my LightwaveRF lights from my Logitech Harmony Elite remote. Basically, when I choose "Watch TV" it turns on TV, Hue lights in various places, and some more ... but I cannot control the LightwaveRF lights.

    Is there any way I can instruct my Logitech Harmony Elite to control Homebridge-exposed devices? Or am I going down the wrong tack?

    Thanks!

    submitted by /u/marky_uk
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    Dimming non dimmable lights

    Posted: 01 Sep 2020 11:59 AM PDT

    So I know you're not supposed to dim "non dimmable bulbs" but is it ok to dim a non dimmable ceiling light?. I know it sounds strange that's why I don't know who to ask, but hopefully someone here can help.

    I recently installed a Bond Home to control my ceiling fans. And even though my ceiling remotes don't give me the option to dim, when i programmed them, it gives me the option to dim them in the app. I tried it just out of curiosity and it dimmed it!! I stopped because I know my bulbs are not supposed to be dimmed and flickered. But I was wondering if just replacing my bulbs, would be safe to use this option.

    submitted by /u/Yurii92
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