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    Saturday, November 14, 2020

    Home Unlabelled Home Automation My video on how to simply and easily automate multiple appliances using a HVAC contactor and Arduino. What do you guys think?

    Home Automation My video on how to simply and easily automate multiple appliances using a HVAC contactor and Arduino. What do you guys think?

    November 14, 2020

    Home Automation My video on how to simply and easily automate multiple appliances using a HVAC contactor and Arduino. What do you guys think?

    My video on how to simply and easily automate multiple appliances using a HVAC contactor and Arduino. What do you guys think?

    Posted: 14 Nov 2020 06:44 PM PST

    The amount of apps I need to control my smart house is getting out of control...

    Posted: 14 Nov 2020 10:41 PM PST

    Smarting up In-laws house

    Posted: 14 Nov 2020 03:57 PM PST

    MIL got treatlife smart equipment. One bedroom fan switch had separate wires for fan and lighting, got that wired up with no issue. However, the other two bedrooms only have a load, ground, neutral, and one travel wire to control the fan light as a unit. With that wiring setup, can I wire a smart fan switch in without issue? Treat life fan switches have separate wire leads for fan and Light loads.

    submitted by /u/Prometheus_Free
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    Motion activated closet lights

    Posted: 14 Nov 2020 06:59 PM PST

    I'm looking to put together a closet lighting solution that can integrate with my smart home setup. I'm using a combination of multiple systems (echo devices, smart things, GE z wave switches, Lutron switches, hue for a lot of lighting). I'd like to have the closet lights be fully powered and not rely on a battery. My initial thought was a couple of hue light strips and smart things motion sensors, but the hue strips are pretty costly and I'd never really use the color aspect in the closet. I'd like for the lighting to be dimmable with commands issues via echo devices, so it would need to integrate somehow. Once I can figure out how to do it, I'd like for them to set brightness automatically based on the time of day so I don't have to voice command anything but the on / off. What would I need to accomplish this? I have the power outlets in the closets already, and everything is open

    submitted by /u/Neothin87
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    Installed Amcrest Video Doorbell, fried internal doorbell

    Posted: 14 Nov 2020 04:41 PM PST

    I have an Amcrest Video Doorbell that I tried to hookup today. I learned that a 16V 30VA transformer was required, so I turned off the breaker for that area, replaced the current 16V 10VA transformer with the new one, and the original doorbell still worked fine. I then switched the breaker back off, and then installed the (what I assume is) ground loop supplied by Amcrest and hooked it up to the same two terminals on the original doorbell itself, as instructed. I then proceeded to hook up the Amcrest Video Doorbell to the outdoor doorbell wiring, and then turned the breaker back on. I heard a humming get louder and louder, and an unfortunate, electrical smell. I turned off the breaker, and reverted back to my original setup excluding the new transformer. The doorbell only now makes a low hum noise each time I push the doorbell ringer. I believe that somehow it was fried. What did I do wrong, and are there any suggestions as to how I can remedy this? Thanks!

    submitted by /u/comment_filibuster
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    I am looking to automate the gate closure/opening over Internet. I have a collapsible gate at house as shown in the picture. Any ideas how to do it ? Any smart devices available to achieve this ?

    Posted: 14 Nov 2020 08:22 PM PST

    Voice summoning an elevator (lift)?

    Posted: 14 Nov 2020 05:46 PM PST

    I have a private elevator in my apartment that takes a while to arrive - I'd like to be able to summon it by voice using the Google Assistant, and for bonus points, announce when it has arrived.

    The only way I can think of doing the first thing is by using switchbot (although I think this may cover up the call button for manual use too much - is there a decent alternative?), and not too sure the best way to do the second thing.

    Any advice? I'm not so sure about being able to open up the call button itself as this is property of the building.

    submitted by /u/smellslikeasphalt
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    Best wifi mesh system for my situation?

    Posted: 14 Nov 2020 03:44 PM PST

    Hello Everyone! Hope everyone is well and safe. Basically my situation is that I'm looking for a mesh system best tailored for my situation.

    My current situation consists of: - From the UK - With Virgin Media M200 (200mbps) - house is around 2800 sq ft - house is made of brick - house is around 3 floors - my room is on the second floor - virgin media modem is placed on the second floor in other room - budget £200 tops - must have ethernet connection on mesh points.

    So I'm getting this mesh system for gaming (ps5). I'm currently with Virgin media m200mbps, I only get such speeds when standing right next to the modem but once I'm in my room I only get around 50mbps. So basically I wanted to get the most out the Internet package I'm on. The most important room is my room which is where I'm going to put one mesh point and use an ethernet cable to connect my PS5 to that mesh point. My goal is to get the full 200mbps provided by my modem to the PS5.

    Some issues tho, I was told that the mesh poinys will be half the speed of the Internet provided by the modem, is this true? (Hopefully not) I cannot run a ethernet cable from my ps5 to the modem as they are in different rooms on the same floor, so thats not an option.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my situation. Bare in mind I'm completely new to home WiFi stuff as I have only ever used the WiFi modem provided by the broadband

    Quick edit: should I just get a third party router like from netgear, comnect that to the modem and connect my devices alone to the router and the rest to the modem.

    Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you.

    submitted by /u/SilentTurbo
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    Best teachable RF bridge/hub to use with Apple Home/homebridge?

    Posted: 14 Nov 2020 08:46 AM PST

    I have 14 Internorm window blinds that are controlled by an iOS app that talks to a Mediola AIO gateway/hub device. The iOS app is pretty rubbish and the devices are neither HomeKit nor Alexa-compatible. I've been developing a homebridge plugin so that I can control them from the Apple Home app. It works, but after a while the Mediola device stops working and the blinds no longer respond to either the iOS app or the Home app, although they do still work with their own remotes. My conclusion is that the Mediola device can't cope with the HomeKit/homebridge polling.

    I believe the blinds are controlled via RF, and I would like to find an alternative hub/bridge/gateway/whatever you want to call it to use instead of the Mediola. I want one that:

    • can be taught the RF commands to open & close each blind, learning from the existing remotes
    • will work with Apple Home, so be either directly HomeKit-compatible or via a homebridge plugin, or have an API available so that I can write my own homebridge plugin
    • doesn't need Internet access in order to work (i.e. no subscription required, all traffic on LAN only etc).

    Does anyone have any suggestions please?

    submitted by /u/MirandaPoth
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    What SmartThings-compatible in-wall switches would you go with for this project?

    Posted: 14 Nov 2020 01:45 PM PST

    How to use SmartThings cast-web-api to trigger custom sounds/audio on Google Home speakers

    Posted: 14 Nov 2020 12:26 PM PST

    This works by installing cast-web api, WAMP server, and using a simple Webcore piston.

    Basically, cast-web api uses the "broadcast" feature of Google speaker devices to play text-to-speech whenever a SmartThings automation is triggered. For example, if a button gets pushed, you could have a Google Mini say "Good morning!"

    I decided to take it a step further. I downloaded some free audio files, stored them in a folder on my computer, hosted them locally using WAMPserver, and used Cast-web api to play those .mp3 files on my Google Home speakers. You could record your own voice or use free .mp3 clips you find online.

    This worked really well for Halloween but there's definitely a lot of other use cases. For example, if someone presses my Ring Doorbell, then it'll play creepy witch laughing sounds on a Google Mini (which I've set on my porch). There's tons of other ways you could make use of this setup:

    • If window opens after 11pm, record custom audio to "shout" at intruder.

    • If motion detected, then play "alarm" sound

    • If leak is detected, then verbally announce via Google Home speakers.

    I'm actually quite surprised that I haven't found a guide online to do this, so I decided to create one for you guys: https://smarthomepursuits.com/play-custom-audio-through-google-home-speakers-using-smartthings-automations/

    Hopefully this inspires you to create your own cool ideas!

    submitted by /u/smarthomepursuits
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    Any news on the narwal?

    Posted: 14 Nov 2020 07:58 AM PST

    We've been waiting for the narwal to come out for a while but we haven't heard much about it.

    Did the kickstarter backers get one?

    Have there been any unbiased reviews?

    Is it worth waiting for it?

    submitted by /u/mntgoat
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    Outdoor motion sensing, camera & Xaomi Aqara tie-in

    Posted: 14 Nov 2020 11:25 AM PST

    Hi everyone. I was hoping to get some recommendations on how best to get some new functionality into my current ecosystem. I'd like to avoid having too many different hubs and apps and systems going on.

    I have a couple of TP-Link smart outlet switches that use a Kasa app, and a couple from Zoozee that use a Smart Life app. In general, I control these with Google Nest minis / Google Home app. I have 4 Xiaomi Aqara temp/humidity sensors, but I don't like the Xiaomi hub or interface.

    Here's the functionality I'd like to add:

    1. I'd like to be able to send alerts based on temp or humidity and capture history to my NAS drive. I haven't seen how to do that with the Xiaomi hub. Would setting this up with Smartthings give the functionality I want? Other suggestions?
    2. I have outdoor light fixtures (2 sets of 2 fixtures - one on 1 switch, one is 3-way). Ideally I'd like these on a timer with motion sensing. ie. come on at dusk and stay on until 9pm, then only when motion is sensed. Possibly add geofencing instead of motion sensing. What's a robust motion sensor that works outside?

    My current ideas for #2 are:

    • Ikea Tradfri bulbs & motion sensor. I don't know how well the motion sensor would work outside.
    • These motion-sensing light bulbs - not a smart solution, but would get me most of the way.
    • TP-Link lightswitch - would just be on a schedule I guess. I was also thinking about adding a camera - not sure if the Kasa camera motion detection can trigger the light switches. I'd also have to make sure I have a neutral wire in the boxes.

    I'd appreciate any suggestions, cautions or guidance.

    Thanks!

    submitted by /u/spike_85
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    Is this crazy. NOT prewiring for shades during construction and just using batteries?

    Posted: 14 Nov 2020 07:13 AM PST

    So I am doing my own low voltage wiring in our house that is almost finished up framing. I am going with Lutron Ra2 select and I have 13 windows that will 100% have automated shades and then a handful more that might some day (probably 50/50 chance). Was planning on the Lutron Sivoia QS wireless.

    My initial plan was to pre-wire for power with a standard 18/2 wire and use the clear connect for control. However, at the window locations that I am unsure if we ever will put in shades I have no idea how I would pre-wire for power and be able to access it later without it hanging down through (obviously unsightly).

    So now I am thinking since I am uncertain that I should just not pre-wire anything and then go with batteries. None of the window locations will be hard to access the batteries (i.e. No huge windows) and if they last 3 years that doesn't sound like too much trouble.

    Thoughts?

    submitted by /u/T-Revolution
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    Pure i9 (robot vacuum) won’t go into “WiFi-hotspot mode”

    Posted: 14 Nov 2020 09:44 AM PST

    Ok so I was given a Pure i9 a long time ago and I've never managed to get it to pair with the app. I tried a billion times, restarted the robot, took the batteries out, updated the firmware you name it but the problem was never solved. It never goes into WiFi-hotspot mode. The 3D vision WiFi never shows up in my list of available WiFi connections on my phone. Your supposed to get a "HOTS" on the display when you turn it upside down but it just... doesn't. Is there anyway to like open it up and get whatever mechanism that makes it to go into HOTS to work or do I have to bring it in?

    Any help is appreciated.

    submitted by /u/SledgehammerRampage
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    Aeotech nano switch alternative?

    Posted: 14 Nov 2020 09:21 AM PST

    I have half a dozen of the now apparently discontinued Aeotec micro switch G2 (2nd edition) installed for some various lighting. One of them has gone bad after a few years and I need to replace it. Looks like the "nano switch" from Aeotec is the current product I would want to replace it with. Before I buy that are there any suggestions on a different comparable device? I like the G2. Aside from this dead one, they've been a solid purchase. Just exploring options.

    submitted by /u/cobalt99
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    First led strip in my bedroom

    Posted: 14 Nov 2020 05:46 AM PST

    Hello!

    I'm considering buyingy first led strip, I would love to have natural white, as well as RGB and customizable colors. I would love to use it with an app and love to have the led strip synced with music. Do you have any recommendations?

    Thankyou!

    submitted by /u/Davyq9
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