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    Home Unlabelled Home Automation High crime area: how can I get into/out of my home quickly?

    Home Automation High crime area: how can I get into/out of my home quickly?

    December 30, 2020

    Home Automation High crime area: how can I get into/out of my home quickly?

    High crime area: how can I get into/out of my home quickly?

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 08:01 AM PST

    My alarm pad is at my front door. But I leave through my side door, which is where my parking is. From front door to side door is 4 rooms away.

    It's the side of the house and there is a lot of foliage and shrubbery and also a nook behind my carport area- basically many places for someone to hide. Combine this with me leaving in the dark, wee morning hours and returning late from work makes me nervous.

    As a single female living in a high crime area, where 90% of the crimes are indeed property crimes, my concern is the time it takes me to lock my door with my back turned.

    I currently have a traditional lock + deadbolt setup which requires me to spend time locking the deadbolt once I'm outside.

    I can lock the doorknob while I open the door from inside but that time locking the deadbolt gives me pause.

    Is there a better and quicker setup that I should look into that won't sacrifice the security of my doors?

    submitted by /u/marmaladeskies80
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    What is your home automation security setup?

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 02:18 PM PST

    Do you have a Ring Floodlight Cam? Schlage smart locks?

    Does your setup turn lights on and unlock your door as you enter your driveway?

    My home security HA is in its infant stages and looking for ideas of the capabilities.

    So gimme those deets and tell me why you love it!

    submitted by /u/rouxinajar
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    A smart home alternative

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 09:42 PM PST

    A smart home alternative

    ​

    Wall Mounted Fire HD10 Smart Home Dashboard

    I didn't feel like dealing with home assistant/running a server so I configured android tablets to function as a dashboard for my smart home. All of my devices are connected to alexa and RF is my main protocol of choice.

    I can control everything using any of the following:

    -Alexa voice commands.

    -my dashboards using android widgets.

    -the individual hub apps on android.

    -the dumb RF remotes that my devices have.

    ​

    Here is the specifications for my setup:

    Protocols

    RF & Philips Hue

    ​

    Andoird Apps

    Spotify, Alexa, Broadlink, Bond, Hue, Hue Essentials, Buttons for alexa,

    Rotation - Orientation Manager, LG Thinq TV

    ​

    Dashboard Software

    Square Home Launcher: Windows Style for android

    This software is amazing and it is free. So much customization is possible. It took a few hours to understand all the options but it runs fast, looks amazing, and it is very easy to configure once you learn.

    ​

    Dashboard Devices

    2 - android wall mounted Amazon Fire10HD tablets

    1 - android vizio 6in smartcast tablet

    1 - android phone

    ​

    Hubs

    1 - bond bridge

    1 - broadlink rm pro

    2 - broadlink mini

    2 - echo dot v2

    2 - echo flex + motion sensor

    1 - Philips hue hub 2.0

    ​

    Devices

    4 - Somfy electric shades

    2 - Somfy electric curtains

    5 - Philips hue led strip + controller

    3 - Hampton Bay RF led Ceiling Fans

    2 - RF controlled led light bars (unknown brand)

    2 - 16ft Minger led strip + GOOLOOK RF controller

    1 - Dewenwils Outdoor RF outlet

    1 - Dewenwils Indoor RF Outlets 5 pack

    1 - Blink mini security camera

    1 - Shark vacuum/mop & 1-Roomba Vacuum (new, not integrated yet. maybe with "buttons for alexa" I can create the android widgets to start/stop i hope)

    About my setup:

    My main hub is the Bond Bridge. It is incredibly underrated as it can connect to almost any RF frequency, Somfy Protocol, and provides android widgets and alexa integration for all linked devices.

    I like the broadlink devices as well, they can control any IR device like my tvs and speakers. They are superior to other IR Hub because you can set up the mini hubs in different locations that need line of sight and control all from one broadlink app. They pretty much only offer power on/off with alexa. The android widgets and other voice commands unfortunately I find spoty so I do not use them.

    I like philips hue even though it is expensive. Quality device and led strips. Also the hue app has a good android widget.

    With Alexa I have multi room music with Spotify configured perfectly in sync via the 3.5mm outputs on the echo dots. I also have echo flex connected to same brand bluetooth speakers that is in sync as well! it is amazing

    I have several alexa routines that I use daily (timers, motion detection, multi device control, location triggers, etc).

    I use the RF outlets for various leds, lamps, christmas lights, etc.

    My dashboards can all control the same Spotify that is played multi room. The album art shows as well with "Material Music Widget". I use the Spotify widget to control play back. With the hue essentials app, we can turn the apartment into a club with the music sync "Dance" feature. Really cool for parties!

    One fire 10HD is wall mounted at the entrance of my 1300 sq ft apartment between the kitchen and office, the other fire 10HD is wall mounted in the bedroom. The vizio wireless charging tablet is in the living room and can control the big tv with the lg app. However, It gets used mostly for changing what's playing on Spotify or adjusting lights. We like the official LG remote.

    The big tablets also have the date, time, and a photo slideshow that I have configured with stock photos for now. Here are a few more dashboard pics

    Fire 10HD Living Room Menu

    Fire 10HD Bedroom Menu

    ​

    Vizio wireless charging tablet. Smaller dash layout (same as my phone)

    ​

    Here is a summary of the HOURS I spent on this journey if anyone cares:

    This all started when we moved into a modern remodeled apartment.

    The previous owner had installed somfy, rf fans, hue light strips, rf led bars.

    There was so many remotes for all these devices plus my tv's and speakers I felt like insane trying to control anything!

    ​

    Most of the RF Remotes, there are a few more plus several IR not pictured

    So I did a bunch of research and landed on broadlink/bond/philips hue hubs

    Next I put all the dumb remotes into a drawer.

    However, my wife did not like having to use so many apps to control everything.

    First, too many remotes.

    Now, too many Apps!

    ​

    I remembered I had 2 echo dots in a drawer never used because I thought they were useless.

    I hooked them up and it found all of my linked devices after connecting to bond/broadlink/hue/etc.

    Now the wife can control most functions by yelling at alexa. But I find that this is only good during the day. At night it is disturbing... And there are so many commands to remember...

    First, Too many remotes,

    Then, Too many apps,

    Now, Too many voice commands!

    ​

    I realized that the bond and hue had android widgets! So I tried a bunch of launchers until I find the best one. The dashboard works very well on my phone. But my wife has an iphone and I dont always have my phone near by.

    ​

    So I bought some tablets on sale from amazon & ebay, figured out how to install the launcher and recreated what I had on my phone on all of them.

    The setup worked so well I ended up expanding my collection of RF and alexa enabled devices.

    ​

    Finally, we're both happy. The end.

    submitted by /u/CrossDeSolo
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    Building a new home - where to put plugs and CAT drops?

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 08:33 PM PST

    Motorizing shutter rod with position control

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 07:55 AM PST

    (Ok so I'm not sure if the title express what I want)

    So I have this popular in France shutter rod: https://imgur.com/gallery/eS9Pzp5 on all my windows and I'm trying to motorise them to be able to control the position of the shutter, but I'm kind of at a loss in terms of what to do, like perhaps a servomotor would be great if I calibrate an Arduino software to set its minimum and maximum position but perhaps would it be not the best choice or maybe does a full fledge solution already exists ? the thing is I have in the first place no idea how to name that thing so that's my googling problem. Would you have any ideas ?

    Thank you :)

    submitted by /u/CheshireChild
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    Best smart LED light strips?

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 11:31 PM PST

    Hey guys, the current Amazon market is flooded with various smart enabled light strips. It is utterly dizzying and I have no idea what to look for, so I would appreciate suggestions. I need about 120ft total worth of lights for the space I have in mind. Ideally they would work with Google home, and have rgb lighting options. Thank you!

    submitted by /u/the3rdlegion
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    Apple TV in Home Assistant & Automations (Official Integration)

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 11:30 AM PST

    Uninterruptable Power Supplies

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 09:07 PM PST

    Hey all, just getting started on setting up machines for home automation and all that fun stuff.

    My current plan is to have an old box running Ubuntu with docker on it, running some things like HomeAssistant. I am also thinking of having a RaspPi4 next to it as a "watchdog" to make sure it is going okay.

    That being said, in the case of a power failure, I would prefer to have the watchdog and the ubuntu machine on a UPS. I would prefer to have the watchdog signal the ubuntu machine to shutdown nicely, and hopefully tell it to turn on again once the power is back.

    Is that a realistic expectation? Don't mind doing some coding and sharing to make it happen, just want to know if people think it is possible. Also, given that, what UPSs would people recommend for such a scenario?

    submitted by /u/jack314dw
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    Google Home with Home Assistant without subscription

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 11:05 AM PST

    Home Security

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 11:30 PM PST

    I have a few Alexa devices, zigbee hub (eero pro 6), ring doorbell, and Schlage door locks. What would you recommend as a home alarm system?

    Ring? What else integrates well with Alexa?

    submitted by /u/mkellerman_1
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    Help me build my dream smart home

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 12:51 PM PST

    Hi everyone, I just purchased a new home (moving in a couple of months) and I want to be ready with all my smart home equipment. I'm a complete noob and just started doing some research, but I feel like I've hit analysis paralysis and can't come up with a proper all in one solution. Here are my requirements:

    Door lock

    Lock/unlock door via app, voice, keypad and key (would still like to have a key hole accessible) for front door.

    Door bell camera

    Ideally 24/7 recording or motion/sound detection clips. Pre-recorded messages (ex. "I'll be right there"; "Leave the package outside", etc.). Ideally would like it to work with existing chime, but open to using speakers/external chimes. Automation wanted: When the button is pressed, display the camera image on a tablet (something like a Nest hub or a regular tablet). When the doorbell is pressed and it's after 5PM, turn on porch lights.

    Home Hub

    Tablet to control all the components (cameras, bulbs, sensors, etc.) and to receive the video from door bell.

    Smart Lightbulb

    For outdoor porchlight automation.

    Smart switches

    Control regular lightbulbs with voice assistant, app or manual switch. Ability to set routines (ex. turn on some lights on/off when on vacation)

    Door/Window sensors

    When there is a door/window open for longer than 10 minutes, send a push notification every 5 minutes.

    Smoke/carbon monoxide sensor

    Push notification and alarm in speakers/voice assistants if anything detected. Ability to stop alarm from phone or voice assistant.

    Ability to "arm" the home

    Send immediate notifications if door/window sensors are opened when I'm gone and "armed" the home.

    WIFI system

    Router and access points to cover 2 floors + basement (~ 2,500sqft home).

    Future enhancements: LED strips in pantry that turn on automatically when opened and then off when closed. Motion sensor step lights for inside the home. Motion sensor outdoor flood light. Turn lights on in the basement if it is after 5PM and basement door is opened

    I'm looking for product recommendations for each component and software so that it can all work together. I've researched individual products and I've found some great ones, but I'm struggling to figure out the correct combination to make it all work together (IFTTT, SmartThings, Home Assistant, etc). Also, if anyone has the same set-up, some feedback would be appreciated.

    PS: I live in Canada, so any product/software needs to be available up here and if outdoors, it needs to survive our winters.

    submitted by /u/afogli
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    Help installing Inovelli Red Fan and Light Switch

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 06:31 PM PST

    https://imgur.com/a/COCCXN2

    I've confirmed the white wire in the back is neutral with a multimeter. I've split that wire and attached a 3 way Wago lever nut.

    The switch has 2 holes for "line" - should I connect the two black wires and the red wire into a 4 way Wago lever nut and attach a jumper into the "line" on the switch?

    I may add more pictures/questions when I'm up to installing the canopy piece.

    • one question off the bat: do I add the Inovelli canopy piece before, after or instead of the RF canopy piece for the fan remote that came with my fan?

    Thanks!

    submitted by /u/Scotching123
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    heliocron v0.5.0 released - new features added

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 03:39 AM PST

    Wiring a regular wired doorbell to "blink a smart light" or other IFTT function?

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 08:59 PM PST

    Planning this project for gramps... Basically want to add something (some circuitry) or controller , to the doorbell ringer (inside their condo_) so when its energized (someone rings it) it can flash a light or something. Doing this because its often hard for them to hear as the tone isn't very loud and also they're hearing isn't the greatest.

    Grandparents live in a multi-unit condo, so cant really use something like a smart video doorbell , need to keep the existing infrastructure. Anyone have any suggestions, I was thinking just tapping the power wire going to the ringer, and when voltage changes, it triggers something??? Any existing devices like this that detect electrical activity on a circuit/line and notify ? I'm thinking of something like this..

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p596PnCCIX0

    Using an arduino and a current sensor ?

    submitted by /u/abrandis
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    How to override Sensibo climate react and turn off aircon when balcony door is open?

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 07:31 AM PST

    I live in Australia and the summer is really starting to turn the heat to 11.

    I have climate react set to

    Turn on ac when temp over 27c Turn off ac when temp under 24.5c

    However when I'm home I leave the balcony door open during the day and in the evenings during winter.

    How do I make sure climate react does not turn on the split ac if the balcony door is open but works as normal if balcony door is closed?

    submitted by /u/rektbymemes
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    Looking for a DIY Self Hosted Alarm System Bill of Materials

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 08:20 PM PST

    I'm interested in putting a self-hosted wireless alarm system into my house that would integrate with Home Assistant. Does anyone have a Bill of Materials that covers compatible panels & accessories (motion & glass break sensors, door open/closed detection, etc.) as a starting point? People always seem to point to DSC18xx or similar panels but I quickly get lost trying to figure out wireless capabilities, sensor compatibility, number of inputs needed, ethernet connectivity, wireless capabilities, and how everything integrates into a cohesive whole.

    submitted by /u/urvon
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    Automated DIY skylight blinds?

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 10:34 AM PST

    Hi, guys. As per the title I want to fit some blinds on some old skylights in the attic without breaking the bank. They're not Velux skylights and I can't find exactly what model they are online. I've looked at Ikea's automated blinds but apparently they don't work so well due to the angle and they're made to work straight up and down.

    Would love some suggestions or pointers, or if anybody has fitted the IKEA ones on skylights with some runners and they do in fact work?

    Also I'm in the UK so may not have access to everything on the US market.

    Thanks

    submitted by /u/vdude007
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    Best smart button that does not require a hub?

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 01:57 PM PST

    At the end of my rope with my Rachio sprinkler! (2 pics)

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 07:37 PM PST

    D-link DCS-P6000LH

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 01:30 PM PST

    I've seen this cheap ip cam is on sale on Amazon...

    But it works only with the app, has no local storage and web interface, and requires a subscription to use more than 24 hour recording...

    I'm planning to just move on and buy something else... Am I wrong?

    submitted by /u/aleph2018
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    New home automation suggestions

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 01:24 PM PST

    I just purchased a new home and have slowly started to plan out my smart home automation over the past month or so. I haven't picked up too much yet as I've mostly been familiarizing myself with the tech, brands, etc before diving in too deep.

    I'm fairly certain that I'm going to go with Z-Wave for most things, but it seems like Zigbee is better at others, so I expect a mix overall with minimal Wi-Fi devices.

    Going for a balance of quality without breaking the bank. I don't mind spending for quality/features, but I also don't mind occasionally replacing something down the road if it only costs ⅓ the price up front.

    Right now, items I think I've narrowed down are a Hubitat hub, Schlage door locks, several (but not all) Inovelli Red switches, Aqara sensors. I also have a couple GE Enbrighten switches and a pair of First Alert CO/CO2 detectors that had been picked up earlier.

    House is 4,000 sqft, prewired with ethernet/cable and I'm bringing/expanding my Orbi RBK50 system for decent mesh wifi coverage. I realize coverage in general (for all 3 mesh networks) is important so trying to do my best on that front as well by having ample devices in each room. We also are in the Amazon ecosystem, but while voice integration is nice, I do prefer local integration to avoid lag where possible.

    I think I'm on the right track overall, but was hoping to get some opinions on the best/most reliable brands/devices in a mixed system (or even opinions on if I should mix systems). Any suggestions for good times to buy other than Prime day or Black Friday. That sort of thing.

    I'd also love to hear about any particularly clever personal uses of home automation you're particularly happy with/proud of/can't live without! I'm early in my planning, but looking to be tinkering with this long term. I do have some coding experience but I'm not looking to go that far down the rabbit hole just yet (maybe once I've covered the basics). Suggestions welcome!

    Edit: Also, if there's a known best place to purchase, please mention that too! Since I'm buying in bulk any savings will really add up.

    submitted by /u/Symber13
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    Any replacement for Lutron Caseta switch?

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 07:17 PM PST

    So here's the deal. My home was wired without a neutral wire to any of the lights switches. After a lot of research I decided to go with Lutron Caseta switches because they didn't need a neutral. I have a few switches yet to replace and I only need on and off. That's it. On and off. No dimming. I have a couple of these switches that I bought a couple of years ago but now the model that does not require neutral is horrendously expensive.

    That leads me to you all. Does anyone have any extra Lutron switches they'd be willing to sell? Or know of a place that isn't charging $100 for one?

    Or is there another option? I do use HA, but I currently don't have any zigbee devices other than my hue bridge and those lights.

    I did buy an Aurora and like it, but the only Hue light I have extra is the 2700k light and I want a bright light.

    submitted by /u/hbar98
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    What route to take for fitting an automated roller blind across a 6m wide window?

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 03:16 PM PST

    (It's a set of 6 windows but I digress...)

    I feel like my best bet here for larger rollers is to get blind material and roller shafts(?), but can't say this is something I'm terribly knowledgeable in. What I don't want to do is spend £500+ just to cover a few windows so while I could buy a bunch of the widest IKEA blinds it's not the most economical solution.

    Has anyone had any experience in doing electric roller blinds of this size and can share their findings? I'm not too worried about like leakage as the gaps between the windows is big enough, but if it is possible to do one big run that'd be great too.

    submitted by /u/Cueball61
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    Users of Brilliant Home Control - do I have to replace an existing switch?

    Posted: 29 Dec 2020 06:23 PM PST

    I want to add a Brilliant Home Control device as a central hub in my living room. The spot I am looking to install this in already has romex wiring to it (ground, line, and neutral). Is this enough to wire one of these, or do I have to replace an existing light switch?

    submitted by /u/brkout
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