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    Home Automation Home automation ideas for my dad with Parkinson's disease

    December 28, 2020

    Home Automation Home automation ideas for my dad with Parkinson's disease

    Home automation ideas for my dad with Parkinson's disease

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 05:05 PM PST

    Hi

    My dad has Parkinson's and I'm trying to think about ways to make things easy for him at home. I will post this in other subs as well in order to get more ideas. I was thinking about using NFC chips and automating a few things for him and put either Amazon Echo or Google home in his room which can help him set things up.

    Once I have the ideas implemented, I will post what I did in order to help out others. I wanted to ask everyone what features or functions you have implemented with NFC in your home already or you wish you can have.

    If you have any other ideas please do share

    Thanks

    submitted by /u/mfarazk
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    RGB LED strips for exterior use. 200+ feet with addressable LEDs desired

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 06:24 PM PST

    I'm deep into the research phase of an upcoming automation project involving LEDs being placed around the exterior of my house. They will be mounted under the eaves and water intrusion will not be an issue, but IP6X rating is desired for obvious reasons. The total length needs to be approximately 200' in a continuous run, but more is fine also.

    My real question is about brightness. I can't find an LED strip or reel that has individually addressable LEDs as well as brightness control. It would be highly desirable to have the brightness be quite low given the situation at my house. I can design and implement a custom controller if I'm not going to find one that can achieve what I want to do, but the LED strips need to have the ability to dim themselves in some way. More specifically, it is unimportant to me how the LEDs become dimmer as long as it's possible to do so. Individual addressability is a requirement so I can implement custom functions and routines if the controller won't allow me to do so.

    Ideally, this would all be controllable via wifi, but that can come later. The real goal here is to find a high-quality strip. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

    submitted by /u/ThePoultryWhisperer
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    Local MQTT in smart IR remote - how best to organize topics?

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 06:02 AM PST

    Local MQTT in smart IR remote - how best to organize topics?

    Hi guys!

    We have already here talked about our project LOOKin Remote2, and you asked us to add local MQTT.

    We did the tests and can confirm that local MQTT will be implemented in this device, and started developing.

    But now this is the very important question: how exactly to implement the structure of topics in local MQTT. I turn to you for advice on how best to organize topics for this device. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

    Preamble

    As you probably know, IR signal can be presented in different formats and has several protocols.

    For example, one signal can be represented as

    Raw IR timings: 

    9000 -4440 600 -500 620 -500 630 -500 590 -1630 620 -1600 620 -1630 600 -500 630 -1630 600 -500 620 -500 620 -500 600 -500 620 -500 630 -500 590 -500 630 -490 630 -1600 620 -500 620 -1600 620 -1630 600 -1630 620 -500 600 -500 620 -1620 600 -500 630 -1630 600 -500 620 -500 630 -490 600 -1630 630 -1600 630 -500 620 -45000

    ProntoHEX:

    0000 006D 0022 0000 0156 00A9 0014 0014 0018 0014 0018 0014 0014 003E 0018 003E 0018 003E 0014 0014 0018 003E 0014 0014 0018 0014 0018 0014 0014 0014 0018 0014 0018 0014 0014 0014 0018 0014 0018 003E 0018 0014 0018 003E 0018 003E 0014 003E 0018 0014 0014 0014 0018 003E 0014 0014 0018 003E 0014 0014 0018 0014 0018 0014 0014 003E 0018 003E 0018 0014 0018 06AE

    NEC1 (32 bit representation) for this signal:

    0000B89D

    And it's all the same signal, just recorded in different formats. Remote can detect the protocol, and decompose the signal after receiving it. Instead of NEC1 it might be NECX1, Sony, Aiwa or other IR format.

    Sending IR signal via local MQTT

    As for sending a signal from a device via local MQTT, there are no questions, everything is clear here:

    • If you send signal to device in the topic .../commands/ir/raw then Remote will interpret signal in a row timings format and send it
    • If a message arrives in the topic .../commands/ir/prontohex then Remote will interpret signal as ProntoHex format and send it.

    ... and so on, the topic indicates the format

    User also will have ability to send the command of the saved IR remote control too, for example:

    Switch power on of your TV (having ID 0001): send "poweron" to .../commands/ir/savedremotes/0001

    But what about receiving?

    Receiving IR signal and publishing it to MQTT

    Let's start from the saved remotes and the realtime IR-analyzing feature, everything is more or less clear:

    There is some topic to which we send changes. We will send the ID of the changed remote control and its status. If ABCD - virtual remote control ID and 1000 - status (for TV, the first digit means that the TV is on or off).

    What's the best way to send to MQTT?

    To topic:

     .../sensors/ir/savedremotes/ABCD value 1000

    or to topic 

    .../sensors/ir/savedremotes send value ABCD1000?

    2) Do we need to send to a local MQTT topic when receiving every IR signal?

    Let's imagine that the user grab some new IR remote control pressed the button on it. This is new IR remote and no saved IR remote contains this IR signal. What should happen in MQTT at this moment?

    Possible options:

    • Send to the topic ../sensors/ir/raw received signal in its raw form and send to the topic .../sensors/ir/nec1 the decoded signal of the nec1 protocol. It might be Sony protocol or something else. But the protocol may not be recognized, so the signal will only come to ../sensors/ir/raw
    • Send to the topic ../sensors/ir/raw only

    I would be grateful for your advice.

    The subject is not easy and should be done well the first time..

    P.S.: I understand that I could explain a little confusedly, however, I hope that I have clearly stated the essence of the thoughts.

    Video shows sending a signal from the remote control to the topic /sensors/ir/raw after every time button pressed

    submitted by /u/CrowdedFuzzball
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    Needed: High load capacity dimmer for home automation overhaul project

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 11:35 PM PST

    TLDR: I need a smart dimmer relay that can handle high loads, rated to 750VA per channel for Australian 240v mains power. It must be either HomeKit-enabled or have an existing Homebridge plugin available for me to integrate into my system.
    --
    Hi all.

    I'm in the process of planning the replacement to my current home automation system, HPM iControl. It's an absolutely shocking system discontinued 10 years ago and we're fed up of maintaining it...

    I need some product suggestions because my electricians aren't all that switched on so I need to design the system for them! I'm not an electrician but I've got some good hands on know-how.

    Our current setup: The iControl system has figure 8 bus cables between a central computer and each light switch. Hence, the switches do not directly control anything and only have a 12v data cable running to them. This is the same throughout the house; bus cable is spider-webbed to each switch. When a signal from a switch is received, the computer controls a set of relays that each appliance/accessory/light/group etc. is wired to. There are 32x 10amp 240v standard relay channels and 14x 750VA 240v dimmer channels. Again, all devices (except those connected to wall GPOs) are wired this way and receive mains power from this relay board. The computer's power supply and its proprietary relays are designed so poorly that they fail often and are costly to replace, hence my need to transition away from the entire system.

    My plan: I will be completely bypassing the iControl computer and having an electrician wire new relays onto the relay board. The new relays will be HomeKit-enabled (or GSH/Alexa etc with a Homebridge plugin and I will happily just setup a Homebridge server to control them). I plan to re-flash some Sonoff relays to be HomeKit-compatible for the 32 standard on/off relays. I will need a set of light switches that are also HomeKit compatible and I will program these in Apple Home to control the relays (these will probably be one of the many battery-powered switches that serve the single purpose of sending a HomeKit 'message' to the lights, but if anybody can suggest a switch that can draw 12v power from the existing bus cable and still wirelessly control the relays, please let me know!)

    My issue: the 14 dimmer channels I need must be rated at least 750VA... Currently, some channels have 12x 35w globes wired to them, so these 100w-300w dimmers like from Brilliant and Fibaro won't do the trick... Does such a smarthome relay exist that can handle 750VA per channel? Or is it possible/practical to 'chain' a lower-rated smart dimmer to a higher rated 'dumb' dimmer? Ultimately, I just need to be able to dim these 14 channels via HomeKit...

    Any suggestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks, Nick

    submitted by /u/nickhas
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    Smart bulbs, dumb dimmer switch - help, please?

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 08:37 AM PST

    We updated a terrible light fixture in our dining room to a Sputnik-style chandelier (somewhat like this), and to go along with it, purchased 4 Globe Electric Edison globe bulbs (link). However, when I tried to install them this morning, they started strobing like crazy. Researching possible reasons why, I learned the physical dimmer switch on the wall is likely interfering with the current, and would need to be swapped out in order to fix this.

    Most of the smart dimmer switches I see appear to be marketed to work with dumb bulbs. Most of the rest of our home is outfitted with Philips Hue bulbs and wireless dimmer switches where there were previously no switches at all (old house), and Google Assistant control, but we went with Globe to avoid the orangey feel of the Hue Edisons.

    At the end of the day, all I want is to be able to set up routines and voice control to turn the light on and off, and to have a non-orangey, light temperature-adjustable light that's 60W, E26, over 500 lumens per bulb, and doesn't look stupid exposed (most of the regular smart bulbs have visible writing).

    • Do I need a smart hardwired dimmer switch at all? If yes, which should I buy?
    • If I have a smart hardwired dimmer switch, does that mean I don't actually need smart bulbs?
    submitted by /u/alpacamysuitcase
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    What are the best security cameras?

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 08:00 PM PST

    I am looking into get security cameras but I want to know what people think are the best. I really am only looking for the best outdoor cameras. I'm not looking into doing anything wireless as I am going to have to change the battery. (unless the battery lasts a couple months at least). Also, I want to be able to do live look ins whenever I want. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

    submitted by /u/Bigstrokedaddy
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    Closet light automation

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 09:44 PM PST

    I have two shallow coat type closets with lights roughed on the wall over the door, and a wall switch in the closet on the side wall. I'd like to automate these so that when the closet door is opened the light goes on for only a set amount of time. I've considered a few options:

    1. Light with motion sensor such ashttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia-Lighting-7-in-White-LED-Motion-Sensor-Flush-Mount-Closet-Light-FMMCL-840-PIR-M4/206293842However due to the position of the light over the door, the motion sensor then faces into the closet and won't trigger.
    2. Install a mechanical wired Jamb switch, but the carpentry involved in that makes it expensive, and if anyone leaves the door open the light stays on.
    3. Replace the rocker switch with a motion sensor switch, but that won't work because the coats in the closet block the line of sight of the switch.
    4. Screw in motion sensor would work if the light fixture in the closet had a regular bulb; However existing fixture has an integral LED bulb. I could get a replacement keyless fixture and screw one of those motion sensors into that, and the bulb into the sensor, but the entire contraption would then stick out into the closet. I'm a bit concerned about it getting broken off if someone removes something from the top shelf.
    5. Wireless zwave position switch on the door connected to a zwave light switch. I could program the zwave to turn the light off after 3 minutes. This has the potential to work but the downsides are it relies on the zwave hub and the batteries on the position switch would need to be replaced every few years. I figure this costs at least $30 for the light switch and $20 for the sensor.
    6. Add a jbox extension ring with knockouts to the j box for the light, and install one of these motion sensors that let you set the amount of time the light is on after detecting motion, and , point it straight down to the doorway:https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-120-Volt-Residential-Grade-Passive-Infrared-2500-sq-ft-100-Outdoor-Occupancy-Sensor-White-RS110-10W/301420098or one like this:https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia-Lighting-360-Mounted-White-Motion-Sensor-Fixture-MSX12/203995562This seems like one of the least expensive options, relatively simple to install that requires minimal ongoing maintenance. The extension box is $5, and the sensor is $30.

    Given the constraints, is option 6 the best, and would it even work, or am I missing another obvious solution?

    submitted by /u/Wondering_if
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    3d Printed stack able bays for IoT hubs laying around hap haphazardly to build a mini IoT Rack

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 09:38 PM PST

    Can I build a smart device and have it work with Alexa?

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 07:39 AM PST

    I use Alexa throughout my house. I want to build a device since I cannot find one on the market, at least now within my budget. But I cannot seem to find a ton of information on how to configure a device to accept Alexa inputs.

    I plan on using an ESP32 wifi board for connectivity. I think I could get around alexa by setting up routines to call automation from my smartthings hub, but I would prefer to avoid that delay in commands and setup directly with Alexa.

    Thanks

    submitted by /u/LzyPenguin
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    Phillips Hue switch to start Spotify Playlist on Google Home

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 07:48 PM PST

    As per the title, I'm looking at how to use my Phillips Hue Dimmer switch to start playing a specific Spotify playlist on a local Google Home Mini. I have a raspberry Pi running homebridge to connect a few Google Assistant to HomeKit which can be used to run other platforms. I don't need specific instructions, just a few points please. Thanks!

    submitted by /u/chesterfield_potato
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    I have 6 recessed can lights in my Family Room. Is there a light switch to turn the lights on in different configurations?

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 12:14 PM PST

    I'd like to be able to dim them or have some of them on or off, but I really don't have room for 6 light switches.

    submitted by /u/clickheretodownvote
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    Suggestion getting started; Smartthings?

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 03:58 PM PST

    First, what is going on with Smartthings? I was going to buy a gen 3 but cannot find them available in stock anywhere, except being double the price.

    Basically, I am getting started with my smart home now. Mainly I've had a Nest Thermostat for years as my only smart home enabled device (which is more optional to be connected). And now I purchased several Sylvania Smart+ bulbs and have a few Teckin SP20 plugs, yesterday I installed an Eero mesh network as well.

    Basically, we are an Apple home so Homekit is very nice but I want to make sure things are using Zigbee + Z-Wave vs Wifi. Though I know the Techkin plugs are Wi-Fi only, I don't think it's a major deal. What do you think I should start with under $100 for a hub?

    ​

    Smart Things 3rd gen when available in stock? Home Assistant with Raspberry Pi (do you find it reliable)? Home Bridge? Echo? Nest Home? Something else?

    ​

    Thanks!

    submitted by /u/manoadventure
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    Is the Amazon plug worth the money vs cheaper plugs like Gosund?

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 01:26 PM PST

    The Amazon plug by itself is $25. The Echo dot gen 4 is currently $30. I could also get the Echo dot bundled with the plug for $40, making that one plug essentially only cost $10.

    Alternatively there are 4 packs of Gosund plugs on Amazon for $28, making them $7 each.

    Going by the descriptions alone there don't seem to be any difference in major features except that the Amazon plug will only ever function through Alexa, which is a major negative if I ever decide to try out Google or Home Assistant instead.

    Is the Amazon plug really worth all if that extra money? Is it even worth the $10 bundled with the Echo? Or should I just stick with the MUCH cheaper Gosund?

    For reference I'm trying to automate my whole bedroom and office area for around $100. I figured for that price I can get an echo dot, a couple of plugs, and 4 or 5 bulbs. I've settled on the Sylvania Smart+ which I can get a 4 pack of on Amazon for $35, which is $8.75 each. Unless anyone else has a recommendation for better bulbs in the same ~$10 price point, that seems to be the best value I can find that also meets my criteria (full color, white temp tunable, wifi, 800+ lumens)

    submitted by /u/LateNightPhilosopher
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    What kind of adapter is needed to attach a tablet to this wiring?

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 10:26 PM PST

    I had a question about the existing wiring in my house and to see what kind of charger would work for a keypad. https://imgur.com/a/QVLsM9M shows the wiring where an alarm keypad would go. It was not totally clear to me what the wires do - the blue one looks like an ethernet cable? What kind of adapter/charger would I need to connect to a Fire HD 10 (9th generation).

    submitted by /u/mentiontension
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    Arlec grid connect Mention sensor to trigger light strips

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 10:14 PM PST

    How do I get my motion sensor to trigger my lights to turn on? I have 2 Arlec light strips and a motion sensor (plus the hub) how do I tell the sensor to trigger the lights in the grid connect app?

    Thanks for your help in advance

    submitted by /u/doccaballero
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    What are some good smart wifi switches ypu recommend? (And question about SMATRUL)

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 04:30 AM PST

    Hello, I recently been looking to make certain rooms in My house smarter and bought a few smart switches from SMATRUL, they were working pretty well recently until 2 of them completely stopped working, being unable to be linked to my google assistance or even be manually turned off or on again. Has anyone faced this problem? Their review all seems really good. Also, are there any other brands you recommend for smart wifi switches? Thank you!

    submitted by /u/apple_flavoured_pear
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    Help with wiring - fan/light combo

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 08:12 PM PST

    I know - if you don't know what you are doing call a licensed electrician. Thank you for your post.

    I have this setup behind my switch.

    I want to assume that the white wire running straight through the back is the neutral, but how can I test it to be sure? I assume I need a multimeter...

    If it's a neutral I should be able to cut it and install my smart switch.

    Why are there 2 black wires going to the switch on the right? I assume one is the hot, and the other?

    The red should be the load correct?

    Thanks!

    Separately, any recommendations for a good multimeter for average home use..?

    submitted by /u/Scotching123
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    What is this box for?

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 07:09 PM PST

    What is this box for?

    Hi guys, I'm building a house and decided to have the builder add some smart lights and shades. I'm new to home automation, and although I've been following a few of the threads here, I'm still very much a novice.

    Anyway, the house is getting closer to being finished, and as I was walking through, I noticed this box that appears to have something to do with the home automation. What is this for exactly and how do I use it? Also, does this tie me in to the Lutron brand for my smart lights and shades from here on out?

    Edit: added the image

    https://preview.redd.it/bk6defz0ju761.jpg?width=3840&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a117251287fce048e5f6e71109d2e4b0780bebbb

    submitted by /u/luckyzeke
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    SHARK IQ RV1000AE says incorrect wifi password when trying to set up app

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 06:54 PM PST

    Anyone had issues with this and found a fix? When trying to set up the Shark app and connect the device to wifi it gets to all the steps and then says "incorrect wifi password" which is not the case we've had the same wifi password for years and everything else on the network connects fine.

    Any tips or tricks. Tried restarting both the device and my phone with no success

    Thanks!

    submitted by /u/imapoolag
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    Recommendations? Lighting + HVAC + audio + security

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 07:28 AM PST

    Can anyone recommend a system or systems that play nice together, and are available to diy?

    Our house is being renovated and is currently back to studs so it's an easy time to do it . Here's a rough list of what I'd like to integrate.

    Touch screen / light switches in:

    Kitchen Livingroom Den Hallway Master

    Then accessory light switches that will operate as the other half of 3 way with the touch screen switches.

    We're going to have zoned audio (stereo) in each of the major rooms say 8-10 zones

    Then the master & den will have 5.1 home theater systems. (Would be nice if we could feed a zone to each of these as well)

    HVAC is only seperated into two zones 1 upstairs and one down. We want to be able to control this from the touchscreen wall units.

    We'll have a IP Camera security system likely hikvision it would be nice to be able to access it from the touchscreen units

    At a minimum we'll want to be able to see who's at either door or the gate and unlock the door or open the gate from the touchscreens.

    Control 4 looks like it would be perfect if it wasn't locked down to dealers only.

    The touch screen switches I've seen and liked the look of are "Brilliant control" brand.

    Ideally I'd like as much as possible hardwired and not wifi.

    Thanks for any direction

    submitted by /u/lifeinabag
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    Looking to use ST, a keypad, and an electric lock to check from 500 valid codes, where to store them?

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 07:50 AM PST

    HardlineP2P: decentralized way to access a local hub from anywhere, with no domain names, certificates, or services to register for(Proof of concept/alpha)

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 01:56 AM PST

    Hey guys! This one will be more interesting to the developers/DIYers out there, but I think it's slowly getting towards ready for real use.

    What HardlineP2P does is takes a server behind your home NAT, and lets you securely access it from anywhere, at a URL like e868423731872b8235a0adc9102bb45bb9e8321e.localhost:7009, if you have the (Linux or Android) app working, without any configuration needed beyond installing the app.

    The problem it solves is that you cannot access a home server, like an automation hub, without some kind of paid service or manual setup. The best I've seen is DuckDNS with Let's Encrypt, but that involves some manual setup, and it doesn't work seamlessly when the internet goes down.

    I wanted something truly consumer-grade, as in "Plug it in, and it works", that can be shared with other people without making them do anything "scary" like installing self-signed certificates, and still works in a LAN-only, or a mesh network environment. Something that would let a hackathon make an IoT billboard and let people control it, etc. Something that makes running a server easy.

    ​

    So how it works is the server side generates an SSL certificate, and hashes it to form the long string in the URL. This certificate is used to secure all connections via TLS, but there is no domain names or authorities involved, the client looks for the specific cert that matches the URL, and nothing else.

    The server also opens the port to the outside world with UPnP, if your router has it enabled.

    The client side tries to connect directly over the LAN with multicast discovery, but will fall back to the WAN, and if that doesn't work, it can try to connect via the Yggdrasil mesh network.

    Right now, until someone replies to my question about the terms of service, I'm using Jami's DHT proxy as the discovery server, but there's nearly zero traffic to the discovery, because home IP addresses rarely change, and this will always try the last good address before trying to use the DHT.

    In fact, 90% of the time the discovery server will never be used at all, because when you connect on the LAN, the server tells the client how to find it later on the WAN. I will also looking into running my own proxy server, just as soon as I figure out how to compile the dang thing...

    If there's interest, once this is a bit more polished I'll probably pay the fee and get this on the play store. I'd like to add a few more convenience features to the app, to make it kind of the "One stop shop" for easy P2P sharing.

    https://github.com/EternityForest/hardlinep2p

    submitted by /u/EternityForest
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    Upgrade Intercom to Nest Hello / Ring

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 01:27 PM PST

    I have Comelit hfx-700m, and I did some research. On nest it says they're not compatible with intercom systems, but I saw people upgrading their nutone intercome to nest hello.

    I believe my Comelit intercom uses 2 wires, does that mean I can install a nest hello normally as if it was a standard door bell?

    submitted by /u/Prize-Dust
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    Vivint & Alexa

    Posted: 27 Dec 2020 11:15 AM PST

    My Alexa app now shows my Vivint cameras under devices, when I select them it doesn't do anything. Anyone have any thoughts on this? I was always able to set my alarm thru Alexa via voice command.

    submitted by /u/cigarman009
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