Home Automation SAF Achievement "Smart it Up" Unlocked! |
- SAF Achievement "Smart it Up" Unlocked!
- Using home automation to get rid of mice!
- I thought it may help some of you to share my home automation journey with you.
- Is SwitchBot in trouble?
- Are there any PIR motion sensors that work with the Phillips hue lamps, Other than the official hue sensor?
- Best edge-device for TensorFlow and object detection?
- Outdoor PoE IP Camera with built in speaker and microphone?
- zWave Homeseer HS-FC200+ Fan controller inclusion/exclusion
- Best wall mounted touchscreen calendar/smartthings control
- AC/heat control with relay board
- Which smart lock would work with my front door?
- Trying to decide on which option I should use to make a 4 way switch set (3 switches) smart. Am I missing anything? Poorly drawn mspaint diagrams attached, What do you reccomend?
- Combining Hubs
- My auto changeover automations in Samsung's SmartThings (With a Honeywell T-6 Pro)
- About to wire my own house for all low voltage. Can't get excited about security.
- Picked up a selection of the lidl smart home stuff, about to connect it to my hue hub. Happy to answer questions / give feedback on them!
- Any smart dimmer that works with traditional switches/dimmers?
- Lidl Smart Home Zigbee Devices Unboxing and Google Home Integration
- Any Android/Windows app that lets me import Alexa devices?
- How much is your gas and electricity on your smart meter daily?
- Button for Http post command
- Physical dimmer switch for smart bulbs?
- Least insanely priced automated blinds? DIY Mix & Match?
- Wiring a zwave in wall switch
| SAF Achievement "Smart it Up" Unlocked! Posted: 06 Dec 2020 08:17 PM PST My SO was putting out one of those holiday villages in a new spot, except the power switch would be unreachable. She asked me if I could "smart it up" One zwave plug from the spares box plus two tweaked holiday events later and she was a happy camper. It's a little thing but the fact she explicitly suggested that some automation gear could help means it's now firmly established as a viable tool. [link] [comments] | ||
| Using home automation to get rid of mice! Posted: 06 Dec 2020 03:04 AM PST At some point over the summer I acquired some new visitors to my home - mice. They were eating my chips and chocolates, nibbling on bread and chewing through packets of rice. This was happening every day. I bought a few humane traps and caught the odd one but it never solved the problem - I even asked a professional pest control company to come in and they set out bait and traps. They didn't eat the bait and they avoided the traps. I realised that the only way to properly rid my home of mice was to diligently proof every entry and exit point over three floors. Mice can squeeze through gaps as narrow as a pencil - so even holes which do not seem to provide a suitably large opening would need to be plugged with wire wool and caulk. My strategy for identifying these entry and exit points was to use two simple home automation devices - motion control and cameras - plus the addition of Node-Red configured to alert the precise activation locations and times via Pushover to my phone. I already use a lot of Philips Hue motion sensors around the house to turn on lights as people go up and down stairs, and after one test I knew they were sufficiently sensitive to detect mouse movements as well - as long as they were positioned at ground level. I started in my kitchen - especially under the kitchen units - which was the main area of activity. I carefully devised a placement strategy which would identify not only where the activity was but also could also determine the direction of travel. I placed 5 Hue motion sensors under the kitchen units and a further 3 placed at strategic points around the room. I set up a Node-Red flow which parsed the activations and delivered them as Push notifications to my phone. From the first night, I was able to determine from the first and last activation which area of the kitchen they were coming in. Rather than having to dismantle every kitchen unit, I was able to selectively target 2 units where the problem likely existed and I placed a small wi-fi camera in the same location just to confirm the activity (which worked well). I dismantled the two likely units to find an old dryer vent which was blocked up from the outside but the internal galvanised sleeve had a gap around it through which the mice could access the cavity in the brick wall. Once filled with concrete, I left it for another night - more activity. This time their activity came from the corner of the kitchen at the opposite end - cabinets against an internal wall. By re-placing the sensors, I was able to determine that there was another entry point through which the gas pipes to my cooker and the main feed back out to the street were located. Once filled, I waited for another night - still more activity but this time the first and last sensors activated were outside of the kitchen area altogether. They were coming in through the door! The following night I completely sealed the door before going to bed and there were no activations at all. There were none for 3 nights so I assumed that the kitchen was now proofed against entry. Following this, I began a methodical sweep of each room - sealing each door in turn at night and using bait and motion sensors to determine their other entry points. 2 weeks later I had discovered 4 more entry points narrowed down by the first and last activations at night and finally the mice could no longer get in. No activations and no activity. The mice were gone. I would recommend this strategy for anyone who has a mice infestation. Without data about mouse movements, everything is just guesswork and crossed fingers. Hope this helps someone. Edit: Removed the reference to the ability of mice to dislocate their bone structure, and corrected a spelling error. [link] [comments] | ||
| I thought it may help some of you to share my home automation journey with you. Posted: 06 Dec 2020 02:41 PM PST Things I automated in my home:
3 years into using these products Let me say this. I would give it all up if I had to except the lights. The garage is my second favorite and most useful bc you use it almost every day multiple times per day. Thermostat would be 3rd. The rest are just toys to me. But holy shit the lights. I have 44 switches in my home and I put a Lutron Casetta on every single one. At this point I don't know how I would live without them. The ability to press one button and shut off the house is simply irreplaceable and I feel sorry for anyone who doesn't have that ability. I can't say good enough things about Lutron also. I have had ZERO issues with them. I have not had to touch it since I installed everything and it works flawlessly with Siri and Alexa and just in general. My kids already know how to turn lights on using their voice commands and we rarely even tough the light switches. My main point here is go ahead and automate stuff for fun but after a few years think about what you really use and forget the rest unless it's just fun for you. I could live without everything except the lights and I'll never go back. Feel free to ask me any questions. Or have a nice day!! [link] [comments] | ||
| Posted: 06 Dec 2020 10:32 PM PST Their social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter), which was previously very active, has now been dead silent for over a week now, and doesn't seem to even answer direct messages or e-mails. More than that, according to some quite angry tweets and messages, they don't seem to be fulfilling their Black Friday orders, which I can confirm as mine has been stuck on "order placed" for over a week now This seems incredibly suspicious, and I'm wondering if maybe the company is in financial trouble and they might be shutting down their operations? [link] [comments] | ||
| Posted: 06 Dec 2020 03:34 PM PST | ||
| Best edge-device for TensorFlow and object detection? Posted: 06 Dec 2020 05:02 PM PST | ||
| Outdoor PoE IP Camera with built in speaker and microphone? Posted: 06 Dec 2020 02:20 PM PST I have someone looking for a few cameras to go with their current system (synology) and they want to add a few two-way audio cameras. I know I can add an external microphone and speaker to most cameras, but I really don't want to do that. Do you know of any PoE speakers out there that would have a speaker/microphone built into it? [link] [comments] | ||
| zWave Homeseer HS-FC200+ Fan controller inclusion/exclusion Posted: 06 Dec 2020 01:05 PM PST I am migrating my z-wave devices which has been going just fine until I got to my Homeseer HS-FC200+ Fan controller. The instructions say to put the hub in exclusion mode and tap the paddle. I have tapped the top, tapped the bottom, triple tapped each individually, tapped them 10 times, long pressed each. Does anyone know how to exclude/include these Homeseer Fan controllers? [link] [comments] | ||
| Best wall mounted touchscreen calendar/smartthings control Posted: 06 Dec 2020 06:54 PM PST Hi all, Looking for a COTS solution for connecting to and displaying family member calendars (outlook, google, ios) as well as possible smartthings integration so the house can be controlled as needed. DAKboard doesn't seem to be touchscreen and I prefer not to pay a subscription if possible. Anyone know or have something? I am not looking to DIY, but would be OK with an out of box 10" (preferably much larger) tablet with software-- I'm just terrible at framing/woodwork :P [link] [comments] | ||
| AC/heat control with relay board Posted: 06 Dec 2020 08:36 PM PST I have a ac/ heat pump with two stage gas furnace as a backup. I currently use honeywell thermostat to control it. I'm looking to wire some esp devices in each room for temperature and want more control over the ac/heat. I know basically all a thermostat is a fancy relay, passing 24v. Turn fan on or compressor. Has anyone done this or have any ensites on doing this? I would want to start with nodered and use hassio. My main problem is the location of the thermostat is not a good location to get median temperature of the house. I also have to have my gas furnace set to run low stage and then kick in high after 10 minutes or no high stage. I want more control of that too. I want to use a multi relay board, like for sprinkler controls. I also run the heat pump between 40f and higher, gas 39f and lower. My current thermostat is capable of doing all this except use the esp temps or control the 10 minute run time on the two stage furnace. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks [link] [comments] | ||
| Which smart lock would work with my front door? Posted: 06 Dec 2020 09:15 AM PST Hello everyone! I have to perform maintenance on my front door (as it is obvious from the pictures haha), and I figured it's time to smartify it. Unfortunately I cannot just change it altogether: my three neighbors have the same door, so we would have to agree to replace them all. This is the current situation. Googling a bit, I've found this thing here from a local brand, but I'd rather go with something more "mainstream", if possible. Schlage isn't an option in the Old World. What are you thoughts? Thank you! [link] [comments] | ||
| Posted: 06 Dec 2020 03:46 PM PST I asked here before https://www.reddit.com/r/homeautomation/comments/jt6b78/is_there_a_high_wattage_zwave_or_zigbee_smart/ but i've since figured out it's going to be a lot more difficult than I thought. Like I thought my biggest problem was going to be the wattage but no the wiring has to be the difficult part. Poorly drawn diagrams made with mspaint https://imgur.com/a/t7bIrNm Anyway i've figured out 4 options most share the problem that box with the load is in the garage itself so while it's shielded from rain it is exposed to summer/winter heat cold and humidity, the 4 way box is also in the garage the line box is the only one inside the house. Also it's in the garage so I may have z-wave range issues but that should be unlikely. Plan A traditional smart switch setup 1 main switch in the load box and then an addon in the 4 way and line box. Most expensive at ~$75 for everything, likely the most difficult to install due to larger size of switches, most components to fail. Candidate honeywell UltraPro 39354 or 39348 (39354 would allow reuse of existing plates) Plan B there is a line from a different circuit I can use in the load box which would allow me to use a dumb switch compatible 3 way smart switch or relay. Moves the load to a different breaker but that should be ok. Cheapest and easiest install as only a single switch and plate are needed. ~$35 Candidate minoston MS10Z or MS12Z (MS12Z would allow reuse of existing plate) Plan C with a smart relay that supports a momentary switch. I can reuse one of the wires from the 4 way to get the line into the right box and use the other wire as a momentary. ~$40, Problems i've never used a smart relay before so i'm unfamiliar with them Candidate Qubino ZMNHND3 Plan D same as plan C but run the load wire all the way back to the line box avoiding any z-wave range issues and exposure to the elements. Requires relay that supports switching via momentary neutral or tapping in to the other circuit for switching voltage (which seems like a bad idea). Candidate Qubino ZMNHND3 but unverified if can switch via momentary neutral. Notable mention; zooz has a neat in place no rewiring switch ZEN26 (only available in decora) which would do everything but their switches can't for whatever reason be used with fluorescent tubes :/ Probably going to go with Plan B but any input would be helpful. [link] [comments] | ||
| Posted: 06 Dec 2020 07:01 PM PST Forgive my possible ignorance on networking protocols, but as I was drawing up my Switch and Hubs, I was curious if it's possible to combine some into 1 and it still somehow work? I have the following Hubs / Devices connected via ethernet to a switch: 1) Apple TV -- Acting as my HomeHub 2) Lutron Caseta Hub 3) Phillips Hue Bridge 4) Eufycam Hub 5) Raspberry Pi - Acting as Homebridge Server and NAS [link] [comments] | ||
| My auto changeover automations in Samsung's SmartThings (With a Honeywell T-6 Pro) Posted: 06 Dec 2020 10:17 PM PST | ||
| About to wire my own house for all low voltage. Can't get excited about security. Posted: 06 Dec 2020 08:02 AM PST I'm about to embark on a big DIY project to wire my home (roughly 4500 sqft) for ethernet, WHA, shades, home theater, Unifi Protect POE cameras, etc. The only thing my "heart" isn't in it for is the security system. We're in a pretty low crime, rural area. We have a regular ADT alarm system in the current house, and we haven't even armed it in years. Thus, I have a hard time dedicating research hours into Elk vs DSC vs Honeywell, etc. To be honest, I'm tempted to just do a simple DIY wireless type of system like Abode or something similar. I have no idea how to program anything like a DSC or Elk system. I also know that I might have to have monitored fire alarms for insurance purposes at some point in the future. Should I just throw in a white towel and sub this out to an alarm company? [link] [comments] | ||
| Posted: 06 Dec 2020 08:52 AM PST
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| Any smart dimmer that works with traditional switches/dimmers? Posted: 06 Dec 2020 02:42 PM PST As the title says, I am looking for smart dimmers that can work with traditional switch/dimmers i.e. in a 4-way setup I want to have 1 smart dimmer and 2 traditional switches (mainly due to lower cost). I have already read older posts were people recommended Zooz and Inovelli z-wave dimmers, but the issue is I am located in Europe and couldn't find any place selling those switches for the EU z-wave frequency (not sure if such dimmers even exist). So does anyone know if and where I can get such dimmers in Europe (or from anywhere else but still work in EU)? They don't have to be the Zooz or Inovelli ones not even z-wave ones, I am open to alternatives. P.S. I am very new to these things so please excuse my ignorance :) [link] [comments] | ||
| Lidl Smart Home Zigbee Devices Unboxing and Google Home Integration Posted: 06 Dec 2020 11:05 AM PST
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| Any Android/Windows app that lets me import Alexa devices? Posted: 06 Dec 2020 09:57 AM PST Long story short, i have different Smart home devices (Plugs,Thermostats,IP Cameras). The Problem is that some uses different Apps for installation and configuration, although i got everything working in the Alexa app with skills. That means i have everything in my alexa screen on my phone. Now im looking for a Android or Windows app which has a nice overview for the different devices and also the main camera on the start screen. Is there a app/program which looks something like this? There was imperihome which was discontinued, now im looking for something similar. Many thanks. The thing is i have a Windows Tablet which i want to use as on a wall as a smart home central. I can use emulators for apks or directly run exes. [link] [comments] | ||
| How much is your gas and electricity on your smart meter daily? Posted: 06 Dec 2020 01:19 PM PST Just wondering what your average daily cost is on your smart meter? Ours seems to have shot up since we've had the heating on daily! [link] [comments] | ||
| Posted: 06 Dec 2020 09:33 AM PST In my kitchen I have 3 lights Two of them are shelves leds, so I don't use a wall-switch for them. I have a sonoff with tasmota to controll them using Alexa. Now the problem, the last light. It's a ceiling light with wall switch. the switch only has the L line, no neutral. I would like to be able to control the light with Alexa/tasker but also be able to turn on all the three light in the room with a button/switch. Shelly L1 may not be enough, the light bulb is under 20W. I was thinking of putting a sonoff with tasmota in the ceiling or at the base of the lamp and using a "smart button" to control them, but I don't know any. Thank you for every reply [link] [comments] | ||
| Physical dimmer switch for smart bulbs? Posted: 06 Dec 2020 08:54 AM PST I purchased a bunch of RGB bulbs for one of my rooms, but still want a physical dimmer, rather than solely using an app or voice control. [link] [comments] | ||
| Least insanely priced automated blinds? DIY Mix & Match? Posted: 06 Dec 2020 06:01 AM PST Hey all. We're doing a fairly major re-do in our home (after 20 years here) and as a home automation Junkie (Dating back to the X10 glory days) about the only thing I haven't done yet is blinds throughout the house. We have an Ikea Fyrtur setup in our living room and honestly, I like it. But I don't like the price - just the one for our living room was basically $300 after taxes. Our bedroom has 4 windows across the front of the house and the Fyrtur blinds to fit each window are $179 each - basically $200 after taxes. $800 for a set of automated blinds for one single room is hard to swallow. We could go with one single 60" blind to cover 2 windows at a time versus 4 individual blinds, which if we went with anything outside the Fyrtur units, we would opt for for simplicity and cost. The Fyrtur blinds just don't come that big unfortunately, 48" wide is the biggest. I've been looking at the DIY alternatives including the roller motors and chain pullers on Amazon, but honestly, there's so many variables it can start to make your head spin. - I want scheduling, hardwired (or solar at minimum, I don't want to be changing batteries), and Amazon Echo support. - The chain motors seem to have mixed reviews and some are cranky with certain chains versus others, and some have complaints they don't have enough power for longer blinds. - The roller motors seem to be really picky about the tube size with complaints about having issues finding off the shelf blinds that work properly with the motors without needing to fudge things using duct tape, etc. Not ideal...but I'll do it if I need to. Is there any magic off the shelf / off amazon combination (or both) that will do the job and not cost $800 by the time we're all done? If we're going to be much over $600, well, I may as well just opt for the Ikea option at that point I guess. [link] [comments] | ||
| Posted: 06 Dec 2020 05:13 AM PST
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