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    Friday, February 26, 2021

    Home Automation Coding new RFID cards to the IKEA ROTHULT RFID Smart Lock

    Home Automation Coding new RFID cards to the IKEA ROTHULT RFID Smart Lock


    Coding new RFID cards to the IKEA ROTHULT RFID Smart Lock

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 11:08 PM PST

    Ikea sells a fantastic RFID smart lock for $20 for securing draws and cabinets.

    It looks a great way to secure a desk draw in a shared office or a nightstand from curious kids. If you're a secret agent you should probably look elsewhere ... but for $20 it's pretty cool and doesn't need to be used on Ikea furniture.

    I was seeing some odd behavior coding new cards to it and the documentation doesn't explain this properly. The YouTube videos I watched appeared a little confused too.

    I bought seven and was initially shocked to find I could use any master card on any lock. It turns out you can't - I just didn't understand how it works. And couldn't find a good summary of this online.

    https://imgur.com/a/5ggZAr6

    There are also some odd bugs if you don't follow the process below.

    How to add a new RFID card to the ROTHULT (such as a credit card)

    Open the ROTHULT with a master card. Introduce the new credit card. The ROTHULT will lock and the credit card will be usable with the ROTHULT.

    How to clear a non-master card from the ROTHULT (such as a credit card)

    Open the ROTHULT with the credit card. Lock the ROTHULT with the master. The credit card will no longer work.

    I had started playing with all my locks open, so of course any master worked with the lock - I was coding them each time.

    The oddness

    If you open the lock with coded a non master (credit card) you can often (but not always) add a second credit card as a key (the docs say you can only add one). It's almost as if the first card becomes a chained master. Depending on how you use these two non-master keys it's very easy to remove the other one of them from the device. You can make it work if you're very careful, but in the real world it's going to cause headaches. You could probably screw with your colleagues, if they didn't use a master (just a credit card), and left a draw unlocked during the day by chaining a new card and take control of their chocolate draw.

    If you're going to code a new card to the lock and don't clear the previous non-master using the step above it may or may not work. Clearing the old card makes this process work every time. As does pulling the batteries if you don't have the old card.

    What you can't do

    I hoped I'd be able to code the same master to all seven locks by using it as the first master the lock encounters when the batteries are inserted. This didn't work. If you have multiple ROTHULT locks - number your locks and master cards when you open the packages.

    Best practice for using multiple locks with one card

    Code the new card (credit card). Hide your master cards. Only use the new card.

    submitted by /u/rehehe
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    Help with Harmony hub

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 10:09 PM PST

    I’m about to install a Z Wave smart thermostat but I’m running into one small problem. This is my old thermostat’s layout. Would I be right to think that the blue wire isn’t a C wire and is instead my “yellow” wire? I’m not 100% sure of the HVAC model but I believe it’s a SunTherm electric HVAC

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 05:37 AM PST

    Smart thermostat without the wire tap?

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 08:31 PM PST

    I want a nest thermostat but I don't really want my data to be sent to Google if it's possible to avoid it. It's there a smart thermostat with similar features to the nest thermostats that doesn't have to be connected to Google? Alternatively, is there a jailbreak solution for nest thermometers?

    submitted by /u/jchoneandonly
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    DIY my own voice activated smart home - new construction

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 10:25 PM PST

    Looking for the experts to weigh in, am slightly tech aware but novice to home automation. Basic requirements:

    • private system to reduce hacking probability
    • voice controlled intercom like capability
    • voice activated lights/music/temperature, etc

    1. Are there some useful resources/products to help in the direction
    2. Can I still use echo-like devices without activating their cloud connectivity to play music, control devices
    3. Would this need setting up some home network, local storage space / hard drives?
    4. How do Hubitat, Homeseer like systems work for such requirements
    5. Do I need to plan ahead for this, new construction home is getting started

    Anything else for me to consider?

    Thanks much in advance!

    submitted by /u/smspeaks
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    Robot vacuum cleaner with/whitout cloud function - Valetudo and alternatives

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 01:47 PM PST

    Hi there

    I am soon moving to a large house and have thought about getting two robot vacuum cleaners to help maintaining the house (not substitute real cleaning)

    I have seen pretty good things about the Roborocks but the data transmissions are not really my thing – I have given up on some data privacy points, but a little tinfoil hat still remains.

    So, my initial plan was to use Valetudo on a S4, 5 or 6 – but I am unable to find any that are not max or "pure" models. I have also had a look at Eufylife RoboVac 11s MAX for a "dumb" solution. Only issue is I have an open stair at the first floor, and that is where the no-go zones come in handy.

    So, does anyone have experience with running the Roborocks, what data can I expect to be exposed? I suppose they could run on a separate network and be configured on a separate account on old phone for maximum tinfoil-hat-ness while keeping original firmware. That should just leave whoever with details of the separate network, address, and room layout, right?

    submitted by /u/Spaziba-Njet
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    Can you change motion detection on lutron maestro from 180 degrees to 90?

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 04:01 PM PST

    I installed motion switches for my downstairs toilet. One turns on the fan and the other turns on the lights.

    It's not for moisture, it's to remove the stink when I chop a log.

    Anyway, I noticed now that when I go in the fan always goes on (as I expteced) but the toilet is to the far right and the sink is to the far left.

    Just to optimize it, of I could change the lutron motion sense to 90 degrees instead of the full 180 - it would only go on when I am at the side of the bathroom dropping a duece.

    Is this possible?

    submitted by /u/ButtGardener
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    Magic Home WIFI controllers reset after four or five power cycles - is there a way to avoid it?

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 04:10 PM PST

    I recently replaced some under-cabinet lighting in my kitchen with separate WIFI controllers and RGBW LED strips. I've run into an annoyance and can't find a solution to the issue.

    This is the specific controller in question.

    The WIFI controllers have a built-in reset option; Power the device off and on four or five times and it resets the entire controller, which allows you to rectify any problems that you may have / reconnect them to the WIFI / etc. My issue is that the controllers are plugged into a power supply which operates on a wall switch (outlets are in the cabinets). After a few uses, even if they're on for several hours at a time, it resets the controllers and I'm forced to reconnect everything to my router. The app will remember the labels and settings for each of the devices, but when I turn the lights back on they start cycling RGBW and turns my kitchen into a rave.

    Is there a way to avoid the reset without leaving the power supplies powered and controlling the lights via the app or voice commands? If I'm not using the lights, I'd like to flip the switch and turn the lights off. But after a few days of doing so (or even just one day of turning lights on and off), my kitchen turns into a disco and I need to spend a few minutes setting everything back up.

    submitted by /u/Tillos
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    Somfy mcz1 Blinds remote with Smartthings

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 03:02 PM PST

    I recently installed some Bali blinds from blinds.com and paired them with my Smartthings hub. I can make the blinds go up/down with Alexa, beautiful. To do this I had to unpair the remote from the blinds. Is there a way to pair the remote back with either the blinds or smartthings so i can also control them w/ the remote, bonus would be able to pause the blinds mid way up using the remote instead of just open/close.

    This is the remote,

    https://www.baliblinds.com/globalassets/3.-documents/installation-instructions/bali-sheer-layered-shades-owners-manual-autoview.pdf

    Thanks

    submitted by /u/HKChad
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    We just did a little testing of infrared movement detector to trigger DMX signal and change LED color or play music ������ ... it's quite fun.

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 10:07 AM PST

    I have a DSC 1616 and it’s worked great for 10 years. Recently, whenever I arm it (stay or away), it defaults to “stay” mode and disarms the motion sensor - even when I press the “away” button on the keypad. Anybody know how to troubleshoot this?

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 06:21 PM PST

    Is there a device to measure electrical (AC, nominally 60Hz) frequency?

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 09:03 AM PST

    I've been reading stuff about the power grid near-meltdown in Texas, and how as things got worse the frequency dropped from 60Hz on down to 59.3 or so (and might have continued to fall, until at some point it failed).

    Is there a device off-the-shelf that could measure this and send that data off to Home Assistant? If not, is there any reason why there couldn't be such a device (other than the irony of such a device being yet more load on the system whose failure I'd want to monitor)? I'd expect that maybe it can't be sampled quickly enough to matter, or to a decent precision/accuracy.

    I've read a few places here and there about people attempting to monitor their water pressure (custom, no off-the-shelf), but never this. Is it just not worth exploring somehow?

    submitted by /u/NoMoreNicksLeft
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    About to be a first time homeowner. If I want voice activation do I pretty much have to go with google/apple/amazon for that?

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 10:22 AM PST

    I've heard of IFTTT but their site is so... advertisey that I'm not getting a clear picture. Does it send voice data to remote servers? Or is it on site voice interpretation?

    Also, if I have some Wyze smart items (using wifi) can I integrate with a Zygbee setup or would those smart items have to be managed separately?

    I'm just trying to get my head around all the jargon and tech before I start trying to replace switches and bulbs etc.

    submitted by /u/fushigidesune
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    Smart door lock that opens with phone in pocket?

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 01:55 PM PST

    I'm looking at the Schlage Sense lock. Everything looks good but it looks like you have to take your phone out and unlock it like that.

    Any smart locks that just auto open with your phone in your pocket or is something like the Sense my best option? I'd still like the keypads to be an option. The more ways to open the door, the better.

    I don't mind either way, just trying to find the most efficient device for the front door. Thanks.

    submitted by /u/Veeka
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    I have bought my first smart LED... what I didn’t know is that a “gateway” is required to use it. Therefore is there an app or an other alternative where I can just control this one bulb without buying a gateway? Thank you

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 12:16 PM PST

    I don’t need coax OR hdmi to connect cable box to tv?

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 08:17 AM PST

    Pre wiring house and just want to confirm, I can run cat6 for basically everything? If I had an xfinity cable box for example in a media closet - I can just run cat 6 from the tv to the cable box and that one cable will give me cable tv and direct hardwired internet ? Would I need two cat 6s in that case? Just doubling checking I am not missing anything.

    submitted by /u/rebel192784
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    Alternatives to Philips Hue Lights that sync with your TV??

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 09:40 AM PST

    I've tried googling this and haven't found what I'm looking for at all. I'm trying to find an alternative to philips hue as the sync box and lights would cost me over 300 dollars.

    I'm specifically looking for lights that sync up with the tv that won't cost me an arm and a leg to purchase. Sengled seemed like a good alternative but I couldn't figure out if they sync with TV or not. Any help is appreciated

    submitted by /u/jarrettmar
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    Tablet that the screen shuts off

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 07:11 PM PST

    I got this tablet that I'm using for home automation. I've set the settings to not turn off the display but it seems every few hours the display goes to black and I need to press the power button to get it back. Any ideas?

    submitted by /u/daveisit
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    Need motion sensor for cat fountain

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 10:25 AM PST

    I need a sensor that will know that the cat has approached the fountain, and turns on a smart plug to turn it on. Cost should be appropriate for such a small task, flexible on mounting options. Currently using Alexa and IFTTT, no hub.

    submitted by /u/Highwayman1717
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    Smart locks with single-use access codes?

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 07:39 AM PST

    Currently my exterior locks are keyed deadbolt + keyed knob entries. I had my first "at home alone in a new city" issue- my husband isn't home. And my car wouldn't start.
    Battery is bubbling.

    I took his work vehicle to work. My in-law's very graciously will be heading 1.5 hours to my home to inspect my car and replace the battery but unfortunately they can't do that until I arrive home later after work, which requires them waiting during my hour commute which will put me home close to nightfall.

    If I had a smart lock, they could've let themselves in and got everything together and changed without waiting on me and delaying their day.

    So I plan on changing at least one to a smart lock so that family could let themselves into the house with a one-time use access code, in the event they ever need to without having to give them all keys.

    Because who knows what could happen and we may need them to get into the house.

    Do you have a lock like this? Do you like it or have any recommendations for brands or brands to avoid?

    I want something as secure as a lock can be and safe.

    submitted by /u/itsanofromme223
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    This is my DIY villa plunge pool with automated pumps, bubblers, and lights. All DIY with smart plugs connected to Alexa. Programmed to do routines and IFTTT. Can be controlled via voice, app even on my apple watch!

    Posted: 24 Feb 2021 06:48 AM PST

    PoE in your smart home?

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 08:54 AM PST

    Are people using PoE in their home automation and if so what with/how?

    I'm looking at automations and keep looping back to PoE for secure data and power, but haven't found much out there other than network devices (access points and cameras) ?

    submitted by /u/paddy12309
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    Best Alexa enabled 16 zone Sprinkler controller?

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 09:50 AM PST

    What do you have? Why do you like it?

    submitted by /u/ADDandME
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    Light "on" indicator

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 02:48 PM PST

    Not sure if it's the right subreddit but I'll try anyway...

    Hi, I need a way (like an app on my phone) to tell if a certain lightbulb in my house is turned on or not. What would be the easiest way to do that?

    I was thinking about getting a lightbulb that connects to the wifi, and then code a simple app that will check if said device is online in the network. But there is probably an easier / out-of-box solution.

    submitted by /u/Zyv1k
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    Voice activated lights in a rental?

    Posted: 25 Feb 2021 12:25 PM PST

    This is my first time trying to automate anything, and don't even know where to start; especially as a renter.

    In my bedroom, I want to set up lights (both in sockets if possible, or strip lights along the moulding/under bed) that can be voice activated to turn on/off or change to different colour settings.

    So how can I make this possible without any actual hard instillations as I am a renter? I would assume I need to get an Alexa or something but I don't know the benefits of one system over another.

    Anything helps! Thanks!

    submitted by /u/discounted_weed
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