Posted: 7/11/2017 7:55:08 PM EDT
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We had a great thread about, the recent explosion of automated systems for homes.
I can't find the thread. 
Anyway, what are some great things out there now for homes? Besides computerized thermostats and security camera system. |
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I have a number of z-wave lightbulbs controlled by a Samsung Smartthings Hub which I integrated with Alexa.
Also several KMC WiFi plugs I use the KMC Smart Home app integrated with Alexa. And my bedroom AV is controlled by a Logitech Harmony hub - also integrated with Alexa (actually an Echo Dot named 'Echo' and a cheap 7" table for a remote). I should have gone 100% z-wave vice the KMC WiFi plugs - less clutteron m y 2.5 MHz WiFi. Z-wave devices make a 'mesh' with each one extending the network. I just say "Alexa, turn on the kitchen light" or "Echo, turn on Roku / TV / Android TV". I can raise or lower the volume, change channels, etc. by voice command. My only no-go was a z-wave switch for the pool pump - it couldn't get a signal through the pool. If I put z-wave LED rope lights on the pool deck railing that might 'curve the bullet'. |
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I have Smart things.
With WebCoRE, if you know how to program logical statements and use variables, the possibilities are endless. I integrated my Nexia thermostats with the help of the community website and have them working relatively well. Sadly, they're stuck at the mercy of the Nexia polling. Presence is triggered off mine and my wife's phone and runs or doesn't run a number of routines based on that. I'm slowly switching all the switches in my house over to the GE x-ray switches. My next major project is to revamp the old DSC based alarm system and integrate it with Smart things. I used a rooted and flashed Fire 7 tablet in the kitchen and bedroom for functions that aren't automatic and/or general system checkups and whatnot. |
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Quoted:
I used a rooted and flashed Fire 7 tablet in the kitchen and bedroom for functions that aren't automatic and/or general system checkups and whatnot. There's no tools to root FireOS 5.3.2. You have to downgrade to 5.3.1. But you can't downgrade 5.3.2.1 to 5.3.1. I loaded the 5.3.1 image via ADB and tried. It bricked. Then I discovered all the warnings all over XDA about it! Good thing the Fire only cost me $15. |
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Quoted:
What zwave switch for the pool pump?  
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| Question: I have a couple of TP-Link wall warts that allow me to control the on/off power via the echo, but it became apparant that this interaction goes back through that company's servers as one day they had a failure and it didn't work till fixed the next day. I see some of these type of things require an router or something. I guess with these types, all control says under my roof? |
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Quoted:
Question: I have a couple of TP-Link wall warts that allow me to control the on/off power via the echo, but it became apparant that this interaction goes back through that company's servers as one day they had a failure and it didn't work till fixed the next day. I see some of these type of things require an router or something. I guess with these types, all control says under my roof? You could not integrate with Alexa and use a tablet instead. Here's a setup where he did both.  My Smartthings Home Automation Set Up |
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Anyone also incorporate whole house audio with Alexa and Smartthings (or another hub)? I'm considering the smart home, but don't want 42 different apps to get everything working from my phone. In the video I post above, he physically hacked his Echo to his whole house speakers. YouTube to the rescue.  An automated home: Smartthings and Sonos  How To Voice Control Your SONOS With Amazon Echo Dot |
Another video on Echo (Alexa) controlling Sonos
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Adding audio out to the Echo.
 Hacking My Amazon Echo |
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Home automation was predicted way back in the 50's when everything would have been mechanical. I will believe it when I see it.  Then go visit somebody in this thread, that day is now. I am in military housing or I would have even more automation, thermostats and door locks. As is, I control my stereo and TV with voice commands via Logitech harmony. I control all of my lights in bedroom and living room with voice commands via Wink2 hub, and I have motion detectors and door opening sensors that cause lights to come on automatically, as well as sending me alerts if any door is opened or motion detected while I'm away. I use the three Amazon echoes every single day to listen to music, set kitchen timers, dictate shopping lists, get time/temp anywhere in the world, etc. It's kick ass technology, and since I'm in a temporary residence every bit of it is portable and will go with me when I leave. |
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Echo dot ($35 on sale) has Bluetooth and audio out jacks. |
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Last thread is in the archives.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/1949820_HOME-AUTOMATION--What-do-you-have-.html |
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Things that are integrated together really make the best of automation.
Lights and HVAC tied to both clock schedules and occupancy states of a security system, with integrated occupancy sensors too. With seasonal modifications courtesy of a controller astronomic calendar. Lights, fans, appliances that operate together with a single switch or voice command. Finding creative ways to use devices. For instance. I have an IR barrier across the threshold of my laundry room. When I enter the lights go on automatically (if its after 9 pm they come on at 60 % - unless the alarm just got disarmed from away mode). The occupancy sensor in there will turn the lights off and start the exhaust fan for 10 minutes after sensing no movement for 2.5 minutes. Opening the door from the garage to the laundry room does the same thing. Entering the garage trips the motion and occupancy sensors, if it's after dark the lights come on. They go off after 10 minutes with no activity, unless manually turned on which cancels the timer. Exiting the back door from the garage turns on the back porch light, and the porch lights over the shop and shed entry doors, if it's dark. The lights go off after 10 minutes. Opening the shop or shed door, when dark, turns on the lights. Wen the ocean lunacy no longer senses motion for 10 minutes, the lights go out. When I arm the security system for Night or Away mode, the shop and shed lights are turned off if they were accidentally left on. The deadbolts on the outbuildings also lock when the alarm is armed, in case I forgot to lock up. If I try to arm in certain modes with windows or doers open, I get a voice alert telling me which door or window is open. If its 9 pm, and the house is secured, and the party flag isn't turned on (indicating a party or other alteration to the schedule) the system automatically arms in Night mode. Etc. So I can walk into the laundry room, through the garage, go outside, and enter the shop. All without turning on a single switch, and having the lights turn off behind me with no action. Opening any of the Windows for more than 5 minutes turns off the A/C or heater. Closing all the windows restarts the system if the temperature inside and outside in each zone is within certain parameters. |