Smart Home & Home Automation discussion thread

[KentState]

Anyone know if there is a smart outlet made to replace a 1/2 switched outlet i.e. a standard outlet that one receptacle is connected to a light switch and the other receptacle is always hot? I've tried searching multiple ways but keep coming up with 1 always on/1 smart fed from a single hot/neutral.

What I did for my switched outlets is actually replace the wall switch itself with a GE z-wave switch. If you want the always hot outlet to be controlled, then buy a switchable plug for it (Samsung and others sell those). I know that's two things you have to buy, but it's a way to get it to work. The you can either tie your automation together or independent.


As for the Echo conversation above, we do use but mostly for kitchen related activities. Like timers, shopping lists, music, simple conversions or food substitutions. Also control light zones like "Turn on living room lights" or "turn on outside lights". The other use is for setting the timeout period when my daughter misbehaves

 

[Linflas]

What I did for my switched outlets is actually replace the wall switch itself with a GE z-wave switch. If you want the always hot outlet to be controlled, then buy a switchable plug for it (Samsung and others sell those). I know that's two things you have to buy, but it's a way to get it to work. The you can either tie your automation together or independent.


As for the Echo conversation above, we do use but mostly for kitchen related activities. Like timers, shopping lists, music, simple conversions or food substitutions. Also control light zones like "Turn on living room lights" or "turn on outside lights". The other use is for setting the timeout period when my daughter misbehaves

Thanks, I'll look into going that route. Half hot receptacles are pretty common in residential construction so I am surprised they haven't come out with one yet.

 

[MuchTooSexy]

I *think* it's possible but requires some creative hacks, found this with a Google search:
https://community.smartthings.com/t...lamp-control-for-liftmaster-chamberlain/49150

would chamberlain myq be the way to go if you already had smarthings? i think there are other garage door systems that aren't proprietary like chamberlain.

 

[gorcorps]

Just wondering if I'm missing a product that exists, but I'm having trouble in finding one. I'm hoping to find a combo ceiling fan switch that will control both the lights and the fan speed. This fan is only wired to a single wall switch which is what makes it tricky. I've found switches that control just fan speed, and have found ones that control power to the fan & light (so just on/off) but I can't find one that can both turn the lights on & off and set multiple fan speeds. I'm actually kind of surprised, as there's a lot of remote systems on the market (I'm using one now) that let you control the fan speed and toggle the lights from a physical remote and you only install a single module in the fan base. I figure taking that same module and adding smart capability couldn't be THAT difficult, but from I've seen it doesn't exist.

 

[CAL7]

Just wondering if I'm missing a product that exists, but I'm having trouble in finding one. I'm hoping to find a combo ceiling fan switch that will control both the lights and the fan speed. This fan is only wired to a single wall switch which is what makes it tricky. I've found switches that control just fan speed, and have found ones that control power to the fan & light (so just on/off) but I can't find one that can both turn the lights on & off and set multiple fan speeds. I'm actually kind of surprised, as there's a lot of remote systems on the market (I'm using one now) that let you control the fan speed and toggle the lights from a physical remote and you only install a single module in the fan base. I figure taking that same module and adding smart capability couldn't be THAT difficult, but from I've seen it doesn't exist.

https://community.smartthings.com/t/hampton-bay-zigbee-fan-controller/47463

Take a look at this. It's mounted in the fan canopy and can control 4 fan speeds plus a light. I control two fans (one module per fan) via SmartThings but it's also supposed to be compatible with Wink. Home Depot rarely has then in stock, but many of us have ordered it from the manufacturer as a part.

 

[gorcorps]

https://community.smartthings.com/t/hampton-bay-zigbee-fan-controller/47463

Take a look at this. It's mounted in the fan canopy and can control 4 fan speeds plus a light. I control two fans (one module per fan) via SmartThings but it's also supposed to be compatible with Wink. Home Depot rarely has then in stock, but many of us have ordered it from the manufacturer as a part.

Thanks, I saw that. I don't think it's available anymore so I'm not sure what to make of it. It's listed as out of stock online and not sold in stores, so to me it seems like a dead product... but maybe I'm wrong.

 

[RossMAN]

would chamberlain myq be the way to go if you already had smarthings? i think there are other garage door systems that aren't proprietary like chamberlain.

Sorry I have no clue, our system is very simple just lights and motion sensors. Hopefully someone else will have the answer.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

would chamberlain myq be the way to go if you already had smarthings? i think there are other garage door systems that aren't proprietary like chamberlain.

The Iris and GoControl systems are good, reasonably priced, and work well with ST.

 

[Linflas]

What I did for my switched outlets is actually replace the wall switch itself with a GE z-wave switch. If you want the always hot outlet to be controlled, then buy a switchable plug for it (Samsung and others sell those). I know that's two things you have to buy, but it's a way to get it to work. The you can either tie your automation together or independent.


As for the Echo conversation above, we do use but mostly for kitchen related activities. Like timers, shopping lists, music, simple conversions or food substitutions. Also control light zones like "Turn on living room lights" or "turn on outside lights". The other use is for setting the timeout period when my daughter misbehaves

Well so much for that idea. When I went to swap out the switch I ran into the problem of no neutral wire. Evidently code didn't require a neutral until 2011. Our house was built in 1996 so I assume all the light switches have the same issue.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Well so much for that idea. When I went to swap out the switch I ran into the problem of no neutral wire. Evidently code didn't require a neutral until 2011. Our house was built in 1996 so I assume all the light switches have the same issue.

Lutron Casetas don’t require neutrals. I believe there is one other manufacturer of smart switches which don’t require neutral, but I can’t remember their name. Keep in mind that if going that route with SmartThings, you would also need the Lutron hub/bridge which you can find on eBay for $30-$40.

 

[lupi]

Want to get some outlet adapters that I can add to ST and have them turn on/off automatically at set times, what do I need to buy?

 

[Linflas]

Ok since I have dipped my toe into th

I can see using it for home automation. The voice interface could be useful if you have units in every room you normally use. I'm not that heavily into it just yet. I have a ton of old X10 equipment and I've been very slow to migrate to z-wave.

But for the things I have migrated, I might use an echo for some purposes. Generally I have automated procedures like timers on the lights when motion is detected.

For controlling things away from home I use the Smart Things app. When it works, it works reasonably well. And I installed a CO/smoke detector that interfaces with the hub so it will alert me if there are any issues at home. The alarm system does the same thing but that first has to go through the monitoring company.

I guess the thing I really don't like about those things is having them always listening. I know they only activate when you speak the key word but still, it bothers me.

What smoke alarm did you go with? The more I have started looking into these the more confused I am. First off I want a dual detector (for smoke) device that can be hardwired with battery backup. At first glance the 2nd gen Next Protect seems to fit the bill except one of the locations our current detectors are in is the kitchen. It is located on the ceiling about 4 feet out from an undercounter electric oven which seems to meet the 10 foot requirement but the last Kidde combo CO/smoke alarm I mounted there was constantly giving false alarms which could likely be caused by the fact that our kitchen also has a gas range/oven however that range is a good 12-14 feet at least from where the detector is mounted. So I then start searching and it seems almost easier just to go with the standard hardwired "dumb" smoke only detector similar to what was there when the house was built. What I am looking for is:
1. Can be hardwired with battery backup.
2. Has dual ion/photo smoke detect.
3. Has "Smarthome" capability of some type.

Any suggestions/info would be much appreciated.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Want to get some outlet adapters that I can add to ST and have them turn on/off automatically at set times, what do I need to buy?

I recommend the Iris gen 2 (purple boxes) smartplugs.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Ok since I have dipped my toe into th


What smoke alarm did you go with? The more I have started looking into these the more confused I am. First off I want a dual detector (for smoke) device that can be hardwired with battery backup. At first glance the 2nd gen Next Protect seems to fit the bill except one of the locations our current detectors are in is the kitchen. It is located on the ceiling about 4 feet out from an undercounter electric oven which seems to meet the 10 foot requirement but the last Kidde combo CO/smoke alarm I mounted there was constantly giving false alarms which could likely be caused by the fact that our kitchen also has a gas range/oven however that range is a good 12-14 feet at least from where the detector is mounted. So I then start searching and it seems almost easier just to go with the standard hardwired "dumb" smoke only detector similar to what was there when the house was built. What I am looking for is:
1. Can be hardwired with battery backup.
2. Has dual ion/photo smoke detect.
3. Has "Smarthome" capability of some type.

Any suggestions/info would be much appreciated.

There is a product which can detect smoke alarms going off and can alert you. That way, you could stick with dumb alarms and still be alerted. I think it is called Leeo or something similar?

 

[Linflas]

There is a product which can detect smoke alarms going off and can alert you. That way, you could stick with dumb alarms and still be alerted. I think it is called Leeo or something similar?

https://shop.leeo.com/
Interesting, thanks I am going to research this a bit.

 

[Kaido]

Ring's new toys are available now:

https://ring.com/

Their new plans are actually excellent. The basic is $30 per year, but where it really shines is the Protect Plus for $100 per year: unlimited cameras, 2-month video storage, lifetime warranty on all Ring gear, and 10% off all Ring hardware:

https://ring.com/protect-plans


Video Doorbells:

https://ring.com/videodoorbells

1. Video Doorbell
2. Video Doorbell 2
3. Video Doorbell Pro
4. Video Doorbell Elite

A wireless chime is also available:

https://ring.com/chime


Security Cameras:

https://ring.com/security-cams

1. Floodlight Cam
2. Spotlight Cam (options: wired, battery, solar)
3. Stick Up Cam


Security System:

https://ring.com/products#security-systems

1. Base Station (central hub with alarm & backup battery)
2. Keypad (indoor control panel)
3. Door/window contact sensor
4. Motion detector

 

[gorcorps]

Ring's new toys are available now:

https://ring.com/

Their new plans are actually excellent. The basic is $30 per year, but where it really shines is the Protect Plus for $100 per year: unlimited cameras, 2-month video storage, lifetime warranty on all Ring gear, and 10% off all Ring hardware:

https://ring.com/protect-plans


Video Doorbells:

https://ring.com/videodoorbells

1. Video Doorbell
2. Video Doorbell 2
3. Video Doorbell Pro
4. Video Doorbell Elite

A wireless chime is also available:

https://ring.com/chime


Security Cameras:

https://ring.com/security-cams

1. Floodlight Cam
2. Spotlight Cam (options: wired, battery, solar)
3. Stick Up Cam


Security System:

https://ring.com/products#security-systems

1. Base Station (central hub with alarm & backup battery)
2. Keypad (indoor control panel)
3. Door/window contact sensor
4. Motion detector

That service seems nice, but man... those cameras aren't cheap.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

That service seems nice, but man... those cameras aren't cheap.

Yeah, that's the problem with Ring and Nest cameras - way too expensive IMO. Although in fairness, it does look like Ring may have some interesting products whereas Nest seems to have the same boring, hardwired stuff. I currently have 12 Blink cameras (2 more on the way) and was thinking about supplementing them with a couple of those Ring cameras after a recent incident at my house while we were on vacation.

 

[Kaido]

That service seems nice, but man... those cameras aren't cheap.

The service is good & the cameras are quite excellent, but yeah, not cheap. Fortunately it's a one-time fee for the hardware. Plus the service is pretty dang reliable. I actually use Nest cams a lot for cheap server-room monitoring cams at various locations.

 

[Kaido]

Garmin Speak with Alexa for $150:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/591054

Uses your phone's data stream. I was thinking about putting a Dot in my car, but this is even better! Available now on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075H6MFCZ

Integrates with smarthome tech:

Remotely Control Home Devices

With wireless “smart” home connectivity, Alexa adds to your comfort and convenience by letting you remotely control various compatible devices and systems — including lights, locks, thermostat and more — via spoken commands from your vehicle. For example, if you forget to lock your front door, you can do so remotely from your car without turning back when you’re already into your commute. Or, if you realize you won’t be home for some time, you can remotely reset the thermostat so you’re not cooling an empty home. It’s automation that works to make life simpler.

 

[monkey333]

looking to dip my toe in HA. One function would be turning on our gas fireplace. Currently it's turned on by a paddle rocker switch. Could I replace it with a standard zwave rocker switch?

 

[Linflas]

looking to dip my toe in HA. One function would be turning on our gas fireplace. Currently it's turned on by a paddle rocker switch. Could I replace it with a standard zwave rocker switch?

If it is like ours no because that is not actually a switch connected to the house circuit. Ours works even when the power is out and it was explained to me it is actually a very low voltage switch that just works off a thermopile in the fireplace. Maybe take a look at this link for some ideas: http://thedataist.com/off-topic-how-to-automate-your-gas-fireplace/

 

[RossMAN]

Picked up a pair of Nucleus Intercoms:

https://nucleuslife.com/

They dropped the price to $149 temporarily, which is a pretty nice deal. This is basically the Roku of video chat. I sent one to my grandma to do easy video chat with her since we live far apart. Initial thoughts:

Do you still use it, how often, any updates on pros/cons? How elderly friendly is the operation?

FYI - The price has dropped even more to $80 after coupon, I'm tempted to get a pair.

 

[monkey333]

If it is like ours no because that is not actually a switch connected to the house circuit. Ours works even when the power is out and it was explained to me it is actually a very low voltage switch that just works off a thermopile in the fireplace. Maybe take a look at this link for some ideas: http://thedataist.com/off-topic-how-to-automate-your-gas-fireplace/

So glad I came across this. Strange, I called our local fireplace store and mentioned what I was doing and the dude said nothing about the switch being low voltage. Ordered the relay and hope to attack this soon.

 

[monkey333]

Weird follow up, anyone have both google and alexa devices? they both have their strengths, didn't know it they would fight each other as I also bought a smartthings hub.