The Wink home automation thread

[bigverm24]

For me, local control is vital. As I've mentioned, I am not doing anything unusual that would likely require me to move to STv2. One thing that absolutely WOULD make me move, however, is local control. I am a bit concerned with device support for Wink but it remains to be seen if STv2 will support things like the Remotec ZXT-120 (current ST does not). Local control is not negotiable. They've known it was possible all along, they know competitors are bringing it to the market soon, and they pretty much have to do it as well. Knopf and others can whine and complain about requests for it all they want and the security implications (either real or perceived), but if you don't have a usable system, no one will buy your "secure" system.

Between Twitter and the Facebook group, I've seen Wink employees, testers, and even Ben K. mention multiple times that its full steam ahead for local control. I dont think they are blowing smoke but I'm sure it takes time to implement....all while adding things like integration with Amazon Echo (which was also mentioned as being currently worked on), Poppy and God knows what else. I still have full faith in Wink as this point to develop what is probably the single most requested "feature" in local control.

 

[bigverm24]

I spent the day switching over, repairing bulbs etc. I then tried to talk my wife into the crazy steps ST wants to dim a group of SmartBulbs. Her response was that this had a very small WAF. And after thinking about it, fighting with it some more, I decided, this sucks.

So, the ST Hub is back in the Amazon box with a return label on it.]

I'd love to hear some details from you on how ST differs from Wink as far as automation goes. I personally want complete automation, never having to touch my phone or a light switch unless necessary, so I use Tasker and now IFTTT as much as humanly possibly and for the most part it all works fairly well.

Did you see anything crazy that jumped out at you while using ST, in terms of functionality?

 

[JFHughes08088]

I can;t see a way the Pico would be "in front of" the actual switch unless you just bury the switch inside the box.


I'd still check out the WD500s. A pair of them is cheaper than a pair of Lutrons and they are also independent of the hub once associated.

The downside of the WD500s is that you also need to buy a $25 minimote to do the actually associating the first time through. Then you just stash it in a drawer until you need it again (or use it like a regular remote if you want, it has 4 buttons that can control zwave stuff)

Hard-wire the circuit in the box, then install this http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-C...oI8zpxRKFaVJtaEsARGdCRoCDgPw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[JFHughes08088]

Correct, Picos do not depend on the hub once paired.

There's not really a good way to mount a Pico on top of a switch... But you could easily mount one next to the switch and use a 2-gang wall plate. I've done that in a few cases.

The only way to use an actual Lutron switch to control another Lutron switch is with Wink Robots. Though, when Local control becomes a thing, that may be a good option.

There is a way to mount a Pico over a switch. Wire nut the connections, stuff them in the box, then install this http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-C...TKfQgbGWUk0wuzK96e5JBhoCZJHw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds to hold the Pico in place.

 

[haljalika]

Thank you Haljalika, I am waiting for that kit to show up too so at least now I know what to expect.

As far as the android app experience (good thing I have an iOS device as a backup I guess), that sounds like a update is clearly needed. I wonder if Matt-WINK knows of this. Did you report it to Wink Support?

No I have not reported it to Wink. I have tried calling in recent days and the queue is way to long. One night I got on I was there was 43 people ahead of me. I left the phone running while doing other work, after 2 hours I was at #18. I couldn't wait any longer....

I imagine once this hub business dies down in a few days I can get through.

 

[quagga]

I'd love to hear some details from you on how ST differs from Wink as far as automation goes. I personally want complete automation, never having to touch my phone or a light switch unless necessary, so I use Tasker and now IFTTT as much as humanly possibly and for the most part it all works fairly well.

Did you see anything crazy that jumped out at you while using ST, in terms of functionality?

ST supports a lot more hardware including many more sensor devices. PIR movement, trippers, photo sensors, temp / humidity sensors galore. It has the ability to do far more elaborate scripting than Wink. A presence sensor alerts the system you're home so it'll switch from Away mode to Home mode. You thermostat changes; sensors determine the light level in a room and activate lights for you when it senses motion now that you're home. Timers determine that after X minutes of no motion, turn the lights off.

If you're looking for a special situation, the SmartApps (which are sortof like Wink Robot's on steroids) let you do all sorts of funky things.

Now all of that said, there are other missing pieces. You can group lights into groups, but you can't dim them as a group easily. To do this now you have to create a virtual dimmer and then use the dim-with-me smart app to sync the dimming of the virtual dimmer to the light group. This in the SmartThings App is a PITA. Where as with Wink or the Hue App (we use OnSwitch on iOS) it's cake. Really I think it's that most ST'ers are using dimmer switches where I'm a SmartBulb enthusiast. So in that sense, it makes sense Wink works better as the GE Link bulb was essentially their flagship gateway product.

The one other thing that comes out of this - ST needs local control probably more than Wink. If you're "fully automated" when you walk into a dark room you want lights immediately, not 3-5 seconds in.

Although honestly if I were to do full automated control, I think a lot of what I'd have are simple Lutron presence detectors. Sometimes I'd want lights to turn on in a room but more often I'd like lights to turn off when I'm gone for X minutes. But I'm a renter and thus on the SmartBulb route. Plus Hue bulbs are a lot of fun .

 

[Teddlet]

Has anyone found a Push Button Switch (Like a doorbell switch) that works with the Wink system?

Now that there's IFTTT intigration you could use a bt.tn I'm not sure what you want to have happen when someone pushes it but that should do it. I personally have dogs so the idea of more noise when someone comes to the door doesn't appeal to me.

 

[Patel Electric]

Called wink CS to unbrick my hub over the phone.
Went through the whole change DNS number thing.
Didn't work. (Maybe we have wierd modems up here in Canada)
I have to send it in.
So I.ll be without a hub for god knows how long.
Very disappointing.
They did try for quite a while tho.
Willing to stick it out for a while longer with wink in hopes they improve their robots and schedules.

On another note, can someone give me a quick overview of how IFTTT works with Wink. Sounds interesting and I can't find any info online about it.
Thank you

 

[Kaido]

Now that there's IFTTT intigration you could use a bt.tn I'm not sure what you want to have happen when someone pushes it but that should do it. I personally have dogs so the idea of more noise when someone comes to the door doesn't appeal to me.

Ah, the Indigogo project! I always forget to track these things when they get funded. I'm not quite sure what the shipping status is - it says they ship out the next day after you order on their homepage, then it says what appears to be "pre-order" on Paypal, and then says the next batch is shipping in March. I placed an order for one. $95.52 shipped to the US (ouch).

I would like to see a smaller unit in the future too, something a little more compact would be cool, especially if it came with a mount kit like a lot of the new webcams (magnetic, sticker, etc.). I like physical, tactile human interfaces like this a lot & think there's a big market for more of them. I bet all of those $20 door/window sensors that have a one-year battery life (supposedly) could be redesigned into pushbuttons for your doorbell & other point-of-use activity buttons - those would be a little bit smaller than the first-generation BT.TN design:

I can think of a zillion uses for this:

1. Reminder for your washer, dryer, and dishwasher: Put in a load, whack the button, and have it send an alert to your phone when it's done & ready to be folded or put away. I am guilty of leaving laundry & dishes in for days at a time :biggrin:

2. Data logging & positive feedback system for things like exercising...hop on your treadmill every day for 30 minutes, whack the button when you're done, have it play a victory riff & log your workout automatically for the day so you don't have to do it on your computer or phone. Not that doing that is hard, but it's an extra step vs. just pushing an at-hand button - convenience is king!

3. Put it next to your bed to trigger an automated morning routine...your alarm goes off, you slam the button down (this is where the large size comes in handy, haha), and it kicks off a bunch of stuff like slowly raising your light's room brightness, opening the shades a bit, playing some music, turning on the bathroom light, etc. My buddy has a Moen ioDigital shower system, it'd be cool to integrate that as well & have the shower turn on & start warming up. I like this idea a lot better than a small remote control that is hard to find in the morning - as much as I like the Pico remote from Lutron & wish it had programmability within Wink, a ridiculously large button with glowing LED's would be much more functional in this situation.

4. Put it in the kitchen so you can press it when you finish cooking dinner...have it send an audible "dinner's ready!" alert through your home's speaker system so everyone will come to the table.

5. "Movie time!" button - press the button, lights go off, drapes close, projector screen comes down, A/V equipment turns on, and you're ready for a show!

6. Put one by the front door for when you leave...simply tap the button, walk out the door, and a minute later it auto-locks the door, shuts off all the lights, turns off the A/C, closes the blinds, etc.

I actually like this idea even better than say voice commands on the iWatch...for pre-configured routine items, it's hard to beat simply pushing a nearby button :thumbsup:

 

[bigverm24]

Called wink CS to unbrick my hub over the phone.
Went through the whole change DNS number thing.
Didn't work. (Maybe we have wierd modems up here in Canada)
I have to send it in.
So I.ll be without a hub for god knows how long.
Very disappointing.
They did try for quite a while tho.
Willing to stick it out for a while longer with wink in hopes they improve their robots and schedules.

On another note, can someone give me a quick overview of how IFTTT works with Wink. Sounds interesting and I can't find any info online about it.
Thank you

Right now, IFTTT -Wink integration is only for Wink shortcuts and like 5 Quirky products as well as Nest and Hue. Specifically for Wink shortcuts, you can fire off a shortcut at a specific time, geolocation, sunset, etc.

Also, it appears Wink has successfully integrated with Amazon Echo, there is a post on the Facebook users group. You will be able to tell Echo to open Wink and then can send voice commands to turn lights on and such. Exciting new things!

 

[dragongtr]

Now that there's IFTTT intigration you could use a bt.tn I'm not sure what you want to have happen when someone pushes it but that should do it. I personally have dogs so the idea of more noise when someone comes to the door doesn't appeal to me.

actually wanted the traditional wired SPST (Single Pole Single Throw Switch (Hardwired)) that is wink/zwave enabled so that I could use that to remotely open/close the antique garage door opener for the next few months until I replace the garage door and garage door opener.

 

[lsd]

Last month I bought a logitech smarthome controller and I pulled the plug on the wink hub and caseta switches.
I'm selling the hub and two caseta dimmer switches here : http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2429195
PM me if interested.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Still having odd Tripper issues and haven't had time to look at them. One Tripper seemed to start working again so maybe when I open my third garage door to mow the lawn tomorrow, that one will report as well. The middle garage door simply won't work. I even removed it, brought it inside next to the hub, and re-paired it and it worked for a couple of days down the hall in my office and now won't work. No clue what is going on but it is frustrating. I don't have the time to keep dealing with this crap.

 

[Mike A.]

I would like to see a smaller unit in the future too, something a little more compact would be cool, especially if it came with a mount kit like a lot of the new webcams (magnetic, sticker, etc.). I like physical, tactile human interfaces like this a lot & think there's a big market for more of them. I bet all of those $20 door/window sensors that have a one-year battery life (supposedly) could be redesigned into pushbuttons for your doorbell & other point-of-use activity buttons - those would be a little bit smaller than the first-generation BT.TN design:

I want the same thing. Particularly for the wife so I can say "Here... Just push this button." ; )

Aeon has a couple of similar Zwave devices like that. Not too expensive. Whether they'll work with Wink or not, I don't know.

Panic button
http://aeotec.com/z-wave-one-button-remote

Touch Panel (wired now, battery-operated version coming soon)
http://aeotec.com/z-wave-wall-switch/1019-wireless-z-wave-wall-switch.html

The Quirky Spotter Uniq also has an action button option. I've been waiting since November for mine though. Supposedly shipping in May now.

Then there's the multi-function remotes but that's kinda getting away from the basic button idea.

 

[dragongtr]

Still having odd Tripper issues and haven't had time to look at them. One Tripper seemed to start working again so maybe when I open my third garage door to mow the lawn tomorrow, that one will report as well. The middle garage door simply won't work. I even removed it, brought it inside next to the hub, and re-paired it and it worked for a couple of days down the hall in my office and now won't work. No clue what is going on but it is frustrating. I don't have the time to keep dealing with this crap.

But did you put in new batteries. I was having all of those issues, and it was reporting the battery was good when it was working. I swapped the battery anyways and everything works great now.

 

[wagohn]

Just a geeks heads-up. I had no interest in buying one previously but just searched Amazon for Wink products and the Wink Egg Minder is reduced from $50 to $10 (free 2 day shipping for Prime). Its the dumbest thing ever but claims it counts eggs remaining and their expiration dates.

For $10, I figure, I can re-purpose it to do something else. Now all I have to do is explain to the significant other why I just wasted $10 on an egg carton.

 

[FreddieT]

Just a geeks heads-up. I had no interest in buying one previously but just searched Amazon for Wink products and the Wink Egg Minder is reduced from $50 to $10 (free 2 day shipping for Prime). Its the dumbest thing ever but claims it counts eggs remaining and their expiration dates.

For $10, I figure, I can re-purpose it to do something else. Now all I have to do is explain to the significant other why I just wasted $10 on an egg carton.

At least it's only $10.
If you had to explain why you wasted $50 on an egg carton, then that surely would result in you AND your fancy electronic egg carton spending some time in the dog house!

 

[quagga]

I want the same thing. Particularly for the wife so I can say "Here... Just push this button." ; )

Aeon has a couple of similar Zwave devices like that. Not too expensive. Whether they'll work with Wink or not, I don't know.

I have a Minimote. It doesn't really operate as a remote with Wink. You can add it to the Hub and use it to control other Zwave devices, but then it is talking directly to the Zwave device. It doesn't run a Robot or Shortcut or what you'd probably want it to do. I don't have any Zwave devices other than the Minimote so without Wink acting as an intermediary, it's useless to me at present. Aeon did tweet Wink about an interest in becoming supported so there's hope that one day ...

Since I've re-paired most and soon all of my lights to the Philips Hue Hub, I'm looking into buying a Hue Tap to control some light settings.

I tweeted Wink yesterday and they said better Hue / Wink integration was coming next month (ie, the ability to put Hue bulbs in groups or run robots on them). Once that happens, I'll put all of my bulbs on the Hue hub and have Wink run commands that way. Then I get local control, the hue ecosystem and apps and my trippers / other sensors can still work on the Wink. That gets me closer.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

But did you put in new batteries. I was having all of those issues, and it was reporting the battery was good when it was working. I swapped the battery anyways and everything works great now.

One of the Trippers that wasn't responding just started responding. A new Tripper is not responding. I haven't had much time to work on it and I'm going on vacation tomorrow, so it will have to wait.

On another note, I still haven't received a code from Wink. I emailed the address given for code requests and got no response.

 

[steveg2112]

Anyone have any thoughts on my question below? Thanks.

Morning all, hope everyone is feeling better after the weekends events, for the record my hub survived the debacle. I was out Saturday evening but had an enjoyable time Sunday morning reading all the posts.

Anyway, on to the the main reason for my post.

Has anyone had any success with location based robots with time restrictions? I have tried on several occasions (and then deleted them without success) to create a robot to turn on lights when arriving home after dark. I have tried using specific start and end times, the new sunset/sunrise options and (based on a recommendation read elsewhere) created two robots so that the time range didn't pass through midnight all without success. I did have one day last week after I first tried splitting the times that the lights grouped in the robot came on several times during the day outside of the set time range, but apart from that nothing.
Does having the Wink app on multiple devices affect the location option, if one device is always home does it think I never arrive at my location on the other device?

Any advice?

 

[dragongtr]

Anyone have any thoughts on my question below? Thanks.

I too have issues with this and I have multiple devices as well.

Has anyone tried this with a single device signed in?

 

[Mike A.]

I have a Minimote. It doesn't really operate as a remote with Wink. You can add it to the Hub and use it to control other Zwave devices, but then it is talking directly to the Zwave device. It doesn't run a Robot or Shortcut or what you'd probably want it to do. I don't have any Zwave devices other than the Minimote so without Wink acting as an intermediary, it's useless to me at present. Aeon did tweet Wink about an interest in becoming supported so there's hope that one day ....

Right, that's how most all of the Zwave-based remotes are going to work. Other than talking directly to a limited number of specific Zwave devices, to really work completely you'd need support for scenes in the remote device and in the hub and some translation of the Zwave scene commands sent to Wink's robot/shortcut model in the hub.

I can kinda-sorta simulate something along the lines of a push-button trigger using an Aeon Zwave "Smart Energy Switch." Create a group of lights. Make a robot to detect the on condition for the switch and then do whatever else from there. If I hit the button on the switch, that triggers the robot, which then activates the group and/or other devices. That does work. Kind of anyway. There's a variety of issues in firing off the group itself which I think relates to how I paired the Zwave switches. But it does let a single Zwave-based "button" serve as a trigger for a variety of Zwave and non-Zwave devices. Using one of the Zwave remotes in front of that to turn on whatever trigger device tied to a robot should work in the same way.

 

[Mike A.]

Anyone have any thoughts on my question below? Thanks.

Independent of time, I can't get Wink's geofencing to work reliably on IOS or Android. Now and then it will, but almost always not. I was hoping that since support for shortcuts was added to IFTTT using its geolocation might help to resolve that but it doesn't work either.

 

[quagga]

Right, that's how most all of the Zwave-based remotes are going to work. Other than talking directly to a limited number of specific Zwave devices, to really work completely you'd need support for scenes in the remote device and in the hub and some translation of the Zwave scene commands sent to Wink's robot/shortcut model in the hub.

I used SmartThings for a day and the button controller app works perfectly for this. You can have it execute whatever action you like based on a button press. I had it controlling ZigBee bulbs. And ... then I gave up on ST. So now I'm either going to put it aside for the day it becomes useful again or sell it and put the money towards other "smart" things.

 

[quagga]

On another note, I still haven't received a code from Wink. I emailed the address given for code requests and got no response.

I actually got two codes. My wife has an account on the hub as well so she got a code and I got a code.

Unfortunately I'm not sure they're selling anything I want at the moment. The code is good through 5/22 so I'm waiting to see if any Spotter V2 become available.