The Wink home automation thread

[Aikouka]

Ive had wink and smart things. I think you will discover as I did that smart things has its own share of problems. It is open to the community but that is a double edge sword. I kinda of use a hybrid system now

Well, if it means anything, I believe the device came up as something like a generic Z-Wave Monitored Switch when I paired it. I don't know if it matters that the device isn't officially supported via a direct, named option.

 

[cowboy6730]

Both systems can be hit and miss in my opinion.

I'm slowly changing every switch in my home to Lutron. It's more expensive but it has proven to be more reliable.

Switches work regardless of Internet service. If internet goes down, your switch still performs like a normal light switch.

You don't have to keep reminding family to leave a switch in the on position. My GE bulb was constantly offline because my family could not get out of the habit of turning it off at the switch.

The one think I like about smart things is it has more programming flexibility but in my experience, since changing from bulbs to switches, wink has been rock solid.

 

[Aikouka]

I'm slowly changing every switch in my home to Lutron. It's more expensive but it has proven to be more reliable.

I did pick up a Lutron Casetta system. I use it for my porch light, and it works quite well. It's also nice that it works with HomeKit, so I can just say things like "Hey, Siri. Turn the front porch light on."

Switches work regardless of Internet service. If internet goes down, your switch still performs like a normal light switch.

You don't have to keep reminding family to leave a switch in the on position. My GE bulb was constantly offline because my family could not get out of the habit of turning it off at the switch.

Yeah, that's one of the things that I don't like so much about the bulb-only setups, and the thing is.. replacing switches really isn't all that hard. The only thing that annoys me is the completely illogical way that my house was wired.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I've migrated everything but my Caseta switches to SmartThings; end even those I control with ST via IFTTT. The IFTTT "bridge" has been surprisingly reliable and quick enough. No matter how great the new Wink Hub is, I don't see it doing anything to open the architecture to community-developed device interfaces. That being the case, it's way too hard to get everything I want in the Wink ecosphere.

Agree with everything you said. Question - I assume you're using the Lutron hub in order to control he Casetas via IFTTT, right?

What's funny is that if you follow the Wink FB group, you'll see posts week after week and month after month asking "Is X, Y, or Z compatible with Wink?" 95% of the time, the answer is NO and yet these guys tolerate and defend Wink to the end. I don't get it - it is VERY hard to find Wink compatible sensors locally since things like Go Control and LeakSmart were clearanced. And the Go Control and Monoprice door/window sensors are even gimped in Wink - the external contacts aren't supported! You still can't get a multisensor for Wink, the only temp sensor is the buggy LeakSmart sensor (IF you can find one), and there is NOTHING in the way of humidity sensors. The only thing you CAN seem to easily get is the Relay and I will never understand why anyone would buy that, especially those who buy multiple units, given the current state of Wink. I gave up on a Wink when they made the mind-numbingly stupid decision to discontinue their own sensors WITHOUT adding support for any form of replacement from other vendors. Aeon won't play ball with them because of Wink's terms and let's be honest here - Wink has ZERO leverage right now and should just find a vendor with a full portfolio of sensors, add support, and call it a day - they and their supporters can continue speaking about the need to monetize the platform through partnerships, but when you aren't selling ANYTHING due to lack of devices, you're not monetizing a damn thing, .

We've heard Wink and some testers repeatedly assure us that "Exciting things are around the corner - just wait!" I've personally heard that line for over a year now and nothing has come of it. Wink's local control is less than what SmartThings had at launch. We still haven't seen new products added that people actually care about - I laughed out loud when the Andersen contact sensors were added earlier this year - I mean REALLY? Who wanted that? And the $4.99/month "premium" vacation light feature had almost everyone face palming.

That said, I do hope Wink survives, releases a second hub, and actually has a decent list of new compatible sensors on release. Competition is great and helps everyone get better. However, I'll believe it when I see it - Wink has deceived and under delivered ever since its hub was released and this management team seems as clueless as the last. I'll be shocked if a second hub is released and Wink didn't do something really dumb with it - like remove ClearConnect. If ST gets Extend out the door at a decent price and with even more reliability and stability than we see today, Wink is in even more trouble than they are today. The big issue I see with Wink 2 is that no one can find FCC filings for it, meaning that at this stage, they're going to miss the important holiday season.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Interesting story about the Ecobee, Aikouka. I've been on the fence about Ecobee vs Nest for a long time. Everyone in all the HA sites I frequent raves about Ecobee, but I can get the Nest significantly cheaper due to a utility rebate. One thing I don't like is that while Nest doesn't require a C wire, it will pulse your furnace/AC on periodically to maintain power. I don't believe it comes with a power extender kit like the Ecobee does, so if there isn't a similar solution available, I'd want a C wire pulled which might be a real pain. In terms of the remote Ecobee sensors, I don't think I'd use them to be honest and probably wouldn't buy the extra ones unless bundled with the thermostat at a significant discount.

When I was on vacation in Ireland in July, I realized that I REALLY needed a smart thermostat which I can control from anywhere so that is driving me to get one before out next big vacation. It got really hot back at home and with our thermostat set higher due to us not being home, I had to remotely shut down a bunch of my computer equipment, which I didn't like doing.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I have two Lutron Casetas but they're expensive and I really am not a fan of most of the other smart switches on the market. So what I'm doing in the switches I want to control via HA is to install in-wall relays. That way, I can use the same classic toggle switches but control them via HA. So far, I installed a single relay on my office ceiling fan switch and a dual relay which is connected to both my interior and exterior garage lights. The interior garage lights come on whenever a garage door is opened OR whenever the inside door into the garage opens and then automatically turn off after 5 minutes. For the exterior lights, I'm experimenting with Life360 as a presence sensor and hoping to turn them on when I enter my geofence after a certain time in the evening when coming home. It definitely works but last night, ST was slow to update my presence from Life360 so I need to figure out if that is common or if it was due to the work ST was doing on the servers last night.

 

[CAL7]

Some random comments...

I actually use the Wink Hub to directly control my Caseta switches via ST-IFTTT.

All of these consumer-grade HA products have to be considered a hobby. Given the hundreds (probably thousands) of hours I spend playing with this, I couldn't possibly justify it based upon ROI. For instance, re: pool control, I have my pool integrated to ST, but I won't put a mission-critical item like the pump control under ST; yes for pool lights, waterfall, etc but the pump is run by the control system timer.

Here's a face-palm. A friend of mine is building a new house and his builder adamantly insisted on Wink for a security system. OMG! I have my 25 year old Honeywell Vista 20P bridged to ST, and there are a lot of convenience features from that, but no way would I trust any current system - probably never any wireless system - to home security. Jeez, just throw a few hundred feet of twisted pair in the attic connected to $1.50 contact switches and be done! If you want to get really upscale, buy a $50 panel off eBay.

My A/C came vanilla with a cheap Wi-Fi Honeywell thermostat and, search as I might, I can't find a reason to buy a Nest or Ecobee. My thermostat control is really basic, but it's all I need: When everyone leaves, I raise the temp, when anyone returns, it goes back to whatever the pre-programmed schedule should be.

Speaking of presence detection, this is a real thorn-in-my-side. I don't like fobs, so I'm trying to get effective presence via Android phone. The weak link is the phone dropping off and false negatives for presence. My method now is to use Tasker and its various ways of detecting presence (some mix'n match of Wi-Fi, cell tower, GPS, etc.). With Tasker, I can play with algorithms to overcome a false report of departure. Results so far are not great.

Smart bulb (e.g. Links) vs. Switch: Smart bulbs are just frustrating. I still have a few, but I much prefer a $4 LED attached to a switch. No confusion, high reliability. I think the ubiquitous GE Links have turned off a number of early adopters of HA.

In wall relays: they seem to be pretty expensive (maybe not in terms of list price, but they don't ever go on sale compared to most of my "Decora" paddle switches which I've purchased for $10-16). So I've never used them, but I really prefer the old style switch - a lot easier just to flip it up or down.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

OMG - that builder is really an idiot! I agree with you that I'd never trust any of these low-end systems if I wanted a bulletproof system, but advocating Wink? WOW. If being a "walled garden" was Wink's only problem, it wouldn't be insurmountable. The fact it is a walled garden AND you either can't find stuff you need OR no compatible sensor exists for a particular function (humidity, light) is what kills them.

Yeah, the in-wall relays can get pricey and can be a PITA to wire. I've been buying them from Monoprice when they've had sales. I've got one dual relay remaining and I want to put it in the gangbox with my porch light and outside lights, but the outside lights are on a 3-way switch and there doesn't seem to be a consensus on how to wire the relay into one. So, when I have some spare time, I'll have to experiment with it.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Amazon releases a new version of the Echo Dot for $50:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DFKC2SO?ref=tsm_1_tw_s_aeco_581315366&linkId=28666006

This could be a game changer.

 

[Kneedragger]

Amazon releases a new version of the Echo Dot for $50:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DFKC2SO?ref=tsm_1_tw_s_aeco_581315366&linkId=28666006

This could be a game changer.

I know the Echo is geared around voice control, but do you also have access to controlling stuff over web or and app?

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I know the Echo is geared around voice control, but do you also have access to controlling stuff over web or and app?

Can you give an example of what you're looking for? I think I know what you're asking but just want to make sure.

I'll give an example of what I think you may be asking. Let's say I have my home automation configured to use Echo for voice control and you're asking if I can control that system using Echo over the web - for example, if I have an Echo at the office. The answer is yes - your HA stuff is saved in your Echo profile and should be controllable from anywhere.

 

[Kneedragger]

Can you give an example of what you're looking for? I think I know what you're asking but just want to make sure.

I'll give an example of what I think you may be asking. Let's say I have my home automation configured to use Echo for voice control and you're asking if I can control that system using Echo over the web - for example, if I have an Echo at the office. The answer is yes - your HA stuff is saved in your Echo profile and should be controllable from anywhere.

OK so I think I was looking at the Dot a hub but now realize it probably isn't a hub.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

OK so I think I was looking at the Dot a hub but now realize it probably isn't a hub.

No, it isn't a hub in the traditional sense. It can control some things "directly," ie, via cloud-to-cloud integration, but you can't add things like Zigbee or Zwave devices to it directly. You need a Wink or a SmartThings for stuff like that.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Wink v2 has shown up on the FCC site finally:

https://fccid.io/2ACAJ-WHUB2

 

[MjnMixael]

Wink v2 has shown up on the FCC site finally:

https://fccid.io/2ACAJ-WHUB2

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I am cautiously optimistic and will likely buy one IF it has significant upgrades and Wink adds support for a line of sensors (Aeon) or releases new ones. An ethernet port is not a significant upgrade.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Wink 2 has been officially announced and will be available starting next month at Home Depot, Amazon, and Walmart.

http://blog.wink.com/wink-blog/2016/9/27/introducing-the-wink-hub-2

Many improvements but the one I care about is local robots and schedules. I'll be grabbing this hub for sure IF the migration tool and local control work as promised.

 

[Kaido]

Wink 2 has been officially announced and will be available starting next month at Home Depot, Amazon, and Walmart.

http://blog.wink.com/wink-blog/2016/9/27/introducing-the-wink-hub-2

Many improvements but the one I care about is local robots and schedules. I'll be grabbing this hub for sure IF the migration tool and local control work as promised.

Beat me to it! Engadget has the scoop:

https://www.engadget.com/2016/09/27/wink-s-new-smart-home-hub-is-slimmer-and-more-powerful/

Video:

https://vimeo.com/183744759

The basics:

• Wink Hub 2
• $99
• Available in Late October
• Sold by Amazon, Home Depot, and Walmart

Improvements:

• Improved aesthetic design
• Vertical design to enhance wireless connectivity for various protocols
• 25% slimmer
• 2.4ghz & 5ghz Wi-fi support
• Ethernet support
• Improved CPU
• 8x more memory
• Industrial-grade security checks

Support:

• Thread-capable radio
• Wi-Fi
• ZigBee
• Z-Wave
• Lutron Clear Connect
• Kidde
• Bluetooth LE

Features:

• Schedules
• Robots
• Amazon Echo support

 

[luv2liv]

looks great!
not sure when i will get into home automation though. all the smart plugs and smart lighst like Philips Hue are ridiculously expensive compared to normal ones

 

[Kaido]

$99? I'll buy one. Official product page:

http://www.wink.com/products/wink-hub-2/

Some notes:

• "Our users have connected over 1.7 million products to Wink"
• "Today, there are 31 companies that work with Wink"
• Enhanced local control
• How to create a Wink schedule
• How to create a Wink robot
• 512mb RAM
• Dimensions: 7.25" x 7.25" x 1.25"

 

[IndyColtsFan]

The local robots and schedules are enough for me to bite just because of a Lutron implementation I have. I still don't think it is enough for me to abandon ST, as ST has more power in terms of rules/logic, but it may cause me to delay my Vera Plus plans.

 

[MjnMixael]

The big deal to me in this announcement is the ability to transfer from your old hub. Did Smartthings V2 allow that?

 

[Kaido]

looks great!
not sure when i will get into home automation though. all the smart plugs and smart lighst like Philips Hue are ridiculously expensive compared to normal ones

I have pretty much done everything in my current place, except for my blinds (WAY too much money to do on my budget). 100% LED now (including 12.5-watt can lights!), Lutron Caseta switches (love the functionality, but hate the flat-button design for usability because dangit, I want a flip switch! lol), Schlage lock, Kidde fire alarms, etc. It hasn't been cheap, but it's nice to be as "done" as I'm going to get for now. It does make things a lot more convenient (especially the Lutron Pico remotes, which can easily be wall-mounted).

Honestly, I haven't had a desire to try SmartThings v2 because I don't want to tinker. It's the same reason I have iOS instead of Android on my smartphone...I don't want to tweak it, I just want to use it. As much as I enjoy doing smarthouse stuff, I also have a family to deal with in terms of providing usable functionality, and after all the hiccups I've had with Wink, we've kind of settled things down to the point where everyone is OK with everything as it is now (aka it's time to mess with the config & install a NEW hub! lol).

 

[MjnMixael]

Oh Kaido.. you and your flip switches.

I haven't had issues with my Wink setup in longer than I can remember. Occasionally I have to reset my Outlink plugs.. but those are terrible, awful Quirky "inventions". Schedules have been working. Robots have been workings. Delay is generally about 1 second.

I'm just waiting for new product integrations. WHAT DO I HAVE TO PAY TO GET LOGITECH HARMONY INTEGRATED?! I really just want Wink to be able to switch my TV systems off when I set the mode to "away". There's no IFTTT way to do this either.

And I'm still waiting for that Hampton Bay fan module to be commercially released. (The one that Reddittors found.) Not to mention some more sensor support which I know IndyColtsFan has been seriously wanting for like a year.

 

[Kaido]

Oh Kaido.. you and your flip switches.

I haven't had issues with my Wink setup in longer than I can remember. Occasionally I have to reset my Outlink plugs.. but those are terrible, awful Quirky "inventions". Schedules have been working. Robots have been workings. Delay is generally about 1 second.

I'm just waiting for new product integrations. WHAT DO I HAVE TO PAY TO GET LOGITECH HARMONY INTEGRATED?! I really just want Wink to be able to switch my TV systems off when I set the mode to "away". There's no IFTTT way to do this either.

And I'm still waiting for that Hampton Bay fan module to be commercially released. (The one that Reddittors found.) Not to mention some more sensor support which I know IndyColtsFan has been seriously wanting for like a year.

110% agree. I picked up a Logitech Harmony smarthome remote earlier this year & it's fantastic...if only it could dim my lights too, without having to get the Lutron middleman box! I also wish CEC worked better & was more widely supported so we could get proper 2-way communication for integrated control vs. just using IR.

A fan module would be fantastic. In related news, Haiku released a "budget" version of their mega-awesome-super ceiling fan which I really like: the new i-series smartfan with LED bulb for $450. Still crazy expensive, but 50% of the cost of the original, and 1/3 the cost of their new "handcrafted" lineup. Too bad I don't have high ceilings!

https://www.haikuhome.com/explore/l-series

And yeah...I've had my Lutrons for ages, and I still struggle with hitting them correctly in the dark, especially if I just want to turn on the lights just a little bit, from dark to dim. It annoys me every time lol. But, the functionality tradeoff is worth it because I have Pico's wall-mounted on either side of my bed, plus one as a remote, plus the one by the entry door, so it's way too convenient to give up at this point.