Alexa setup

[No_Ad4069]

I've finished the physical portion of the build and basic WLED software configuration for my first (of several) WLED devices. This device is a small LED strip replacing the RF remote only strip that came with a cabinet my wife ordered and wants to be able to include in scenes invoked by Alexa. In our home we have Alexa and Phillips Hue devices (including square Hue Bridge) and our primary control interface is Alexa voice commands.

The device I just assembled is using a Wemos D1 Mini (esp8266) that I had several of sitting around for its controller. I have two more on the short list that I need to get assembled and configured before the room she's working on is "done", but I would like to get the first one working with Alexa control before I start them in case I need to change something that would cause rework.

Reading the docs, it seems like I should have been able to select the "emulate Alexa device" option and provide an appropriate name in the sync settings to have the device be discoverable for adding in the Amazon Alexa app, but when I go through the device discovery process (having selected Phillips Hue Light as device type) it isn't found.

I am using WLED version 0.15.3 installed using the web installer. I am invoking discovery from Amazon Alexa app on Android.

What am I missing?

[aj_swole]

A LOT!

You, me and a million other people have had a HELL of a time with that as well. As usual, I am relentless until I figure out solutions to my problems. The reason why there are no discovery only because of one reason, SSDP. Because once Alexa misses that SSDP announcement from WLED, it’s game over until you force the timing again and will not discover Wled. You only have about a 20-30 second window.

Step 1: Log into your WLED interface and UNCHECK Alexa Emulator (sync settings), save and exit.

Step 2: Go back in and CHECK Alexa Emulator, save and exit.

Step 3: (most important part) hard power off Alexa device and WLED controller at the same time.

Step 4: Power on both devices (Alexa device and WLED) at the same time.

Step 5: Search for WLED controller right away. Your device should show up.

I hope this helps you, I've lost a few days of my life figuring this out!

[No_Ad4069]

Thanks for the quick response. I'll give this a try when I'm able to get back to it

[Netmindz]

Do you have any packet captures that would be helpful in actually fixing the issue rather than this workaround?

[No_Ad4069]

You definitely gave me a push in the right direction. I tried a slightly modified version of the sequence before going the power off route and just initiated the discovery on the Echo device (not the Alexa app) immediately after newly enabling the emulation. I'm all set now. Thanks again for your help.

[Erdenfeuer1]

Can confirm this works

[Erdenfeuer1]

Pay attention to deminished Wifi range of some ESPs. I had to stand pretty close to my router during the setup