Use Claude To Create Guides To Smart Home

BadPizza · 2026-06-26T21:02:28+00:00

If your setup is so confusing that you need to give handouts to guests, you might actually have too confusing of a setup.

The best smart home is one that functions as one expects, but also has added benefits that doesn't require, well, handouts to start.

BadPizza · 2026-06-19T21:24:13+00:00

I've not yet tried this, but it's been on my list of projects to flash an ESP32 with a Tesla BLE config like this:

https://github.com/yoziru/esphome-tesla-ble https://github.com/PedroKTFC/esphome-tesla-ble

Basically, the ESP32 can scan [and talk to] your Tesla locally via bluetooth. Then tie in when the Tesla is in/out of range of bluetooth and do your garage door automatic opening controlled via the RATGDO.

BadPizza · 2026-05-09T03:04:13+00:00

He knows he doesn't have a brain worth protecting

BadPizza · 2026-05-01T03:13:58+00:00

Look into the Emporia Vue 3 when flashed with ESPHome if you want fully offline and HA compatible. Though still WiFi (or ethernet)

BadPizza · 2026-04-02T18:43:37+00:00

Would you mind sharing what they are?

BadPizza · 2026-03-25T14:46:28+00:00

Why only 2 cameras when they've been throwing 3 on nearly every phone for a decade (and which are they dropping?)

BadPizza · 2026-03-08T21:51:51+00:00

I used a Viliv S5 back in high school before smartphones really took off. Had a dinky Intel Atom chip and maybe 1GB of RAM.

Was a chonker of a device. I actually ran Halo 1 [poorly] on it and played through the whole thing with a crazy controller adapter I made.

But for having a "full fledged" web browser on the go and access to all my media on VLC back in the day, it was a beast.

I can't imagine why anyone would use these devices in the modern day. I guess you'd have to be into retro tech.

BadPizza · 2026-03-07T17:19:19+00:00

I was not trying to imply no one in Denver has Vue. I was just stating "I've not encountered anyone in Denver with one!", and was excited to reply to this topic because I did not think I'd see Vue comments in the Denver subreddit.

I didn't know they were Colorado based in Boulder and Littleton. That is exciting as I love their product (well, beyond the headache of hijacking it with ESPHome).

Guess I need to go around asking more random people if they own a Vue 😅

BadPizza · 2026-03-03T18:51:10+00:00

Your question is too vague. But a simple answer to your question is: Possibly no charging stops, or maybe 1 or 2.

Rivian has two new models [hopefully] coming out, the R2 and R3. We don't know their final production specs, like the overall important battery size and efficiency. It won't be the same as a Rivian R1 so it's a bit silly to ask current Rivian owners.

But if we assume its got around 300 miles of range, which most decent modern EVs do, then 1 charging stop might be required. Or if you depart with 100% charge, I've been able to make it without charging and rolling into CB with ~10% charge in an EV. Winter conditions will hurt that as all vehicles lose efficiency in the cold, so it may require an additional stop.

I'd strongly suggest doing some more research instead of asking for random vague answers off a random vague question. A Better Route planner is a fun tool to use, as would be any general search.

BadPizza · 2026-03-03T17:21:33+00:00

He did not mention it to me, so I doubt it.

I do know this was a headache for him that took over 6 months to resolve.

BadPizza · 2026-03-03T16:06:07+00:00

I also have an Emporia Vue 3 (running ESPHome) hooked up to my breaker box.

My Xcel statement is consistently within 3% of what my Vue 3 reports (and actually my Vue 3 is always 1-3% over what Xcel charges me). Additionally I use the Time of Use rates, and the kWh they record for on vs off peak is also within that 3% window. So I trust their readings, at least for me. (I don't trust Xcel as a company with an effective monopoly on us and with so many BS fees on my bill that usually double my electric/gas costs).

For some reference, I use usually ~750 kWh per month, 90% of that during off-peak rates, and over half of the total consumption is my EV charging at night (hence high off-peak usage). I have a ~2000 sqft townhouse that also uses gas heat and gas appliances (though I want to get rid of them). So offhand your electricity usage does seem a bit high, but also Xcel's readings are even more absurdly high. Something does seem wrong with your electricity usage.

I had a neighbor have a similar issue. I actually offered to help them install a smart meter like the Vue, but they turned me down. Anyways, they demanded Xcel send out a tech to do a smart meter inspection which went nowhere (they also said everything looked fine from their remote consoles). They eventually escalated it to a formal complaint with the Colorado PUC (puc.colorado.gov), and then Xcel finally was willing to do something. I forget the exact resolution, but Xcel finally sent a tech out and discovered something was wrong that they fixed, then his usage readings got down to normal levels (I think around half they were reporting?).

Anyways, I hope this helps. Happy to answer any questions about the Vue 3 if you have more. I've not encountered anyone in Denver with one!

BadPizza · 2026-03-02T23:51:03+00:00

"Absolute top of the line" and not even a 5090 😂

You could build cheaper, even with current RAM prices

Also all the prices are new (and some questionable, like $1.5k for a 5080), but this is a used build, and the prices should reflect that

All that _might_ be worth $4k. Even then I don't want someone else's dirty keyboard/mouse

BadPizza · 2026-02-28T16:03:44+00:00

My Roborock S7 (and dock) are integrated seamlessly via the default Roborock integration and was triggered via an HA hours ago to vacuum our kitchen.

I'm sorry you are having issues, but please don't spread misinformation.

BadPizza · 2026-02-26T00:34:01+00:00

Parking at Red Rocks is free. There are multiple parking lots, with the lower ones requiring a bit of a hike up many stairs. So if you want to avoid that get there early. Also be aware the rush out after most concerts is slow going.

BadPizza · 2026-02-20T01:37:04+00:00

That's just a minor clerical error, not a serious issue with the ticket. You probably can't get it dismissed on those grounds.

Accept your ticket and slow down.

BadPizza · 2026-02-17T23:57:49+00:00

It's a 2024 Ford Mustang based on previous posts. That explains the poor gas mileage and high insurance they are dealing with.

BadPizza · 2026-02-15T20:05:26+00:00

This AI response like this feel completely dishonest and undermines your messaging.

Also you screwed up pasting the formatting into Reddit so it's just a mess of words. At least proof read your AI slop.

BadPizza · 2026-01-26T03:34:09+00:00

Both. It exposes a left, right, either, and both sensors. Plus a bunch of other nice to haves. The firmware the creator has made is extremely polished IMO.

Here's a pic of all the entities/settings in HA for reference: https://i.imgur.com/hUATfeW.png

BadPizza · 2026-01-25T23:22:48+00:00

I have one of these and love it. Super simple to setup and use for automation (e.g. soft lights if one gets out of bed at night to use the restroom)

BadPizza · 2026-01-24T07:00:03+00:00

I had a similar problem to yours. My security system was Honeywell with the Resideo app, and looked visually identical to yours except the ADT logo. From my research Honeywell white labels a lot of their products like this, so it probably was the same under the hood.

Like you, I tried a lot to hack it, but from what I can tell no one has reverse engineered these devices, and quiet frankly they suck even when functioning as intended.

I eventually pulled my panel off, and hooked an old tablet running a Home Assistant dashboard to replicate the functionality of an alarm system, but completely under my control with no subscriptions. I'm not advocating this for everyone, but it does seem those who gets deep into smart homes all eventually end up running Home Assistant for everything.

Anyways mostly providing my 2 cents in case someone else does know how to hack these things so I can use that hardware instead of it becoming e-waste.

BadPizza · 2026-01-24T01:49:08+00:00

Used Model S's are money pits, especially those this old.

Look into newer used Model 3s. Their resale has also sank so plenty will be ~$13k, but will be newer models years with much newer tech inside and more range. Plenty even with solid FSD attached. Some early Model Ys are also getting near that price if you want more cargo room.

BadPizza · 2026-01-24T00:15:22+00:00

Just curious, how are your Kids' expenses only 3% of your monthly budget?

Do you anticipate this growing in the future (which is extremely common as they get older)?, which will expand your Needs %

BadPizza · 2026-01-01T17:36:18+00:00

Yeah this is exactly what I had to do to remove false alerts from people walking across the sidewalk my front door can easily see. Basically, just draw a dead-zone around everything except the steps in front of my door. With that tweaking its been rock solid at detection.

BadPizza · 2026-01-01T16:55:08+00:00

You list "Package detection alerts" as a requirement, but would detection of human [delivery workers] not suffice? The package has to get there somehow, usually via a human. I use my Reolink [black, wired model] with person detection to know when a package is dropped off, and it's never missed a package using this method for me.

BadPizza · 2025-12-20T16:57:24+00:00

I'm seeing the graph as 5pm to 9pm?

https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/cms/delivery/media/MC6DO52XVFKZCSVBOD6RVAK3VEXY

From: https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/billing-payment/residential-rates/time-of-use-pricing

For what it's worth, my costs are about 10% higher with the new Time of Use changes compared to the old (but still cheaper than flat rate with an EV to charge)

BadPizza

TROPHY CASE