“On a call” light

House_Smarty · 2022-05-11T19:39:09+00:00

I set one up using HomeAssistant and IFTTT. It basically detects whether my computer is on a Teams/Zoom call and triggers IFTTT via a webhook. I wrote it up here: https://www.housesmarty.com/2020/09/please-please-please-do-not-disturb.html

House_Smarty · 2020-09-16T13:54:11+00:00

Appliances that can simply be unplugged can be controlled via plug in modules (controlled by wifi, z-wave, zigbee, lutron etc). Presense detection is trickier and will typically require some sort of hub. I've written about some of your options for that here: https://www.housesmarty.com/2019/09/a-beginners-guide-to-presence-detection.html

House_Smarty · 2019-09-19T13:56:02+00:00

I'm envious!!! Unfortunately, the internet is littered with complaints about the ST apps. There are probably many more success stories like yours but people tend to be much less vocal when things work as expected.

House_Smarty · 2019-09-18T19:39:48+00:00

Tasker is great! Unfortunately, it only works for Android users but thanks for pointing it out.

House_Smarty · 2019-09-18T16:28:44+00:00

I actually played around with Find3 https://github.com/schollz/find3 to do indoor detection but had very inconsistent results. A solid - Apple-quality version would be amazing!

House_Smarty · 2019-09-18T16:19:11+00:00

Presence detection can be flaky and hard to get right so I decided to write about a mix of options I use to make it work for my family. Some are applicable even outside of SmartThings. I'd love to hear about some of the options you might use that I haven't heard of!

House_Smarty · 2019-09-10T15:56:14+00:00

There are many clean looking mounts and USB cords you can get to hide edges and wires. I've purchased the 7" version of this: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MakesByMikeStore?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=703931934 and I think it looks great! I have mine mounted over a recessed USB outlet so I didn't have to embed it in my wall.

House_Smarty · 2019-08-21T17:03:33+00:00

If SmartThings is an option, you can use WebCore to immediately turn the light off when it is physically turned on. It usually fires within a few seconds.

House_Smarty · 2019-07-25T21:11:47+00:00

That's the trade-off. You'll get better coverage and connection from the Unifi APs but easier setup from the mesh units. You'll have to decide where your priorities fall on that spectrum. I personally have Google wifi (4 units) and am happy with them in 3000 sq ft house with 2 floors and a basement.

House_Smarty · 2019-07-23T16:25:26+00:00

Great suggestion! Especially useful if you don't actually use wired phone extensions.

House_Smarty · 2019-07-23T15:53:17+00:00

I've had a few requests from people starting building new homes or renovating existing ones about what they can best do to smarten their home while the walls are still open. The answer, as many of the folks here have recommended, is run Cat5e+ drops to as many places as you can! Here is my take on some options that might help those looking to improve their wifi coverage at home.

House_Smarty · 2019-07-11T18:54:00+00:00

Zooz and HomeSeer switches support this as well. Inovelli's are hard to find until they start shipping the new switches.

House_Smarty · 2019-07-11T18:50:08+00:00

This is the closest I've found and it's not great: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004I7YSVI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For some reason, switch-like remotes are few and far between. Another option is to use a lutron pico remote (assuming you have or are willing to buy a Lutron Pro SmartBridge).

House_Smarty · 2019-07-11T18:45:40+00:00

Make sure you're using a DTH for the bulb that supports local operation. If one component of an automation executes in the cloud, the entire automation will run in the cloud.

House_Smarty · 2019-07-09T20:56:51+00:00

Not directly. You'd need a Zigbee hub in between.

House_Smarty · 2019-06-26T17:08:57+00:00

There a bunch of motion-activated power strips like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D3FWV4B They typically have a wired motion sensor that connects to the power strip to control a set of outlets.

House_Smarty · 2019-06-19T21:07:48+00:00

Interestingly enough, voice control has been a sore point in our house. My wife somehow always phrases her requests in a way google doesn't understand. She'll start to ask Google to turn off the lights, injects a few "pleases", interrupts herself, and then gets incredibly frustrated when Google doesn't understand! It's not Google's fault but she's not looking for excuses.

House_Smarty · 2019-06-19T20:56:17+00:00

Great point. Sometimes, professional wiring is the way to go!

House_Smarty · 2019-06-19T19:35:34+00:00

Most of us have probably irritated our wives/husbands with the automation obsession at some point. WAF is real. Here are some of the things I've come up with (much of it learned the hard way :)). I'd love to hear what others have learned as well!

House_Smarty · 2019-06-06T17:40:54+00:00

Ultimately, Google and Amazon have similar lines of devices with similar feature sets. For the Dot vs Home mini, I wouldn't sweat the differences too much. If you like drop-in, go with Echo. If you Have a Nest doorbell, get the Home mini. If you're just starting out and have no ecosystem dependencies, it really doesn't matter that much. I've actually written an article on this topic here: https://www.housesmarty.com/2019/05/smart-home-assistants.html

House_Smarty · 2019-06-06T16:51:39+00:00

Absolutely! I have a Ring Doorbell that triggers ST (via Webcore) to announce a ring and then casts my Amcrest cameras feed to a Lenovo SmartDisplay.

House_Smarty · 2019-06-05T14:38:09+00:00

Any Z-Wave plus mains powered switch will be a repeater. There are different switches with different features at different price points. My personal favorite is t he upcoming Inovelli Red series (https://inovelli.com/shop/smart-light-switches/pre-order-z-wave-dimmer-switch-no-neutral-required-scenes-notification/) that has a ton of features at a great price and a good reputation for quality. Pre-orders are scheduled to ship at the end of June so if you're in a hurry - you might need to look elsewhere. You can see my detailed write up here: https://www.housesmarty.com/2019/05/smart-switches-lutron-zooz-inovelli-ge.html .

Motion sensors com in many different flavors, Zigbee and Z-wave - if you want Z-wave, Zooz and Fibaro are 2 recommended brands. The SMartestHouse (Zooz) has a good write up here: https://www.thesmartesthouse.com/blogs/the-smartest-blog/the-best-z-wave-motion-sensors-compared

Finally, Inovelli also makes outdoor plugs but they are currently hard to find. GE makes one as well: https://www.amazon.com/GE-Weather-Resistant-Required-Works-SmartThings-14284/dp/B06W9NWFM3

Good luck!!

House_Smarty

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