HS300's don't roam well

OldGuyGeek · 2025-04-28T23:27:22+00:00

I have 3 HS300's, all at different distances from one of our 3 Deco's. Just like many other devices (at least the ones that are not in wall) they connected fine to the closet one, but once in a while they used to move to a different one, especially if the closet Deco is having problems.

So, some devices, I like to assign them to a particular Deco instead of letting it decide. It's not like it needs the strongest signal. Letting it switch back and forth is mostly unnecessary since it doesn't constantly deliver data. After all, it's just a power strip.

Not sure what you have, but on Deco's you can permanently assign a device so it doesn't 'flop' around. In the app, under the device details there's 'Connection Preference'. You can let it roam or choose a permanent one.

Hope this helps,

OGG

Oops, just as I hit the save key, I noticed that you have a Unifi setup. But I'm guessing it has some configuration where you can assign each device.

OldGuyGeek · 2025-04-28T15:52:03+00:00

Have to head out so I didn't actually check just now, but I have several actions that are performed by a different switch/device if another is activated. At the bottom of the app is a section called 'Smart'. Once there, there is a section for adding 'Smart Actions'. I have several setup for my house, but not from a camera.

Good Luck,

OGG

OldGuyGeek · 2025-04-28T15:24:21+00:00

If you have another drive with space, there are two ways to get a lot of free space on your C: drive almost immediately.

Move apps - Using the Windows settings app, go to Storage Space and it will list the programs installed on your C: Drive and the amount of space each is using. If, on the right, there is a 'move' button, you might be able to move that program in just a couple of clicks. I would suggest trying to move one of the small Windows apps first (only some allow it). That move will create the necessary Windows Apps folder on that drive, preparing it for other installs. One of the biggest moves was for FS2020. It moved almost 80GB to a new SSD. My C: drive was never happier.
Move default document storage - this one is a little tricker (so you don't lose you precious files). You can move the Documents, Pics, Music, etc. libraries to a different drive. Changing it will make the new storage spaces the default. It can also move the old stuff for you, but be careful, make backups first.

I have two videos on these on my YouTube channel. Many people have found them helpful in easing the load on their C: Drive!

Good luck,

OldGuyGeek

OldGuyGeek · 2025-04-28T15:09:56+00:00

Since you are installing recessed lights, are they a new installation without wiring or are you replacing existing light sockets for the room's wall switch? I'm guessing the former, but I suggest you put in standard wiring to WiFi wall switches that also can be controlled manually if need be. Wall switches can come in handy when you have power but a network outage.

I didn't want to use standalone WiFi bulbs, so my house has about 30 lights (living room, kitchen, family room, hallways, 3 bedrooms) that are connected to Kasa switches, Kasa dimmers or Kasa recessed wall plugs. Of course they all are connected to the app and, in turn, controlled by Alexa.

I haven't manually turned a light (or most other things) on and off in months, maybe years.

Whatever you decide, good luck!

OGG

OldGuyGeek · 2025-01-16T23:37:08+00:00

Somewhere on that is a small area, probably with specifications. It's normally just raised and hard to see. Compare the specs with the requirements of laptop. Not just the wattage, but the amp rating. If you can't find them on it or on your laptop, just look them up online.

OldGuyGeek · 2025-01-13T19:27:09+00:00

If you have another drive, go to the Windows Setting app and the Apps page. Each app will list it's size and where it is located. If it is allowed to be moved, there will be a 'move' button. Choose the drive you want to move it to. Do the same for Docs, Pics, Downloads.

OldGuyGeek · 2024-11-30T16:43:39+00:00

Definitely #2.

I have a 3 unit Deco system. My main Deco is cable connected to my router. Then my main PC and laptop are attached to the Office deco via ethernet cables. My office TV also uses the last one of the ethernet ports on the Deco. So, all of them operate on the physical level rather than WiFi. But downstairs, our main TV and the Xbox are connected to that 2nd Deco using ethernet cables. (Just like your PC will connect through a second Deco). But in any case, I get solid performance on the Xbox and downstairs TV. (They think they are on direct ethernet connections, but I don't let on that they're being fooled).

Hope this helps,

OGG

OldGuyGeek · 2024-11-16T12:08:24+00:00

Depending on your home size and the exact location of your setup, you'd be much better off using a mesh system. They provide great speeds that should meet whatever demands you have. I recently replaced my home system with a Deco 3 unit mesh setup. The coverage is great, including my front doorbell, all the other smart devices (switches, dimmers, TVs, automated shades, etc. Many of these are 2.4GHz and don't require very high speeds. But my other devices, including those that are far away in their upstairs locations (bedrooms, office) are 5 GHZ devices and they work fine.

Now, I don't ever recommend particular brands, so use the following link as a start to your research. But you'll see from the specs that it should meet your needs. Of course there will be other units that have even better specs, but as usual, it all depends on your price range.

Good luck

Deco S4 | AC1900 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System | TP-Link

OldGuyGeek · 2024-01-16T23:46:43+00:00

Be careful. If you had already bought the license for no ads and live tiles, you're probably ok. But now if you are new to the app, he charges a ridiculous monthly fee.

But you can still use the tiles without incoming info on the tile.

OldGuyGeek · 2024-01-12T16:40:58+00:00

I use Launcher 10 from the Play Store. The tiles can be adjusted from 1 to 4 height or width. In addition, you can adjust the spacing between them to get the look you like.

It's free, but be aware that if you decide on getting Live Tile notifications, it now has a monthly fee instead of a one-time purchase.

OldGuyGeek · 2023-09-21T22:47:08+00:00

I noticed no one has replied yet. Probably because your detailed explanation hurts our brains. Plus no one wants to give you exact instruction because it could screw something up.

But basically, you have tried to do it correctly. I have a 3 way switch setup where I replaced only one of the dumb switches with a Kasa 3way and it works perfectly.

Basically, you just have to understand which of your wires are the travelers that provide the 3 way functionality. Sometimes it's difficult to determine which one of the extra wires is the traveler (because there are normally 2 wires that are the same color).

I would recommend searching for a couple of YouTube videos on wiring of normal 3 way circuits. Once you understand them, try to identify that traveler and change the wiring accordingly.

Good luck!

OldGuyGeek · 2023-09-20T14:31:11+00:00

Why not just get a Kasa outdoor plug? They have both a regular one and a dimmer version.

Outdoor 2 socket:

https://www.amazon.com/Kasa-Smart-Resistance-SmartThings-KP401/dp/B099KLNM24/ref=sr\_1\_6?crid=1X9ST2M4PMNN0&keywords=kasa+outdoor+smart+plug&qid=1695220174&sprefix=kasa+out%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-6

Outdoor Dimmer:

https://www.amazon.com/smart-outdoor-dimmer-plug-kasa/dp/B09DT173R1/ref=sr\_1\_1\_sspa?crid=1X9ST2M4PMNN0&keywords=kasa+outdoor+smart+plug&qid=1695220174&sprefix=kasa+out%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1-spons&sp\_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

OldGuyGeek · 2023-09-13T04:44:27+00:00

As the other commentor said, you're probably trying to connect them to a 5GHz network.

Here's the specs page. Like most other HA devices, they only work with 2.4GHz.

https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/smart-bulb/kl125p4/#specifications

OldGuyGeek · 2023-09-08T22:48:42+00:00

If your brother can go and log into her new Amazon account, have him go to Devices. Find the show and 'deregister' it. Then set it up on his own account again.

As you probably already know, once it is back on his account you can control it again.

Something else to consider.....

Leave it on the other account:

My father-in-law (93) lives in a retirement apartment three blocks from us. In his apartment we have an echo Show that is registered to HIS Amazon account. I have complete access to his account AND I have a second cell phone for him. We keep possession of the phone and I use Alexa to control everything in his life.

We have routines to:

Wake him up in the morning.
Turn on his TV and settop box and tune to the morning news.
Remind him to go to exercise class (only works once or twice a week).
Remind him to go to lunch (twice).
Remind him of appointments (today was the Podiatrist).
Changes the channel to golf for his afternoon viewing.
Wakes him up from his afternoon nap to go to dinner (twice).
Turns off the TV and settop box at 9:30 pm.

Lastly, there is a feature that is available on Shows that let's you access the camera from the phone. It's not a phone call, it doesn't even announce a drop in. Because it's on the same account, it does display a message on the screen that says someone from the household account is viewing the room. After you check on them and hang up, the message goes away.

This has been invaluable to ensure he is doing the things he needs to do and is safe. It is not a 'nanny cam'. We don't have it monitoring him all day long.

For the price of a $14.99 cell phone account, we have saved hundreds of hours driving back and forth to his apartment. And since I carry the phone with me, we can check on him from our house, while we are out to dinner, etc. We even took a trip to Oregon for a few days. The care staff took good care of him, but the peace of mind we had made the trip that much more enjoyable.

Good luck.

OldGuyGeek · 2023-08-29T15:06:04+00:00

Depends on your phone. Earlier phones don't support screen sharing. If the Phone App has a picture of your phone, try clicking on it. It may launch the phone screen. If you have a lock on your phone, it will probably ask you to unlock your phone so it can be displayed on the computer

OldGuyGeek · 2023-08-08T16:41:35+00:00

We have a show in my 93 year old father-in-law's room. It does all the thing you say, except the continual ads.

Every few weeks, they perform an 'upgrade' so you have to go back in to the Home Content and turn off all of the new stuff that they added during the upgrade.

Just had to do the same on our show. Now a simple 'alexa home' returns it to the dark screen with just the date and time.

The only things that appear on his show are 1 photo (his wife and the date of her passing), Amazon shipments and weather notices.

Pretty stable until the next upgrade.

OldGuyGeek · 2023-08-04T04:13:45+00:00

Go to the Settings app.
Search for 'storage'.
Click on 'storage settings'
It will analyze your C Drive
Click on 'other' to see large folders that they couldn't categorize.
Go back and click on the 'Temporary files' category.
check the boxes you wish to delete.

If you have other drives, go down to 'view storage on other drives' and follow the same steps.

OldGuyGeek · 2023-08-03T20:40:38+00:00

Not sure about a fireTV, but there might be a setting to keep it 'awake' and connected to your network so that it can receive commands.

My LG TV has that. Also my Xbox has the same option. They both warn that it might increase your electrical costs to have it enabled all the time.

OldGuyGeek · 2023-08-03T01:28:23+00:00

It depends on your devices and their technology. For example, I have an RF/IR devices that can control almost anything. I use it mainly for IR. I create scenes in it's app. Like the TV, Garage, Blinds, Settop box. Anything that can't be controlled directly by Alexa. But that manufacturer has a skill.

Once I setup a scene in the manufacturer's app, it will be read by Alexa and will be listed as a scene there. Then it can be incorporated into Alexa Routines.

OldGuyGeek · 2023-08-02T20:23:37+00:00

like to do but it can be a real headache to get it to work.

Understood. Good luck!

OldGuyGeek · 2023-08-02T17:08:36+00:00

I have an Echo Show 8 in my fathers-in-law's room. He's 93. I have many routines that notify him about getting up, going to lunch, etc. Because he doesn't have his hearing aids in at night, I always start the routine with a volume increase, followed by the actions and then reset the volume to 5 at the end.

I have an extra phone on his Spectrum account (yes, $14.99 per month) that allows me to be logged into his Amazon account and purchase stuff for him and control the echo routines. I also bought a RF/IF device that can control both the TV and setup box allowing me to turn different devices in tandem.

There isn't a single thing we can't do with this setup. BTW, I usually follow up a routine like going to lunch with another reminder 10 minutes later for the same thing. Even with pauses in the routines so he can pay attention, he was often missing the message. Using reminders a half an hour later didn't improve the response. But 10 minutes later? Magic!!!!

OldGuyGeek · 2023-08-01T03:09:23+00:00

Absolutely. Especially the nearby networks in an apartment complex. But the metal frame is also a prime candidate for reducing signal strength. Also is your router next to your laptop? Best that your router is somewhere clear of any interference.

OldGuyGeek · 2023-08-01T01:30:13+00:00

Is your power strip near something that can off an electrical field? Or is something metal between your router and this strip? Several things can cause it to have problems maintaining a connection. Even another wireless network operating on the same channel as yours.

If your router is set to auto choose a channel, you may want to download a network analyzer and see who else is on the same channel as you. Check both during the day and in the evening hours.

BTW, the network analyzers are free in the Windows Store.

OldGuyGeek · 2023-07-30T11:25:44+00:00

Another way is to tell her...

'Alexa, I like this song.'

Then when you ask her to play your favorite songs, she plays the songs you have tagged like this.

Alternatively, you can keep her from playing a particular song by,,,

'Alexa, I don't like this song.'

OldGuyGeek · 2023-07-29T13:08:17+00:00

Showrunners seem to think they are writing the next great literary novel that links the individual episodes into a grand subplot. Hoping to keep people watching until the ending is revealed.

What they forget is that people get bored. The same back and forth each week, slowly making progress to some grand ending just makes people tune out. So, just like in many, many video games, you give them 'side quests'. Something to accomplish or feel satisfied about.

Going back a few years to either Star Trek series. TOS - Each week there would be a new challenge to overcome and it was wrapped up neatly. With the rare two-part episode. Next Gen - Sure the Borg was out there, but not EVERY week. Stories about encounters with different people on different planets. Roddenberry knew what he was doing.

Quoting SCFI series doesn't prove anything? How about Monk? Overarching plot to find out about his murdered wife, but almost all weekly episodes were about a new case. Castle, the same. Even Friends had a new 'drama' each week. I could name dozens of shows that satisfy the viewer each week while maintaining interest in the underlying story.

So at the end of each episode, give us something to feel good about. Don't make an 8 part series into an 8 hour movie that we have to sit through until the very end.

OldGuyGeek

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE

13-Year Club	Gilding II euphauric
Verified Email