[Official] Home Automation Thread

[AsusEpoxy]

Or simply they didn't sell enough neutral switches so you don't see users reporting their failures.

yeah, cos even if the mean probability of failure is the same for both types, the neutral ones don't sell that much anyway.

 

[AsusEpoxy]

Not sure if neutral switches have a better reliability, or is due to low in SG as the light switches in BTO and HDB is live wire only.

due to our electrical code and cost efficiency/ cost cutting depending on the way u look at it, most light switches, even many condos also don't have. If you put yourself in developer position, if every unit all switches have neutral, the costs are substantial. Since not required by law, why do?

 

[bullfrog]

Update on xiaomi aqara curtain motor & SmartThings

So my Curtain motor finally arrived.
As a test, I connected a 13amp plug to it and powered it up.
Next, I held the pairing button till the light on the motor started blinking blue. Finally I opened up smartThings and tried to have it discover new devices. It was detected!!

However it only showed up as a generic device and the app was unable to control it. So it doesn't work out of the box



Reading up from here

https://community.smartthings.com/t/xiaomi-aqara-curtain-motor-integration/125961


I had to access my smartthings hub management page
USA HUB

Logged in and created a new device handler using the code taken from here

Next, I removed the generic device detected earlier in smartthings.
Factory reset the motor (by opening the plastic cover and holding on to the reset button for about 10 seconds.)
Turned on pairing again and this time, when SmartThings detected it, the motor showed up using the new Device Handler

I was able to control the motor using smartThings

However, I am unable to stop it from running. The controls only is set to have it running on a open or close. It doesn't stop but runs continuously.
The author of the device handler says this is normal as I am running it without the rails.

As I quote
"the motor, it will run until it encounters resistance, and that is how it knows how far to open or close. When running it off the rails, there is no resistance, so it doesn’t know when to stop."

I will wait for the rails to arrive, connect it all up. If it works as described, I will be buying several more motors

 

[shacboi]

Google Assistant + RM PRO

Hi all,

since im using Amazon Alexa, need some advice on google assistant (Home or Mini).

Anybody using Google-Assistant to control your RF/IR stuffs via RM PRO ? able to work ?

For Amazon Alexa, to work with RM PRO,
1) must use the RM plugin
2) use IHc but learn all as ''tv template''

just wonder does google assistant have any constraint too ??

 

[MaoZeDuo]

Bundle not bad deal i think

 

[Solidus_GZ]

Insteon look interesting.

but its freaking Expensive!
https://www.insteon.com/wall-switches
1 gang is $55 USD
if you need 2 that will be $110 USD
if you add a remote that will be another $100 more!
btw when it state:
Automatically detects 50 or 60 Hertz electricty and supports 100-277VAC
this mean it support our voltage of 220 V?

 

[bullfrog]

Curtain rails for my Xiaomi Aqara curtain motor arrived!

The good. The rails are silent and look very durable.

The bad, it came with no instructions! I mean seriously, took me over an hour trying to figure out how the thing operates. Assembled it fine but found it would only close properly. Opening had issues.

I disassembled the rails completely to understand how it worked before realizing the belt was not joined to form a continuous loop This was why it could not open properly.

So I rummaging the bubble wrapped bag of screws meant for mounting before spotting what I needed to join the belt.
LOL Noob problem!! So guys, take note!

Anyway it works!!!

The motor stops when the rails reach the end and can successfully open before stopping once it fully opens.

Another bad thing about the rails was the seller promised custom sizing so I ordered 12 feet in length. However it came in 4 meters. Now I need to dis-assemble it again, cut the rail and belt and hope i get my measurements right, so it all fits nicely again.

I'm sure curtain ppl can do this with their eyes closed, but I doubt they will help as I didn't buy the rails from them. Thankfully, my dad has the cutting tools to make a clean cut on the rails.

 

[AsusEpoxy]

invaluable experience gained!! level up! now you're the curtain guru! i know who to ask next time!

Curtain rails for my Xiaomi Aqara curtain motor arrived!

The good. The rails are silent and look very durable.

The bad, it came with no instructions! I mean seriously, took me over an hour trying to figure out how the thing operates. Assembled it fine but found it would only close properly. Opening had issues.

I disassembled the rails completely to understand how it worked before realizing the belt was not joined to form a continuous loop This was why it could not open properly.

So I rummaging the bubble wrapped bag of screws meant for mounting before spotting what I needed to join the belt.
LOL Noob problem!! So guys, take note!

Anyway it works!!!

The motor stops when the rails reach the end and can successfully open before stopping once it fully opens.

Another bad thing about the rails was the seller promised custom sizing so I ordered 12 feet in length. However it came in 4 meters. Now I need to dis-assemble it again, cut the rail and belt and hope i get my measurements right, so it all fits nicely again.

I'm sure curtain ppl can do this with their eyes closed, but I doubt they will help as I didn't buy the rails from them. Thankfully, my dad has the cutting tools to make a clean cut on the rails.

 

[Epi_curean]

Insteon look interesting.

but its freaking Expensive!
https://www.insteon.com/wall-switches
1 gang is $55 USD
if you need 2 that will be $110 USD
if you add a remote that will be another $100 more!
btw when it state:
Automatically detects 50 or 60 Hertz electricty and supports 100-277VAC
this mean it support our voltage of 220 V?

I have actually read up on this switch. Please note it does come out front to say it supports 220V, sadly.
Most of our local switch boxes are squarish, about 80cm. So this shape is more suitable for US households

 

[bullfrog]

I have actually read up on this switch. Please note it does come out front to say it supports 220V, sadly.
Most of our local switch boxes are squarish, about 80cm. So this shape is more suitable for US households

Thats easy. Just buy from amazon

For single mount , i used this for my current home

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028CIC8U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4.KbBbZEHWS7K


Double gang mount, this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003AUI374/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_sbLbBbA9170JR

With this double wallplate (don't need for single as wemo comes with one)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MAUTFY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KdLbBbNYCZ3W3

However, I'm moving away from wifi switches for my new home and will probably get the Xiaomi aqara light switch with neutral wire.

 

[Solidus_GZ]

haiz another bubble tio pop! i dont like tiongkok one the remote is like car remote type.

 

[Solidus_GZ]

Thats easy. Just buy from amazon

For single mount , i used this for my current home

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028CIC8U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4.KbBbZEHWS7K


Double gang mount, this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003AUI374/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_sbLbBbA9170JR

With this double wallplate (don't need for single as wemo comes with one)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MAUTFY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KdLbBbNYCZ3W3

However, I'm moving away from wifi switches for my new home and will probably get the Xiaomi aqara light switch with neutral wire.

Bro you getting Leviton or Ineston

Leviton can support 240 v ?

 

[powerpack8]

Curtain rails for my Xiaomi Aqara curtain motor arrived!

The good. The rails are silent and look very durable.

The bad, it came with no instructions! I mean seriously, took me over an hour trying to figure out how the thing operates. Assembled it fine but found it would only close properly. Opening had issues.

I disassembled the rails completely to understand how it worked before realizing the belt was not joined to form a continuous loop This was why it could not open properly.

So I rummaging the bubble wrapped bag of screws meant for mounting before spotting what I needed to join the belt.
LOL Noob problem!! So guys, take note!

Anyway it works!!!

The motor stops when the rails reach the end and can successfully open before stopping once it fully opens.

Another bad thing about the rails was the seller promised custom sizing so I ordered 12 feet in length. However it came in 4 meters. Now I need to dis-assemble it again, cut the rail and belt and hope i get my measurements right, so it all fits nicely again.

I'm sure curtain ppl can do this with their eyes closed, but I doubt they will help as I didn't buy the rails from them. Thankfully, my dad has the cutting tools to make a clean cut on the rails.

Thanks for sharing! Which vendor did you order from?

I ordered from https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Original-Xiaomi-aqara-Dooya-KT82-DT82-motor-Customizable-Super-Quite-Electric-Curtain-Track-for-smart-home/32844254143.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.46534c4dv71D1K

Still wrapped and waiting for my renovation to reach curtain stage.. If you could share pics on how to install that would be great, definitely many people would want to learn from your experience!

 

[Solidus_GZ]

got 30% discount for Ineston.... https://www.smarthome.com/
worth the try?

 

[bullfrog]

Bro you getting Leviton or Ineston

Leviton can support 240 v ?

Those are the surface mounts for the switches. They are the standard size for USA. Get those as they are deep so wires can fit inside. I used them for my Wemo light switches.

 

[AsusEpoxy]

got 30% discount for Ineston.... https://www.smarthome.com/
worth the try?

what about the hub? seems like also need to get the insteon hub to get started.

 

[bullfrog]

Thanks for sharing! Which vendor did you order from?

I ordered from https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Original-Xiaomi-aqara-Dooya-KT82-DT82-motor-Customizable-Super-Quite-Electric-Curtain-Track-for-smart-home/32844254143.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.46534c4dv71D1K

Still wrapped and waiting for my renovation to reach curtain stage.. If you could share pics on how to install that would be great, definitely many people would want to learn from your experience!

Not from that seller but it looks correct.

Sorry, I just boxed them up again cos I'll be moving to my new house in July.
It's actually quite easy.

For the curtain rails, once you straighten it out, you will see two white plastic hook eyes that are different from the rest as they are attached directly to the belt. They should align side by side. Tighten the rail braces so the rails can no longer collapse.

(this the part I missed)
Rummage through your packaging for an attachment to screw those two plastic eye hooks together. You can't miss it as it will be very obvious.
This will lock the belt so it will be a continuous loop. Needs to be done otherwise the gearbox on the rail can only spin to close

Use a flat screw driver and spin the rails gear box where you would attach the motor head. It should close and open the guide rails.

Finally, put the curtain track in it's the open state before attaching the xiaomi motor

The Xiaomi motor is attached by first unlocking it. (pull out and slide the lever on the motor) . Once it sits on the rail's gear box, slide the lever on the motor back to lock it in place.

This video will help. My rails came pre-assembled so I didn't think of going through the bubble wrap bundle as I thought it only contained the wall mounting brackets.

1:51 was what I forgot to do

PM me if you have any problems. I'll walk you through.

 

[Solidus_GZ]

what about the hub? seems like also need to get the insteon hub to get started.

hub can only support up to 110V.
been looking around its UK Amazon, doesnt see to have a hub for 240V...
anyway i only plan to use it as 2 way switch.

 

[powerpack8]

Maybe it's not a good idea to IoT your digital lock at the moment..

Z-Wave Downgrade Attack Left Over 100 Million IoT Devices Open to Hackers

https://thehackernews.com/2018/05/z-wave-wireless-hacking.html

 

[verylunatic]

Hi has anyone experienced failure of Xiaomi Aqara wall switch both single and double switches (non-neutral)?

I have it installed for all of my light switches, and within 3 months, already 5 switches have failed to on, including 1 with burnt resistor that melted / burned the plastic housing.

Just wondering if it is just me or is it a common issue.

3 out of 9 failed for me, all no burnt marks/smell, non-neutral, 2 gang version.
2 failed after 3+ month
1 failed within a month