[Official] Home Automation Thread

[comcrepe]

Hi! Newbie here.

Not strictly a Home Automation question.

Planning to get either Alexa Echo or Google Nest Audio. Was gifted an Echo Dot so was playing with it for a couple of months, fun to use to activate the Roborock. Should I stick to the Amazon ecosystem?

After that, I plan to buy either BOND (which was recommended in a reddit post): https://www.amazon.com/Automation-Ceiling-Fireplace-through-Control/dp/B071GVGVVH/

or the Broadlink RM4 Pro. Needs RF to control the fans and IR to control say.. aircon and standing fan that uses IR.

Any recommendations between these two? Or are there better options to consider (better as in cost efficient.) The BOND seems highly recommended, the range seems quite powerful and have wider RF to work with. I don't know what my existing fans RF frequency haha. While someone said the BOND IR is not so good. So I'm abit confused.

Can the Broadlink RM4 Pro RF reach the master bedroom for a standard 5room BTO? Mine is a standard squarish layout. May have to put where the walls are, so there'll be 3 walls between the living room and the MBR.

(Also saw the Alexa Echo has a Zigbee hub? would that be sufficient to work with other Zigbee devices? Or it

I also saw Aqara switches, but saw someone here mention that some new standard, Matter might be coming out next year so I'll wait out on on these HA stuff first and stick to voice activation.)

Thanks thanks

Hello,

Echo
I think the Amazon smart devices are limited in our region. I might be wrong but you probably need to research a bit more just in case you wish to use it extensively.

BOND
Seems expensive. But RM products should be able to work. I have the RM 4 mini but can't seem to get it to work with my Elmark ceiling fan. So if you want to use it with fans, best to buy one RM 4 to test it with your fan. From the app, I can see the usual brands like Panasonic and KDK. But no Elmark, at least officially.

Not quite sure about Echo as a Zigbee hub. I use the Aqara hub for my switches and Philips Hue for a mixture of Hue / Ikea Tradfri and some 3rd party light strips that are certified to work with Hue. They all show up nicely on Apple HomeKit. The ikea bulbs and 3rd party light strips need to pass through homebridge for them to show up on HomeKit.

I also have AmbiClimate to control my A/C. They are not HomeKit enabled but there is unofficial support to make them HomeKit ready. It's even mentioned on the ambi climate website for users to consider using this 3rd party software. As AmbiClimates are not cheap, I got the RM4 mini to control the A/Cs in my living room. The Ambis will be for the bedroom / home office.

Edit: Found out that my elmark fan is RF. My RM4 mini does not support RF. sigh. noob mistake.

 

[Project_Xco]

Hi! Newbie here.

Not strictly a Home Automation question.

Planning to get either Alexa Echo or Google Nest Audio. Was gifted an Echo Dot so was playing with it for a couple of months, fun to use to activate the Roborock. Should I stick to the Amazon ecosystem?

After that, I plan to buy either BOND (which was recommended in a reddit post): https://www.amazon.com/Automation-Ceiling-Fireplace-through-Control/dp/B071GVGVVH/

or the Broadlink RM4 Pro. Needs RF to control the fans and IR to control say.. aircon and standing fan that uses IR.

Any recommendations between these two? Or are there better options to consider (better as in cost efficient.) The BOND seems highly recommended, the range seems quite powerful and have wider RF to work with. I don't know what my existing fans RF frequency haha. While someone said the BOND IR is not so good. So I'm abit confused.

Can the Broadlink RM4 Pro RF reach the master bedroom for a standard 5room BTO? Mine is a standard squarish layout. May have to put where the walls are, so there'll be 3 walls between the living room and the MBR.

(Also saw the Alexa Echo has a Zigbee hub? would that be sufficient to work with other Zigbee devices? Or it

I also saw Aqara switches, but saw someone here mention that some new standard, Matter might be coming out next year so I'll wait out on on these HA stuff first and stick to voice activation.)

Thanks thanks

Maybe I can comment on this. 70% of my entire house is setup with Broadlink devices. I have TC2S and TC3 smart switches paired with RM4C Pro Hub (RF 433MHz) and S3 Hub (Wifi) respectively. I also have multiple Broadlink RM4C Mini purely to control IR devices (fans, aircons, LED lights), a Broadlink smart bulb and Broadlink smart plug.

For Tuya/Smartlife, I have one 20A Smart Water Heater switch (coz Broadlink doesn't have 20A switch).

I recently added two Echo Dots Gen 2 for testing. It is quite powerful ecosystem. I manage to integrate with Broadlink, SmartLife, Roborock, Spotify. It can integrate with other major names like Mi Home, Dyson, etc. I think only Echo Dot Gen 4 has Zigbee support. I mainly run voice commands to run my scenes (like say "I'm home" or "i'm going out" and it will turn on/off fans and lights to the rooms I go to) and also when i'm lazy to reach to my phone to open launch the app to operate the smart stuff in the house.

For the start, you can get RM4C Mini (cost about $12+ in Shopee) and try it with your IR appliances (Tv, Fans, Aircons). Then buy RM4C Pro (its similar to RM4 Pro but cheaper and almost similar features) if you plan to use their TC2S smart switches. For newer and more expensive TC3 smart switches, no need for RM4C Pro/RM4 Pro as you will be using a S3 Hub (Wifi) which is much cheaper (it can be like $4-6 when bundled). You should place it in the middle of the house.

I'm still fairly new to Smart Automation so not sure about BOND.

 

[CrazyBlue]

Haha thanks for sharing, the only newb here is me

Not sure whether i will use alexa extensively, atm not really considering much except using voice controls, but maybe next time when the poison sets in...haha..

 

[CrazyBlue]

Thanks for your detailed sharing. Interesting, so instead of a single RM4 Pro hub, RM4C Pro Hub is RF only and then separate devices for IR duty?

Thanks I'll check out the RM4C Mini, need a way to turn off my son's aircon without opening the door and risking waking up the little fella. Ooo just checked. RM4C Mini now $18+ already haha.

The BOND is just an RF blaster probably similar to the RM4C Pro? but I see the ang mos give good feedback for controlling a wide variety of fans.

IR need line of sight anyway so a cheap small device is good thanks!

 

[CrazyBlue]

Just to check ah,

How's the range of the RM4C Pro Hub? My main concern is only the reach to the MBR and the kid's room cause it's the furthest from the hall haha. Typical 5 room but the walls is something i'm more concerned about

 

[13luetooth]

Hi everyone,

I'm quite noob in home automation and after watching tons of videos and I'm a little confused.

First of all, my application is fairly simple.

I just need these to be smart.
1) Ceiling lights
2) internal wardrobe light & kitchen countertop lights (I believe LED strips should do the job)
3) IR devices such as fans & aircon.

I would like to keep it simple and just go with aqara platform.
May I know if all I need is just the following?
1) Aqara wall switches (without neutral for HDB BTO)
2) Aqara motion sensor for kitchen LED strips and wardrobes
3) Aqara M2 hub

Questions.
1) Am I right to say that I need to look out for Global versions when i buy M2 hub and the wall switches?
2) Does aqara motion sensor have a global and non-global version?
3) How should I connect the normal LED light strips to aqara platform? What do I need?
4) Just want to verify if I'm understanding this correctly that the M2 hub supports IR devices
5) Is 1 x Aqara M2 hub at the living room able to connect all the wall switches around the 4-room BTO house? Do I need more?
6) I know I mention alot of aqara but I'm also worry abt it being non stable due to china server. Would boardlink being 2nd alternative be better?

 

[ho_kuku]

Hi everyone,

I'm quite noob in home automation and after watching tons of videos and I'm a little confused.

First of all, my application is fairly simple.

I just need these to be smart.
1) Ceiling lights
2) internal wardrobe light & kitchen countertop lights (I believe LED strips should do the job)
3) IR devices such as fans & aircon.

I would like to keep it simple and just go with aqara platform.
May I know if all I need is just the following?
1) Aqara wall switches (without neutral for HDB BTO)
2) Aqara motion sensor for kitchen LED strips and wardrobes
3) Aqara M2 hub

Questions.
1) Am I right to say that I need to look out for Global versions when i buy M2 hub and the wall switches?
2) Does aqara motion sensor have a global and non-global version?
3) How should I connect the normal LED light strips to aqara platform? What do I need?
4) Just want to verify if I'm understanding this correctly that the M2 hub supports IR devices
5) Is 1 x Aqara M2 hub at the living room able to connect all the wall switches around the 4-room BTO house? Do I need more?
6) I know I mention alot of aqara but I'm also worry abt it being non stable due to china server. Would boardlink being 2nd alternative be better?

Hi there, here is my response to ur questions
1) global version for hub is ok. Dun think wall switches is regional sensitive

2) all aqara devices except hub should work across region

3) the led light connected to aqara switch should do the trick.

4) m2 support ir devices. But it should have a line of sight to the device to control them

5) if ur place is not too big. Should work. It depends really. If u r using the neutral switch - aqara automatically form a mesh network that extends its wireless reach

5) with aqara - u can choose which server to be connected to. US, UK, China and Others. For me - I choose others. It works pretty well.

 

[catwhisperer]

Can I get some help please, I am this close to binning my smartthings hub:

1. Is it normal that the hub is faded out on my smartthings app?
2. I could not find the yeelight bulb in the smartthings app, but found it in yeelight app and can control it there. So I added the device ID to the smartthings hub, where I can see it but cannot do anything to it. It will show a network error. How do I troubleshoot this?
3. I had a lot of difficulty adding my aqara water leak sensor (already did the device handler thing) but once I did, it is always shown as offline. While I googled and see that it can respond even when offline, mine doesn't. Since it is offline, I am unable to add it to any routines too. What did I do wrong and how can I troubleshoot this? Already deleted and added twice.

It seems that nothing on this hub is working right for me

Added pictures: https://ibb.co/LSQGs61
https://ibb.co/n7MVxZg

 

[Evilbear]

Can I get some help please, I am this close to binning my smartthings hub:

1. Is it normal that the hub is faded out on my smartthings app?
2. I could not find the yeelight bulb in the smartthings app, but found it in yeelight app and can control it there. So I added the device ID to the smartthings hub, where I can see it but cannot do anything to it. It will show a network error. How do I troubleshoot this?
3. I had a lot of difficulty adding my aqara water leak sensor (already did the device handler thing) but once I did, it is always shown as offline. While I googled and see that it can respond even when offline, mine doesn't. Since it is offline, I am unable to add it to any routines too. What did I do wrong and how can I troubleshoot this? Already deleted and added twice.

It seems that nothing on this hub is working right for me

Added pictures: https://ibb.co/LSQGs61
https://ibb.co/n7MVxZg

1. mine is faded as well, as long as status is 'connected' then its fine
2. Yeelight with smartthings is a cloud to cloud integration. So all you need is to input your yeelight credentials in. Make sure you are not using any 3rd party login for your yeelight app.
3. Once you have added the device, go to groovy IDE and make sure the sensor is using the correct device handler. Can try restart your smartThings app or even your phone to make sure the new configuration setting is sort of applied.

 

[StupeNoob]

Hi all,

Super new to smart home automation, do excuse the rookie questions!

Not planning to do anything super crazy, just
- A bunch of smart light switches - rocker type (eg Tuya)
- A couple of smart water heater switches
- Environment is 2 levels, with Unifi APs on both levels

I was aiming to avoid needing a Zigbee hub, and go WIFI only, but design options for switches are quite limited.
Question:
a) For the no-neutral required switches, many requires a capacitor wired at the bulb/light fixture.
b) So if I have 1 switch that controls 3 downlights, which downlight should the capacitor be wired to?


And as I'm reading more about the Zigbee hub, I might have read myself into a corner and got myself confused.
Question:
1. I can get a Zigbee hub, and place that near my router, correct? Location of router is at front of house, near TV console. (If I select a wireless hub, i can place it anywhere. But I'd like to hide the hub)
2. Because the hub is not centrally located, it may not reach the upper level.
3. So best to get another hub, correct? If yes, I plan to place the 2nd hub at the upper level. (or maybe even a 3rd, at the rear of the house)
4. For the additional 2nd/3rd hub, does it need to link to the first hub? If so, is it via WIFI?
5. Can I conceal the 2nd/3rd hub? Eg place it in on the plaster ceiling?
6. Or am I overthinking this, and 1 hub is really all that is required? Layout is around 6m x 15m


Thanks for your patience!

 

[lee-turbo]

https://m.aliexpress.com/item/40011...gtaqgscaxzfa17d30e2eb741edb24c4a348572&gclid=
anyone try this ?


Read HWZ Forum Rules!

 

[wishxtreme]

Anyone using Apple Homekit and Aqara? I am starting to plan for my new house and not if i am going for aqara M2 hub with Homekit, is this a good options or google home is the way to go? Still very new in this smarthome setup.

 

[wishxtreme]

Anyone using the Aqara smart wall switches? Is it compatible for SGP or only made for US market?

 

[ho_kuku]

Anyone using Apple Homekit and Aqara? I am starting to plan for my new house and not if i am going for aqara M2 hub with Homekit, is this a good options or google home is the way to go? Still very new in this smarthome setup.

Aqara and homekit is ok. Am currently using thjs setup. Depends on ur needs - I use this setup bcoz I do have some automations that involves non-aqara devices. If u r only using aqara devices- u can actually make do with the aqara app - no homekit required.

for homekit - am using homepod mini as homekit hub. I dun really like it as there is a slight lag. I use ipad as homekit hub before too - that is even worse. I’ll prefer a hardwired device like the apple tv 4k as homekit hub. For your reference only if u are considering which hub to get for homekit

 

[wishxtreme]

Aqara and homekit is ok. Am currently using thjs setup. Depends on ur needs - I use this setup bcoz I do have some automations that involves non-aqara devices. If u r only using aqara devices- u can actually make do with the aqara app - no homekit required.

for homekit - am using homepod mini as homekit hub. I dun really like it as there is a slight lag. I use ipad as homekit hub before too - that is even worse. I’ll prefer a hardwired device like the apple tv 4k as homekit hub. For your reference only if u are considering which hub to get for homekit

I will be connecting to various non aqara devices like sensibo, Philips Hue, Yee Light, and others electrical brands for my home automation. I might be using this bridge call Hoobs which can replace Homebridge.
I definitely want to have the apple eco system since all my products like mobile, laptops, watch, TV are apple.

 

[ho_kuku]

I will be connecting to various non aqara devices like sensibo, Philips Hue, Yee Light, and others electrical brands for my home automation. I might be using this bridge call Hoobs which can replace Homebridge.
I definitely want to have the apple eco system since all my products like mobile, laptops, watch, TV are apple.

Hoobs is actually a skinned homebridge. The add-ons are mostly the same. Hoobs have a more friendly interface though. You don’t have to buy the hoobs hardware - maybe can get a rpi 4 and download the hoobs OS. Try it first before getting the hardware. The newer yee lights are homekit compatible. Philipe hue too is compatible.
Some sensibo model supports homekit - why need the hoobs leh?

 

[wishxtreme]

Hoobs is actually a skinned homebridge. The add-ons are mostly the same. Hoobs have a more friendly interface though. You don’t have to buy the hoobs hardware - maybe can get a rpi 4 and download the hoobs OS. Try it first before getting the hardware. The newer yee lights are homekit compatible. Philipe hue too is compatible.
Some sensibo model supports homekit - why need the hoobs leh?

You might be right, i might not need Hoobs. Still researching and planning what type of smart home automation i need before getting those hardwares. Very new into this and somethings it can be very confusing.

eg. I like the Google nest doorbell with the nest hub where the video will pop up when someone press the doorbell. but for homekit, still no such function except using the apple TV.

 

[kenho_23]

Quick questions about Smart Wall Switch and neutral wire.

1. what is the recommended brand to use with Google Home? I am familiar with Aqara and Boardlink.

2. Do you recommend pulling a neutral wire or just buy the no neutral version? Which one is safer.

3. For Neutral wire, any recommendations on who can install that for new BTO, and what is the cost for installing it?

Thanks for all the expert advice I advance.

 

[LiLAsN]

Anyone else noticing that Aqara motion sensors have suddenly stopped working on their Amazon Echo? Therefore, a routine such as when Aqara in kitchen detects motion, turn on Yeelight LED at kitchen cabinet and turn on kitchen fan controlled by Broadlink.

All of a sudden, on 17 November, my motion sensors around the house which are still working fine and being detected with timings till today on the Xiaomi app suddenly shows the last activity of the sensors being on 17 November on Alexa devices.

PS. Coincidentally, just 4 days ago, Amazon released an update where the 4th gen Echos can now use ultrasound to detect motion. 1 day after both my Aqara motion sensors are seen as not detecting motion on the Alexa app but is working fine in the Xiaomi Home app and with its automations.

 

[ErinaMizuno]

Anyone else noticing that Aqara motion sensors have suddenly stopped working on their Amazon Echo? Therefore, a routine such as when Aqara in kitchen detects motion, turn on Yeelight LED at kitchen cabinet and turn on kitchen fan controlled by Broadlink.

All of a sudden, on 17 November, my motion sensors around the house which are still working fine and being detected with timings till today on the Xiaomi app suddenly shows the last activity of the sensors being on 17 November on Alexa devices.

PS. Coincidentally, just 4 days ago, Amazon released an update where the 4th gen Echos can now use ultrasound to detect motion. 1 day after both my Aqara motion sensors are seen as not detecting motion on the Alexa app but is working fine in the Xiaomi Home app and with its automations.

My aqara scenes that are detected in echo suddenly stopped working as well. Not sure what happened