Hi All,
Long time lurker to the forum and find it extremely interesting, some good suggestions and most brilliant comments.lately there have a lot of deals on pretty much everything Smart. I was hoping if ppl are happy to share to what degree they have automated their houses and how much of it is smart in true sense. Also if you can mention what hardware and software was used it will be appreciated along with an estimated cost.
Thanks all for your valued input.
Nice set up there but I am curious and wondering what was the increase or decrease in overall new power usage? Was it a big change or fairly minor and which part of your diy automation do you find the best most useful or easiest to install.
One of the things stopping me from trying full automation is the lack of ideas on how much exactly is really needed and what is just pure luxury like for me an automated robot and maybe door or window sensors is as far as I would go with maybe some automated lights here and there and a video feature maybe for the front door but apart from that for example I don't see much use in atm for Alexa unless maybe I wanted to know the weather or play a song or YouTube clip.
I guess most of it might be a nice added extra which is that is better to have than not have especially if you have some extra money's lying around haha lol.. Cool setup dude. Looking forward to hearing more.
Dude, you really need to learn how to use a comma. What you wrote is near incoherent.
The power usage is down, because all incandescent bulbs have been replaced with LEDs.
The Alexa is the most useful device, as it acts essentially as a home hub, which everything talks to. Even if things aren't Alexa compatible, OpenHab and HAbridge makes them compatible.
I, Don't, Understand, Why, People, Use, Smart Switches, and, Smart Globes, at, THE, same, TIME?
Sorry sometimes I feel I use too many commas and sometimes maybe I do use too less.. I can sometimes never get it right, sorry man.
@AlienC: Don't worry, I think they're the only person that had an issue understanding what you said. Also I think they mean 'grammar', when they say 'basic English'. But there are other issues with their sentence structures.
@Rumbaar: it's all good, internet or written communication is still one of the hardest most complicated things know to man.
@Rumbaar: No, he should worry, an inability to use a comma is a serious problem. Most twelve year olds can construct sentences with correct spelling and grammar. I answered his questions politely, so I may be an A-hole, but I'm not 100% a dick.
@Burnertoasty: You seem to be both, but that's your prerogative. Though you might want to brush up on the usage of commas in sentences, if you want to be the beacon of grammar.
That.. seems expensive. How much did all that cost you?
Not much, maybe a few grand, tops.
Not too bad. Less than a good holiday, and makes more of an impact to daily life
Probably the easiest way to start with home automation is WiFi light globes eg. Lifx. The total cost is the cost of the bulb! Plug it in and download the app and you can put lights on a timer etc etc.
Better than wemo….. Windows app sucks though.
Be aware that various home automation devices (also known as Internet of Things (IoT)) are the least secure devices attached to a home network. When a single IoT device is compromised it may gain access to full network and other devices. There are many Internet articles on this topic, try: https://robert.penz.name/1341/ready-your-home-network-for-io… and a bit less technical: https://www.cnet.com/au/news/how-hackable-are-your-smart-hom…
Some gadget manufacturers pay less attention to security than others, but it doesn't mean they're all bad…
There's always the option to build your own if you don't trust someone else to make stuff for you…
I am yet to find a manufacturer of IoT device who provides regular code security fixes and updates. Build your own WiFi controlled light globe? Good luck with that.
There's more to IoT than pretty coloured lights ;)
LED lighting (strips), surveillance cameras, IR interfaces for your TV / Split Cycle, garage door openers, all controlled using web commands (POST).
Just started testing a wifi controlled set of power outlets like this one
@Burnertoasty: I was going to say you were just being negative again….. But a power strip mod is close to the realm of a trained electrician only project.(dealing close with mains power)
I would love to have one or two automated stuff in my home but I'm afraid of the inherent security issues, it's like having a open door. Once a intruder finds a opening he'll have a field day.
Correct, but it is possible to protect a home network. In short: you can separate devices with poor security from your main network. Requires some (but not that much) technical knowledge, plenty of materials how to do that on the net, I referenced one such article few posts above.
100% correct. This is why my door locks will be Kevo 2 locks. They are bluetooth and open much like car proximity keys; you can even send tradies texts so that they can open the door when you are not in, but they are not connected to your Wifi. This is why I was hesitant to buy an August smart lock, which can be unlocked with Alexa (you could literally yell through the glass and it will probably open).
In the real world though is there any evidence of high tech intruders hacking into home security systems and gaining access to homes. Let me take a guess that 99% of intrusions are very low tech affairs (crowbar, hammer, brick etc!)
Hi, I'm in the process of fully automating my house.
So far I have:
Amazon Alexas in every room
A Harmony Hub in the home entertainment cupboard (controls TV, Xbox, soundbar, set top boxes, etc) (works with Alexa)
A NAS and 24 port network hub, house networked with Cat 6
Smart bulbs in almost every socket. Primarily Philips Hue, also have some Lightify bulbs (Hue compatible)
Hue switches
Daikin SkyFi waiting to be installed to control heating and cooling
Bluetooth speakers to compliment Alexas
Rasbperry Pi (*2), one with OpenHab to run the whole house, one with HAbridge
Limitless LED strips in picture rails to uplight rooms
Wemo Maker hooked up to solenoid to control the sprinkler system
Xiaomi Robot Vacuum (with Alexa skill enabled)
Xiaomi window sensors, temp sensors, door sensors + hub on the way
To buy:
Weather Station for outside the house that can work with OpenHab
KLF200 to control my Velux windows (I have 7 of them)
Xiaomi Air purifier
So far everything is voice controlled, and anything that isn't, will be, thanks to OpenHab. Total expenditure isn't huge, as a lot of the things I have bought have been on sale in true ozbargainer style.