X10 Community Forum
🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Automated Home Showcase => Topic started by: Tuicemen on June 19, 2008, 12:40:31 AM
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I'll start off with a list of equipment and software:
Stand alone controllers:
CM15A(1)w/ ActiveHome Pro v3.318- CM15A with PI zero W and HomeGenie inside
- CM19A with PI zero W and HomeGenie (used for Alexa and Zwave)
MT13A Mini timer- Wm100( X10Wi-FI module)
Plugins:SmartMacrosiWitness with converting to IP cameras and a newer OS this no longer works(not in use) MyHouse Onlinewith servers down this is not working (never relied on it anyways) (not in use)On Alert[/color]
Other Software: Lola ( HomeGenie has now replaced this)VanGuard Control center(replaced with HomeGenie) :( )Firecracker (no longer installed)Xray Vision (no longer installed)Remote mouse Max x10, remote mouse softwareBVC(Alexa has now replaced this)TAC( running on my Airpad)Alexa and Google assistant have replaced this- X10WIfi (x10 Smart phone app to control the WM100)
- ihc app and Skill to allow Alexa/Google control over all X10, RF and IR devices via the RM Broadlink PRO
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Alex10 for Alexa control of X10(HomeGenie ) -
HA-Bridge to emulate a hue bridge allows many devices even the Broadlink RM to be controlled via Alexa -
SmartCloud (web request listener) for Google home and Cortana to control x10 devices - Home Genie running on 2 Pi ZeroWs
- The TriggerCMD Smarthome skill handles specialty Alexa voice controls
Computers: - PC1: i5 3.3GHz w/12GB RAM, 10 Pro 64 bit
- Apps: (none)this has no interface connected used for programing & to remote into Pi boards - PC2: Toshiba 17 in. laptop 1.70 GHz w/4GB RAM, Windows 10 64 bit - Apps: AHP with smartmacro and OnAlert plugins , PcCompanion this is used both in the city and the off grid place
- Assus Eeebox mini PC w/3GB Ram running Linux & HomeGenie CM15A permanently connected
- 1 Pi Zero W mounted inside CM15A
- 1 Pi Zero W with Zwave dongle & CM19A
Devices: - Transceivers:
- TM751(not in use)
- PAT03 (not in use)
- CM15A
- :-[
- TRANSMITTERS-WIRELESS:
- 3 Unit + Dim (SS13A)
- Palm Pad (HR12A)
- Pan 'n Tilt(CR14A) (not in use)
- keychain button type battery (KR19A)(not in use)
- keychain credit card type (not in use)
- Serial port Firecracker (CM17A) (not in use)
- USB firecracker (CM19A)
- WM100 (Wi-Fi to PLC x10)
- Broadlink RM Pro
- Zwave (usb dongle)
- CAMERAS
- wide eye
- cam anywhere(picture finally is unviewable after 15 or more years in use)
- lowlight B&W (now only out as a decoy)
- Astak night vision (IR lights failed, not in use)
- Pan 'n Tilt base (2,4) (not in use)
- Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinects (currently used for Voice recognition with PC)
- Foscam indoor IP this is mounted so it can view any entrance ways on the main floor
- Airsight HD PTZ IP cam (mounted over looking driveway and street as well as ability to view front and side doors)
- EasyN outdoor PTZ IP cam (mounted to watch back door and rear yard)
- Airsight indoor IP cam setup as baby cam for when gran daughter is over.
- Modules:
- Heavy Duty Appliance (HD243)(not in use)
- Appliances(AM486)
- 3 Pin Appliance module (AM466)
- lamps(LM465)
- wall switch (0,3)
- XPS3 (new silent switch prototype)
- XPS4 (new revamped XPS3)
- MOTION SENSORS:
- 2 Flood light Motion Sensor(PRS11)
- security ones (see below in additional notes)
- UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROLS:
- IR10A (1/1) (not in use)
- UR24A (not in use)
- JR20A(remote mouse)(not in use)
- Icon Remotes
- Lola Remote (not in use)
- SECURITY:
- DS7000 Protector Plus Security System
- Door/Window Sensors
- Motion sensors MS10A(replaces ActiveEye Motion Sensor and HawkEye Motion Sensor now at the cottage)
- SH624 & Security Keychain Remotes(3,3)
- ???
- MISCELLANEOUS:
- Remote Mouse JR21A receiver (not in use)
- IR Commander (not in use)
- Powermids (Broadlink RM Pro now replaces them)
- Phase Coupler (hard wired)
- SR751 RF repeater (extends RF range to my hard to hear from locations)
- PLC01 Power Line command repeater X2(not in use)
- XTBM-Pro signal analyzer
- USBUrit (rarely used now with the Broadlink RM in the mix)
- Amazon Dot (2) allows voice control over smart devices and provides voice responses to queries
- Google Home mini (1) currently experimenting with to compare with Amazon Dot
- RM Broadlink pro this has replaced the powermids and USBuirt
- We-Mo switches
- Zwave modules & Door lock
- Voice Assistants:
- Alexa (2 dots & 1 phone)
- Google Home (1 mini & 2 phones) rarely used
- Cortana (3 PCs & 1 phone) rarely used
- PC Companion (1 PC)
Additional Notes:- Replaced all motion sensors in My house with security ones (when OnAlert was released)
- I'll add to the list as I acquire more
- Note: not all of the above is in use so the setup looks larger then it is!
- I've added a floor plan to show placement of some modules ( I'll update this from time to time)
Note: Edited to update setup and floor plan pic (3/22/2015)
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The house is a small brick 2 storey home built in the 1910s.
Upstairs in a small bedroom (converted to office) is the brains of the system (AHP)
I really only have a few things that are setup for 24/7 use (other then x10 remotes) .
Have a night light in the upstairs bathroom triggered by a security motion sensor. (Saves a lot of stumbling in the dark!)
Have a living room light which is on a timer to go on and off and is also triggered by the security sensor mentioned above to activate a Shift workers macro (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=13828.0)
I have a x10 motion sensor flood light in the driveway which also triggers the above lamp to come on and one other in the living room!
This sensor also (based on conditions set with the shiftworker macro) will turn on my office lamp at night. A timer turns it of which acts as a reminder to get off the PC and go to bed rofl
In the office I have another security motion sensor which activates the lamp and triggers PC Companion to look up the current weather and read it to me as I enter. It also checks my e-mail.
AHP also triggers PC Compaion every hour I'm up to speak the time (Talking clock) (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12205.15) via a batch file
My DS7000 security is also located here. All entry points have sensors attached and when on is tripped I can compare the address with AHP to see exactly what it is (that's if a sound file hasn't been triggered and played with PC Companion)
All my cams are triggered via AHP timers and based on conditions from the "shift workers macro", macros will upload pics or e-mail them!
That's it for what I have set to run daily! :'
I'll get into other stuff I have set which I use only during certain times of the year or when the mood strikes me! Most of the other stuff (I'll post about later) I played with, used, but is disabled at present!
Like voice recognition with BVC, it is something I have fun with but unlike some I don't use it daily!
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Many of you know I dabble with Visual Basics and have created a few home Automation programs!
All of these can be found by looking in the thirdparty Software section or here! (http://www.angelfire.com/in2/ontkoi/X10AHP/index.html)
Besides my own software I do use X10Dispatch and BVC though not as others.
I Just haven't found the right Microphone set up that works for me (Yet)!
I had thought Blue tooth was the way to go and probably still is but my device (Motorola SoundPilot S705) ordered from E-bay got lost in the mail :'( :'(
(long story)
I use a Bluetooth ear piece to talk to BVC all over the top floor but once I go down stairs the Mic fails to send the distance! :(
I can still hear any PC Sounds and alerts anywhere on my lot so I just need the more a powerful bluetooth device.
Most of my setup is set to timers so the only time I would need voice control is to check on something or if a timer failed (very rare occurrence here).
For now the remotes work for that.
At the moment I have a few cameras laying around but only 2 hooked up it the back yard. These cams I just view from the PC I have a security sensor in the shed which on tripping triggers the cams to record! ( or it did rofl) Never actually needed it yet!
I Just Added a X10flood light to the back yard although one of the Cameras has IR the extra light will help the other one and keep the IR one more clear( that is the hope)!
The Floodlight isn't wired in yet I'm waiting on this white stuff to leave so I can get under the deck.
I figure this will boost my WAF (if it works the way I have it envisioned)
I have PIP on the TV so I'll add the video feeds to one of the inputs and use PIP to display (can always switch if a bigger pic is needed)
I'll have the floods trigger a lamp to come on and turn on the cams. Don't want the dog triggering video capture so I'm not going to add that into the mix unless we're not home! Lots of raccoons in the area so I have enough wildlife footage rofl
when the light comes on I'll know the Cams Have been activated, I have a wireless speaker which also will inform me of many things but my wife and daughter keep unplugging it.
(Guess the speaker Idea wasn't a good one rofl)
I know I can set the VCR commander to do some automation with the TV but my wife and I don't like those emitters and the wires.
So I've picked up a Powermid set so the VCRCommander can be in the office (with the rest of the mess) and I can send the info to the TV!
Charles Sullivan spent much time putting together a command line program which will control many hidden features of the VCRCommander
Allthough it doesn't run under Windows I'm hoping to code something in VB so it uses the AHScript.dll instead of the AHCMD. Actually this has been a plan for a long time I Just haven't gotten to it. :-[ :-[ :(
Depending how this goes I may added it as a plug-in for PC Companion or as a stand alone app.
(Done added as a PC Companion Plug-in)
It is always easier to code for personal use! >*<
>!
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Hi Tucemen, did you ever finish testing Lola? bought one a while back but never got around to setting it up. I read on the Lola forum that most folks couldn't get it to work and the software was buggy what has been you experence. It would really be a nice inexpensive alternative to the Logitech Squeeze Box which I will still probably purchase. Give me your overall impression, looking forward to one of your excellent reviews. Thanks!
Tom j.
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Hi Tucemen, did you ever finish testing Lola? bought one a while back but never got around to setting it up. I read on the Lola forum that most folks couldn't get it to work and the software was buggy what has been you experence. It would really be a nice inexpensive alternative to the Logitech Squeeze Box which I will still probably purchase. Give me your overall impression, looking forward to one of your excellent reviews. Thanks!
Tom j.
Tom j. I did finish testing Lola! :-[
The software is very limited to say the least! Since I have a few X10 remotes laying around I found all worked better with PC Companion!
Also I had much more options with PC Companion (unlocked version)
(I hate tooting my own horn! :-[)
Before you purchase the Logitech Squeeze Box give PC Companion a test run it works best with A CM15A but has limited use with a CM19A!
Best part it is much cheeper! ;)
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Hi Tucemen, did you ever finish testing Lola? bought one a while back but never got around to setting it up. I read on the Lola forum that most folks couldn't get it to work and the software was buggy what has been you experence. It would really be a nice inexpensive alternative to the Logitech Squeeze Box which I will still probably purchase. Give me your overall impression, looking forward to one of your excellent reviews. Thanks!
Tom j.
Tom j. I did finish testing Lola! :-[
The software is very limited to say the least! Since I have a few X10 remotes laying around I found all worked better with PC Companion!
Also I had much more options with PC Companion (unlocked version)
(I hate tooting my own horn! :-[)
Before you purchase the Logitech Squeeze Box give PC Companion a test run it works best with A CM15A but has limited use with a CM19A!
Best part it is much cheeper! ;)
I'll check out PC Companion I found a link see below, but were you able to access your MP3's looking at the remote were you able to use any of the features like Artist Album Track ect I mean did any of it work? It's just that I already bought this thing and I was going to install it until I read all the horror stories. Thanks
Tom j.
http://www.angelfire.com/in2/ontkoi/X10AHP/PcCompanion.html
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With Lola I wasn't able to import my playlists maybe cause I didn't tinker with it long enough! ::) :'
It did however pull up most of the sound files on the PC and made playlists from the folders it found::) :'
It wouldn't see media player playlists again maybe a setting I missed.
Since you already have it, install it and give it a try, it may meet your needs. If not make a list of what you like about it and I'll try to add it to PC Companion (Link you show is the correct one)
PC Companion doesn't do what Lola is suppose to do either but that's mostly because I've been busy adding HomeAutomation features to it instead of the sound options.
Many times a option will get put on the back burner as I get sidetracked with other options. ::) :'
Companion will play any media file windows is capable of playing even DVD movie files.
Perhaps I'll get back to working on the music/media side of PC Companion if there is enough interest! The possibilities are almost endless with IR and RF capabilities something it has both of now. Although it only sends IR not receives them(using the VCR Companion Plug-in).
Using RealVNC I can access (view & control) PC Companion from any PC in the house! Sound must still come from the main PC (though realVNC is working on this) With the use of wireless speakers or a audio/video sender that really isn't a problem since I can configure any X10 RF remote even a keyflob for audio control. Provided I can get a RF signal to the CM15A(which seems to be a problem with only the credit card style keyflobs for me). I can pipe sound from the PC to the sound system or just turn on my receiver and listen to the radio.
Since I'm now semi retired I have much more time to devote to this and Maybe now my HA system will start to grow.
I tend to drive my wife off the deepend playing with entertainment devices! had her thinking she was hearing voices the other day as I switched the TV on/off in the livingroom by the time she went to check it was off! :'
While she is home I tend to limit my tests to my office area of the house.
The worse setback for a Home Automater is a bad WAF!
>!
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Thanks OK I'll probably give it a try then. So it didn't crash on you like some reported? And yes I will make a list hopefully it might help you improve the software. I'll help in anyway I can!
Tom j.
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Lola never crashed on me but to be honest I don't play alot of music from the PC so I never ran it for a great lenght of time! ;)
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Tuicemen,
Nice X10 set up. What software did you use to do the layout contained in your first post? >!
Tom J,
I have also used Lola without any computer problems and my computer is not that new. It is only an 866MHz running Windows XP. I am not currently using Lola as, Like Tuicemen, I don't use the computer for playing music much.
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Jim Clark
Thanks, :-[
I actually used a few programs! ;)
1: First program used was free version of SmartDraw (http://www.smartdraw.com/specials/floorplans.asp) for the initial floor plan drawing.
2: Second was Windows paint (wasn't thinking here I should have used Photoshop but it worked) I removed the watermark left from free program and any unwanted text,and measurements.
I then re-sized it so it would fit my wide screen monitor and utilize as much of the screen as possible.
the resizing took a few attemps.
3: Third I pulled it into PC Companion and added the devices to their correct spot.
Clicking these now turn the device ON/OFF.
I've since Used PhotoShop to split the pic into 3, one for each floorplan. ;)
Rotated, Re-sized (again ::) ), and added a background image. I then re-sized the device graphics in PC Companion and repositioned them.
The new size is easier on the eyes and allows more room for devices as each floor has it's own screen.
See attached pic.
>!
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Tuicemen,
Nice X10 set up. What software did you use to do the layout contained in your first post? >!
Tom J,
I have also used Lola without any computer problems and my computer is not that new. It is only an 866MHz running Windows XP. I am not currently using Lola as, Like Tuicemen, I don't use the computer for playing music much.
Say Thanks!! did all the functions work for you or maybe I should say the functions you tried like Artist, Album, Track ect wonder why so many people were complaining about it so much must of been operator error I guess.
Tom j.
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Tom j,
It has been several years since I played with Lola but from what I can remember All of the functions you ask about Artist, album, track, genre all worked. I did have problems, and I can't remember exactly what, with adding and removing albums. I did not think that the software was all that user friendly but then again I did not play with it all that much so a lot of my problems, I am sure, were operator related.
Sorry I could not be of more help.
Jim
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Thanks guys really appreciate the help!! Say think x10 will every support Vista, doesn't seem like any of their software does fortunately I'm still running XP. ;D
Tom j.
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I finaly got my back yard Flood lights wired in! ::) :'
Should have thought of doing this years ago! ::) :'
Man my WAF just went threw the roof! rofl
They trip a inside light (if dark) and we can see what is going on in the backyard via the TV see post: How do you use your VCR Commander? (http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=17847.0)
My wife never needs to wonder if the dog got out of the yard. A quick button press on the remote allows a full view of the rear yard with a wide eye cam!
Of coarse thats not much good at night (even with the floods On)! rofl
Looks like I'll need to switch my astak nightvision cam to display on the TV!
>!
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It has been a while since I posted this setup and a few things have changed!
Bluetooth is a big part of my home setup now.
Many because of creating BlueWatch (http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=19346.0) for users like Dave_X10_L (Thanks by the way for inspiring me)
When I originally created this I though I'd never use it as I didn't have a BT phone (got a cheep used BlackBerry from e-bay to help debug) But I mainly used cheep headsets.
I had read about class 1 BT devices but these were always a bit pricey.
I finaly got a Motorola SoundPilot. :)%
It was still a bit pricey but had some extra features like sound streaming and FM radio so I figured I could use it like a ipod worse case.
Man this is like a voice remote control! :)%
I'm not going to go into the features of BlueWatch here as there are other posts that do that.
However I'm surprised I use most of the options.
Since I started this thread I updated my OS mainly to debug programs But WOW am I glad I did!
I now use WSR Macros to trigger lots of things via voice.
I still use BVC (even less now), but the things I can now do now with Windows 7 WOW!
I no longer need to bug Bill to add support for PcCompanion (PCC) to BVC.
Windows 7 makes Voice command of PCC or any commandline possible program a reality! :)%
With the problem of X10Dispatch not working on 64 bit OS(now it does) I added networking to PCC well all to my programs that I use.
This expanded each as they could now talk to each other.
I now only need one PC with a x10 interface connected to it!
This made one available for the cottage. rofl
With AHP fixing the Windows command option I now trigger more things with it most are just sounds played using PCC.
However this makes for a pleasent talking clock using no X10 addresses!
Not that I don't have the extra to waste but I prefer to keep the power line as noise free as possible! rofl
>!
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With X10 coming out with a 7 inch tablet I figured it wouldn't belong before they came up with a way to connect it to the CM15A.
Or maybe they'd introduce a wifi CM15 equivalent. ::) :'
So I rushed to snag one of these Android tablets and am glad I did.
Since PC Companion already was possible of sending and receiving info via wifi, I figured I should create a Android app to interface with my network and connect to PCC.
Thus TAC (http://tuicemen.com/tac) was born.
I added IR support for the USBUirt to PC Companion and said goodbye to BVC. :'(
BVC wasn't working well with Windows 7 and iHouse would.
I found away to enable Voice recognition in my AirPad and now TAC turns my Airpad into a nice touch screen/VR remote for my HA setup.
Since iHouse will also respond to commandline arguments I found TAC can trigger iHouse macros with PCC.
With the web interface it can also connect to iHouse and control my setup that way.
However I have to admit iHouse isn't running that much here.
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With my AirPad now finding a permanent place in the living room. I can now turn on all my entertainment devices and x10 devices via voice.
I added Wake on LAN to PCC so I'm able to turn all PCs on my network on/off (other then the server) this can be done with timers/voice or a remote (RF or IR).
I discovered PCC could control my window air conditioner via IR and the USBUirt so this is now setup for the warmer weather.
With smartphones becoming so popular I finally said good bye to my old cell phone and updated to a Android enabled one.
I installed TAC on this so now everything I can do with my Airpad I can now do with it Plus.
It has BT so it works great with both versions of BlueWatch though I haven't tied it to my security system (yet)
With Bluewatch Wifi I've discovered more and more devices which are wifi enabled.
And with the use of TAC & PCC I'm able to control them from my phone.
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With issues that unfolded July 2013, I figured I may have to start looking at other means to control my lights and other device.
I added some Mi-light Wi-Fi lights and code to PC Companion to control these (actually I did that before the event unfolded). I also started to look at other options like Zwave and other Wi-Fi devices.
I also had a Microsoft Kinects set to me to encourage me to add support to Pc Companion for it which I have started.
This dramatically improved my voice recognition set up.
Since I'm not in the city to much during the warmer weather not much conversion wise got done here.
Good thing as X10 is back with new owners with new devices in the works :)%
>!
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I updated my original post.
I had a HP Thin Client running PC Companion handling most of my HA, but I seemed to have fried the motherboard. B:(
This was running XP pro embedded so it would have needed updating soon anyways.
I picked up a Asus Eee box off Ebay for cheaper then I could find a Thin Client so I went with it.
I'm currently playing with different configurations but since this will support Windows 8.1 32 bit. I may install it before it is put into full service.
You Can follow my progress here (http://tuicemen.com/forum/index.php?topic=765.msg4313#msg4313)
Currently I have windows 7 home sp1 installed with the old AHP 3.210 full install Authinx found and posted.
I picked up a Aculink 5 in1 weather station from Costco and have it setup in the back yard.
Using VIS Reader software (http://forum1.valleyinfosys.com/index.php/topic,21.0.html) and the info from it I upload to the weather underground.
Since I currently have PC Companion monitoring this I'm able to trigger weather related things more accurately.
The VIS software also generates a CSV file every 12 mins (or 18 seconds if you subscribe) which could be used for very accurate alerts and triggering
>!
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Our old pellet stove needed replacing so we picked up a new Harman pellet stove in the spring.
This new stove has a temperature probe which will turn the stove on or off depending on temp.
Playing with this I found a way to wire it into a 2 wire thermostat.
However not having a spare programmable one I figured I could use my Acurite weather station display's room temp value to trip a (UM506) universal module turning the stove on/off based on room temperature.
I'll post more details once the colder weather sets in and I'm satisfied with the performance
>!
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Using the UM506 to control my pellet stove although did work it required a lot of fine tuning of X10WeatherWatch programing code.
Something I finally gave up on and added a programmable thermostat.
I still use the UM506 in the mix it just isn't rigged up to be controlled via temperature variations
Since my va12a failed and all my PCs are running Windows 7 or higher I can no longer view my X10 cameras on a PC.
I installed a indoor Foscam which can monitor all entrances on the main floor.
AHP turns this based on signals from the sensors on the doors with a windows command to PC Companion (PCC).
PCC also alerts me of this with a wave sound and a voice notification of which door has been opened.
Since Authinx has yet to get their new Wi-Fi module into production and I wished to get some remote control over my off grid place I set About to program something. I also have a HP thin client which uses very little power and running Windows 81 & currently 10 which I'll locate their, but that's for the Off grid thread (http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=22563.0)
Ultralight was created as a simple web server to control my X10 setup.
Since this interfaces with PCC, AHP can also send it info.
I could all ways control my setup remotely with TAC (android app) and PCC, so I didn't plan on using it here. However this has proven to be more useful then I had hoped and has made it's way into my setup here.
Currently I mainly use it for security notifications and IP camera viewing.
Camera viewing is of both here and those at my off grid cottage.
In fact I find I now use AHP more then I did in the past and PCC no longer runs 24/7 (AHP & Ultralight do).
I designed Ultralight so the webpages are highly customizable as I figured my needs here would be different then those at the off grid place.
I also have decided to make it a free program though not easy for everyone to get.
It is only available from my forum for those interested. ;)
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Many thanks to your due diligence on updating X10 issues. I've been using X10 AH & AHP since early 2000s and moved and now setting up full range of devices including wireless cameras and experimenting with other wireless HD cameras. Regards, Cliff #:)
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I'm glad to be of some help Cliff, even if it may be just sharing my issues!
I brought back the outdoor wide angle AirSight I had mounted at my off grid place the PTZ cameras I have there provide more coverage.
I've installed this on my back deck overlooking my sliding door, this entrance is also covered from inside with the Foscam.
It looks like I'll need to play a bit with the viewing angle but its good enough for now.
I'll play with AHP and PCC to see about triggering a snapshot from this when the system is armed and the door is opened.
>!
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Is the PTZ Airsight you use the same as the one that's on sale right now? I was sorta eying it, but I haven't researched cameras enough to know what a good PTZ is/isn't or whether this is good/bad. It's $190 on X10 email yesterday and they list it as $250 regular price. I've been leaning towards getting a full system, but those don't include PTZ which may/may not be all that beneficial and may be difficult to incorporate. Thoughts?
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The Camera displayed here is not a PTZ but a fixed IP camera (the xx52a).
I have 2 PTZ IP cameras working at my off grid place 2 fully cover every outside corner of my building (outside) something it would take 5 regular cameras to do.
I do have a XX60A which is currently not hooked up as the location I wanted it is a dead spot at my off grid location.
the picture from it is about the same as the shot above except I could zoom in better on the door.
I love the zoom feature and that does get used. Having the ability to move the camera also comes in handy as some times things are just of to a corner and you can turn the camera to get a better view.
Since a PTZ camera is like having 2 or 3 stationary cameras the price seems good in my opinion.
I've started tying in my camera control to my security system so they turn to which ever door has been opened the zoom feature would make for a much better identifying pic.
I wish I had taken a snap shot with my xx60a to post but that will need to wait till I move it to a new location. Once moved I'll post some shots on my off grid thread: http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=22563.0
I'm stuck in the city for at least one more week. :(
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For health reasons I've been stuck here longer then expected. This however has provided me with extra time to do some programing for my Ultralight server.
I created a small app to gather info from several CSV files created from other programs for weather, Power consumption, and other monitoring software and save it to a single file.
This file can be read by Ultralight and viewed from anywhere from anything capable of web browsing.
Although I designed this for my off grid place I have it running here as well so I can monitor conditions here as well.
I had hoped to find a X10 logging app to tap into but have yet to find something useable.
This may mean I'll need to create a new app myself or expand on PCC.
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I finally got the XX60A Airsight hooked up at the off grid place and can now view it from here.
Currently I'm putting it threw its paces to get a better idea where it's permanent placement will be.
You can read more about that here: http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=29131.msg163490#msg163490
I've expanded on the Ultralight code and can now control/monitor this place from elsewhere.
I can even add x10 or PcCompanion (PCC) tasks remotely
I created a small app(InfoWriter) to read several CSV files and combine them into a text, html, xml or csv file.
This was done mainly for my off grid setup but I'm finding uses for it here too.
I have my weather station hooked to a dedicated mini PC and this can pull the CSV file it creates to my Ultralight PC.
From it I can monitor the inside and outside temperature and such.
This should allow me to turn on my Pellet stove from the off grid place via X10 in the fall.
I may experiment with a window air con even though I'm seldom here during the summer season.
Although InfoWriter can read several files(currently 5) at once it only currently reads one CSV file here.
I had planed to create a app to write a CSV file for x10 status however with PCC and Ultralight writing a history file I don't think this will be needed.
For those interested InfoWriter is available free on my forum.
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We got this place rewired this summer and with that a reliable setup was lost B:(
Fortunately I had picked up a XTBM Pro to help test new X10 modules.
This helped me discover I now had a Phase issue, using the stove or dryer trick did not help so I wonder if a dryer plug in phase coupler would have helped here. ???
Hard wired a coupler and all is fine now the XTBM did locate some noisy outlets which I'll have to investigate further.
Installed a EasyN Outdoor PTZ camera (brought back from off grid place that was replaced with a XX60A Airsight)
This camera can be turned to view my front door side door driveway or street.
I've yet to program AHP/PCC to turn this but that will be a snowy day project.
I've started to Update all PCs to Windows 10 so far no major issues with my HA software or AHP.
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With Authinx stating a new wifi modules software version would be ready before the units release I figured I'd bring it back from the off grid place.
I couldn't remotely connect with the old software version anyways.
Now with the new software version that part is working so I've temporarily put it into operation here.
This will help me decide if I want a second unit so I have one in both locations.
I continue to find little signal suckers with the XTBM and have ordered some filters.
Most of these are not worth worrying about on their own but teamed with another they might be.
The new and updated modules Authinx has available now with AGS also help with issues.
The new transceivers punch out 3 times if not more power then their older counter parts so these also help with noise and signal suckers.
However I'm not about to trash my CM15 the new Wi-Fi module isn't a replacement for it yet.
I've added a MT13a to my bed side table to make for easy night time control.
I don't have any timers configured just my main house code.
>!
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With the release of the X10 Wi-Fi unit looking like a good dream turned bad I thought my system here wasn't going to expand much.
I have had Voice command of X10 here for a few years with BVC, ihouse, and PCC (not all at once)
I continue to use PCC for Voice however I now have an Amazon Dot added to my setup.
My wife always thought I was nuts talking to my PC (Barbie, doll she calls PCC) however I've now caught her on a number of occasions talking to Alexa.
Over the years My wife has grown to love most of my X10 setup.
Having the ability to turn on her Christmas tree with a remote was the first thing that impressed her now she can do it just saying "Alexa, turn on Christmas tree".
Alexa uses the cloud something I have never been a fan of but this thing is fast with responses!
Getting weather and news flashes is faster then the PC using any program I've played with.
I expect my system here to now have a large growth spurt as I thing of new things I can do with Alexa.
Since I had a mini PC dedicated for my PWS (personal weather station) I installed BWS systems (http://bwssystems.com) on it to expand Alexa's ability.
I already had AHP installed on this so with a CM19 plugged in and Alex10 (http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=29701.msg167378#msg167378) I can turn it into my main HA PC.
This mini doesn't have the power to do voice control but my dot is now handling most of that ( at least from the living room).
>!
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...... Alexa uses the cloud something I have never been a fan of but this thing is fast with responses!
Getting weather and news flashes is faster then the PC using any program I've played with.
I expect my system here to now have a large growth spurt as I thing of new things I can do with Alexa.....
I've been preaching the gospel of the cloud! The cloud, smart phones, and tablets... and everything spoken to. That is the future (or at least... todays future).
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To be honest most things I have used that are cloud based have left a sour taste.
It is nice to see something that performs well using it.
However I'd still never use it for something critical like heat.
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.... However I'd still never use it for something critical like heat.
LOL
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One issue with the cloud I have seen.
If it goes down sometimes large portions of the USA go down.
Comcast's X1 system is cloud based and I have seen large portions of the country loose all access with a cloud crash.
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One issue with the cloud I have seen.
If it goes down sometimes large portions of the USA go down.
Comcast's X1 system is cloud based and I have seen large portions of the country loose all access with a cloud crash.
Yes (If the correct tense is used). Some severs have failed in the past. It is safe to assume... that in some small scale of other servers will fail at some point in the future.
"Cloud" is plural. There is no singular cloud. "It" cannot fail.... because "it" is not an "it". Comcast is cloud based, my dentist's records, tax preparer, the grandkids school records, my email, my entire retirement, banking, and health records, the gas and electric company I depend on.... for MY heat..... are ALL cloud based. They don't all use the same servers, although the same data is backed up on a spectrum of servers... and some may actually share some server farm space somewhere at some time. The cloud has already grown to the point where a mass failure is statically impossible.
In fact.... I think at this point.... we are completely Skynet ready. (cloud humor) Everyone knows you can't kill Skynet.
The USA runs an old "backbone" telecom system which I am sure just about history too. Yes... we have had phone, internet, electric, and even natural gas. and bridge outages. But the cloud isn't any iffier than my power or cable is.
I know not everyone is merging calendars, and actively exchanging data. But there isn't anyone reading this post... that isn't completely already cloud connected.
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I find myself looking for ways to customize my Amazon Dot. I like the fact that I can customize the PC voice And would love to get the two sounding as close to the same as possible.
I see you can't change the wake word for Alexa to what ever you want just like you can for the voice I use with PCC.
However I just discovered I can change Alexa's voice somewhat by changing the language settings.
Switching to English (United Kingdom) changes her voice. :)%
Still the two aren't even close but maybe a voice set for the PC will come out shortly sounding similar to Alexa.
I guess one could record Alexa's voice (with the simon says option) to play back threw the PC as a wav file instead of using TTS ::) :'
I may play with the blue tooth connection and see what is possible when Paired with the PC this may at least make for a clean recording possibility.
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Between Alexa, Siri, Kate (the Kate16 voice I use with my BVC), and my wife..... there's a lot of women-talking going on around here.
I mostly depend on Kate for reminders and alerts. Siri is very handy for requesting she send my wife a text message, dial a number, or produce a map, etc.. But for the normal things (that people ask cloud based computer voices).... I sometimes accidently ask Siri... when I mean to ask Alexa. An age thing I guess.
I've found limited ability to change Alexa's name (either Amazon or Echo). And apple only allows Siri. BVC can be configured to anything (I call it "computer"). But so far.... we may be stuck-short of a universal companion with the same name, voice, and memories.
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Between Alexa, Siri, Kate (the Kate16 voice I use with my BVC), and my wife..... there's a lot of women-talking going on around here.
rofl here too!
I hadn't realized the dot was so limited with activation phrases I had assumed it was similar to the echo. :-[
I attempted to pair the dot with my windows 7 PC which it does but requires drivers which it can't find B:(
I'll see if I have better luck with Windows 10. :'
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I attempted to pair the dot with my windows 7 PC
Why would you want to do that?
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It was more an experiment to see if it was possible to record Alexa responses.
I managed to successfully pair it with win 10 however instead of it playing threw the PC the PC plays threw it! B:(
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Between Alexa, Siri, Kate (the Kate16 voice I use with my BVC), and my wife..... there's a lot of women-talking going on around here.
rofl This was a "Depends Required" statement for me.
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Better check what they are saying. :'
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/amazon-alexa-gets-childs-request-really-wrong-offers-up-porn-2016-12-30
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I guess once the grand kids can walk around I'll have to move my Dot and maybe turn it off while their visiting.
Amazon has stated issues like this have been fixed.
While reading threads at the Unofficial Amazon Echo forums I found a thread which lead me to test Alexa's attention phrase once again. It was stated you could drop the "A" and just use "Lexa" users stated they had a better response.
That attention word does work with the Dot How much better remains to be seen but for now I'll be testing the Lexa attention word.
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..... It was stated you could drop the "A" and just use "Lexa" users stated they had a better response.
...... I'll be testing the Lexa attention word.
The [modified] Lexa attention word worked fine with my DOT.
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..... It was stated you could drop the "A" and just use "Lexa" users stated they had a better response.
...... I'll be testing the Lexa attention word.
The [modified] Lexa attention word worked fine with my DOT.
I've been trying to use Lexa instead of Alexa However I sometimes catch my self saying Alexa :-[
Funny that's when she fails to respond. ::) :'
I have yet to get a failed response using Lexa, however I expect that will come. ::) :'
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I've been trying to use Lexa instead of Alexa However I sometimes catch my self saying Alexa :-[
I am surprised at just how sloppy I can be with pronunciation and even correct terms/words I can be with Alexa.
I can ask for my "flash briefing"... the correct term. Or I can ask for my "flash brief' or my 'morning briefing'... and I still get my 2 minutes of headline news followed by my local weather (and mini forecast). My voice recognition percentages would have to fractionally short of 100%. Maybe 99.85%. And I haven't even voice trained this thing.
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I've been trying to use Lexa instead of Alexa However I sometimes catch my self saying Alexa :-[
I am surprised at just how sloppy I can be with pronunciation and even correct terms/words I can be with Alexa.
I can ask for my "flash briefing"... the correct term. Or I can ask for my "flash brief' or my 'morning briefing'... and I still get my 2 minutes of headline news followed by my local weather (and mini forecast). My voice recognition percentages would have to fractionally short of 100%. Maybe 99.85%. And I haven't even voice trained this thing.
Same here.
lamp, light, lights it sees the same for me. I also haven't trained which gets me to wonder ::) Would my recognition be as successful if I voice trained?
I've been holding off training this as I'm afraid it may stop hearing my wife. But then she says I don't hear her sometimes either! rofl
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........ I've been holding off training this as I'm afraid it may stop hearing my wife. But then she says I don't hear her sometimes either! rofl
My wife uses Alexa to play music on the Bluetooth speaker in the kitchen. She really has welcomed the DOT. I was a little surprised.
According to that book I bought (if I remember correctly)... even trained... Alexia will recognize all voices. Which is handy... and something to remember as a caution. Although my garage door is on-line... and I can control it by phone from anywhere. I won't allow Alexia to control it as I wouldn't want someone to be able to holler in an open window to open the garage door.
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I renamed my PC Alexa since my Dot can't hear me in the office.
I've also kept the PC speaker set as the Dot. I like the added info the dot now supplies from the PC.
I managed to get the PC voice from PCC sounding very much like Alexa using the rate and pitch adjustments. This helps when Alexa only responds with an OK the PC can give extra details for things triggered with Alex10.
A new Airsight XX51A now sits beside my Dot which I hope to control via Alexa in the future. I'm not sure if that's where it will stay but it is cool to be able to connect to the camera and send voice commands to Alexa threw it.
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.... A new Airsight XX51A now sits beside my Dot which I hope to control via Alexa in the future. I'm not sure if that's where it will stay but it is cool to be able to connect to the camera and send voice commands to Alexa threw it.
I've thought of the future facial recognition capabilities and Alexa. I also noticed a bracket being sold on Amazon to wall mount the DOT. I am thinking of using a Hi-Res domed camera... mounted with the DOT... sharing a single wall mounting. It might look similar to this:
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........ I've been holding off training this as I'm afraid it may stop hearing my wife. But then she says I don't hear her sometimes either! rofl
According to that book I bought (if I remember correctly)... even trained... Alexia will recognize all voices. Which is handy... and something to remember as a caution. Although my garage door is on-line... and I can control it by phone from anywhere. I won't allow Alexia to control it as I wouldn't want someone to be able to holler in an open window to open the garage door.
The Echo team is working on speaker dependent voice recognition, so that not everyone would be able to order from Amazon, control lights, etc.
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Including the person when they have a cold. :'
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Including the person when they have a cold. :'
Then Alexa says: https://youtu.be/7qnd-hdmgfk (https://youtu.be/7qnd-hdmgfk)
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I now have Alexa voice control of my Airsight XX51a. :)% well at least telling it to go to pre-sets 1-8 ::) :'
I also have the option to voice control my Airsight XX70a to do the same. 8)
The code(included in Alex10 v1.5.3.1+) also will allow control of my Foscam or Easyn Fseries cams. 8)
However currently code only allows configuration for one camera. :(
I most likely will add multi camera Alexa control to PCC in the future. ;)
I've read about the Echo team working on the Voice ID, and apparently having a cold won't affect it's ability to recognize. 8)
This actually has been in the works for some time. Google has also been working on this and is apparently on the new Samsung smartphones >!
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I updated my OP As I discovered there are several things listed I no longer use.
As well some newer things have replaced older software and hardware.
As many know I've been testing X10s new Wi-Fi module (WM100) with an android app(as yet unofficially named).
I've added that to my setup list as well. ;)
Over the summer I moved my RM Broadlink to the cottage and used it extensively there.
I liked it so much I picked up another for here. Since the WM100 is not Wi-Fi to RF the Broadlink fills that gap as well as Wi-Fi to IR.
Since the Broadlink can learn X10 security signals I can now turn ON/Off my X10 security system from anywhere. :)%
Maybe my security system will get used more now rofl
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I finally replace my X10 Powermids with the RM Bridge.
Since I was using Alexa mostly to control them anyways it wasn't a big to do using the IHC Alexa skill
I use Alexa's routines to turn on the TV and Cable box each morning which my wife is actually liking :)
I picked up a Google Home Mini hoping to integrate it into my HA setup but finding it a little more difficult.
I find myself saying "Alexa,..." instead of "OK(or hey) Google..." :-[
I've yet to integrate my X10 setup with Google, some of my other Smart devices are not an issue if there is a Google skill..
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.... I find myself saying "Alexa,..." instead of "OK(or hey) Google..." :-[
I spend much of my adult life single.... and learned to call every woman I dated... "sweetheart". It saved me any embarrassment from using a wrong name. I would think..... Amazon, google, apple, and Microsoft would realize the need for a bachelor/generic name for these AI ladies.
https://youtu.be/YvT_gqs5ETk (https://youtu.be/YvT_gqs5ETk)
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I'm starting to like Google home more and more.
I created a small web request listener app to enable Google Home control of my X10 devices (SmartCloud)
This allows me to use the Samsung SmartThings app (no physical hub required) and skill.
It also allows for IFTTT control of my x10 devices.
I don't use my WM100 (x10 WiFi module and app) as much now as I've added Alexa and Google voice control to my Smartphone.
It is much easier to say turn on XXX then looking for it in the app. ::) :'
I suspect the WM100 will get much more use when and if an Alexa or Google skill is released.
>!
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Today I finally got Cortana working on my PCs :)%
http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=29980.msg171095#msg171095
I updated my OP to reflect the voice assistances I now have in use here.
Yes I use 4 though I may move away from ussing PCC as she is a bit limited when comes to Cortana and the bing search engine.
PCC is more powerfull right now for HA but I suspect that will change, most likely this year.
>!
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The ESP32 chip has VR built-in if you want to go for five.
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rofl
Nope, I'll most likely have it down to three before the end of the year.
Sadly that may mean the end of my PCC animated speaking Face set I enjoy now in my office.
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I'm starting to enjoy using Cortana in my office.
Although she is much slower at turning things on and off.
I seem to like the fact that the light stays on till I get to the door of the office.
Although PCC is still running I've not used the Speech recognition with it in some time now.
In fact I'm not sure it even works with Cortana enabled now. ::) :'
(nope I guess not) B:(
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I have reminders set up in my Alexa app which showup on my Phone and yesterday I got one on my PC :o
I think this is due to the fact I also have Cortana setup on my android phone. ::) :'
This morning I caught my wife looking at her phone with the X10WIFI app open :o
She was trying to turn off a lamp without her glasses rofl
A X10 icon remote was sitting right next to her but she was trying to use the phone.
The WM100 continues to handle my timers flawlessly and I rarely open the app any more. In fact I think my wife may use the app more then me. rofl
I've moved the Google mini from the office to the kitchen this is really much better for recipes then Alexa. At least from my initial tests. ::) :'
I've now got most of my HA devices setup to work with Alexa, Google Home and Cortana. Google seldom gets used for HA however now the mini is in the kitchen. ::)
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I have reminders set up in my Alexa app which showup on my Phone and yesterday I got one on my PC :o
I think this is due to the fact I also have Cortana setup on my android phone.........
................I've now got most of my HA devices setup to work with Alexa, Google Home and Cortana. Google seldom gets used for HA however now the mini is in the kitchen. ::)
Everything.... (thanks to the cloud) will soon share with everything else.
Thanks to streaming devices connected to my TV's... all my pictures (or at least 5 gigs of them) can be shared on the TV. I can also share those pics with others by sharing limited cloud permissions (daughter can see granddaughter pics on her TV.. or save and share... so husbands mother can see pics on her smart TV.
Sharing calendars between spouses can make scheduling much easier. And reminders shared with Alex and/or Google can remind spouses why someone is not home.... or that dinner with be eaten-out. Or geofencing can alert one spouse when to push a "visitor" out the back door (that could save a marriage... rofl).
The cloud offers more true automation than most traditional automation stores ever thought of. And... there is a lot more to come.
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I updated my OP to reflect my current setup which now uses a Raspberry Pi.
Usualy my winter projects dealing with HA are for my city residents this time arround I was interested in playing with a Pi for my off grid place.
So I picked up a 3B+ and started playing with it.
I wasn't interested in using one for my city place. Once the WM100 was released and users started posting about a WM100 companion module using a PI and getting RF I pitched this to Authinx. I noticed the Pi Zero W appeared as though it would fit inside a CM15. I had a few older CM15As with the RF daughter boards so I figured the space would be tight.
I knew the CM15A circuit board had been updated incorporating these daughter boards into the main board so I figured if the Zero W would fit into a older CM15A maybe the newer CM15As would provide more space for a larger pi or a better location for the Zero W.
I asked the Authinx Owner about a returned CM15A they may have laying around just so I could see the insides I told him the unit didn't need to be in working condition.
I explained I was interested in creating a Pi X10 controller meshing the CM15A and Pi as a proof that a WM Pro could easily be created.
To my amazement I was sent a free brand new working CM15A to use in my proof of concept Pi Controller.
The owner was worried about drivers but I explained many were already using Pis for HA which use the Linux OS and there were drivers for the CM15A freely available.
I began looking for a Pi type board that would fit in a newer CM15 Sadly it looked like a custom board would be needed to provide what the 3B+ offered.
I knew the Zero W board would fit inside as it would fit in the older versions so I mounted it in the newer CM15.
Rather then attempt to create software utilizing free drivers I looked at several readily available and decided on Home Genie.
I had some experience using this with a TV stick as well as Windows so I knew the setup would be simple.
The newer Cm15As run a little warmer then the older units so I was a bit concerned with the Pi being inside. However this has been running well now for several months with no side affects. HomeGenie (HG) is capable of doing every thing AHP can Plus so much more. Users can share there addons which easily install directly into HG.
Although HG has an Alexa plugin I created an addon to use HA-Bridge as the support for more devices was in the bridge.
for any one wishing to do the PI CM15A mod you can find my walk though here: http://forums.tuicemen.net/index.php?topic=1291.0
I highly recommend using a Pi with the CM15 even if you don't do the mod.
The Zero W cost me less then $10. The power supply actually cost me more. ::) :'
Total cost for the mod was under $50 as I got shorter cables and mini USB adaptors to clean up the look.
>!
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My CM15A/Zero W combo has been working well other then a power blip which caused a SD card corruption.
Luckily I had every thing backed up so it was just a mater of sliding in my backup SD card. The old card was reimaged and replaced into the Zero W. I plan to add a UPS which will prevent this from happening again (hopefully).
Since I'm home for a few days I decided to expand on my HomeGenie X10 setup adding IP cameras as I did with my off grid place and integrating them into my security setup. I love the fact I can turn my Cameras and email pictures on a security alarm based on which door/window sensor is tripped. My indoor Camera here can also cover all doors however I need two outdoor cameras to cover the doors from the out side simular to my offgrid place.
My Zero was setup in the Raspbian stretch full desktop version. Mainly due to me being new to the Pi world and my limited understanding of the Linux terminal. I've now disabled the Desktop GUI freeing up some CPU power which should make network connections a bit faster loading. When I place in my backup SD card in I also added a small heat sink to the CPU this Isn't required but I highly recommend it or a fan as the newer CM15As do run a little warmer then the older (RF daughter board) versions, this causes the Pi to also run a little warmer being in the same case. However you could also run with the CM15 Battery cover removed to allow more air movement.
I still run my WM100 wi-fi module but the software for it still isn't reliable enough to depend on it. HomeGenie has timers in it as well as macros so My WM100 is still only used to control lights while away from home or as a remote with the phone.
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I just realized that you run your RPi off the power from the CM15A. Because of that, you can't really power the RPi from a UPS directly since that would put your CM15A behind the UPS as well (not good idea). My setup has the RPi external to the CM15A so it's a non-issue. In your case, an onboard battery/UPS would be an excellent approach!
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I just realized that you run your RPi off the power from the CM15A. Because of that, you can't really power the RPi from a UPS directly since that would put your CM15A behind the UPS as well (not good idea). My setup has the RPi external to the CM15A so it's a non-issue. In your case, an onboard battery/UPS would be an excellent approach!
Actually I never got that part of the mod done for the CM15 the PI is still powered separately with a wall wart.
The experience of the power blip and SD card corruption has led me to rethink powering it from the CM15.
However another SBC I'm playing with has the option of a simple plugin battery option which gets recharged when power is again available. This may be possible to do with a Pi ZeroW as well but may be over my head to setup.
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My CM15A/Zero W combo have been working well other then a power blip which caused a SD card corruption.
Luckily I had every thing backed up so it was just a mater of sliding in my backup SD card. The old card was reimaged and replaced into the Zero W. I plan to add a UPS which will prevent this from happening again (hopefully).
Since I'm home for a few days I decided to expand on my HomeGenie X10 setup adding IP cameras as I did with my off grid place and integrating them into my security setup. I love the fact I can turn my Cameras and email pictures on a security alarm based on which door/window sensor is tripped. My indoor Camera here can also cover all doors however I need two outdoor cameras to cover the doors from the out side simular to my offgrid place.
My Zero was setup in the Raspbian stretch full desktop version. Mainly due to me being new to the Pi world and my limited understanding of the Linux terminal. I've now disabled the Desktop GUI freeing up some CPU power which should make network connections a bit faster loading. When I place in my backup SD card in I also added a small heat sink to the CPU this Isn't required but I highly recommend it or a fan as the newer CM15As do run a little warmer then the older (RF daughter board) versions, this causes the Pi to also run a little warmer being in the same case. However you could also run with the CM15 Battery cover removed to allow more air movement.
I still run my WM100 wi-fi module but the software for it still isn't reliable enough to depend on it. HomeGenie has timers it it as well as macros so My WM100 is still only used to control lights while away from home or as a remote with the phone.
As you say no need for a heatsink on a Raspberry Pi as long as you don't attempt to over clock it. Just make sure you have enough overhead on the power supply.
For discreet cameras I'd try a couple of Pi Zeros with Pi camera modules running MotionEye OS. Much safer than those questionable Chinese ip cameras, very compact and very capable when you have fully exploited the MotionEye software.
Fits in nicely with most Pi setups including HomeGenie. Images in jpeg mjpeg are as crisp as any high end model out there and the MotionEye OS is highly configurable.
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I had though of adding a camera module but with the zero in the CM15 it would be to low to be useful here as all outlets are only 6 to 8 inches off the floor. (however there is spare space for it.) As well the cm15 is mounted in a small room I use as an office.
I may look ino adding that to my Off grid place although I do have an old PS2 camera which Raspbian has included drivers for.
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My pi/cm15 HA controler (x10Hub) has been working flawless, the WM100 is still plugged in but I never access it. ( I fear its days are numbered here) My wife uses the Wi-Fi app more then I ever imagined. But I'll soon get her moved over to using HomeGenie with either the app or the browser as she can view all cameras from it without having to switch to another app.
The HA season has started early here as I've started work on a Pi X10Hub image which is geared to a Pi ZeroW but others are experimenting with it on other Pi models.
The image is based off what I'm using here but it should support the cm11 or cm19 as well as the cm15 before it is released.
I started to add voice announcements back into my setup using the BT capabilities of the PI and Amazon and or Google voice assistant devices, however it looks like I'll focus just on Alexa voice anouncements.
Setting up BT anouncements is to personalized to include in the Pi X10Hub but I have included a sample sound file and a ReadMe.txt for end users that wish to try setting it up.
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With me moving my setup away from the PC and onto the Pi Zero W I stopped using some of my other protocols.
However I've started to re add them into my setup. We picked up a Zwave keypad door lock and added that and my Zwave outlet module back in.
I loaned out my WeMo smart outlet prior to Christmas as it wasn't in use it cam back broken but with a WeMo mini as a replacement. The Smart outlet just needed the manual over ride fixed so I ended up with two working WeMos
Both these protocols are handled with Homegenie :)%
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I've had two Zero W boards now running and talking to each other for a while now. :)%
One is used just for remote access and mounted in a CM15 the other has a add on board to allow for three full sized USB ports.
The zero with the add on board is doing most of the work, it has a CM19 currently connected to it as well as a Zwave dongle. This also handles my Alexa integration and WeMo outlets. This one is also paired to a Alexa dot for voice anouncements.
I don't use my recorded Alexa voice anouncements as much as I thought I would so I expect these will slowly disappear from my setup. :(
I have Alexa routines announcing some things now anyways.
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Are you managing the z-wave devices with HG? I've been able to add a couple of devices, but they're not recognized as they should be. For instance, just outlet 1 of 5 outlets on a Zooz power strip is recognized.
Your z-wave lock is controlled through HG?
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Are you managing the z-wave devices with HG? I've been able to add a couple of devices, but they're not recognized as they should be. For instance, just outlet 1 of 5 outlets on a Zooz power strip is recognized.
Your z-wave lock is controlled through HG?
Yep, however to be fair I only have one outlet module and the door lock.
The door lock was a real pain to get working most likely because of my small Zwave network and my inexperience with Zwave.
The outlet paired first attempt. I've also not programed any automation into HG for them as yet just on/off & lock/unlock
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@racerfern you may wish to get some pointers from Bounz on the Homegenie club forum (http://homegenie.club) for Zwave in HG. I know he runs Zwave with HG and I'm sure his network is far larger then mine.
>!
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I've adopted Home Genie as my main HA software of choice due to the ease of setup and the fact that it is so customizable.
All others (even my created ones) are no longer in use.
Though the original developer seems to vanish from time to time the app is stable. Since it is open source anyone is free to modify it and submit their modifications as pull requests to improve the main server.
Also Plugins (scripts) can be created which can be shared with others.(I've managed to create a few).
I managed to create a Plugin/script for the Broadlink RM (currently not publicly available) so my use of HA Bridge is now dwindling and I suspect I'll soon stop using it as a middleman. This is currently slow to respond due to how I've created it however I suspect with a rework things can be improved.
I also modified the Camera Plugin/script which allows me to not only view my cameras but also move them to pre-sets and take a snapshot which gets emailed directly to a specified email address.
I fired back up my Aussus Eeebox (mini PC) and placed Linux and HomeGenie on it (Windows was just to slow) I currently don't use it for HA but at some point will move my Internet connected setup over to it as it runs HG much faster then the Pi Zero boards and has many more USB Ports. I can remote into this for configuring HG & Linux so like the RPI boards no keyboard/mouse or monitor is required. :)%
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My mini PC running Linux now runs Homegenie setup so I can remote into from the internet this also now runs my Zwave dongle.
I had some issues with my IP being change this summer due to storms and work on the cable lines.
this had me looking at setting up noip dns, however I've had issues with this at my off grid place each month. Having to log in to confirm I still use it seemed to disable the stupid thing unless I was there.
I had setup an account at duckdns.org 4 years ago while experimenting with DNS options to my surprise this was still active.
Even with my IP changing I had my IP cameras email the new IP however that meant resetting all my links to the correct IP.
My system is now setup with duckdns so things should run a little smoother while away now.
Alexa is still my preferred voice assistant so all my automation is set up for her control using HA-Bridge Ha-Bridge now comes with a HG helper file this makes adding HG devices so simple and allows for any thing in HG with a name to be controlled (if you wish) even my x10 security console.
I ordered an echo flex as it was on sale. I like the USB port which I'll experiment with over the holidays and the fact it plugs directly into an outlet (no cords). The sound quality of this isn't any good for music (so I've read), but I don't plan on using it for that.
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Though the original developer seems to vanish from time to time the app is stable. Since it is open source anyone is free to modify it and submit their modifications as pull requests to improve the main server.
Also Plugins (scripts) can be created which can be shared with others.(I've managed to create a few).
The exact reason why I love this HA solution the best. Freeware. What the internet (think back all the way to gopher) originally was. Sharing information freely for everyone to benefit from. Making the world a better place. IMO.
Powerful, and customization, along with being compact and a very tiny footprint is more of it's lucrative benefits.
Honestly, this combination will do things I haven't even considered nor could I think of them. But it will do it for sure.
It'll even make your coffee for you! LOL. rofl rofl rofl
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Freeware and shareware are terms used in the MS world. FOSS and open source software are terms used in the Linux world and have been since its inception. No punks trying to shakedown people for a dollar or two. Rather a collective of like minded people coming together to share ideas and concepts with others with no commercial gain.
MS people generally find this concept difficult to grasp. Something for nothing. Free to use and free to distribute as long as the GNU GPL is referenced at all times with any distribution and the authors work is referenced at all times.
It can be clearly seen that MS have bowed out as far as this market is concerned. Windows IOT is more of an aspiration than a reality. Linux is now the market leader so my advice to anyone wishing to develop and grow in the home automation world is, familiarise yourself with Linux.
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Freeware and shareware are terms used in the MS world. FOSS and open source software are terms used in the Linux world and have been since its inception. No punks trying to shakedown people for a dollar or two. Rather a collective of like minded people coming together to share ideas and concepts with others with no commercial gain.
You should post that information with Wikipedia! They think The Father of Linux.... Linus Torvalds is now a U.S. citizen. The word on the street is that the creator of the Linux operating system, has embraced capitalism and is VERY wealthy... by shaking-down millions of like-minded users. Open source was never more than a polite way to say.... unenforced thief (although Unix spend YEARS in courts). EVERYONE knows the Linux system is derived (AKA stolen) from Unix and it is a continuation of the basis of Unix design.
Many people around the world hated America and American values (of liberty and freedom) enough... and/or had such little values or regard about thief... that the "free" operating system became popular. Period.
The hi-minded hyperbole about "coming together to share ideas" is just plain FALSE.
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Keep those thoughts in mind when purchasing all those Amazon (Android driven and Linux derivative) toys and keep the faith. The swamp will be drained and guess what will appear >!
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Keep those thoughts in mind when purchasing all those Amazon (Android driven and Linux derivative) toys and keep the faith.
What "thoughts"?!?!? I posted history, facts, truth. I did NOT deliver the "open source" sermon condemning the evil Windows of MS. I don't write history.... or even record it. But so much has been recorded (and written)... it's sad to think we would feel compelled to lie about it.
The swamp will be drained and guess what will appear >!
I have no idea what that means.
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Some people take the red pill, others take the blue one. In the end, people believe what they want despite the truth being known. When someone has their mind set in one way, it is too traumatic to accept anything new...
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Some people take the red pill, others take the blue one. In the end, people believe what they want despite the truth being known. When someone has their mind set in one way, it is too traumatic to accept anything new...
I read your post.... and it makes me wonder... if you actually believe what you posted. Or do you sorta (at least) know that the matrix was just a movie. It was you know. Keanu Reeves is just an actor.... no pills, no false reality. History is real... although often altered with time... much of the topic mentioned here is still more-or-less current events.
I am sorry you find Home Automation choices to be "traumatic". I think most of us... find this stuff to be a little more like fishing. It involves a bit of thought and slight effort. But basically it's a great distraction from (the NON-pill taking) real life.
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Hmmm, that's certainly a way to interpret things.
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Hmmm, that's certainly a way to interpret things.
Or possibly Total Recall but I was thinking more like Cocoon. Don't know about Artificial Intelligence but it's all Virtual Reality here. I'm on by recycled bicycle now before I get caught by ET rofl
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We used to discuss if Home Automation was a lifestyle... or a hobby.
There is no one, true, answer. For most people this stuff is a solution... and nothing more. For many more... Home Automation is about control. Just like the TV remote.... only expanded to include more. And for many (particularly the older guys) MORE control, merely means control of lights as well as the TV. Lot of the users here and at other forums include security. Alarms, cameras, sensors... it was a main-stay here at one time. And of course.... There was ALWAYS... the linux and Apple users... trying to find ways to use their computing interests and skills. They have always been like the Audiophiles that construct Home Theaters... trying to twist and bend a new outlet (video) to fit their love of audio.
Today Home Automation has taken a turn in a different direction. And it's created a "new golden age of HA". But the "New Age Automation" doesn't serve many of the old computer hobbyists and Control Freak users all that well. It's kinda sad. I'd like to think that we could find room for all interests in HA.
But I don't control (or care to) the direction that all this goes. But to be honest.... I am very happy with the new technologies.
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I placed the Amazon Flex in my office and have the USB port supply the power for my Pi zero W.
although the Flex USB port shows up in my Alexa app it isn't controllable (yet)
The sound from the Flex is more for a room like the bathroom however for my office it is fine and it does have a jack for plugging in external speakers if one wanted better sound.
I moved the Dot from the office into the bedroom where Alexa gives my wife a chuckle each night at bed time as the lights go off.
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I'm very impressed with my current home automation setup. I use Amazon Alexa exclusively now though both Corona and Google are still configured.
My HomeGenie sever on a pi handles all my current needs and I'm finding it harder to imagine other possible things to add. In fact being retired I've actually removed some automation (timers & macros). My pc still runs 24/7 but handles no automation ::) :' so not sure why I leave it on. I do use the PC for surfing, forum posting and viewing HG. However I find myself doing less of this more each day from my phone.
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Severe weather Alerts have always been part of my HA setup (more so at my off grid place). These can trigger many things though in the city I use them more in the winter for anti freezing routines. Today I read about having Alexa warn me of severe weather so I just had to get her involved rofl.
To enable the feature say "Alexa warn me of severe weather" do this to each device you wish to hear the warnings announced from. She will reply with "ok I'll warn you of severe weather in (Your city name)" and tell you how to disable the feature
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…. Today I read about having Alexa warn me of severe weather so I just had to get her involved …..
Alexa.... reminds me of my grandchildren. Clever, and cute, and growing up almost overnight. I never know what to expect next. Amazon's Alexa programing is top-notch, world-class, technically and creatively the best-of-the-best. Alexa is going to be.... a very impressive lady when she grows-up.
I won't put all my [automation] eggs in just one [collective brand] basket. I think of my setup more as several independent setups... integrated by the Amazon Alexa app. And more and more.... Alexa has (also) been my go-to for my home automation.
Of course... Amazon (Jeff Bezos) has made billions off this home automation tech. And many... will find the job/wealth producing profits... to be unacceptable and scary. But isn't that the way it always works?
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I won't put all my [automation] eggs in just one [collective brand] basket. I think of my setup more as several independent setups... integrated by the Amazon Alexa app. And more and more.... Alexa has (also) been my go-to for my home automation.
I also have several independent setups but not just integrated with Alexa. Google Home is also utilized for most.
I had my Broadlink skill fail to access devices the other day even though the app still worked ::) :'. Disabling the skill then reenabling it fixed the issue (never had it setup with Google :-[ ), however this type of thing shouldn't happen.
I've been playing with a few ESP8266 wi-fi modules and have flashed one so it acts as a multi Wemo device which can be controlled via Alexa. I've added my X10 devices to it giving them alternate names then what Alexa already sees. This can also send IR so it can act as a back up to the Broadlink. Another egg in the basket. rofl
This week we got a new HVAC system installed and it came with a Ecobee wi-fi thermostat. I quickly set it up for Alexa and Google as well as the app on my phone. I checked out the web UI and also started to look into the developers API. I don't plan on doing much with the API just yet other then displaying temperature and humidity values in HG which a esp8266 module already does for my computer room.
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I also have several independent setups but not just integrated with Alexa. Google Home is also utilized for most.
I've always meant to integrate a Google device into my set-up.... but just haven't yet. I don't know why.
My setup now grows... organically. So many products come already setup to integrate in what we have called a "smart home" for many years now. Although I still have just a handful of lights and devices that actually require a user to flip-a-switch, push a remote button, or activate through a phone app.
My iphone... along with my Amazon Alex app and enabled earbuds... was the last HUGE addition to my setup. I think... for me... this was my 1st step towards a symbolic collective Borg hive. And I like it. Home functions, phone calls, intercom, and entertainment are with me... where ever I choose to go. The smart "home".... has outgrown the home.
I can't even imagine the next phase of automation.
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I've always meant to integrate a Google device into my set-up.... but just haven't yet. I don't know why.
I realy only have one Google home device. Although I have much of my smart home intergrated with it I rarely use it that way. When I originaly got it I compared it to Amazon Alexa devices and decided to stick with Alexa mainly for the wake word. Google realy out performed Alexa in the Kitchen for recipes so that's where it stayed.
I suspect Alexa has improved in this area some what.
I picked up a wifi Instant Pot for my wife for Christmas. Hoping that it being a SmartHome device it would ease here fears of using a pressure cooker. The recipes available for it are unbelievable. The microwave use to be her favorite appliance untill now. rofl
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... I picked up a wifi Instant Pot for my wife for Christmas. Hoping that it being a SmartHome device it would ease here fears of using a pressure cooker.
The little 4 and 5 year old granddaughters accepted Alexa as just part of their normal world... and they brought the wife along with them. Your WiFi Instance Pot is a perfect example of organic automation. Automation that just happens naturally without a real decision or effort to automate.
I won't go into the old days of AHP (with a running Win98 PC) and an appliance module operating a Mr. Coffee. Now-a-days.... more and more my automation projects are merely the procurement of new/replacement device as needed. I hadn't even realized my smart TV was as automated as it is... until after I hung it on my wall.
Reading the "What's new with Alexa" emails seems to be enough to keep me in the loop and busy up grading.
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I have been using multi ways to intergrate my X10 automation into Google and Alexa as some things would on ocassion fail resulting in Alexa or Google say the device isn't responding or some failed notification.
Recently I found a skill that I've intergrated into my setup and so far it has been rock solid every thing turns on/off/Dims as I command. :)% I can even use another that will return a custom responce like the Alexa routines will only this also will return a value. For example I can ask what the temperature of my PI CPU is and alexa or Google will tell me the reading. How cool is that?
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...For example I can ask what the temperature of my PI CPU is and alexa or Google will tell me the reading. How cool is that?
Depends on what she reports! rofl rofl #:)
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rofl ya guess if the report back was over 60 Celsius I could have a problem.
I also have a call I can make to find the Temperature and Humidity in the room my pi is with a DHT-22 sensor.
I've just started to play with that skill so I'm not sure how reliable the calls will work for it.
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Several of my YoLink device "reads" the temperature..... but the only way I can "view" it is with my phone. And I can't do anything else with the information.
However... YoLink does make a device: YoLink Smart Wireless Temperature & Humidity Sensor, Wide Temp Range (-22 to 158 Degree) for Freezer, Fridge, Green House, Pet Cage Monitoring, Smartphone Alerts, Works w/Alexa IFTTT -Hub Required
I am thinking of adding it to my setup with the idea of freeze protection (voice and phone alerts).
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I can view temperature of my pi and the sensors via HomeGenie on my phone but now Alexa or Google will tell me that. I have a skill also for my wifi home thermostat but that doesn't tell me the Temperature where my pi is located. The DHT sensor isn't the most accurate but it is close and cost pennies. Took 2 mins to hook up but 30 mins to work out the code. Now that the code is worked out it shouldn't take more then 5 mins to add to another pi.
I played with adding a DHT sensor to a esp chip last year with success but I turned it into a wemo alexa hub for x10
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I am surprised at how much I like the phone notifications. Even if I am mowing the yard (and because of mower noise, completely out of contact) the alerts remain there on the phone for me to see (when I eventually do pick the phone up).
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Hey Tuicemen! Its been a while. Is SmartCloud no longer supported? I recently requested several Google home commands and ACtive home is not receiving them. Smartthings is showing my devices are online. But somewhere there is a disconnect. Thanks for any help.
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I haven't used Smartcloud since I stopped using a PC for my Home automation. You might wish to look at the multi OS compatible skill "TriggerCMD Smarthome" for Alexa and or Google voice control. As long as your not making more the one call per min or running more then one computer it is free. This has been working flawless for me since I started using it. It will intergrate with SmartThings as well but I've had no need to use smartthings since switching from using a PC.
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Though my HA setup hasn't grown in the last year I have been playing with different methods of Alex/Google control.
I've handed all Alexa/Google X10 control over to my Broadlink Pro however I still have a ESP-01 configured for some important X10 Alexa control as a backup incase the Broadlink fails.
I started to play with a HomeGenie mini https://github.com/genielabs/homegenie-mini a bit more then thought about creating my own smaller version using the same esp32 board this currently will do what the ESP-01 board does, but has much more potential. It uses a different method of connecting to your WiFi network (has it's own IP for configuration so no button is required)