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💬General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: HA Dave on May 05, 2015, 04:58:34 PM

Title: MyQ
Post by: HA Dave on May 05, 2015, 04:58:34 PM
After about half a century of service.... my Liftmaster garage door failed. The motor was OK... it is all relays and position switches... I am not sure what failed. When it was installed there were no safety detection devices. I couldn't get it fixed and new ones are cheaper if installed as a DIY project than a repair anyway.

So I got a unit that allows me to monitor and control my garage door via my mobile phone... from anywhere. Pretty slick technology. I got a ChamberlainŽ brand. They call the technology MyQ (http://www.chamberlain.com/smartphone-control-products/myq-smartphone-control).
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: dhouston on May 05, 2015, 06:44:19 PM
And when the Chamberlain cloud service is down?
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: HA Dave on May 05, 2015, 07:41:31 PM
Quote from: dhouston on May 05, 2015, 06:44:19 PM
And when the Chamberlain cloud service is down?

A big name mail server failed... for a few minutes... not 2-3 months ago. Those things will happen although I'd bet the greatest risk is with a power outage. However I do have the mounted keypad wireless entry remote that functions without a wifi connection.... and old fashioned keys too.
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: dave w on May 05, 2015, 07:51:01 PM
I can see usefulness in a WiFi garage door opener. I just don't get the WiFi toaster and toilet.  rofl
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: HA Dave on May 05, 2015, 09:59:47 PM
Quote from: dave w on May 05, 2015, 07:51:01 PM
I can see usefulness in a WiFi garage door opener.

I think the greatest benefit of the app is often times if I am hurrying or distracted I get a mile from home and can't remember if I closed the garage door or not. Now I can just check the app... as opposed to turning back to check.

Quote from: dave w on May 05, 2015, 07:51:01 PM
I just don't get the WiFi toaster and toilet.  rofl

Yeah.... but now I am  stuck trying to think of how to intergrade more automation into the kitchen. My bathroom remains automation free. 

Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: Knightrider on May 06, 2015, 06:08:59 AM
Quote from: dave w on May 05, 2015, 07:51:01 PM
I can see usefulness in a WiFi garage door opener. I just don't get the WiFi toaster and toilet.  rofl
I had never thought of combining a toaster with a toilet. What a great idea. Just put that puppy in front of my fridge/TV/cell phone and I'm set.

Is it just a toaster on the toilet, or is it more like a toaster/oven?
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: beelocks on May 06, 2015, 06:54:41 AM
Quote from: Knightrider on May 06, 2015, 06:08:59 AM
Is it just a toaster on the toilet, or is it more like a toaster/oven?

Since the toilet has a built-in water tank it shouldn't be too difficult to incorporate a coffee machine also.
I'd avoid bleach blocks where possible though.
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: dave w on May 06, 2015, 11:00:36 AM
Lotta great ideas getting formulated here. I'm thinkin we should go for a spot on Shark Tank or Kickstarter.
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: dave w on May 06, 2015, 11:30:45 AM
HA Dave
Back in late 80's or early 90's, before Windows had a speech engine, I used a MAC SE running "XTension" for verbal announcements triggered by X10 PLC commands. XTension was a product of SHED.com and Mike Furgeson and his brother were two NASA engineers who started SHED. Mike had hundreds of examples of using XTension for home automation on their web site.

One example I wanted to do, but never was good enough at Apple script to do, was the bar code inventory system. Mike was using the old Radio Shark, free bar code scanner called "CueCat" to read the bar code of every grocery, sundry, etc. consumable item they used on their Florida ranch. He scripted an identification,  min-max, database. so when coming back from store, the bar code is scanned for every item before it went into pantry, refridge, storage shed, barn, etc. Every item/package was also scanned before disposing of the empty container.  XTension then created a weekly shopping list and created valuable reports on consumption rates, etc.

I think the Furgesons are retired, but SHED.com is still on web. You might check it out for ideas.
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: Brian H on May 06, 2015, 02:52:36 PM
I remember the "CueCat" and all the hacks to remove its built in serial number and need to go through the manufacturers database.
They had all kinds lawyers trying to stop the hack flow but in the end lost completely.  >*<
I still have a box of them somewhere.
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: HA Dave on May 06, 2015, 10:29:45 PM
Quote from: Knightrider on May 06, 2015, 06:08:59 AM
.... I had never thought of combining a toaster with a toilet. What a great idea.

Hummmmm..... that doesn't sound as easy as automating a chair.

Quote from: dave w on May 06, 2015, 11:30:45 AM
HA Dave
Back in late 80's or early 90's, before Windows had a speech engine, I used a MAC SE running "XTension" for verbal announcements triggered by X10 PLC commands. .......  One example ........ was the bar code inventory system. Mike was using the old Radio Shark, free bar code scanner called "CueCat" to read the bar code of every grocery, sundry, etc. consumable item they used on their Florida ranch.......

I remember you posted about using X10 to announce motion detection. You/it inspired me to use that function through my (Bill's) BVC setup. It still announces a warning to the outside (and inside) when a perimeter breach is detected. And... I get a voice warning when the garage door is left open.. and the talking clock.......

Now-a-days the barcode scanner is loaded on the phones when they come out of the box. I use an app called "Lose it!" that allows me to track/monitor/regulate my intake and exercise. Scans the foods barcode... and I select the serving size.
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: HA Dave on May 06, 2015, 10:37:06 PM
I read somewhere (I should remember where) that the home automation products (light switches and modules) used with the Chamberlain MyQ system is "Wink" (http://www.wink.com/products/#) products. Does anyone know anything about this?

Apparently... I can add some GE link lights (http://www.wink.com/products/ge-link-starter-kit/) pretty easily.
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: dhouston on May 07, 2015, 07:03:52 AM
Quote from: HA Dave on May 06, 2015, 10:37:06 PM
I read somewhere (I should remember where) that the home automation products (light switches and modules) used with the Chamberlain MyQ system is "Wink" (http://www.wink.com/products/#) products. Does anyone know anything about this?

I'm not sure what you are asking. Does anyone know anything about Wink? or specifically MyQ + Wink?

Wink is primarily a hub that does Bluetooth, Z-WaveŽ, ZigBeeŽ, Wi-FiŽ and Lutron ClearConnect. Whether it communicates directly with devices or only through other hubs that, in turn, communicate with their specific devices is unclear. There is a long (and growing) list of HA related systems but I have no clue as to which, if any, integrate with MyQ or Wink.
http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/home-automation-technology-choices (http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/home-automation-technology-choices)

Most early reviews of MyQ from early 2014 were extremely negative saying it did not integrate with anything and that all communication had to pass through chamberlain.com.

Similarly, Amazon customers have been highly critical of Wink.
http://www.cepro.com/article/amid_poor_reviews_amazon_puts_wink_home_automation_under_review/ (http://www.cepro.com/article/amid_poor_reviews_amazon_puts_wink_home_automation_under_review/)

I have two major concerns with things like these. We've all seen the consequences of the X10 servers going bye-bye so should be leery of anything which ties us to particular servers. And, I worry about what is the purpose of such remote servers collecting data about the homeowners presence/absence, habits, etc.

YMMV
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: HA Dave on May 07, 2015, 08:45:38 AM
Quote from: dhouston on May 07, 2015, 07:03:52 AM
...... Wink is primarily a hub that does Bluetooth, Z-Wave®, ZigBee®, Wi-Fi® and Lutron ClearConnect. Whether it communicates directly with devices or only through other hubs that, in turn, communicate with their specific devices is unclear.

Most early reviews of MyQ from early 2014 were extremely negative saying it did not integrate with anything and that all communication had to pass through chamberlain.com.

Well.... I've learned this much. Some sort of hub/hubs must be used... and of course the particular app for the hub in use... through some sort of apple/android or computer device.

1.  By using an android tablet... it does look like I might be touchscreen controlled pretty easy (already am at a tiny level). And the phones works very well also.

2.  It looks like the garage door repair.... made my "what protocol should I look at" decision for me.   

Quote from: dhouston on May 07, 2015, 07:03:52 AM
Similarly, Amazon customers have been highly critical of Wink.
http://www.cepro.com/article/amid_poor_reviews_amazon_puts_wink_home_automation_under_review/ (http://www.cepro.com/article/amid_poor_reviews_amazon_puts_wink_home_automation_under_review/)

I have two major concerns with things like these. We've all seen the consequences of the X10 servers going bye-bye so should be leery of anything which ties us to particular servers. And, I worry about what is the purpose of such remote servers collecting data about the homeowners presence/absence, habits, etc.
YMMV

A Wink update... actually disabled many of the wink hubs out there to the point where they had to be shipped back to the factory for reconditioning. Not what anyone wants to happen to any control device (or anything else). It should be noted that the Wink hubs aren't very expensive.

Yes. They will all come... and go... or become obsolete in one matter or another. Servers will go up... and they will also without a doubt go down. Even the old reliable, original, X10... has had it's problems and failures. Every product we buy has a lifespan (as do we). The exact lifespan and functional usefulness of any of these products is a gamble. I think the worry-free solution is the monthly service fee option offered by the alarm service and cable providers. I prefer the user designed/service option... myself. Although that does mean I absorb my own risk costs.

But ether way. There is too much there, there..... to avoid the Internet/wifi connectivity. I think running X10 as the analog portion of my setup along with a broadband/Internet functional system... may provide the best of both worlds. I would guess... X10 will remain the overwhelmingly largest part of my setup.
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: dhouston on May 07, 2015, 11:15:45 AM
Quote from: HA Dave on May 07, 2015, 08:45:38 AM
There is too much there, there..... to avoid the Internet/wifi connectivity.

Being able to reach your home router/network from out there is one thing - having to do by way of server(s) controlled by others (and potentially a tempting hacker target) is another thing altogether.

Of course, routers are themselves vulnerable
http://www.csoonline.com/article/2919314/mobile-security/the-internet-of-things-to-take-a-beating-in-defcon-hacking-contest.html?google_editors_picks=true (http://www.csoonline.com/article/2919314/mobile-security/the-internet-of-things-to-take-a-beating-in-defcon-hacking-contest.html?google_editors_picks=true)
but I think the safest method is to limit ingress/egress to as few channels as possible and then concentrate on securing those channels and, since a router is a necessity today, securing it and limiting the number of hubs/devices that can access servers in the clouds is key.
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: dave w on May 08, 2015, 09:07:37 PM
Quote from: HA Dave on May 07, 2015, 08:45:38 AM
I would guess... X10 will remain the overwhelmingly largest part of my setup.
Yep, I join you in that sentiment. Besides, X10 is a continual mind challange for this old geezer. "Darn, why didn't the outside lights go on tonight? They worked last night." And away we go chasing a new sucker or source.  :)% :)% :)%
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: HA Dave on May 10, 2015, 09:06:11 PM
I stopped into a Home Depot today.... to expand the new MyQ portion of my setup. Unfortunately... the local Home Depot I visited had very little of the automation accessories I had thought would be on hand. So much for the new old days of locally available HA stuff.
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: HA Dave on June 02, 2015, 11:07:33 PM
I was in Walmart today. And although I had no need for anything in the electronics department.... well you never know.. so I took a look around. And sure enough they had a MyQ garage door remote (keychain size) in a combo pack with a lamp module. Clearance priced. 

Setup was both simple and interesting.... almost too easy. The lamp modules will handle CFL, LED's, and old-style bulbs. I set mine up to work on all my garage door remotes (one of the small remote buttons turns the light on/off). PLUS I added the light to the Internet/phone app so it can be controlled using ether of our iPhones... from anywhere... and it verifies its condition/state as far as on/off.

I also setup the light module to automatically turn on/off with the light on the garage door opener. That light is set to stay on if the door is open.... and turn off 4 minutes after the door closes.

This could replace the previously setup small lamp that now comes on when the garage door is open. It involves a magnetic switch... and X10 control with a (computer) voice announcement for the garage door (http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=14721.msg81860#msg81860). My wife really likes that setup, as do I, so that will stay.... at least for now.

All-in-all.... it's pretty slick. I have no idea how to un, de, or re-program any of the MyQ devices which could become handy to know someday as garage door openers do last several years (or decades). Something I may want to look into.
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: dhouston on June 03, 2015, 08:27:48 AM
Earlier Chamberlain garage door remotes and indicators (mercury switch mounted on door) used 312MHz (IIRC) which could be received by super-regenerative RF receivers tuned to 310MHz for X10 RF.

You might want to check the FCC website for the frequency used. The FCC ID should be on the remote.
http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid/ (http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid/)
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: HA Dave on June 03, 2015, 08:55:54 PM
Quote from: dhouston on June 03, 2015, 08:27:48 AM
Earlier Chamberlain garage door remotes and indicators (mercury switch mounted on door) used 312MHz.....

Yeah... those were the ole days weren't they! My intercom system still uses an old odd-ball frequency. But modern household devices are all WiFi now-a-days... garage door openers included. Everything sends.... what is it... 16bit strings of data. Remotes are all registered (permissioned) with the device they control... or the gateway device.

The Chamberlain gateway (http://www.sears.com/craftsman-garage-door-opener-connectivity-hub-for-54985/p-00954900000P?prdNo=11&blockNo=11&blockType=G11) is also compatible with wink, quirk, Z-wave.... and the list goes on. Don't take this info as a recommendation.... I haven't made a selection... yet.

The compatibility issues of different flavors/brands of devices are interesting... and GE seems to leading the charge with this. And WiFi networks are at the center of it all. We could end-up with a new golden age of automation! If one app on a phone and/or tablet can control/monitor/program 2 or 3 different flavors/brands of devices... AND I run 2 or 3 different automation apps.... where are there ANY limits?!?!? Sure it isn't the single user interface exactly as many of us may have imaged when we thought of touch-screen control. But it's close enough for me!

I know for a fact I can run X10 and the Chamberlain automation both side-by-side AND seamlessly. AND it really looks like I might be able to run Wink, Z-wave, and whatever.... tickles my fancy along with everything else. I like having choices!

 
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: dhouston on June 06, 2015, 07:59:51 AM
A WP article addresses the issue of compatibility.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/06/05/apple-and-google-set-their-sights-on-their-next-battleground-your-home/ (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/06/05/apple-and-google-set-their-sights-on-their-next-battleground-your-home/)
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: HA Dave on June 08, 2015, 12:41:35 AM
Quote from: dhouston on June 06, 2015, 07:59:51 AM
A WP article addresses the issue of compatibility.

I think the issue of compatibility is quickly becoming moot. I run different versions of Microsoft, Apple phones and an Apple tablet, and an android tablet (and looking at another), using Roku and using the SEN [Sony Entertainment Network] for streaming content in conjunction with my cable. I use X10 along with [now] the MyQ stuff.

However I don't think that I... or anyone else here at the forums... are the "typical" automation users that vendors are trying to attract.

I've thought (for sometime now)... that the ultimate automated smart home.... will be more program-controlled than human controlled. "The unified program"... that controls the various array of programs used on our computer devices should put it all together. Is anyone coding that app yet?

I've noticed that my exercise app... can communicate with my diet app. as well as the message apps which all link with the facebook app. When someone texts me an address... it automatically links to a map... and the GPS function. All the apps have already started to talk to each other (as well as the Chinese and the NSA)

I am looking forward to the day.... when my phone automatically connects itself to the houses Bluetooth speaker system to tell me it has noticed I am surfing TV channels more than usual. Then suggest that I switch from watching "Big Bang Theory re-runs" to watching a free Crackle movie... maybe in my home theater.

We have seen the future. And the future is automated.
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: dhouston on June 08, 2015, 07:06:09 AM
Quote from: HA Dave on June 08, 2015, 12:41:35 AM
I've thought (for sometime now)... that the ultimate automated smart home.... will be more program-controlled than human controlled. "The unified program"... that controls the various array of programs used on our computer devices should put it all together. Is anyone coding that app yet?
I can understand the desire for "The unified program". Almost 15 years ago I designed the BX24-AHT which interconnected most of the HA systems then available. And, I wrote Windows 98 software for it. I compared it to a switchboard, joked that I considered calling it Ernestine and coined the phrase if this then that long before it became a thing.  But that was before the cell phone & WiFi became ubiquitous and before USB and LAN displaced RS232 as the most common wired connection for HA devices. http://davehouston.org/files.htm (http://davehouston.org/files.htm)

However, it's not in the (self)interest of the manufacturers to integrate their competitors system/devices and the proliferation of different systems (and interfaces) makes it much harder (and costlier) for someone like Tuicemen to offer such an integrative app . The speed at which new systems/devices/interfaces displace established norms also complicates life for the amateur developer.
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: Tuicemen on June 08, 2015, 01:48:21 PM
Quote from: HA Dave on June 08, 2015, 12:41:35 AM
I've thought (for sometime now)... that the ultimate automated smart home.... will be more program-controlled than human controlled. "The unified program"... that controls the various array of programs used on our computer devices should put it all together. Is anyone coding that app yet?
This was the idea behind PC Companion (PCC)
As Dave stated:
Quote from: dhouston on June 08, 2015, 07:06:09 AM
it's not in the (self)interest of the manufacturers to integrate their competitors system/devices and the proliferation of different systems (and interfaces) makes it much harder (and costlier) for someone like Tuicemen to offer such an integrative app . The speed at which new systems/devices/interfaces displace established norms also complicates life for the amateur developer.

However with Wi-Fi fast becoming the communication norm it is allowing more interconnecting.
I've always tried to have  PCC capable of interacting with other PC programs and devices.
With the popularity of Wi-Fi the option was added to send web requests (added 2008).

Ultralight (free to active members on my forum) also has this ability.
However knowing what the other apps expect and or send in response is also needed to be known by the end user.
  >!

Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: HA Dave on June 08, 2015, 04:33:33 PM
Quote from: dhouston on June 08, 2015, 07:06:09 AM
.......  it's not in the (self)interest of the manufacturers to integrate their competitors system/devices and the proliferation of different systems (and interfaces) .....

Yet... they're already doing it... and GE is leading the way with compatible devices that share the WiFi enabled hubs. And although I haven't seen automation apps sharing info yet. Other apps already integrate well with other apps.

It would seem that in the new marketing paradigm.... integration might be in everyone's best interest. And as more connected devices also have their own processors/chips/programing..... the automation possibilities may only be limited... by our imaginations. I think we may be at the very edge of a new golden age of automation.   
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: dhouston on June 08, 2015, 05:30:39 PM
Quote from: HA Dave on June 08, 2015, 04:33:33 PM
Yet... they're already doing it... and GE is leading the way with compatible devices that share the WiFi enabled hubs.    

Are you sure about that? To me, it appears that it's Wink leading the way...
http://www.wink.com/products/ (http://www.wink.com/products/)
http://www.cnet.com/products/wink-hub/?_escaped_fragment_=#! (http://www.cnet.com/products/wink-hub/?_escaped_fragment_=#!)
with GE breaking the compatibility web by requiring their own hub in order to connect their bulbs to the Wink app and I assume all the non-GE Wink-compatible devices will still need the Wink hub.
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: HA Dave on June 08, 2015, 08:57:46 PM
Quote from: HA Dave on June 08, 2015, 04:33:33 PM
Yet... they're already doing it... and GE is leading the way with compatible devices that share the WiFi enabled hubs.    

Quote from: dhouston on June 08, 2015, 05:30:39 PM
Are you sure about that? To me, it appears that it's Wink leading the way...

Yep! Wink, Quirky, Z-wave........... it's all under the direct leadership of GE, IMHO.

For the last year, Quirky has worked with a group of manufacturers, encouraging them to adopt its technology and approach. Fifteen companies plan to offer nearly 60 Wink-enabled products in July. The companies are as varied as giants like General Electric, Honeywell and Philips and fast-growing start-ups like Rachio. The connected products include light bulbs, video cameras, garage doors, water heaters and lawn sprinklers. (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/23/technology/quirky-hopes-wink-will-speed-adoption-of-smart-home-products.html?_r=0)
Title: Re: MyQ
Post by: dhouston on June 09, 2015, 02:10:25 AM
Quote from: HA Dave on June 08, 2015, 08:57:46 PM
Yep! Wink, Quirky, Z-wave........... it's all under the direct leadership of GE, IMHO.

Hmm - see...
http://www.wink.com/products/ge-link-starter-kit/ (http://www.wink.com/products/ge-link-starter-kit/)
and scroll down (near the bottom of the page, on the right) where it says,
Quote
Link Hub
Works ONLY with GE Link bulbs

IMHO, about the only thing GE ever did right was to hire me about 45 50 years ago.  rofl