X10 Community Forum

📱🖥️PiX10Hub => 🏥Help and Trouble Shooting => Topic started by: IPS on December 24, 2018, 05:43:45 PM

Title: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on December 24, 2018, 05:43:45 PM

I have Hg working on Pi zero W. I also had two PC's running AHP with separate CM15A. One has Win XP and AHP 3.318, is connected to range extender and CM15 has a modified antenna. Second PC is win10 and has lifejacket instead of original AHP 3.318. Also Has Alex10 and works well with Alexa. Electric system has a phase coupler repeater. This is what i Had before getting started with Pi.
Pi is connected with a separate CM15a. Alexa was also working with Pi but had some problems. Like it would say,"device not responding, check device power supply ....". but then sometimes right after above response, command would be executed. the next command would be done and then it would repeat the above response.
I would ask Alexa to discover devices and then it would work for one or two devices and then back to original response. some times it would say,"provider is having problem". then I would restart Echo dot.
So I thought it could be, as mentioned in some of the threads here, interference by other CM15A's. so I:

1. cleaned memory of CM15a connected to Pi. No effect.
2.Turned off Win 10 Pc. and unplugged CM15a. No effect.
3.Turned off Win Xp Pc and unplugged range extenders and unplugged CM15A. No effect.
4. Unplugged Pi and connected win10 PC. It is like it used to be. Working like it was expected to.
5. Tomorrow will reconnect the win Xp PC and range extenders. Both PCs had been working together for two years without any issues. So am inclined to go back to the old system. There are other issues also that need to be taken care of before I will adopt it.

It is easy for some one with software experience but for someone like me, it is not easy to setup micros like it is in AHP and therefore, I can not get any warning if door/window is opened a motion is detected.

I do appreciate all the help I got from everybody and specially Mr. T.
I do hope final product will be as easy to use as AHP. A suggestion. May be   UW  and other widgets can be replaced with that are free.

Wish you all Merry Christmas and a very happy healthy new year.
   
Title: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on December 25, 2018, 08:13:48 AM
So three cm15, two pc with AHP two instances of HA-Bidge running?
No wonder you couldnt get anything working.
Despite all the documentation about running 2 cm15 modules you still attempted this.
Had you asked for help instead of just posting your failures I'm sure you'd  be up and running.
Your fixation with getting Alexa running prior to GH fully setup is impossible on the Hub. That was stressed may times in the test group which were part of.  If you did have HG setup fully and working and HA-Bridge setup correctly, did you ever clear your devices from Alexa prior to attempting to add them from the Hub? Did you even tell Alexa to rediscover devices or use your previous configuration?
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on December 25, 2018, 09:18:05 AM

Despite all the documentation about running 2 cm15 modules you still attempted this.

Yes and that was done for two reasons. One that if two CM15A could work with Alex10 and Alexa for almost one year , then will they also work with HG. And result is not satisfactorily.  And Secondly, Even though there is documentation, I believe, as a tester I should try all the combinations. I believe this is the way to learn.

Had you asked for help instead of just posting your failures I'm sure you'd  be up and running.

I did and you guys did help, Thanks,  and that is how I had it working.

If you did have HG setup and working and HA-Bridge setup correctly. Did you ever clear your devices from Alexa prior to attempting to add them from the Hub? Did you even tell Alexa to discover devices or use your previous configuration?[/]

Yes I did all that. and this is what was the response. [move]Like it would say,"device not responding, check device power supply ....". but then sometimes right after above response, command would be executed. the next command would be done and then it would repeat the above response.
I would ask Alexa to discover devices and then it would work for one or two devices and then back to original response. some times it would say,"provider is having problem". then I would restart Echo dot.

This morning I decided to give another try and now am running Pi-HG and no other PC or extenders or interface. Only Pi and one CM15A. And Alexa is behaving erratically same as before. so what do you suggest I try to correct the problem?
Also I need help to setup door/window sensors,e-mail notification and micro. I greatly appreciate help.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: brobin on December 25, 2018, 10:52:50 AM
It's very important to go into the Alexa app and remove all the HA bridge items there. THEN, ONLY the PiHub & its CM running, Have Alexa discover devices. If the same device is already 'in' Alexa from another HA bridge there will be problems.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on December 25, 2018, 11:16:33 AM
The issue with Alexa is most likely a network issue as the Pi Zero W uses wi-fi. I'm not sure how far away the pi is from your router or repeater but the closer the better.


As for setting up your security I believe the "X10 RF Virtual Modules Mapper" was turned on in the X10 devices but check that it is indeed enabled.
Adding the modules:
first go around and press the test button on all security devices if your HG has been running over night It may already have seen all the heartbeats and has them listed ready for adding
Adding security modules is simular to adding X10 modules but HG must see them first once HG sees them they will appear in the x10 modules to select. They will not display as door /window or sensors but  just security and their RF code if memory serves me right.

Setting up the modules:
Once you add all these modules it does take a bit to setup as you have to figure out which are which so you can name them accordingly.
first go around and press the test button on all security devices again after adding them
next refresh the screen as this will update what signals were seen.
Steps can be made easier if you have a laptop, tablet or phone you can walk around with as you can refresh the screen after pressing the test button and then name the device. When you name it be sure to set it as a Security Alarm System then under basic check use as security sensor. this will then allow activity to display in the Security Alarm system display.

Creating email notifications require you to first setup the email program once done you can create simple  macros following the instructions in the videos petera posted using the macro wizard.
You can use the Garage door notification and edit the notification to what ever you wish.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on December 25, 2018, 04:28:27 PM
It's very important to go into the Alexa app and remove all the HA bridge items there. THEN, ONLY the PiHub & its CM running, Have Alexa discover devices. If the same device is already 'in' Alexa from another HA bridge there will be problems.

I had done all that you are suggesting.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on December 25, 2018, 05:33:37 PM
The issue with Alexa is most likely a network issue as the Pi Zero W uses wi-fi. I'm not sure how far away the pi is from your router or repeater but the closer the better.


As for setting up your security I believe the "X10 RF Virtual Modules Mapper" was turned on in the X10 devices but check that it is indeed enabled.
Adding the modules:
first go around and press the test button on all security devices if your HG has been running over night It may already have seen all the heartbeats and has them listed ready for adding
Adding security modules is simular to adding X10 modules but HG must see them first once HG sees them they will appear in the x10 modules to select. They will not display as door /window or sensors but  just security and their RF code if memory serves me right.

Setting up the modules:
Once you add all these modules it does take a bit to setup as you have to figure out which are which so you can name them accordingly.
first go around and press the test button on all security devices again after adding them
next refresh the screen as this will update what signals were seen.
Steps can be made easier if you have a laptop, tablet or phone you can walk around with as you can refresh the screen after pressing the test button and then name the device. When you name it be sure to set it as a Security Alarm System then under basic check use as security sensor. this will then allow activity to display in the Security Alarm system display.

Creating email notifications require you to first setup the email program once done you can create simple  macros following the instructions in the videos petera posted using the macro wizard.
You can use the Garage door notification and edit the notification to what ever you wish.

Pi is only about 10ft from the extender. Virtual mapper is on. There are no security devices listed. when ever a door is opened or sensor is triggered, a popup shows up in right hand upper corner with i believe mac address of the device. it disappears before I could click on it.
That is how far I have gone today. Will try again tomorrow. There is no improvement in Alexa behavior.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: brobin on December 25, 2018, 06:37:13 PM
I'm wondering if you have some issue between HG and HA-B?  The reason I say that is that I have a PiAlexaHub running (on a PiZeroW) that's working flawlessly so I know that the platform can support HA-B reliably.  The only difference is that HG is not involved.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on December 25, 2018, 08:15:52 PM
The closer the pi is to your router with out any obstacles in the line of sight the faster and more reliable Alexa is. If your 10 ft away and a fridge is in between the signal can be reduced to nothing If i put my zero w beside my router alexa says ok almost immediately when I send a request if i move it to the other side of the house responce is very slow and many times I'll get the device not found reply.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on December 26, 2018, 06:43:28 AM
I'm wondering if you have some issue between HG and HA-B?  The reason I say that is that I have a PiAlexaHub running (on a PiZeroW) that's working flawlessly so I know that the platform can support HA-B reliably.  The only difference is that HG is not involved.

I don’t have problem with HA-Bridge or HG THAT are installed on PiZeroW. Devices respond from both. It is Alexa that is erratic.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on December 26, 2018, 06:46:49 AM
The closer the pi is to your router with out any obstacles in the line of sight the faster and more reliable Alexa is. If your 10 ft away and a fridge is in between the signal can be reduced to nothing If i put my zero w beside my router alexa says ok almost immediately when I send a request if i move it to the other side of the house responce is very slow and many times I'll get the device not found reply.

There is nothing between the two. I’ll try bringing both together post the results.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: brobin on December 26, 2018, 02:38:53 PM
If Alexa responds to other commands (i.e., "Alexa,are you connected to the internet?") without delay then the device is close enough to the router.  If you can SSH into the Pi without issue it should be close enough to the router as well. 

Over the last few days I've noticed that Alexa is sometimes a little slow to respond - maybe the addition to however may million devices that got unwrapped was a little overwhelming for their servers. 

We have motorized shades in the bedroom. As I get out of bed each morning I say, "Alexa, turn off shades." That causes Alex10/HA-B to send an X10 command that's received by my Stargate which in turn sends an ASCII message to the Hunter-Douglas bridge to transmit an RF signal to the shades.  Sometimes the shades respond before Alexa says 'OK' or it could take up to five seconds.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on December 26, 2018, 03:58:42 PM
Alexa responds without delay when operated with PC. So in my case it is not the over occupied Alexa due to new user.
I also discovered the reason for response," provider having problem" is caused when Pi hub is disconnected and PC is brought on line and Alexa is asked to discover devices. and that loads Alexa with devices with same codes and system can't decide what to do so the answer,"PROVIDER IS HAVING .......".
To fix this problem is to open, in Alexa Amazon, smart home, devices, click on Forget all and the click discover. This should fix PROVIDER problem.   
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: brobin on December 26, 2018, 04:25:28 PM
Yes, that's exactly what I was describing in post #3 earlier in this thread.  I learned about that from experience when I first moved from Alex10 on a PC to the PiAlexaHub in September.  Even though I had the PC turned off Alexa was getting confused by multiple entries of the same name. Once I cleared out all the X10 devices from the Alexa app and rediscovered with only the Pi running, all was and remains well.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: dave w on December 27, 2018, 11:02:39 AM
As I get out of bed each morning I say, "Alexa, turn off shades."
This may be well known, but FWIW you can create an Alexa Routine, so you can say "Alexa 'close' (or lower) the shades". and a second to open (or raise) the shades.  The words "Alexa Turn ON", "Turn OFF, "DIM" etc. queue Alexa servers that it is a Home Automation (skill) command. "Open", "Close" do not. The Routine allows you to use any phrase to perform specific tasks. ie "Alexa make it dark". 
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: brobin on December 27, 2018, 11:19:10 AM
As I get out of bed each morning I say, "Alexa, turn off shades."
This may be well known, but FWIW you can create an Alexa Routine, so you can say "Alexa 'close' (or lower) the shades". and a second to open (or raise) the shades.  The words "Alexa Turn ON", "Turn OFF, "DIM" etc. queue Alexa servers that it is a Home Automation (skill) command. "Open", "Close" do not. The Routine allows you to use any phrase to perform specific tasks. ie "Alexa make it dark".
I didn't know about Alexa Routines but I'll be setting some up now. I have several things I'd like to use other words for. Thank you for the heads up!  >!
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on December 27, 2018, 12:39:04 PM
Activate and deactivate work instead of on/off but the routines are the way to go.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: soxfan1966 on December 30, 2018, 10:04:22 AM
Not sure if this is exactly related or not to the original post but I seem to be having a similar issue.

I have my X10 Hub up and running and if I access Home Genie from my desktop or phone, log in (note: I have saved passwords in my Chrome browser for these sites too, so once I enter it once it does not ask me again).

Once the page loads I can turn things off an on via the HG web page.

If I try and use Alexa - sometimes it works right away, sometimes it takes a few seconds and then works but replies that the device isn't responding or doesn't work and replies the device isn't responding.

If it doesnt work, and I log into HG via the desktop or phone and then try again it works.

So I am wondering if there is something funky with the saved passwords or perhaps once I close the browser session (either on the desktop or my phone) that it is doing something to affect Alexa's ability to stay connected ?
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on December 30, 2018, 10:56:56 AM
I suspect this is a time out issue in HA-BRIDGE. There are a few settings you can play with in HA-BRIDGE  but it maybe better to post a issue on Github. As BWSsystems may have a more direct way of fixing this. Since a pressing of the test buttons never seem to fail I don't believe it is a ossue with HG.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: soxfan1966 on December 31, 2018, 05:15:37 PM
I did some investigating and it seems others have had a similar issue where there is a timeout issue w Alexa (5 seconds). 

Based on this example - I can try it out and see if it works
https://github.com/bwssytems/ha-bridge/issues/364

You'll need to return a 200 response code in your PHP, try adding header("HTTP/1.1 200 OK"); to the first line of your file.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: soxfan1966 on January 01, 2019, 10:14:27 AM
That didnt seem to work, or at least not the way I tried it.  I added this to the Headers section for on of my x10 devices in Ha Brdge:

["HTTP/1.1 200 OK"]

Then below that was the line for the password (similarly in [])

So not sure if the format of that needs to be different or if that isnt the issue.  Still seems to be some kind of timeout issue between Alex, Ha Bridge and HomeGenie.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on January 19, 2019, 09:09:43 AM
In My tests the HG Echo Bridge works much more reliable and faster then HA-Bridge for Alexa. I suspect the reason for this is the extra http calls required using HA-Bridge and the fact that it has many more possible options to sort through.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on September 21, 2019, 07:30:36 PM
Hello all
I have been very busy for a while. Am back and I need your help. After up dating Alexa last week, It has stop working. In the sense it responds but nothing happens. Also the groups that I had created in Alexa app have disappeared and alexa now does not discover  X10 devices. It does discover smart life and Meross, iRobot , PowerView but will not discover x10. HA-Bridge is working.
I have dealt with this problem while testing when Alexa was introduced. But for some reason I can't find the threads. Would appreciate any help to get my system working. B:(  >*<
This all is set on win 10 PC with CM15a
Thanks.   
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: petera on September 21, 2019, 08:04:29 PM
You'll see this on most home automation programs at the moment. The recent Alexa firmware update has broken the Philips Hue emulation and developers are scrambling to resolve the problem. So far it's not looking too good. There's been a few temporary workarounds in the more popular home automation programs.

I suggest Googling on this subject to see exactly what is going on. Anything that hurts Amazon's bottom line will surely get broken with any upgrade.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on September 21, 2019, 08:51:34 PM
I talked to Amazon help. They could not help. I don't think they know how Ha-bridge is suppose to work with alexa.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on September 21, 2019, 08:55:20 PM
Quote
You'll see this on most home automation programs at the moment. The recent Alexa firmware update has broken the Philips Hue emulation and developers are scrambling to resolve the problem. So far it's not looking too good. There's been a few temporary workarounds in the more popular home automation programs.

Is it also happening with HG pi?
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: petera on September 21, 2019, 09:13:46 PM
What are you using for home automation at the moment
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on September 22, 2019, 07:59:29 AM
My city place uses HA-Bridge and the HomeGenie Echo Bridge both had stopped working. I managed to get HA-Bridge back working but disabled the Echo Bridge so not sure if it is working again.
As petera stated the issue is the Alexa app.
Here is what I did.
Remove devices from HA-Bridge (though I dont feel this needs to be done) stopping it does the something.
Open the alexa web page on a PC forget each device individualy forget all doesn't  work even thought it appears to(if you removed devices a rediscover proves this as they will reappear.
Once a rediscover reported no new devices I then started HA-Bridge.using Alexa not the app ask her to discover devices.
She will say X# new devices discovered and refreshing the app will show they were indeed seen.  >!
I have read Amazon is rolling out a fix so it is possible that I just got the fix while messing with things. ::) :'
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on September 22, 2019, 09:08:05 AM
Petera
I am using X10 AHP WITH ha-bridge.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on September 22, 2019, 09:10:14 AM
Mr. T
Will follow your way and hope it will work for me too.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on September 22, 2019, 11:00:46 AM
Ips besure you update HA-Bridge to the latest version.
Bwssystems tries to keep on top of Alexa issues.and a old version of HA-Bridge (if to old) will not work with Alexa as Amazon has made many changes to their API.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on September 22, 2019, 01:57:08 PM
Thanks Mr.T
What is the latest version and where can I get it?
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on September 22, 2019, 02:39:46 PM
5.3.0 is the latest https://github.com/bwssytems/ha-bridge/releases/tag/v5.3.0
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on September 22, 2019, 06:46:32 PM
I have the original ha- bridge 1.05 I think. The one you included with the Alex10.
Today tried to get 5.3 using the link you sent. It gets quite complicated for me. I have gitHub account but to Complicated for me. How about if you update the original Alex 10 Ha-bridge. I will be great full
Thanks.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: petera on September 22, 2019, 07:34:41 PM
Petera
I am using X10 AHP WITH ha-bridge.

I see. So you’re not using HomeGenie. You’re problem is a separate issue so. I think this section relates to HomeGenie or at least it’s supposed to.

I wouldn’t mess about too much with anything Amazon Alexa at the moment. It’s going through a major update and you may break more than you fix trying to resolve issues.

It’s important to understand that Amazon make nothing out of these emulators you’ll find doing the rounds. The Alexa Skills are what they want to see and circumventing this does nothing to help with their bottom line. Don’t expect support from Amazon in fairness when they fail.

You’ll see more and more of these emulators disappear with each new firmware update unless the emulator author maintains them.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on September 23, 2019, 06:40:38 PM
I have completely uninstalled Alex 10 from the window 10 Pc. turned off window security. Tried to install the first  version of Alex10. after it says installation completed, click for set up. this message pops up:
" Unable to execute file:   
C:\Alex10\alex10.exe

CreateProcess failed code 740
The requested operation requires elevation".

Same response for latter version of Alex 10

Any idea what is happening? Or what am not doing or should not do?
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on September 23, 2019, 09:16:14 PM
Got it working. just right clicked on Alex10 icon and clicked on run as administrator.
Got the HA-bridge working. now trying to down load Amazon Alexa on the pc. no luck so far. any ideas?
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on September 25, 2019, 06:33:24 AM
Got every thing as before  >!
including Alexa not seeing any X10 devices on Ha-bridge even though I can triger every one from the bridge. >*<
Any solution/work around?
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: soxfan1966 on October 09, 2019, 09:15:56 PM
Good evening all,

I am still having the issue with Alexa and HG.  I tried deleting  each of the devices in the Alexa app and then asking Alexa to discover devices - but no luck.

I read elsewhere about using port 80 but as I am using the integrated Alexa Interface - and the port needs to be the same as HG - that didn't seem to work either (I did try it).

Are others still having this issue still ?
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: petera on October 10, 2019, 08:43:55 AM
Hue emulation is broken for many other home automation programs. Alexa has undergone a number of major firmware upgrades over the last number of weeks. The result of this is that unless your home automation system is using a registered skill with Amazon you are unlikely to resolve the issue.

I did notice that BWS Systems the author of the HA Bridge had suggested using a workaround but results are very mixed. Forget about HG Echobridge. That’s now broken.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on October 10, 2019, 07:02:31 PM
I use HA-Bridge with HG. The bridge is on port 80 HG on a different port. BWS systems added a helper for HG in the last update which discovers configuered HG devices and allows you to specify what you wish Alexa to control. Amazon messed up the last app update and tequired me to forget all devices individualy then re discover. A mass forget appeared to work but it was obviously not working when it was still seeing a device I had removed form my setup.dont ise the Alexa app to discover devices Tell her seems to still work correctly.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: soxfan1966 on October 10, 2019, 07:30:08 PM
For clarification, you use the integrated Alexa Interface under Settings? Or the HA-Bridge under Programs?
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on October 11, 2019, 08:33:51 AM
I use HA-Bridge, it will see every module configured in HG as long as it is named.
The intergrated bridge in HG wouldn't work for me with password protection enabled. It is still installed I just disabled it.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: soxfan1966 on October 11, 2019, 10:54:16 AM
With no password, is it possible to update the port that the internal Alexa Interface uses to 80 (I have it set to the same as HG right now, 8080) and resolve this?  Or is the only current way to use the HA-Bridge program as part of HG on port 80?
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: petera on October 11, 2019, 03:32:56 PM
Did you see my post above. The HomeGenie EchoBridge is broken with the last round of firmware updates from Amazon. It doesn’t matter what port you define or if it’s password or not. This was bound to happen as the program is not being maintained.

If you really need Alexa you can go the external route using the HA Bridge or install one of the many other home automation programs on the web.

For technical issues with HG I really do suggest posting on the HomeGenie Club forum. There’s a number of seasoned tech guys there who may be able to help you.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: soxfan1966 on October 11, 2019, 04:11:24 PM
Petra,

Yes, I read your post earlier.  The problem is that some of the terminology is not clear - it can be especially confusing when HG has 2 versions of the same thing (the integrated Alexa Interface and the HA-Bridge Program).

So my question to Tuicemen was to just ask for clarification on what he had working.  Then based on what he responded he had working I asked if its possible to get the integrated interface to work on port 80 without a password.

My Pi with HG has been running smooth for almost a year (it may actually be longer than that now) and when something goes wrong I want to try and fix it.

I see nothing wrong with the question I asked nor with the reply I got from Tuicemen.  He is always every helpful, and I know I personally try to get as much information from his as I can (and I am sure others do as well).  He comes across as very knowledgeable and very friendly / helpful.

The goal of this type of forum is to help people.  We all share a similar interest and the best way to educate people is to share information and get questions answered.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: petera on October 11, 2019, 04:45:17 PM
There’s no confusion. The internal program you refer to is called HG EchoBridge which I mentioned is broken no matter what port you point it at or if you use password protection or not

The HA Bridge which I assume is the one from BWS Sytems that you are referring to has nothing to do with the HG software and is an external bridge installed outside of the HG program using a third party connection. If you search under HA Bridge and BWS Systems you will see the difficulties they are experiencing with their Hue emulator too.

Asking Mr T for a solution because you don’t like my answer is neither here nor there to me but I thought he had already in part answered your question as did I. I suppose you can keep asking the same question and hope for a different answer but unless Mr T has a solution to solving the problem with the internal HG EchoBridge program I doubt your answer will be any different.

What I did suggest was to direct your query to the HomeGenie Club forum in the hope that the author of the HG EchoBridge May see it and be good enough to respond to you as he is a member there and not here. It’s entirely up to you.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on October 11, 2019, 06:14:30 PM
I've  not tried to use (get working) the integrated echo bridge on HG. HA-Bridge has always done a much better job however many had isses configuring It with HG. That has changed with the latest update.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: petera on October 11, 2019, 08:15:30 PM
I've  not tried to use (get working) the integrated echo bridge on HG. HA-Bridge has always done a much better job however many had isses configuring It with HG. That has changed with the latest update.

I’m assuming you are behind a VPN or some form of proxy and don’t have your Pi exposed using port 80. I wonder do others know the risks of having port 80 exposed to the web.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on October 12, 2019, 08:00:42 AM
Quote
I’m assuming you are behind a VPN or some form of proxy and don’t have your Pi exposed using port 80. I wonder do others know the risks of having port 80 exposed to the web.
I don't have HG on port 80 HA-Bridge is  but not exposed to the Web, it it is like HG configured with the security enabled. I can't access HA-Bridge from the web nor do I need to.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: soxfan1966 on October 13, 2019, 09:40:44 AM
Good morning,

With some assistance from Tuicemen, I was able to get the latest version of HA Bridge installed on my PiX10Hub and up and running - I installed the version with the Home Genie Helper which was great and made setup even easier (I updated the post on the Home Genie helper with some info / steps I followed for that = http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=31024.0).

I then used the tab at the top in HA Bridge for "My Echo", signed into the device and used the Discover Devices from there (verbally asking Alexa to Discover Devices didn't find any) and all of my Home Genie Devices are there.

I then tested by asking Alex to Turn On one of the lights, and it worked.  I did get the "Device Not Responding" reply from Alex but it did work (and the light turned on, and then off when I asked to turn it off again).

So looks like I am back up and running with Alexa.  Will see how things shake out over the next few days.

Thanks :)
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: mike1 on October 21, 2019, 10:25:54 AM
Hi

Need help which is the latest alex10 and what java version works together. Issue is alexa is not finding new devices?
And also is the bwsystems bridge be an issue. I had alexa working for a bit last night. Then it stopped communicating.   Appreciate your help.   This is running on a pc.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on October 21, 2019, 02:06:21 PM
If alexa was working last night then stopped chances are it is on Amazons end or your network connection.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: HA Dave on October 23, 2019, 10:15:04 AM
If alexa was working last night then stopped chances are it is on Amazons end or your network connection.

On Amazon end? I've been using the Alexa devices pretty much from the very beginning. NEVER EVEN ONCE..... has the devices dropped at Amazons end. I'd say... the odds are against that happening.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on October 23, 2019, 06:34:57 PM

On Amazon end? I've been using the Alexa devices pretty much from the very beginning. NEVER EVEN ONCE..... has the devices dropped at Amazons end. I'd say... the odds are against that happening.
Well then your a lucky man. The Amazon Alexa app (on Android at least) has had issues for some time. If your only using skills there seems to be no issues with Amazon Alexa.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: HA Dave on October 23, 2019, 11:36:14 PM
....The Amazon Alexa app (on Android at least) has had issues for some time. If your only using skills there seems to be no issues with Amazon Alexa.

Well admittedly... I am an iphone user. But (correct me if I am wrong) isn't EVERY Alexa device (DOTS and such) an android device?

Are you posting that android PHONES have issues? I don't think we can blame Amazon for the phones out there.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: bkenobi on October 24, 2019, 11:19:20 AM
I don't have a dog in the fight, but it appears that Tuicemen is suggesting the Android apps that people are using are not currently working.  I believe the Amazon devices are Android based.  But, all of these devices run software which would need to be updated to work with the updates Amazon is releasing.  I think it's a little contrived to suggest an entire ecosystem of phones is broken because Amazon is taking measures to enforce how users interact with the device they sell.  Certainly the software on those phones and other devices might need updating.

Just an observation:  HA Dave seems to be very critical of words some people use about his beloved technology but the same doesn't apply to him.  Interesting....
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on October 24, 2019, 01:22:13 PM
No dog fight! The app has some issues but so far users have found work arrounds. A example the forget all devices doesnt work though it appears to. This also effects some skills. To find out if a specific skill is affected simply disable it the forget all then do a discover devices. Alexa will still see devices from that skill even though it can't possibly.to go one step further you could delete a device found in the skill and remove it from your setup totaly then do a rediscover and see if it is still seen. I as well as others have reported this issue in various threads. Another problem due to how Amazon releases updates and patches to the Alexa app is some may not see the issue appear or disappear when first reports appear and some like Dave may never notice a issue at all thus they are the lucky ones.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: mike1 on November 14, 2019, 08:49:56 PM
Hi
Is any having issues giving alexa commands tk devices. When i issue a command alexa replies I couldnt find a device or group when its clearly showing in the alexa defices. Now if I repeat it several tjmes it works. Thks,began happening  a little over s week? Anyone having these,issues? Ans anymadvice,rk correct?

Thxs
Mike






Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on November 15, 2019, 03:59:33 AM
Tried it many times. Alexa discovers all the devices and also responds to the command but nothing happens. Seems like either the command does not reach the device or the device does not responds. All X10 devices are listed in Alexa device list as”new device”. After the command pop up says “device not responsive”
So now am back to using X10 commander on my iPhone and Alexa for other comparable devices.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: brobin on November 15, 2019, 04:48:08 AM
When I've had that happen I've always found that the Alexa app shows more than one entry in the device list. Once the old entry is removed I'm back in business. Same goes for devices listed in HA Bridge (which I no longer use).
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on November 15, 2019, 07:40:23 AM
I don’t have double entry in the device list.
If you don’t use HA-bridge then how does Alexa finds X10 devices? Are you using pc or Pi?
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on November 15, 2019, 09:39:58 AM
Amazon made some changes which required users to remove device in the Alexa app then readd them if not in a skill.
It should be noted that the phone app forget all option doesn't work correctly. So devices need to be removed one at a time other wise you could end up with double device entries or just the old entries which point to a old address.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: IPS on November 15, 2019, 10:04:32 AM
Mr. T
You lost me. Could you please be bit more specific. What are you saying about the phone app?
Also do you mean if I remove devices one by one and have Alexa rediscover then I’ll be back in business. Alexa will control as before?
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: mike1 on November 15, 2019, 10:33:59 AM
Hi Tuicemen

So did Amazon make this update recently because I noticed this problem a few days ago. Where it stopped seeing my x10 devices. So I did remove one device from Alexa like you said. But I tried to rediscover and Alexa states no new devices found. Please help thxs
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on November 15, 2019, 02:13:34 PM
What are you using for alexa to control X10?
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: mike1 on November 15, 2019, 02:16:21 PM
PC with a cm15 module.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on November 15, 2019, 03:34:06 PM
What software and version you using to comunicate with Alexa?
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: mike1 on November 15, 2019, 04:12:20 PM
Active home, ha bridge 5.1. Not sure on the baesystems bridge. And the latest java
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: Tuicemen on November 15, 2019, 07:06:08 PM
HA-Bridge is at 5.3 and fixes many alexa issues. That maybecyour problem.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: brobin on November 15, 2019, 09:47:43 PM
I don’t have double entry in the device list.
If you don’t use HA-bridge then how does Alexa finds X10 devices? Are you using pc or Pi?

I used to use HA Bridge with Alex10 on a PC and then with the PiX10Hub but now I'm using a Smartenit Harmony G2 as an Alexa interface which has its own Alexa Skill so I no longer need HA Bridge.  I have found dual entries in the Alexa app from time to time that results in no control till corrected.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: petera on November 16, 2019, 09:48:53 AM
Yes anything with an officially registered skill with Amazon Alexa will work. Local solutions are struggling at the moment. Problem is every time there's a firmware update they break.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: brobin on November 16, 2019, 03:29:55 PM
That's why I've been touting the Smartenit product. For as little as $75 (Harmony P2.with 2412U PLM) you get a we'll supported product that exceeds the capabilities of the WM100 and the PiX10Hub combination. It's been running perfectly since installation in March '19.  Having an actual Alexa Skill makes it a no brainier and the Harmony firmware automatically updates as needed. The additional support for Insteon and ZigBee adds to the flexibility and allows the 3 protocols to interface seamlessly. It runs schedules with all the expected dawn/dusk variables based on location, does DST and internet time and does email & text notification. Everything is set up through an app or web portal. It's a very well thought out product.
Title: Re: Alexa issue
Post by: petera on November 16, 2019, 05:37:07 PM
Ideal for a plug’n’go solution and would probably suit most users here on the forum.

I’ve a local solution worked out in HomeGenie but as I mentioned it needs updating every time there’s a firmware update and it requires a certain amount of coding experience to maintain it. Wouldn’t be suitable here in it’s current state. That may change if I have the time to develop it further.