🖥️ActiveHome Pro > Third Party Add-Ons & Software
Alex10 (x10 control with Amazon echo, dot or tap)
Tuicemen:
Why did I create this?
The Owner of Authinx asked if I wanted to play with controlling x10 via Alexa. Based on some sites he had found it sounded like it was doable, however most end users would not attempt it as it involved scripts.
As well the write up was using out dated software for the cm17 (a serial port interface which newer PCs lack).
He wanted to see if I could come up with something for the community. I stated I would give it a go but it was difficult to get an Amazon echo, dot or tap in Canada , though not impossible if the price was right.
A day later I was informed a dot was on its way to me. :)%
I spent a few days looking into creating a x10 skill for Alexa and looking at HA-Bridge.
Developing an Alexa skill sounded like a lot of hoops to jump through, but maybe I was overthinking things ::) :'
Open sourced HA-Bridge was already out there
In any case Alex10 was the out come.
What will it do?
This communicates with the HA-Bridge as well as handles the x10 signal transmission.
Alex10 will work with the CM19, CM11, CM15 or any x10 controller that will work with AHP or the SDK.
Currently via the HA-Bridge, it will allow Alexa:
1: to activate x10 lights On/Off/Dim using RF or PLC
2: to activate x10 appliances On/Off using RF or PLC
3: turn all x10 lights on/off
4: turn all x10 units off
It displays the last 50 configured x10 commands sent either triggered by Alexa or a X10 remote.
It writes needed scripts in the HA-bridge for On/off or dim execution of x10 devices.
It is small and will run on a mini PC, though Windows is required.
setup is simple
What limitations are there?
1: Your imagination. ;)
2: What Ha-Bridge can receive from Alexa and pass to Alex10.
3: Alexa's HA control options.
4: You need a PC and it running 25/7 or at least when you expect to use Alexa.
5: Java 8.11 is required for HA-bridge
How difficult is it to setup HA-Bridge?
1: Start Alex10
2: In the port# text box enter a port
3: In the IP text box enter the PCs IP address
4: Click Change Address then Start HA- Bridge Now (if this is your initial setup close and restart Alex10).
5: Add devices in Alex10 they now get auto added to HA-Bridge
6: Setup Alexa if not already done and tell Alexa to discover devices (your Done!)
Note: using all the Startup options will increase speed if checked.
Remember the Port And IP as that will be the address for the HA-Bridge if you need to open it
How difficult is it to Setup Alexa?
Probably the easiest part of the whole setup!
With the browser open to the localhost (ha-Bridge) click the MyEcho tab and follow the directions in the new window that opens.
Once Alexa is setup find and open smart home click find devices or simply say "Alexa find devices"
If all goes well all your configured devices will appear.
Where can you get Alex10?
Find Alex10 here!
There is also a section on my forum dedicated to Alex10 ;)
>!
HA Dave:
Looks promising. But what is this "HA-Bridge" which you reference.
Tuicemen:
--- Quote from: HA Dave on December 16, 2016, 07:33:52 PM ---Looks promising. But what is this "HA-Bridge" which you reference.
--- End quote ---
HA-Bridge is what Alex10 uses to interface with Amazon's Alexa.
It is a free open source software create by BWS systems with Java, HA-Bridge was built to help put the Internet of Things together. ;)
It will handle many protocols though other APIs may be required for those to work.
Tuicemen:
I caught my wife demonstrating Alexa the other day turning on the Christmas tree as well as other things! rofl
Do you think maybe she's hooked? ::) :'
I notice I can say "Alexa, activate something" and she'll fire the on command for something so It is possible to trip all kinds of things with the right script. :)%
Sometimes saying "turn on" just isn't natural sounding.
Also tried the "Alexa, thank you" to which she replied "your welcome"
>!
HA Dave:
--- Quote from: Tuicemen on December 18, 2016, 05:13:41 PM ---I caught my wife demonstrating Alexa the other day turning on the Christmas tree as well as other things! rofl
Do you think maybe she's hooked? ::) :'
--- End quote ---
Yep! And I know that hooked. Once machines start doing what you tell them.... there is no turning back.
You might want to try (just plain old) something ON (not say turn). That works with Siri (and BVC).
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version