....... decided to research alternatives before returning the Google Home. I ended up using a combination of IFTTT and Melloware's free "X10 Commander" software for Windows.
It took a couple hours of experimentation but I can now reliably use Google Home (via IFTTT) to turn my lights on & off.
Please.... describe what you did,
lazydiyer.
I was using Melloware's X10 software.... since my iPhone 4. I installed the (free) server software on a tiny netbook-like laptop.... with a CM-19A. I then used my iPhone like a universal remote (as other apps allowed control of other devices as well).
A couple of unexpected perks: IFTTTT is very cool in itself, and Melloware has iPhone and Android apps that work with their server to give you EASY X10 control from your phone.
That sounds like a GREAT DIY solution that any and everyone would like to have in their toolbox. I am currently controlling X10 via a homeseer device... and it works
beautifully but the Melloware stuff was flawless as well... and the app was very easy and intuitive to manage.
Anyway, I just wanted to give a heads-up anyone interested in using Google Home to control X10 devices. But definitely double-check my info before you make your own decisions.
I really think you've got something worth sharing here! Any details and/or directions you could post would certainly deserve your own thread.
My system is a bit complex... or at least far from simple. I am using Alexa (Amazons voice control) along with Homeseer controlled X10, and Wink controlled lights plus ihome devices and a MyQ (chamberlain) hub, garage door, and light module. Plus an additional HA PC running BVC (Bill's Voice Commander) and an AHP/CM15A... with a wired speaker(s) voice alert setup.
Since my Homeseer also uses a CM15A.... it would be great if I could just re-write my X10 macros and install Mellowares server software on the BVC Laptop.... and switch it over to a CM19A. But
MORE IMPORTANTLY.... it would give me a chance to add/integrate Google into my setup.
I (of course) could be wrong.... but I believe Home Automation is where computers were at Before
DOS (or maybe MS-DOS). When consumers no longer have to worry about "picking the right brand" or being pinned down to any one flavor or format of HA..... then we'll see real progress. IMHO.
links:
https://melloware.com/x10commander/