SmartThings - Home Automation

[phreezee]

I see some others are using SmartThings and wanted to get an idea of what everyone else is integrating with it. I got all my equipment this Black Friday and have been installing it all week. Overall I think it's working ok, but I have a lot of disappointments in the early going.

SmartThings Home Monitoring kit with 2 door contacts, 1 motion sensor, and 1 ZigBee outlet.
-Ring Doorbell Pro - no live view in ST
-2x Schlage locks - poor zwave range
-11 Wemo light switches - no 3 way switches
-Logitech Harmony Hub
-Chamberlain MyQ - 2 garage doors, 1 light switch, 1 lamp switch - no longer integrates

Right now I am working on getting 3 P0E cameras integrated through Blue Iris.

Another challenge I have is I need some more zwave devices to act as repeaters so the basement door lock works.

Looking for siren recommendations also.

[imranm]

For range, buy a few GE zwave switches. They act as repeaters.

Look for myq connect - is no longer supported but it works like a charm. My garage door auto opens when I'm 50 get away.

I have two schlage locks and they work great- perhaps a range issue?

Don't waste money on wemo, aside from being weirdly sized they're not natively supported by ST. I have over 30 zwave switches and they're instant and create a great zwave mesh network.

Amazon has the best price/selection.

[phreezee]

Originally posted by imranm

Look for myq connect - is no longer supported but it works like a charm.

How/Where do you find this? I'm assuming it's a SmartApp but don't know how to find it to install it.

[imranm]

Originally posted by phreezee


How/Where do you find this? I'm assuming it's a SmartApp but don't know how to find it to install it.

It's no longer available on github. Pm me your email address and I'll send it your way

[phreezee]

Awesome thanks, will update on how I make out with the app.:thumbsup:

[phreezee]

No luck with the MyQ app. There's an error when saving the device list. I found the original github code here: https://github.com/copy-ninja/SmartThings_MyQ/blob/master/smartapps/copy-ninja/myq-connect.src/myq-connect.groovy

Thanks regardless.

Wemo switches are working well for me. The main reason I went with them is the $35 vs $70 price tag. Just wish they made a 3-way compatible version.

I'll have to keep an eye out for the GE Z-Wave outlets on sale to use as repeaters. Too bad the lamp outlet that came with the Home Monitoring Kit is ZigBee.

[imranm]

Originally posted by phreezee
No luck with the MyQ app. There's an error when saving the device list. I found the original github code here: https://github.com/copy-ninja/SmartThings_MyQ/blob/master/smartapps/copy-ninja/myq-connect.src/myq-connect.groovy

Thanks regardless.

Wemo switches are working well for me. The main reason I went with them is the $35 vs $70 price tag. Just wish they made a 3-way compatible version.

I'll have to keep an eye out for the GE Z-Wave outlets on sale to use as repeaters. Too bad the lamp outlet that came with the Home Monitoring Kit is ZigBee.

Damn thats too bad! Its actually a great feature on ST with the garage doors automated.

For the GE Switches, check Amazon. They regularly sell for around ~$50.

Zigbee works great on ST also.

[mix123]

I have been using smartthings for about a year now.

Cree zigbee smart bulbs are pretty cheap at homedepot if you're needing bulbs. Last time I bought some they were $6 each.

[phreezee]

Did some tinkering this week after getting my Google Home working and got this app working for MyQ!

https://github.com/brbeaird/SmartThings_MyQ

[phreezee]

Any comments on GE vs Leviton?

GE Z Wave Dimmer
https://www.amazon.ca/GE-Z-Wave-Smart-Dimmer-12724/dp/B006LQFHN2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486999076&sr=8-1&keywords=ge+z+wave
GE Addon switch
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00RKJS8MQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Leviton Z Wave switch
https://www.amazon.ca/Leviton-DZS15-1BZ-Decora-Controls-Capable/dp/B01GONGX98/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486999216&sr=8-2&keywords=leviton+z+wave
Leviton Digital matching switch
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B001HSYT3S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[imranm]

Originally posted by phreezee
Any comments on GE vs Leviton?

GE Z Wave Dimmer
https://www.amazon.ca/GE-Z-Wave-Smart-Dimmer-12724/dp/B006LQFHN2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486999076&sr=8-1&keywords=ge+z+wave
GE Addon switch
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00RKJS8MQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Leviton Z Wave switch
https://www.amazon.ca/Leviton-DZS15-1BZ-Decora-Controls-Capable/dp/B01GONGX98/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486999216&sr=8-2&keywords=leviton+z+wave
Leviton Digital matching switch
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B001HSYT3S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've replaced about twenty switches and they're all GE. Always worked great for me

[phreezee]

Last app update gave us battery status! Very useful and good to know that my door locks are still at 98% after running for months.

[CaptainReboot]

Does anybody use a siren with SmartThings? Thinking of getting the Aeon siren, https://www.aartech.ca/aeotec-zw080-zwave-siren.html

[phreezee]

^^most of the reviews on Amazon say that one isn't very loud but I haven't found anything over 106db. Guess you'd have to get at least 1 per floor.

https://www.amazon.ca/Aeon-Labs-Aeotec-Z-Wave-ZW080-A17/product-reviews/B00PKKM2HO/ref=dpx_acr_txt?showViewpoints=1

[phreezee]

Originally posted by phreezee

Leviton Z Wave switch
https://www.amazon.ca/Leviton-DZS15-1BZ-Decora-Controls-Capable/dp/B01GONGX98/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486999216&sr=8-2&keywords=leviton+z+wave
Leviton Digital matching switch
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B001HSYT3S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Price drop alert! From $75 to $43. Looks like the new regular price.

[phreezee]

^ I swapped out switches in a 3-way and 4-way configuration as a 1st batch test run and the Levitons work well with SmartThings and Google Home. Ordered more to complete the house.

[colinderksen]

Still don't understand the need for home automation other than another couple apps to keep people dickin around in their phones.

I've never felt the need to control anything in my home from a device. And I have a brand new home with a few bits of automation built in
Ami I totally out to lunch?

[rage2]

Originally posted by colinderksen
Still don't understand the need for home automation other than another couple apps to keep people dickin around in their phones.

I've never felt the need to control anything in my home from a device. And I have a brand new home with a few bits of automation built in
Ami I totally out to lunch?
The point is to not have to dick around with your phone. Really once everything is setup if you need to use your phone, you're doing it wrong. The goal is to set things up so either things are done on a schedule, or a single action such as setting your alarm for night mode will trigger turning off all the lights, locking doors, closing blinds etc. instead of walking through the house and doing everything manually.

[digi355]

Originally posted by rage2

The point is to not have to dick around with your phone. Really once everything is setup if you need to use your phone, you're doing it wrong. The goal is to set things up so either things are done on a schedule, or a single action such as setting your alarm for night mode will trigger turning off all the lights, locking doors, closing blinds etc. instead of walking through the house and doing everything manually.

Is your house setup like that? If it is, can you post a write up? Your advice on AP was gold, I'd love to see what you've done on the automation front.

[rage2]

Originally posted by digi355
Is your house setup like that? If it is, can you post a write up? Your advice on AP was gold, I'd love to see what you've done on the automation front.
Already did that a when I started the project.

http://forums.beyond.ca/st/396913/diy-home-automation-with-apple-homekit/

Although I should update it at some point.

http://i.imgur.com/fXjIblr.jpg

Some of my scenes... The top 4 are my most used ones, which allows me to open or close the top or bottom row of blinds in the living room. Secure the house is pretty much locking the house down and closing all the blinds. Goodnight is an extended version of that where it turns off all the lights too.

Front greeting is when either expecting visitors, detects motion at the front door, or when I come home after sunset and turns on the driveway and front door lights. Entertain main floor is when I have guests over, turns on and sets brightness on about 15 sets of lights and opens all the blinds in the living room.

These scenes are either triggered by other actions (motion, specific lights turning on/off), time based, geofenced, or a combination of "I'm arriving home after sunset". If I do go to sleep earlier, I do fuck around with my phone, a simple Hey Siri Goodnight means I don't have to walk 3 floors to turn shit off and lock the doors.

I have a shit ton of other scenes that don't use up the space on my favorites, such as breakfast (runs at 6:15am and sets lights towards kitchen), kids bedtime to dim all lights but brightens lights towards their rooms, or bedtime stories which sets warmer color temp in their room for story time so it's easier on the eyes and gets 'em tired. Most of these adhoc ones are triggered by voice.

[mix123]

Just a heads up the Xiaomi zigbee smart home devices do work with SmarThings and they are easily the cheapest.

http://xiaomi-mi.us/mi-smart-home/xiaomi-mi-wireless-switch/
http://xiaomi-mi.us/mi-smart-home/xiaomi-mi-door-window-sensors/
http://xiaomi-mi.us/mi-smart-home/xiaomi-mi-temperature-humidity-sensor/
http://xiaomi-mi.us/mi-smart-home/xiaomi-mi-occupancy-sensor/

I was skeptical at first so I just ordered the switch. It arrived yesterday. Pairing wasn't overly difficult. Works great. Will be ordering more.

Shipping cheaper from http://www.gearbest.com/ Although I dont recommend the cheap shipping. Might not see your stuff for a few months :)

[phreezee]

Originally posted by colinderksen
Still don't understand the need for home automation other than another couple apps to keep people dickin around in their phones.

I've never felt the need to control anything in my home from a device. And I have a brand new home with a few bits of automation built in
Ami I totally out to lunch?

I actually don't use the apps/phone/iPad for most things.

I can say Hey Google,:
-"play Spotify playlist "Starred" on Living Room TV"
-"turn on main floor lights"
-"watch a movie" to turn on my home theatre, inputs and lighting.
-"add ketchup to the shopping list" to update a shared Keep list.
-"set a timer for x minutes"
-"what's the weather?"
-"what's 175C in Fahrenheit?"

I can set the lights to turn on/off then it senses my phone arrive/leave the house or at scheduled times of the day.

Things you use the apps for is when they are pushed to you like:
- email/text/push alerts from my door/motion/leak sensors.
- someone Rings your doorbell so you can talk to them.

[mix123]

I agree. I dont use my phone to control anything anymore.

Everything is automated to turn on / dim / or turn off based on time/presence/motion/sunset or sunrise

[Sugarphreak]

...

[phreezee]

Does anyone have these MOVE motors for their blinds? Or know of a competing (cheaper) product? It's exactly what I need for the house

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/move-motorize-blinds-and-shades#/

I1XkIO6CZuQ

[Rarasaurus]

I think for "motorized" that is about as cheap as you will get. I haven't tried them out but assume batteries would drain fast because of the additional friction lost to the chain and clutch of the blind.

You can truly retrofit roller blinds but it is going to be more expensive than that. Benefit is no more chain and a cleaner look though.

http://rollertrol.com/smartthings-motors-blinds-and-shades

Motor, batteries and retrofit would probably cost $250 to 300 per blind for parts.
http://rollertrol.com/store/en/all/221-projector-screen-motor.html

[phreezee]

^ it really does seem to be the perfect product, even includes a solar panel so you don't have to worry about batteries.

[phreezee]

Originally posted by CaptainReboot
Does anybody use a siren with SmartThings? Thinking of getting the Aeon siren, https://www.aartech.ca/aeotec-zw080-zwave-siren.html

Price alert, CDN$ 49.99 + CDN$ 11.28 shipping

https://www.amazon.ca/Aeon-Labs-Aeotec-Z-Wave-ZW080-A17/dp/B00PKKM2HO/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00PKKM2HO&pd_rd_r=TAPWXYE29PVDK8FNGAT0&pd_rd_w=TEPTs&pd_rd_wg=QiXnC&pf_rd_m=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=2F2YPENNTR9FQZ8AKZ3G&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=41120b96-e6bb-4096-bead-ecb3296d2e75&pf_rd_i=desktop


Edit: I bought 2, came out to $114.60, so $3.32 to ship the 2nd one.

[phreezee]

^ got the sirens. They are tiny! I was expecting something the size of a CO detector.

As for loudness, they aren't much more than a fire detector siren. I'm glad I got 2.

[CaptainReboot]

Some zwave motion sensors are on sale at mono price. Going to pick some up and another door sensor.

[phreezee]

Deal on Harmony Hubs + remote $50 off. The hub itself is $129 regularly.
Works well with SmartThings.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/productdetails.aspx?lang=en-ca&pcname=&sku=10242486&CMP=KNC-GOOGLE:Shopping+Campaign+-+TV:TV+%2526+Home+Theatre&gclid=CjwKEAjw_6XIBRCisIGIrJeQ93oSJAA2cNtMHulclML0oql46sxKOeWMOqRBXEJSTS0DRuHF6KKxgxoCvCrw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[HiTempguy1]

So THIS made me really interested in doing some small automation at home:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/move-motorize-blinds-and-shades#/

I've been wanting motorized blinds forever, being in a condo its important for heat management.

This is what I would like to do:

- one 3 switch light switch
- three single switch light switches
- 3 of the move/movez motorized blind controllers
- smart thermostat

Now, I have AC roughed into the condo, but haven't really felt the need to spend $3k+ getting it installed and instead run my little portable A/C unit.

So is there a way to tie all of this stuff together to make it work well? I don't need remote access and all that other stuff, but being able to program everything to work together to keep the condo cool during the summer would be awesome.

And preferably as cheap as possible. When I eventually get to a house/acreage, I'd be doing a fresh build and would do all the home automation right off the bat. Considering that is 2-5 years away, I'd want to upgrade the automation anyways, so this stuff won't be coming with me.

Suggestions?

[rage2]

Wink hub. Moves can connect to Wink.
Temperature sensor (or smart thermostat)
Wink compatible switches for manual operation.

Program some wink robots to do all of the above based on your criteria (pretty sure you can use temperature to trigger motion).

Example, if temp > 24C, close blinds, turn on AC.
if temp < 22C, turn off AC (optionally open blinds but you might get into a bit of a loop).

[HiTempguy1]

Originally posted by rage2
Wink hub. Moves can connect to Wink.
Temperature sensor (or smart thermostat)
Wink compatible switches for manual operation.

Program some wink robots to do all of the above based on your criteria (pretty sure you can use temperature to trigger motion).

Example, if temp &gt; 24C, close blinds, turn on AC.
if temp &lt; 22C, turn off AC (optionally open blinds but you might get into a bit of a loop).

Excellent, that is what I figured a setup would look like but wasn't 100% positive, so many different setups :nut:

Programming will be a piece of cake, that's the part I am least worried about haha. Thanks Rage!

[rage2]

Originally posted by HiTempguy1
Excellent, that is what I figured a setup would look like but wasn't 100% positive, so many different setups :nut:

Programming will be a piece of cake, that's the part I am least worried about haha. Thanks Rage!
You can get a little more complicated by adding a light level sensor, such as the fibaro. Have specific levels of light trigger closing the blinds, that way it slows down temperature increase and reduce the reliance of the AC.

[phreezee]

Smarthings Hub is on sale for $50USD at the moment.

https://shop.smartthings.com/sale

[RX_EVOLV]

FYI at the chinook Home Depot they are giving away free WInk Hub 1.0 with any smart home product purchase over $100. Apparrently this location only.

Heard the hub is not that great but it's free !

[nzwasp]

I have the wink hub 1.0 at home and its ok - I have a nest thermostat and camera on it, I also have a home security system / sensors, siren, motion sensors on it. Seems to work pretty well. Wink was just sold to some company founded by will I am though.

[ronaldo]

I have the wink hub 1.0 at home and its ok - I have a nest thermostat and camera on it, I also have a home security system / sensors, siren, motion sensors on it. Seems to work pretty well. Wink was just sold to some company founded by will I am though.

Mind me asking which security system and siren/sensors you have hooked up with it? I am looking at upgrading security but I want something that will play nice with the wink

[nzwasp]

Gocontrol was the brand

[CaptainReboot]

I might get in on this: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nateclark/konnected-alarm-panel-revive-your-wired-alarm-syst

We have monitoring but thinking about cancelling it anyways.

[phreezee]

^^ Nice find! Very smart product idea!