And there were boxes and boxes of it! Looks like they were trying to clean out inventory to make way for whatever they’re putting out next.

In case you didn't see, Admins installed new mods. Lets see how this turns out.

Good luck?

Welcome:

/u/bouswakebo (new top mod)

/u/grtgbln

/u/silvab

/u/0Wraith0

/u/sack-o-maticand

/u/dnums

~~and late addition

/u/KittyBizkit~~ Since removed

How has your first... *checks notes* 13 minutes (since this post) has your modship been?

Also, a few more Questions:

Mods, Whats up?

Why SHOULDN'T we hate you?

I see some of you were absent in the Post that was now deleted.. how were you chosen?

We're looking forward to your answers!

Edit: Mods, you are now the face of this subreddit. Me welcoming you and inviting you to answer questions is not abusive. If you are not prepared to face the community, you should reconsider your Moderation role.

Muting my Modmail is reprehensible and ridiculous as well

You hiding behind your fake user is ridiculous as well.

Double edit: looks like i was unbanned, unmuted and post restored. Fun times.

As we approach Black Friday, a piece of advice for people looking to get started.

A voice assistant is not a hub. It may mimic some the the same functions, but it's simply a server side aggregator. It's the mouth and ears of your smart home, but a hub is the brain.

If you are just getting started, save yourself some pain and frustration, and buy a real hub now. Build yourself a system that is expandable, instead of one thing at a time that technically should work with your voice controller. Buy Zwave or Zigbee devices instead of WiFi when possible. There's half a dozen hubs out there that support those protocols. These protocols are universal. So it doesn't matter which manufacturer you pick, you can mix and match different brands. They can't be rendered obsolete and stop working because the company that made them chose to stop support, or goes out of business (WiFi devices can fall to this, and several have).

SmartThings is a good jack of all trades, cheap, entry-level hub. It supports a huge variety of devices and server side integrations so your voice controller will work to control your devices still. But, popular choices also include: Hubitat, HomeSeer, Indigo, DIY a HomeAssistant set up, and others.

Also, when doing lighting go for switches instead of bulbs. The only time bulbs make sense is if you are renting, have a home without neutral wires, or you have to have color changing capabilities. Switches are cheaper because they control more than one bulb generally, they let you use bulbs that are cheaper to replace as they burn out, and guests know how to use them intuitively. They don't remove existing dumb functionality like bulbs do. They still work as a normal switch, but have the ability for smart control on top.

And for Google's Nest Hub, that's not a hub. They are playing fast and loose with the term hub, in a way that's misleading and irresponsible. It would be like a company introducing a new SUV called the "Hill Climber AWD" but for Max fuel efficiency it's a 2 wheel drive car and they never tell you that anywhere. So, many people find out after they bought the car that AWD is their marketing term for being "Always Walking Distance" from your goal. And as a consumer you should have researched that ahead of time and just known that their AWD isn't what everyone expects it to be.

TL;DR - Start with a hub and get switches for lights.

Hi,

I'm thinking about getting into home automation for my home but I want to know what platform to start with. I understand there are different choices but they might have their own ecosystem of compatible devices (like Google/Alexa etc), but recently I've done some work with Home Assistant (for others) and got a little bit of experience writing custom integrations for it. There seems to be quite a bit of learn curve (requires coding and understanding the framework). I wonder if this is true for other ecosystems.

Just want to know where to start. I want to pick a platform/framework that is easy to use, and has lots of compatible devices and can do automation. Things I want to do:

1. monitor air quality

2. turn on/off an air purifier/fan automatically based on time of day and/or air quality

3. use security cameras to monitor indoor/outdoor and be able to view on my phone

4. automated irrigation of plants outside

5. potentially others...

Thanks

Hello, Just purchased a new build home so it’s a blank canvas.

If you were starting from scratch, what system would you go with?

Needs: door locks, garage door controllers, thermostat, security system, cameras

Wants: we travel a few months per year so remote access, monitoring, and control is important

Maybes: smart blinds?

Other than that, I don’t really know what we want.

Previous house I installed Schlage smart deadbolts and controlled them via wifi. This was 10 years ago before the option of homekit integration was a big deal so I would like to explore that.

Family has Apple products.

Thanks in advance!

****EDIT for clarification: the home is already built

.

I have been researching quite a bit, and I’m thinking I want to get the Home Assistant yellow, with Zooz and homeseer as my 2nd/3rd options.

I do have a few questions…… Is there a timeline when a ‘new’ version is expected to come out? IE one with USB 3.0 instead of 2.0 or any other tech updates. Is that something I even need to think about with the low power/date this uses? I’m thinking it makes sense to get the CM5 raspberry Pi module, just because it is newer and would sort of future proof my build. Do you recommend the 4 or 8 GB of Ram, with 32 GB storage, or without? With or without WiFi? I would also want to get a Z-wave dongle wi the it.

Is there any solid reason I Should NOT go with this build?
Just starting out, and I don’t know what I don’t know.

I'm new to home automation and am looking for advice.

I recently bought a small second home, and am looking to, if not necessarily automate it, at least remotely monitor it.

It came with Schlage locks (which appear to require z-wave to connect to) a nest thermostat (which appear close to its EOL) a couple of Ring cameras, and a couple of outlet controllers (I cant remember the brand). There is also an adt security system.

While I have things set up on nest and google home, I'd really rather have them controlled by my own server, am an experienced Linux admin, and it looks like for the z-wave, I need some kind of hub/controller anyway.

I do plan on replacing all outlets and switches in the house, for unrelated reasons, but obviously, that could factor into this project as well.

But im rather new to home automation, so can you all reccomend a crash course, website, medium article, etc that can help me get my bearing and understand my options?

thanks

Hey so don’t really know if this is the right sub for this I’m basically trying to find a system or a way to control my central heating but I’m also looking to install under floor heating and and electric radiator in the bathroom and would like to control it all through one UI. If any of you are more knowledgeable on this it would be appreciated.

I’m not sure if this is the place to ask. I live on a farm with dogs with which we use the pet safe collars to keep them within our boundaries. The collar buzzes when the dog gets close to the border and gives a small shock if the dog passes it (we have removed the shock elements as the dogs know to stop when they hear the beep). Recently the dogs have been going places we don’t want them and I was wondering if there would be any way of rigging up a motion sensor that would make a similar buzzer sound that we could place here to try and keep them out. Any I can find are alarms or sirens which would make a much louder sound. Would anyone have any experience with this type of thing? Would there be anything of this type on the market? (First post here)

Anybody know any smart plugs that work with ethernet instead of Wi-Fi?
Application: turn off the router remotely and turn it back on when needed via app/assistant

I have some aquarium/terrarium and I don't want to leave it unattended when I am on vacation. What would be the most hastle free option to switch lamps/pumps from my phone far away, while be able to watch it on a camera? I am really new to this and don't have a smart home only a google nest display that I do not use for much. Can I simply connect a camera (like a cheap tp-link one) and outlet to my wifi (or to my google display) and switch it, or do I need a hub too?

Sorry for the noob question but I have red about It a lot and still don't really understand what connects to what and how in the end people use all there stuff in one app.

Question in title.

I've avoided home automation to date as I couldn't see any benefit to paying 5x the price for a lightbulb, but this sub has me intrigued. What use cases have made a real difference for you?

Apologies if this reads like a bot wrote it - I'm autistic and not confident creating posts so I threw my thoughts into ChatGPT and asked it to rewrite it so it's clear and makes sense.

Hi, I’m Rose (32F, UK) and I’m just starting to explore home automation. I’ve only got a couple of Tapo smart bulbs right now, but even those have been surprisingly helpful.

For example, I set the hallway lamp to come on before sundown and turn off after my dad usually goes to bed. It’s made getting around in the evening a bit safer for him. I also love being able to turn on my bedroom lamp from my phone so I’m not fumbling around with the main light when I walk in.

That little bit of automation has shown me how much potential this has to help us both, so now I’m looking to take it further—but I don’t want to go in blind and end up with a pile of stuff that doesn’t work well together.

Why I’m Doing This

My dad is starting to show signs of dementia, and I’m slowly becoming his main carer. On top of that, I’m autistic with ADHD traits, so I struggle a lot with executive dysfunction—forgetting laundry in the machine, missing medication, or just getting overwhelmed by small daily tasks.

The more things I can automate or simplify, the better. I’m hoping to build a setup that helps keep us both safe, organised, and a little less stressed.

What I’d Like to Do (Eventually)

Right now I’m still planning and researching, so I’d love advice on what platforms/devices make the most sense. Here's my current wishlist:

• Ceiling fan that I can control from my phone or through automations
• A way to know when the washing machine is done (it's not a smart washer)
• Smart lighting that still works from normal switches (for my dad), but that I can also automate or control remotely
• Automated curtains or blinds that can also be opened manually
• Something to detect if the gas hob is on (my dad sometimes forgets to turn it off)
• A video doorbell – we don’t have Ring/Blink or anything yet, so open to ideas
• A calendar/reminder screen or tablet showing things like bin day, meds, appointments
• Audio reminders for my dad to take his medication
• A way to make the home look occupied if we’re both out or if he’s in hospital

And if anyone has ideas for other useful routines, automations, or devices I haven’t thought of, I’d love to hear them.

What I’d Like to Avoid

What I don’t want is to end up with a bunch of devices that don’t work together, or to be stuck using 10 different apps. Ideally I’d like to pick a system (Home Assistant, SmartThings, etc.) that can tie everything together in one place—and that won’t need constant maintenance or upgrades.

Would Really Appreciate Your Advice

If you’ve built something similar—especially for caring situations or to help with neurodivergence—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.

I’m UK-based, so bonus points for suggestions that are easy to find here. Thanks so much for reading, and for any tips you can share!

Let me know if you'd like more info about the house layout, routines, or anything else that might help give context.

I just a bunch of WiZ smart bulbs and lightstrips from a friend and I want to use a few of the lightbulbs in my bathroom.

Here’s what I’d like them to do:

During the day (say, 6am to 8pm): When I turn on the light switch, I want the bulbs to turn on bright white at full brightness.

In the evening/night (8pm to 6am): When I turn the same light switch on, I want the bulbs to come on at a warm yellow/orange color and about 50% brightness.

I don’t use Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, and I’m not really into voice control. I’ve been curious about getting into Home Assistant, but I’d rather save that for the future if possible. I’m hoping there’s a way to do this with just the WiZ app or something relatively simple.

Is this kind of time-based behavior possible with WiZ bulbs alone, or will I need a more advanced setup?

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions!

Hello!

I have three needs that I hope to get help with here:

1. Temperature sensors for turning the AC on and off

• Our Toshiba AC blows air even when it doesn't cool, which costs us electricity and my comfort. Bonus points if they also track humidity.

1. Smart light switches

• I've got smart lightbulbs (EMOS), and I would like for the light switches to not cut the power to them so that automating color and intensity changes works even though I'm using the physical switch for turning them on/off. Ideally, in such a way that we don't have to replace the switches, just install something in them.

1. Smart outlets for a few plug-in lights

• I would like to automate some fairy lights with a timer. I could just buy one of those bulky plug-in timers, but I would prefer a more elegant solution.

All the smart home apps I currently have: Google Home, Toshiba Home AC Control, EMOS GoSmart (might change bulb brand in the future), Dreamehome (robot vacuum cleaner), Qingping+ (Air monitor that sometimes fails to update on the app smh)

Any advice is very appreciated!

Hi there. I would like to learn more about home automation, so I find this subreddit and go to the wiki. I get the page attached. I search the subreddit and see people talking about the wiki, I don't see any posts about it being disabled. I messaged the mods a couple days ago, no reply.

Is it just me or what?

Hi all, I have a pixel watch 2, which detects when I fall asleep and turns on the DnD mode on my phone, can I somehow use the same to turn off my smart light? Thanks in advance!

I have a roughly ten year old somfy roller blind with a Telis 4 RTS remote. It has stopped working and I've tried to troubleshoot it. The installer has gone out of business, so before I replace 3 blinds is there anything I should try?

• The power supply is working.
• The motor works because it will raise and lower if I press the button on the blind.
• The remote is working because it still works the other 2 identical blinds in the same room.
• The blind doesn't move up or down if you hold the "prog" button down for 2 seconds on the back of the remote... is there something I should be pressing on the blind before trying to reprogram the remote?

Hello everyone!

I just got a bunch of WiZ smart bulbs and lightstrips from a friend and I want to use a few of the lightbulbs in my bathroom.

Here’s what I’d like them to do:

During the day (say, 6am to 8pm): When I turn on the light switch, I want the bulbs to turn on bright white at full brightness.

In the evening/night (8pm to 6am): When I turn the same light switch on, I want the bulbs to come on at a warm yellow/orange color and about 50% brightness.

I don’t use Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, and I’m not really into voice control. I’ve been curious about getting into Home Assistant, but I’d rather save that for the future if possible. I’m hoping there’s a way to do this with just the WiZ app or something relatively simple.

Is this kind of time-based behavior possible with WiZ bulbs alone, or will I need a more advanced setup?

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions!

Hi, I am hoping for some help to understand if I already jumped the gun and need to start over...I have Googled and Chat GPT'd and am still stuck!

I have:

• Aqara Hub M3
• Daikin Perera FTXM35 air con units connected to WiFi
• A lot of humidity!

I was looking to get some Aqara W100 devices so i can:

• Detect when humidity is X%
  
• Switch on Daikin
• When X% (lower level) is reached switch off Daikin

Researching seems to suggest I need something between the Daikins and Aqara.

I am ok with this, but would like to confirm it and have suggestions on what to get.

I have other smart stuff connected to Aqara, but doubt if relevant:

• Door sensors
• Smoke sensor
• CM sensor
• Smart sockets
• Smart plugs

I would prefer to buy something (perhaps Home Automation Green) rather than Raspberry Pi as I would rather a plug n play thing.

So...thank you if you can help with any suggestions or guidance. I'm just getting to the age where technology is over taking me a little.