Tech Home automation anyone?

[bodyman5000 and 1]

I got both the Google Home and Echos installed (develop for both). The Google voice recognition is clearly superior to the Amazon one, but Amazon's smart-home integration is much better than Google's at this point.

Probably won't go too crazy with it. Like being able to leave one light on until my wife sits down to watch tv.

 

[riverman]

 

[South East]

I have 8 hue lights with 2 echos and a dot. I also have Apple TV. I just moved into a new house I bought a few days ago and my next items will be wifi deadbolt for my door and a wifi thermostat. My schedule is so varied working in retail having the ability to set it when I leave work will be great. Also I have a little studio I am going to airbnb, so putting a wifi lock on there will make that a lot easier.

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

Just installed 3 more regular tp link switches and a 3way compatible for the kitchen. Setting up groups in alexa is cool.

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

Only real irritating thing right now is limited routine support. I can set the temp on my nest thermostats but can't add them to routines. I'd really like to be able to do that soon.

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

I think I'm going to install some of these above or below the kitchen cabinets. Haven't decided yet.

Finally did. Didn't wanna spend 200 bucks and not like it. Got Nexlux light strip on Amazon for 30 bucks instead of paying a ton for Phillips Hue. No hub needed either. Set up in a breeze and works with alexa.

 

[Lanny]

This is somewhat related to the home theater thread...

Anyone into home automation? I'm just starting to investigate the tech and possibilities.

With the right gear, you could have a smart house almost as futuristic as Star Trek. You can do things like command the system by voice using Amazon Echo. "Lights on!" Or "Watch Netflix!"

At the very least, you can set things up so when you turn on the A/C via a Nest thermostat, the ceiling fans also turn on. Or at 10:00 PM, when you go to bed, all the lights and ceiling fans get turned off.

Motion sensors add more possibilities, like if you walk into a room and it's after sunset, the lights turn on. As it gets later past sunset, the lights dim.

Minimally, you can replace an existing wall switch with a smart one and add one or more additional switches anywhere you want to create 3-way or 4-way set up. The additional switches talk to the first via wifi.

I'm interested in anyone else's experience. What gear do you use? Does it work well? And so on.

These things have been around for a long time.

I'm looking to replace my front door lock with one that can be activated along with the walkway lights and entry light from the car.

 

[Lanny]

You must have one of the early models, their not made like they used to be.

Very little is.