Noob's Thread - Post any basic questions and answers
Posted Dec 6, 2018, 9:48 PM UTC
16164
I have been attempting to wake/control my PS4 from the mac terminal. I found this on git hub & have been following it to attempt to set it up. Unfortunately, I have been running into this issue. In an attempt to fix it, I was following this tutorial but it doesn't seem to make a difference. I have tried inputting the various numbers from the original issue thread & trouble-shooting page into googles wifi port forwarding setting but nothing has worked so far.
This is what I see when I enter a command into the terminal. I have also tried this. but am unable to find (or even where to look) a credentials file as noted in the issue.
I don't know if it matters but I am using a MacBook Pro, PS4, iPhone, & Google WiFi Router.
If anybody can help or push me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it.
6
Noob here: what is the advantage (if any) of using a hub?
Currently, I have a handful of "smart" devices - Google home minis, Nest thermostat, a LIFX bulb, couple of outlets. Since none of them require a hub, I haven't gotten one. I haven't noticed any performance difference with my wifi, but I want to be future thinking as I slowly add other devices.
Is a hub required only for devices that can't be controlled over wifi alone? (eg, radio, etc)
5
A hub can do many things but the way I like to think about it is a hub is mainly to connect to non wifi devices.
The issue is there are different types of hubs like how hue has a hub to connect to their bulbs.
You then have a HA hub which will allow you to do automations like turn on light when motion detected.
So the main thing to ask is do you want remote control like you have now asking for lights to be turned on or do you want some type of automation that does it without your input?
If you don't care about automations like that then sticking to wifi devices or hubs that connect to wifi for remote control of their devices (Hue) is fine but the more you have the more issues you can experience because of crowding of the wifi
3
All I have right now are a few Wemos. My immediate project is to get a Dome water shut-off valve setup with leak sensors. I'm seeing that ST or Hubitat are top choices. I'm not going the HA route, I sit in front of a computer all day and don't want to do it at home as well! As of today, what is THE hub to invest into?
4
I am so glad to see this thread!! Thanks mods!
Question - is there a difference between a leak sensor and a humidity sensor?
3
Yes
A Leak sensor is triggered when water goes across multiple contacts.
You will see usually it has a sort of grid or lines so when water makes a connection between the two it triggers that water is detected.
A humidity sensor detects both moisture and air temperature to work out the humidity and won't necessarily detect a water leak
3
Excellent info, thanks!
2
Not a noob question, but I'm looking for a Z-Wave Smoke and CO2 detector that is both hard wired and battery backup. Can't seem to find one!
2
A combo of both of those things? Or two different devices?
2
Sorry... just realized how confusing that must have been. I meant smoke and CO2 detector, but for some reason I typed thermostat! lol
3
LMAO oh man, I've been rolling that one around in my brain while playing red dead and couldn't figure out why in the hell that combo would even exist.
I've not seen a combo that's hardwired so I'm pretty sure there isn't one.
2
2 in 1 ideally. I've seen them but without the hardwire for power. Battery only.
1
Buy these, then use a relay to connect a z-wave open/close sensor. That's what I did, and it was a lot cheaper than buying all z-wave smoke detectors.
First Alert Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm | Hardwired with Battery Backup, BRK SC7010B https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0080I9TJ2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_g7EcCbDR0HKRY
2
Please explain... You added a z wave relay to the existing circuit? Got a write up for that... Genius idea!
2
I pretty much followed this guide. The only differences are that I used the BRK RM4 relay to connect to my First Alert smoke detectors, and I only needed 1 relay instead of the 2 used in the post, because that 1 BRK relay will be tripped if either the CO or smoke detectors are triggered. In the guide, I think he used 1 relay for CO, and the 2nd relay for smoke.
Just like in the guide, I used an Ecolink Door and Window sensor. I think I bought the Z-wave Plus version, which has a longer battery life and better distance than the standard Z-wave versions. I also placed an old-work blue box in the ceiling just like they did, but I used one with flaps that hold on to the drywall instead of the nailed version that he bought.
I have it set up so if the smoke alarm goes off, SmartThings will send me a text and a phone notification, IFTTT will give me a phone call, and all smart lights in the house will turn on (to help people see if it is dark and there is a lot of smoke). It definitely gives me some piece of mind.
The total cost to make the smoke alarms smart was maybe $45-50 (relay, z-wave switch, wiring), and I am notified when any if the alarms go of because they are hardwired together.
Good luck, and if you have any specific questions, let me know.
2
Could not have asked for a better solution! Thank you so much. I'll be doing this over the weekend!
2
You mean smoke detector?
1
Yes.. sorry!
1
Ok - just getting started today and have been reading a bit on how to get started.
How far can home automation go? What are some of the most useful things that can be done using ZWave (or equivalent) devices?
What is generally agreed upon in the community as the most versatile, user friendly, non-cloud base/hub to start building a home automation network?
What are great resources to gain knowledge (besides here), and best online retailers to purchase components?
2
Non-cloud and user-friendly sadly don't go hand-to-hand in the current state of the market. Simple and cheap solutions are pretty much all cloud-based. A good exception being Lutron Caseta, but it's a closed ecosystem and mostly only work with Lutron devices.
Now... if versatile is the most important criteria for you, then you can't go wrong with Home Assistant. It works with pretty much every connected devices you can find and it is NOT cloud-based. But it does have a learning curve, especially if you're not very comfortable with Linux.
The most useful devices I think are smart locks and smart thermostats (if you have central HVAC). Actually the most valuable thing you can do is buy water leak sensors and an automated water valve. It can save you thousands in water damage. It's also the least exciting thing you can do!
With lights, my biggest recommendation is to start small and learn if you (and most importantly your family) can live with it. If you like the ideas of coloured light bulbs, start with secondary mood lighting and don't touch you main lights. Put a Hue Bloom each side of your TV or under your bed and see how much you like it.
A last word of warning: it can turn into an expensive addiction. I went a bit too far...
I bought pretty much everything out of Amazon.
9
I like powering down everything that doesn’t need to run. Lighting, computers, TVs, sound systems, turning set points on HVAC, etc. I probably started doing this because my other hobby homelabbing does hit my power bill in the junk.
I control the devices using: IP to IR blasters. Smart power outlets. Network attached control interfaces (jscript, http calls, ssh, Remote powershell)
I leverage equipment on/off state detection using Power monitoring Network monitoring (ping, http, etc)
To detect when either no one is home or everyone went to bed I leverage: motion occupancy. Alarm integration. geo-fencing. and scene capable switches and dimmers.
I used to love seeing my home wake up when I woke up or just got home from work. While the former still happens I know fire some things off right before I leave work or open the door. I still get the benefit of seeing my power utilization drop when I leave the house in my data graphs.
I started with HomeSeer HS3 and love it. Benefits include:
- Can be purchased as an all in 1 home troller (computer and application) or can be purchased as software and you can run it on whatever computer you want.
- It runs on Windows or Linux,
- has a great addon ecosystem,
- supports a wide variety of technologies.
- It can integrate with just about anything.
- It has a really well developed event engine.
I think you should find some local home automation user groups in your area. Here, I am pretty active on a few home automation forums, and I have a group of IRL buddies that also do home automation.
4
How far can home automation go? What are some of the most useful things that can be done using ZWave (or equivalent) devices?
See my list of automation ideas here. Short answer, anything and everything that can be automated.
What is generally agreed upon in the community as the most versatile, user friendly, non-cloud base/hub to start building a home automation network?
Hubitat and Home Assistant seem to be the most popular. Hubitat is a pre-loaded closed source hub, so easy to get up and running. Home Assistant is open source software that can be put on a Pi 3. Haven't used it, so can't speak from experience, but supposedly it offers more flexibility. But, there are many other options, from Wink to HomeKit to OpenHab etc., etc., and they have different strengths, weaknesses, and pricing models.
and best online retailers to purchase components?
I've not found one single retailer. Aliexpress or gearbest are good for direct from China stuff. Energy Avenue has good prices on Lutron gear, but I've occasionally seen better prices on some things.
1
I’d like to put in some automated blinds but everything is freakishly expensive. Currently there are no blinds on the windows. I’m an engineer and very handy, what’s your advice? I don’t mind doing some soldering if it saves me money, looks good, and works flawlessly.
2
Wait till IKEA releases theirs.
2
can i run home assitant database in other raspberry pi or server in cloud ?
if this is possible, Homes Assistant run with more lightness ?
2
Yes. Here's a good thread on the subject giving a few options on hosting: https://old.reddit.com/r/homeassistant/comments/a1xf3q/where_to_host_my_sql/
3
I'm just looking at getting into home automation and things like that. Unfortunately I live in an apartment so I can't do anything to crazy.
My question is what would be a good option for a smart thermostat that wouldn't require much modification to the one that is in my apartment. Or what are the top recommended smart thermostat that don't break the bank.
2
I got a white Nest (lite?) and it works great. Much better than the "Radio Thermostat" I had before. Your best option is to take a picture of how the thermostat wiring is connected to the old thermostat so you can reinstall it without much thought when you do leave. I have no other experiences with smart thermostats.
1
Can someone recommend a water sensor that would work well for placing next to a sump pump pit, to detect if the pump has failed and water is coming up out of the pit / starting to flood basement?
I've been eying the Samsung one but not sure if there are better options for this scenario. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F951JDP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mx7cCbWG2H5SH
Will be used with a smartthings hub v3
Edit: just realized a water level sensor might be a good idea. Something that detects when the water is rising to the top of the pit but not spilled over yet.
2
Haven't used it, but this homeseer sensor mentions just that scenario:
https://shop.homeseer.com/collections/sensors/products/homeseer-hs-ls100-z-wave-plus-leak-sensor
1
I'm looking to have a smart light switch that I can control like a normal light switch, but also be able to connect to my Smartthings hub and control remotely even when the switch is in the "off" position.
Is that possible and, if so, do you have a recommendation?
2
I asked a similar question the other day, sounds like most switches do just that. Guests can operate them like a switch, and you can also automate/control remotely.
https://www.reddit.com/r/homeautomation/comments/a0x2r0/physical_button_on_caseta_switches
Edit: you'll mostly find paddle switches, but there is a classic toggle style switch out there.
2
Thanks for the info!
2
My basement has a single AC light switch that controls only one bulb. The rest of the basement is lit by two overhead fluorescent garage lights that are toggled by power strips plugged into mains.
Question: What’s the best way so that when I toggle the AC light switch I can also toggle the two plugs which are connected to the overhead fluorescents?
2
How many WiFi devices are too many? I’ve got almost all TP-Link Kasa (15 switches so far, 6 outlets) but haven’t noticed any significant performance issues with my internet connection. Is there a magic number where the number of devices will affect my internet?
Also, is there any place in my setup for a SmartThings hub or is that only for non-WiFi devices?
1
Not really. Non-camera home automation devices generate very little network traffic as a rule, far less than an average computer or phone. So the limit is pretty much just how much pain your wallet can absorb.
3
How many WiFi devices are too many?
It depends on the router, and what devices. Depending on how good the router is, it could range from 50ish into hundreds.
However, I will mention that with home automation, delay is bad. Period. Waiting a fraction of a second for YouTube to buffer doesn't matter in the slightest; waiting a fraction of a second for my light to turn on sometimes can. Other than with cameras, it's not bandwidth that's the concern, it's latency when too many requests happen to come in at the same time. Personally, I strongly believe that segregating home automation, either on to it's own router or using a Zigbee/Z-Wave hub, is just common sense.
1
I have some old Insteon gear that uses the power lines to turn stuff off and on. Is it even worth keeping and trying to use or has newer stuff way surpassed it and gotten simpler?
PowerLinc Modem - INSTEON 2413U USB Interface (Dual-Band) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002XA8XNQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VvCcCbR5R3WN5
1
Might want to ask the OpenHAB guys.
1
[deleted]
1
I have "can lights" with LED bulbs
Not used them, so use your own caution, but check out these.
As for using switches, there are no-neutral options. Lutron Caseta (or RA2) is a solid choice, but is a closed system with it's own hub.
What do I need to worry about on the electrical side?
As with any electrical work, even swapping out normal switches, "shit happens". Aside from issues with install, or the hypothetical possibility of getting a bad switch.... The only concern is that smart switches in an attic, utiility room or crawl space technically violates US building code.
2
[deleted]
1
You didn't respond to a comment....
1
[deleted]
1
[deleted]
1
I just bought google home mini and would like to automated my studio rent apt light system. I have 2 builtin light and 2 floor lamps. Among light, switch, or smart plug, which one will be more ideal? Happy to get any suggestion/recommendation.
1
Easiest and least 'destructive' would be smart bulbs. Just unscrew them and take them with you when you go. Plus bulbs will give you dimming, which some smart plugs don't include on the lower end and you have the option of RGB lighting. Yeelights are inexpensive, highly recommended by others and will work with your Google Mini.
1
Noob here.
I was gifted a Google Home Hub and Google Home Mini this week. I live in an apartment so my home automation renovation options are limited! For those that have semi-automated an apartment, what are the best tools and products to get started?
Bulbs are very simple and generally are cheap and last for a long time. For Google HH and the mini, GE has a "C" light bulb that connects very easy and then you'll be able to turn on any light with your voice. Really simple way to start your home automation.
Thank you!
Smart switches, for things that run mostly on power/toggle switch when plugged in. We have one for the fan in our room, and for a light in the other room (at least until I get a few smart bulbs).
Some people I know use them for Christmas decorations.
Some of the more popular ones come with energy monitoring and allow some interesting scheduling/automation. They also have ones with small form factors, dual plugs, and even a power strip. I recommend the TP-Link/Kasa family, but the WeMo brand is also well-regarded. Very simple smart home integration to put in your home
If you have a premium music subscription, you start using the smart speakers as... smart speakers! Even make them a group so you can ask it to play Xmas music throughout the whole house!
Google Home Routines let you create consecutive, chained commands that could be fun and/or productive.
Your morning routine one could 1. tell you a news brief from a news group, 2. tell you the weather and roads, 3. play some music while you get ready (all already doable without any extra stuff)
Throw in a smart plug and/or smart lights, and you could get it to turn on lights in your house and start the coffee maker!
I am thinking about getting a smart switch for my bedroom to control the ceiling fan and lights. Currently i have a "dumb" dual switch plate that has one switch for the lights and one for the fan. All of the smart switches i am looking at are single ones that look like they are mostly just for the lights. Is there any specific product you recommend to do both the lights and the fan?
Thanks
Terrific question, but unfortunately I am less knowledgeable about fans, or switches, as I have not currently needed to solve for those smart home solutions to this point (I rent, so I have limited control over replacing smart switches in the walls).
Is this something like what you mean? Lutron Maestro
From my research, I see that GE has a Z-wave wall fan control, as wlel as plenty of light control options, but as you said, it doesn't look like the unit controls both fans and lights; you would have to use a dual switch setup like now. Here are a few other Z-wave solutions that can control fans Note To get Z-Wave to integrate with Google Home products, you may need to take a few extra steps to "link" them together in a way to control. Not impossible, but maybe not worth the effort.
Bond might be an option
Otherwise, I am not sure if there is a good option, but this is certainly limited by my personal inexperience with wall switches and fan controls.
Good luck!
Thank you for the advice and recommendations. We will be getting some smart bulbs and smart plugs next week. I have definitely been wanting to play around with automation for the laundry for notifications of energy use and my espresso machine to turn on in the morning to heat up before I'm awake (takes 10 mins to heat up before I can start brewing, which ends up with me skipping coffee often). I'm excited! Thank you!