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Didn’t see a thread.
Been all over the interwebs. Getting frustrated.
Tried cync by ge. Friend works for a division. Gave me some freebies to try. Worked great for two weeks. Now the app is wonky and won’t add devices back in. Deleted and reinstalled. Even fired up an old android to see if the googles app was better. Still fucked.
I don’t want much. Just outdoor lights on at dusk and off at midnight.
What are y’all using?
Yeah...no.
just install a dumb switch with a photocell triggered light fixture
or wire a photocell in between the lights you want on and the wall switch
Quote:
Originally Posted by old_newguy
Yeah. I’m a bit of a Luddite as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by Meathelmet
But when I look for info it’s all about scenes and over the top shit.
Kids wanting to hey Alexa without getting up off the couch.
Yeah. Tried that. But photocells are fucking up. Some are shaded.Quote:
Originally Posted by ::: :::
I would rather have automated on off of both wall switches and landscape transformers.
Hass.io is really the end-all be-all solution to any question about home automation.
I’m still terrified about how lax the security appears to be on some of these things, so don’t really want it connected to my network in any way. I’m sure it’s getting or gotten better, but I don’t really need it so not going to chance it.
I do have google home though, so probably a moot point.
The running joke is the "S" in "IOT" stands for SecurityQuote:
Originally Posted by JimmyCarter
I am probably the opposite of a luddite...Quote:
Originally Posted by Core Shot
My concern is a bit about the low value that they provide, a tad more about the shitpoor design & quality of the IoT stuff but my main issue is the IT security.
Most of the IoT stuff is absolutely fucking riddled with security issues that range from risky to absolutely catastrophic. Forget about connecting them to your home network unless your IT & firewalling skills are on the Matrix level. A simple smart bulb can provide vectors, let alone some alibaba/china ordered security cam or whatnot.
Um, no thanks. As long as I can get up from the sofa, I think I'll manage..
Re: just time of dayQuote:
Originally Posted by Core Shot
Timers work great for that [not "Hey Alexa"...]
If retrofit, the difficulty is often either running the various fixtures thru the control device. Dumb control requires the fixtures be downstream of the timer, preferably a plug-in. Fancy controls require a control wire in addition to the power wires.
If new, you can go dumb or fancy smart...it just boils down to burning money...
Re: IOT
they are just broadcast devices used to open your private home to the world
#harrumph
I have stumbled into that.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ørion
Haven’t tried it yet.
I thought you need a local server or even a raspberry pi to host it?
A raspberry pi 4 is the most supported method. Its admittedly a small investment but if you're wanting to get into any sort of home automation it gives you much more control and privacy in the long run, not to mention saves you $$ as you'll buy fewer proprietary hubs and accessories.Quote:
Originally Posted by Core Shot
I have a WeMo light switch for the outdoor lights that goes on at dusk and turns them off in the middle of the night at the time we set, I think it's around 2am. It works, I haven't had to touch it other than once when the power went out and it couldn't find the network without me intervening. The power has gone out a few more times since then (over two years or so) and it reconnects fine.
I worry about the security issues too. I might get rid of it.
I’m a big fan of smart home devices and the automation they provide. I run a Samsung SmartThings hub controlling various brands of Z-wave/zigbee/wi-fi devices. Regarding security, it’s not hard to set up a separate “IoT” VLAN that is isolated from both your home network and blocked from reaching the internet. Essentially, anything that is not a computer or mobile device gets relegated to the IoT network… smart home, speakers, vacuum, thermostats, etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by Meathelmet
Not really smart home related, but anyone else name their home network, “maggots”?
Although, my guest wifi is “HPD” (name of my town starts with H). So I don’t have to explain the network name to guests.
I installed some Meross light switches. You need a neutral wire in the gang box. Everything is tied into Alexa.
My porch lights and driveway lights come on at dusk and turn off at 10. I've also automated some living room lights and a string of lights in the backyard. I think all in I've got 6 smart switches and dimmers installed and several other smart plugs for various devices. I never have to worry about leaving lights on.
I'm still looking for a decent 3 way smart dimmer. So far it's been hard to find a good one.
We have more home automation devices than I'd like to admit.
Kasa for the majority of the indoor switches and smartplugs.
Sengled for the remainder of our bulbs.
Bond handles the ceiling fans and fireplace, basically anything with an old school RF remote.
Nexx controls the garage door
Rachio handles the sprinkler system
Ecobee for the thermostat
Harmony for the entertainment systems
Foscam and Amcrest for our security cameras
Ecovacs for the robo-vac
Everything is united via varied Amazon Echo devices and can all be summoned by voice, cell phone or my watch.
Overkill, perhaps... handy, for sure.
Help explain the security concerns… I hear this a lot but I’m not an expert in this world and I don’t understand….Quote:
Originally Posted by Meathelmet
To my simple mind, my home is not a nuclear reactor. If someone hacks into my IOT oven, what are they going to do? Turn the broiler on high?
Even the IOT locksets or garage door openers…. I feel like if someone wants to break into my house they are going to physically break into my house, not hack my smart door lock. I don’t have floor bolts and window bars installed….
Now if some hacker can get from my IOT light bulb to my bank account. Then we have a problem… Is that the concern?
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I figure they can watch you whack off via, well, any number of things including the tv, light bulbs, probably even the fucking coffee maker.Quote:
Originally Posted by nickwm21
As for the original problem, just use a timer? Or a light switch?
eBay is full of X10 stuff. Can’t be hacked, and just works. I use it to turn indoor and outdoor lights on every day. Rock solid reliable. No app, but that’s not an issue for me.
Standard plugin timers work ok, but every time your power goes out, they drift a bit. X10 is clock-based, so 5pm is always 5pm.
I'm a light switch guy myself. Seems pretty easy after the initial learning curve.
We've been really happy with the Honeywell light switch that times our porch light:
- Isn't networked, doesn't depend on wi-fi or internet at all;
- Calculates sunrise and sunset;
- Can turn on light at sunset, turn off at a specified time, or at sunrise;
- Can be used as a dumb switch.
And I'm playing with some dirt cheap (pack of 4 for under $25) TP-Link Kasa plugs. Can be set up to turn whatever's plugged in on and off at scheduled times, or for a specified duration. Can be turned on and off at the plug, or via app (if the phone is using the same wi-fi network as the plug; it isn't accessed via the open internet). So far non-essential but amusing, and these things will indeed replace our old-tech light timers for when we're out of town for extended periods.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flyoverland Captive
Jesus, people still use that bulky bullshit?!! I gave up on that crap in 2001 when every errant RF signal would turn on a different light. If you take off the tin foil hat, you'd realize there are much better options out there. Or, you could just go back to using the Clapper.
Edit. Turns out that I still have some of that crap. Yours for the cost of shipping.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...0274a55e3e.jpg
Most are designed to "phone home" for firmware updates and the like. The problem is that they usually use hardcoded passwords that are easily reverse-engineered. They can then use your device as an ingress point to other things on your home network, as hitting it from inside your network will often bypass security if you have things like sharing on your desktop. In practice, it's pretty easy to hop to other things on the network and gain control/access. It's only a matter of time until there's easy script-kiddie things that let people do stuff like blast music at 2 AM or make your lights strobe for laughs. Just play around on https://www.shodan.io/ and see how open most shit is.Quote:
Originally Posted by nickwm21
Easier to use for old school luddites who dont play with apps.Quote:
Originally Posted by Touring_Sedan
x10 is Not a bad option for afterthought automation.
If we were going to do it the proper way and run all the low volt wires to the control panel....Lutron is the best compared to the rest.
Yeah, it’s not that hard.Quote:
Originally Posted by ötzi
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I'm currently undefeated by them even when up is off.Quote:
Originally Posted by MagnificentUnicorn
Basically, yes.Quote:
Originally Posted by nickwm21
Many of those appliances have their own IPs & ports to the outside world, that is the way how one controls them. As they are done in bulk, cheaply, somewhere in bumfuck nowhere (and are supposed to be accessed easily by their user), their security is low or nonexistent. Seen some demos where variety of appliances (Alexa copies, bulbs, speakers etc) are connected and the amount of data that they transfer...somewhere...is astounding. As they access the interwebz by your home network, they basically have access to it (by proxy) and all the traffic that goes through it. That way malicious actors can basically access everything, put in keyloggers, watch the feed of your webcam and so on.
Not trying to act here as some wannabe hacker (as I am not), but if you live in a city, the amount of poorly protected routers & IoT gizmos is staggering. Friend of mine (works in the field) showed that from his apartment there were 80 routers "accessible" (of which 10% were totally without password or with open ports,) and about 100 different appliances, varying from TVs, fridges to webcams that were visible and had poor/no security. He even hinted that occasionally there is a thing (dildo) that has a web access of its own...
The risk is that someone can compromise your eBanking, privacy and for example work stuff (emails, teleconferencing)...just because.
People not living in big cities are not immune either, for example your neighbour can suddenly find your bedroom doggiecam interesting.
And it is not that the initial actor that harvest the data will do anything with it, the initial collection phase can be automated and the data can be sold forward in the darker corners of the web and be misused by third parties, somewhere across the globe.
Say, by buying a pair of Praxis BCs or whatnot.
Disclaimer: Not fearmongering, just saying that it is possible.
Lutron. I like the caseta switches, reliable, easy to use and easy to expand beyond light switches. On top of the functionality some of the finishes they make on wall switches are really impressive.
They are considered top of the line in commercial and office.
No, they are top of the line in custom homes, and they do well in the Hotel space. They are not really commercial.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nobody Famous
The colors they offer are exclusive, and they market themselves very well to interior designers and architects.
Their products work well, I have mostly Caseta in my house, but they require a hub, which is increasingly old tech.
My company sells these:
https://idevicesinc.com/?gclid=EAIaI...SAAEgK2Q_D_BwE
Pluses-
- no hub
- super easy to download app- flip down panel on each device has a scannable Q code that automatically sets it up.
- single pole, 3 way, 4 way all in one part number
- battery switch can be located anywhere and has a built in level (helps a ton on install in multi gang applications)
- does not look out of place when mixed with other brands.
- Controllable receptacle- single or dual controlled
- Monitors energy usage in app.
- works on all 3 platforms ( some brands you need to specify, and if you switch ever, you are screwed)
- No fan speed control yet
Minuses-
- only 1 remote switch (I really like the multi scene pico switches from Lutron, but most are doing this with Alexa or Google now- I still like physical switches)
- Requires neutral ( older homes will not be able to use this)
- Only works on iDevice app or IFTTT- no Samsung Smart Things, which is what I use for everything else.
I installed Casetta before we acquired this company. I am slowly trying some stuff out. It is pretty slick- the no hub requirement is seamless. They work like normal switches and dimmers if the internet goes out. Electricians need to be able to set them up without wifi, and test them. The ability to control devices is sweet- I put it 1/2 controlled at my daughter's night stand- she can voice control her fish tank light and her bedside light- the tank filter remains on straight power at all times.
I am in the process of testing it on my outdoor outlets for x-mas as well. I had to tie a GFCI in line first (could have done a breaker, but I get the receptacles for free). Now that that is done, I will switch both outdoor outlets to these and set up a timer through the app. I want to see how well they do with just an in-use cover protecting them outside.
If anyone is interested, they are doing some promos right now, I think like 40% off. This is one of the very few items my company sells that is available online. We mostly only sell through wholesale.
I have to disagree. Look at their project portfolios for commercial, they have a best-of-the-best portfolio of clients and projects worldwide.Quote:
Originally Posted by warthog
The caseta wireless line is for residential DIY and yes needs a hub, but no commercial buildings should be using caseta.
Their commercial products are in a different class. To cherry pick a few examples (applies to both home and commercial), they cover a broader spectrum than most others -- light control, fan control, thermostats, environmental monitoring, window shading automated to sun radiation levels, and they readily support -- replacement parts, etc. -- 20 year old systems.
In commercial buildings that spec a 30 year lifecycle for systems like these almost all the smaller up-state automation brands don't make the cut. In Lutron's case their R&D experience in commercial has flowed through to their home products. Caseta is their entry-level line of technology for home automation, they offer several steps up from there.
Sounds intriguing. You say an electrician needs to install the outlets? Seems like that could drive the buy in cost. Especially if doing it piecemeal.Quote:
Originally Posted by warthog
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Anyone have a recommendation on a smart HomeKit compatible garage door opener? Someone in my house keeps driving away with the garage door open and I need to be able to check to make sure it has closed. I need something that doesn't require replacing the existing opener, just triggers it to close and open and has some sort of sensor to detect if it is open.
I have a MyQ app/device on garage door that does what you need. No idea how it hooks into your Jetson’s home kit. Works great for stoners that drive away and wonder. It’s always closed, but the wonder still happens.
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If you are Smart Home - Automation is something you avoid at all costs. Do not let SkyNet control your home and turn it against you! Im actually totally serious. IoT is a bad idea. My dream home, that ill probably never get to build, could function without electricity if it needed to. Its funny how 40-50 years ago folks were striving to run houses with little or no electricity. It was the debil. Now a "green home" is all electric. The green grid required to make electric homes green is an unrealized dream at best. I wish that weren't true. TPTB are going to rip out or not add more green capacity and its going to be tge same old dirty monster, but we'll need more of it, instead of having spent the last 40-50 years figuring out how to use less.
In the near future--actually it's already started--we'll be fighting over electricity the way we fight over water. Between crypto and AI there's no way we can make enough electricity, especially carbon free electricity, to support all all-electric housing.
Great point. Its why I get pretty upset at designs for a so-called passive house that requires electricity for air exchanges. Um, which part of the word passive did you miss? Its possible to design natural air flow and maybe the house shouldn't be sealed so dam tight.
I ended up getting a Meross, hopefully works.
I don't want a smart garage door opener, but I also like the stuff I have in my garage...this post could have also gone here: https://forums.tetongravity.com/show...ercules-Christ
I’ve got my MyQ garage door programmed to send me a push notification when it’s been open for more than twenty min. Saved my bacon several times.
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I need to figure out how to just turn on the fans at one of my AirBNBs remotely so I can cool the place down before guests arrive. I have no smart home anything in there but the fans aare only a few years old. There is wifi. How can I accomplish this?
You can buy a Leviton or a Lutron smart fan control to do that. You may need a hub also, but it can be done.