Cool Smart Home Setups to try?

Mazintim

Hey all, I've just been getting into some smart home stuff recently. Been gathering all sorts of parts together like some smart plugs, an Alexa dot, sonoff controllers, lights and some other bits. 

I was wondering if anyone has any cool projects i could try, or any cool setups you have? I'm looking for a new project and some inspiration for something to keep me busy and also hopefully something useful that will save me time in daily life.

I'd be really interested in hearing what you're done.

Mo

RumRat

I have lighting controlled by Google and Alexa (depends on where I am), so all of the lamps are set to come on individually or as part of routines/skills. For instance, when we arrive home the lights come on automatically.
The heating is also managed by the system, turning it up/down or on/off is a simple voice command.
The TV was set up to be controlled by voice commands, but, to be honest, I found that OK initially, but was using the remote more often than not.
The Kettle and Coffee machine are connected (via smart plug) and can be turned on from the lounge so it's ready when you go in to make the coffee/tea. 
All the Music in the house is controlled via the smart systems and played when and where you like.
Those are just a few things, best advice would be to look around the web especially YouTube for inspiration and tips, Think about what you want to actually happen then see the best way to achieve it. 

steviebabes

I have a similar setup to RumRats but all Alexa. You can do a lot with the sonoff modules including reprogramming. I'm looking into the sonoff minis and R2's at the moment. They have extra functionality so can truly replace a light switch but leaving the manual option. All the sonoffs can be scheduled by time and day so ideal for heating etc.

Swoosh84

steviebabes said:

I have a similar setup to RumRats but all Alexa. You can do a lot with the sonoff modules including reprogramming. I'm looking into the sonoff minis and R2's at the moment. The have extra functionality so can truly replace a light switch but leaving the manual option. All the sonoffs can be scheduled by time and day so ideal for heating etc.

You can get light switches already that do this, I bought mine from Ali Express but others are availiable. Just need to make sure you get the right version as some require a Neutral wire. Found these much better, they are similar in price to a smart bulb but you only need one of em!

Mine are setup through Home Assistant, bought Rasperry Pi and installed Home Assistant on that, use that as a Hub of sorts which allows you to set timers ect. Got some sensors coming too so they can be automatically turned off after a period of no activity.

J

ballyblack

I have google Home & Tp link smart plugs. The most useful  smart plug command are 'turn on electric blanket'

Cornucopia

ballyblack said:

... The most useful  smart plug command are 'turn on electric blanket'

Yes, that's where I started on my Smart Home adventures.

I now have 3 Amazon Echo Dots (2 Living Room in stereo pair and one bedroom).   

Also a number of self-built smart switches based on ESP01 boards each with one or more relays.   These can be operated by voice control or routines or can have their own timing schedule on-board.   

I also have a self-built Internet Clock & Data display also based on ESP01 board.  

Oh and Plex music server for playback through Echo Dots.

debitcardmayhem

I know there is a pandemic about but "cool smart home setup" to me means go out enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise and from monday go to the pub or buy something none-essential from the shop that is now open(OK i need a haircut but hey these IOT things can't help there). Cool  means getting off of your lockdown !!!!!! ( !!!!!! is like a donkey) switch off the telly at the telly not the remote, switch the bloody lights off at the switch. But of course my alexa skills/siri/IFTTT don't work if I  don't use them. How much does power is involved to say hey "Alexa/Siri/Google" switch the lights etc. off Tech is making everyone lazy ...Discuss ..... oh BTW I probably won't get involved

J_B

Our fridge is pretty cool

RumRat

debitcardmayhem said:

I know there is a pandemic about but "cool smart home setup" to me means go out enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise and from monday go to the pub or buy something none-essential from the shop that is now open(OK i need a haircut but hey these IOT things can't help there). Cool  means getting off of your lockdown !!!!!! ( !!!!!! is like a donkey) switch off the telly at the telly not the remote, switch the bloody lights off at the switch. But of course my alexa skills/siri/IFTTT don't work if I  don't use them. How much does power is involved to say hey "Alexa/Siri/Google" switch the lights etc. off Tech is making everyone lazy ...Discuss ..... oh BTW I probably won't get involved

If you think that one precludes the other then you are doing something wrong.
If you haven't been getting some fresh air and exercise during lockdown then that's lazy.

debitcardmayhem

RumRat said:

debitcardmayhem said:

I know there is a pandemic about but "cool smart home setup" to me means go out enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise and from monday go to the pub or buy something none-essential from the shop that is now open(OK i need a haircut but hey these IOT things can't help there). Cool  means getting off of your lockdown !!!!!! ( !!!!!! is like a donkey) switch off the telly at the telly not the remote, switch the bloody lights off at the switch. But of course my alexa skills/siri/IFTTT don't work if I  don't use them. How much does power is involved to say hey "Alexa/Siri/Google" switch the lights etc. off Tech is making everyone lazy ...Discuss ..... oh BTW I probably won't get involved

If you think that one precludes the other then you are doing something wrong.
If you haven't been getting some fresh air and exercise during lockdown then that's lazy.

Au contraire mon ami , I don't have to say hey "helper" what time is it and have I any Rum left? I have been out every day(except for 4 days in hospital) in the last 15 months, but just missed 100 days worth of holidays smart kit can't replace that. How much energy does the smart kit use listening to/for your command ? I said won't get involved Alexa says you are lying again

Edit OH don't start me on smart meters saving money

RumRat

debitcardmayhem said:

RumRat said:

debitcardmayhem said:

I know there is a pandemic about but "cool smart home setup" to me means go out enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise and from monday go to the pub or buy something none-essential from the shop that is now open(OK i need a haircut but hey these IOT things can't help there). Cool  means getting off of your lockdown !!!!!! ( !!!!!! is like a donkey) switch off the telly at the telly not the remote, switch the bloody lights off at the switch. But of course my alexa skills/siri/IFTTT don't work if I  don't use them. How much does power is involved to say hey "Alexa/Siri/Google" switch the lights etc. off Tech is making everyone lazy ...Discuss ..... oh BTW I probably won't get involved

If you think that one precludes the other then you are doing something wrong.
If you haven't been getting some fresh air and exercise during lockdown then that's lazy.

Au contraire mon ami , I don't have to say hey "helper" what time is it and have I any Rum left? I have been out every day(except for 4 days in hospital) in the last 15 months, but just missed 100 days worth of holidays smart kit can't replace that. How much energy does the smart kit use listening to/for your command ? I said won't get involved Alexa says you are lying again

Edit OH don't start me on smart meters saving money

What? I wouldn't think you have any Rum left with that logic.  I don't think anyone is putting forward the fact that Smart kit can replace a holiday.
If you don't want the kit, great, don't have it, but, making up arguments to troll what the OP has asked is pointless.
Smart meters are miss-named, so aren't part of the discussion.
Besides, I don't care how much energy it's using and I don't have a 'Smart meter' so I can't work it out....