Cool Smart Home Setups to try?

Mazintim

ballyblack said:

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

ahh yes the TP link ones are the same ones I have! Slightly off topic, but electric blanket sounds interesting and i've genuinely been looking for (a good one) for ages! Do you have a link you can share? 

Mazintim

RumRat said:

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. 

Google AND Alexa? Are the both compatible and do you have a preference? 

Are the lights based on location, and connected to your phone i assume? What app are you runing for this? I've had a quick play around with https://ifttt.com/ and it seems quite interesting and versatile.

Kettle sounds useful. It's a shame that i still have to press the button down and fill it up though! if I could sit at my desk and press a button on my smart phone to pre-heat the water before i get to the kitchen this would save so much time in my day.

Mazintim

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. 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.

hmmm, I do have some electric radiators in the garage that i could really do with setting up with a sonoff and maybe ITTT and base it off the weather at night and say if it is forecasted -5, to pre heat a bit and stay on throughout the night until it passes +2 degrees outdoors for example?

I have these TP Link smart plugs. Do you know whether they would be able to create some sort of system like that for me? 

Sorry for silly questions, i'm still a bit new to all of this 

Mazintim

[Deleted User] said:

Mazintim said:

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

I have several lights down stairs (smart bulbs and sockets) that are set to turn on a sunset. When I say "Alexa, its bedtime", they turn off and the upstairs lights turn on. When I say "Alexa goodnight" all the smart devices shut down. The landing light can be turned on by voice for night time loo visits. We use Echo Dots and Flexes for music playback around the house. My living room TV led strip and smart bulbs can be switched to music mode to turn the room into a disco.

I recommend checking out Alex Brooks (Techflow, Marzbar) on Youtube as he has the whole home automation thing nailed down. Very impressive what he does.   

Is it possible to set up more than one Alexa? I feel like i would need one in every room at this rate I will check out those channels, thanks for the recommendations 

RumRat

Mazintim said:

Deleted_User said:

Mazintim said:

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

I have several lights down stairs (smart bulbs and sockets) that are set to turn on a sunset. When I say "Alexa, its bedtime", they turn off and the upstairs lights turn on. When I say "Alexa goodnight" all the smart devices shut down. The landing light can be turned on by voice for night time loo visits. We use Echo Dots and Flexes for music playback around the house. My living room TV led strip and smart bulbs can be switched to music mode to turn the room into a disco.

I recommend checking out Alex Brooks (Techflow, Marzbar) on Youtube as he has the whole home automation thing nailed down. Very impressive what he does.   

Is it possible to set up more than one Alexa? I feel like i would need one in every room at this rate I will check out those channels, thanks for the recommendations 

Yes, that's the point, you can set up as many as you like.