Home Automation options - using Alexa as voice control
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Thread created 04-10-2016 by The Raddish
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A few years ago, I picked up a Harmony Hub, but the integration was terrible. I think I got mine in 2013?
Anyway, after reading some of the posts in the Hot Deals forum with the Harmony Hub being...
Home Automation options - using Alexa as voice control
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Thread created 04-10-2016 by The Raddish
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So I took advantage of the GE Z-Wave sale at Lowe's and now my Hooligans lights in their bedrooms are smart-controlled. Since they ALWAYS leave them on (estrogen poisoning), I can now turn off their...
Home Automation options - using Alexa as voice control
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Thread created 04-10-2016 by The Raddish
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Thanks for that! I've been reading, and it appears the C wires from many HVAC systems supply too much voltage to the Ecobee3, while their PEK resolves this issue by better regulating the power.
Home Automation options - using Alexa as voice control
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Thread created 04-10-2016 by The Raddish
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You can run the Ecobee3 on 4 wires. You'll have to install the Power Extender Kit (PEK).
https://youtu.be/Ws3Rv-cS1B0
Home Automation options - using Alexa as voice control
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Thread created 04-10-2016 by The Raddish
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I'm wanting to install two of the Ecobee3 t-stats upstairs and down, but need to get under the house (awfully tight for this frog) and into the attic (too damned hot during the summer) to run some...
Home Automation options - using Alexa as voice control
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Thread created 04-10-2016 by The Raddish
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I don't have the Ecobee3. I have two Ecobee Smart Si units, one on each floor. Interestingly, since the Ecobee 3 has been released, the prices of the Smart Si units have increased. I got mine for...
Home Automation options - using Alexa as voice control
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Thread created 04-10-2016 by The Raddish
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Thanks for sharing info about the Cooper switches, it really helps. How are you liking those Ecobee3 t-stats?
Home Automation options - using Alexa as voice control
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Thread created 04-10-2016 by The Raddish
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An update. I ended up purchasing a Samsung Smart Hub 2nd gen for $30ish. I had a coupon from the TV that didn't ship, so I got one of these.
Then I researched the living crap out of switches,...
Home Automation options - using Alexa as voice control
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Thread created 04-10-2016 by The Raddish
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It's not aware of the state of the garage door, but for inexpensive Bluetooth device that works well enough with Siri voice control, try http://www.bluemate.com/ I recently inquired about future...
Home Automation options - using Alexa as voice control
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Thread created 04-10-2016 by The Raddish
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This reference might be useful: http://www.cnet.com/smart-home/
Home Automation options - using Alexa as voice control
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Thread created 04-10-2016 by The Raddish
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First of all, it's worth noting that there are a number of other forums with much more discussion about home automation, 2 that come to mind are: http://cocoontech.com and http://www.avsforum.com/
...
Home Automation options - using Alexa as voice control
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Thread created 04-10-2016 by The Raddish
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So Since my initial post, I ended up purchasing a Lorex NVR system with alarm integration inputs, and just yesterday I picked up the Samsung SmartHub 2.0 for $30ish bucks since it was on sale and I...
Home Automation options - using Alexa as voice control
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Thread created 04-10-2016 by The Raddish
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Also you'll want to place your home automation controller/hub outside of your structured media cabinet, the metal cabinet will interfere with / reduce the range of the z-wave wireless.
Home Automation options - using Alexa as voice control
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Thread created 04-10-2016 by The Raddish
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Some people would challenge if X-10 is obsolete. There are instances where it's still used, and sometimes X-10 is used to bridge an alarm system to Insteon and maybe UPB.
If you stick with a well...
Home Automation options - using Alexa as voice control
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Thread created 04-10-2016 by The Raddish
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If you do this now you will be an early adopter, in a couple years whole house automation through 1 vendor/manufacturer will be available. You have already experienced obsolescence ala X10.
You...
Home Automation options - using Alexa as voice control
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Thread created 04-10-2016 by The Raddish
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Some of the nicest things you can do with a home automation system are automatic... requiring access to sensors to tell the temperature, sense motion, if doors/windows are open, light levels, etc. ...
Home Automation options - using Alexa as voice control
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Thread created 04-10-2016 by The Raddish
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We currently have an Amazon Echo and a couple of Dots on order. I want to use them as voice control 'hubs' for a home automation system.
I have two Ecobee thermostats (one for each floor) that I...
