Anyone into home automation/smart homes with integration to Alexa, Google Home, Siri, etc.?

[jut703]

I'm currently buying appliances for my home and I want to control them remotely. I don't have oj88's electronic background, so I'd like something usable out of the box as much as possible, while still being cost-conscious.

Top priority is turning on the aircon using my smartphone or Google Assistant even when I'm not yet home. Not too keen on geofencing, would prefer to turn it on manually but remotely.

Seems like Sensibo is the most popular and convenient way to do it, costs 6k in Lazada.

Are there any other options?

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[oj88]

I'm currently buying appliances for my home and I want to control them remotely. I don't have oj88's electronic background, so I'd like something usable out of the box as much as possible, while still being cost-conscious.

Top priority is turning on the aircon using my smartphone or Google Assistant even when I'm not yet home. Not too keen on geofencing, would prefer to turn it on manually but remotely.

Seems like Sensibo is the most popular and convenient way to do it, costs 6k in Lazada.

Are there any other options?

Sensibo, along with the other usual suspects; Ambi Climate and Tado, will be overkill for what you intend to do. Each of these devices can only control one (1) A/C (unless you have multiple A/Cs of the same model in the same room). So, for a home with 2 or more rooms having a dedicated A/C each, you will need one of these device, per room. Aside from the fact that IR can't go through walls, these devices are only designed to control the climate of the room it is currently in or if you have a centralized A/C.

Aside from that, these can only control A/Cs. AFAIK, you can't use it for any other IR appliances you might have and want to control like TV, A/V equipment, IR-controlled fans or LED light strips, etc. It does one thing exceptionally well and one thing only.... control your A/C to your comfort by observing your cooling habits (through AI, where applicable).

If that is absolutely ok with you, you can go ahead. If cash is not a factor, I would get the Ambi Climate 2, just because of it's AI features.

Now, for doing simple things like turning your A/C on or off, set the temperature and/or adjust the fan speed or set hourly, daily, or weekly schedules, Broadlink's approach should probably be ok.

Things you need:
1. Broadlink RM Pro or RM Mini3 per room where IR devices are located that you wish to control *
2. A mobile device that has the Intelligent Home Center (IHC) app installed (Intelligent Home Center - Apps on Google Play or Intelligent Home Center on the App Store)
3. (Optional) Alexa or Google Assistant for voice integration

* Important note: The RM Pro can control both IR and 315/433MHz RF devices (ie. Legacy RF plugs and bulb sockets). The RM Mini3 can only control IR devices. You typically only need one RM Pro for your whole household as RF can go through walls and even floors, up to a certain extent. However, you will definitely need one RM Mini3 for each room that has an IR device you wish to control (again, IR doesn't go through opaque obstructions like walls and most furnitures).

Approx. investment costs:

1. Broadlink RM Pro - P 1,800
2. Broadlink RM Mini3 - P 900

In summary, for you to be able to control two rooms using an RM Pro and an RM Mini3, you only need to spend less than half the price of one (1) Sensibo. The value only gets better if you have more rooms to control... but the value doesn't end there. The Broadlink solution also gives you the potential to control other IR or RF appliances that you already own, aside from the A/Cs. Granted, some learning is required and your mileage will vary.

Then again, for the thing you want to do (turning on and off your A/C through an app), this is the cheapest solution out there.

[jut703]

Sensibo, along with the other usual suspects; Ambi Climate and Tado, will be overkill for what you intend to do. Each of these devices can only control one (1) A/C (unless you have multiple A/Cs of the same model in the same room). So, for a home with 2 or more rooms having a dedicated A/C each, you will need one of these device, per room. Aside from the fact that IR can't go through walls, these devices are only designed to control the climate of the room it is currently in or if you have a centralized A/C.

Aside from that, these can only control A/Cs. AFAIK, you can't use it for any other IR appliances you might have and want to control like TV, A/V equipment, IR-controlled fans or LED light strips, etc. It does one thing exceptionally well and one thing only.... control your A/C to your comfort by observing your cooling habits (through AI, where applicable).

If that is absolutely ok with you, you can go ahead. If cash is not a factor, I would get the Ambi Climate 2, just because of it's AI features.

Now, for doing simple things like turning your A/C on or off, set the temperature and/or adjust the fan speed or set hourly, daily, or weekly schedules, Broadlink's approach should probably be ok.

Things you need:
1. Broadlink RM Pro or RM Mini3 per room where IR devices are located that you wish to control *
2. A mobile device that has the Intelligent Home Center (IHC) app installed (Intelligent Home Center - Apps on Google Play or Intelligent Home Center on the App Store)
3. (Optional) Alexa or Google Assistant for voice integration

* Important note: The RM Pro can control both IR and 315/433MHz RF devices (ie. Legacy RF plugs and bulb sockets). The RM Mini3 can only control IR devices. You typically only need one RM Pro for your whole household as RF can go through walls and even floors, up to a certain extent. However, you will definitely need one RM Mini3 for each room that has an IR device you wish to control (again, IR doesn't go through opaque obstructions like walls and most furnitures).

Approx. investment costs:

1. Broadlink RM Pro - P 1,800
2. Broadlink RM Mini3 - P 900

In summary, for you to be able to control two rooms using an RM Pro and an RM Mini3, you only need to spend less than half the price of one (1) Sensibo. The value only gets better if you have more rooms to control... but the value doesn't end there. The Broadlink solution also gives you the potential to control other IR or RF appliances that you already own, aside from the A/Cs. Granted, some learning is required and your mileage will vary.

Then again, for the thing you want to do (turning on and off your A/C through an app), this is the cheapest solution out there.

Thanks a lot bro. Since the RM Pro can cross walls, do I still need an RM Mini3 if the bedroom is adjacent to the living room?

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[oj88]

Thanks a lot bro. Since the RM Pro can cross walls, do I still need an RM Mini3 if the bedroom is adjacent to the living room?

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To clarify, only the RF will go through walls, pretty much like WiFi. However, your A/C is controlled via IR (infrared), which like light, and will not go through walls. If you only want to control IR devices and that IR device happens to be an A/C in your bedroom, then just get the Mini3 and put it in the bedroom.

[jut703]

To clarify, only the RF will go through walls, pretty much like WiFi. However, your A/C is controlled via IR (infrared), which like light, and will not go through walls. If you only want to control IR devices and that IR device happens to be an A/C in your bedroom, then just get the Mini3 and put it in the bedroom.

Ah you mean the Pro will only serve as the main hub while the Mini will be like a repeater? Then I can connect the Pro directly to my Google Home/my phone?

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[EQAddict]

Bro check FB marketplace and PM the guys who offer the smart home services....

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[kisshmet]

This reminded of my thesis in college

We implemented it with wired phone then using DTMF code

Now its implemented thru TCP/IP
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[oj88]

This reminded of my thesis in college

We implemented it with wired phone then using DTMF code

Now its implemented thru TCP/IP

My interest in home automation started when I read about "X10" devices from technical magazines of the 80's. But back then, they were expensive, only works on 120V AC, and everything had to be purchased through mail order.

The X10 is both a trademark of sorts and a communications protocol that uses the powerline to talk to devices such as switches and sensors.

Here's a bit of nostalgia.

[kisshmet]

^we used Z80 processor..my colleague did some low level programming with it

Used some digital logic IC to drive the stepper motor that simulate water valve opening. A far cry from simple on/off light operation

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[oj88]

^we used Z80 processor..my colleague did some low level programming with it

Used some digital logic IC to drive the stepper motor that simulate water valve opening. A far cry from simple on/off light operation

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During college, our group built a rover the size of a Radio Flyer wagon that can (at least, half the time) navigate it's way around obstacles and home in on an RF transmitter. Uses a Micro (if memory serves) microcontroller trainer/prototyping board as the brains. It barely worked but we received good marks for the concept.

Anyway in retrospect, there are solenoid valves now that can be integrated with smart home to control water flowing through a pipe or hose. Washing machines use something similar to turn the water on or off when filling the drum. There's also servo models that attaches to existing water valves.

I hope I have more of a Maker blood in me. There are tons of ideas trapped in my head because I have limited resources to carry them out myself. Think Raspberry Pi and Arduino projects.

[kisshmet]

^yes those mini computer available now adays

The thesis panelist made it more challenging..rather than a simple fully open or closed valve they made it variable valve opening. if we failed to do that we will not graduate

Theres the circuit that will help us accomplish our goal then but its not available locally. If we import it..it will take time. The solution is to mimic the block diagram with simple digital logic circuits to drive the stepper motor to simulate variable valve opening. Its for a bath tub..a user can open the tub valve remotely on his/her way back home so that by the time they get home the tub is ready for dipping
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[oj88]

It would have been more challenging to have the bathtub water set to a preset temperature.

The non-variable valve opening shouldn't be an issue. What is needed are a couple of temp sensor that samples the water temp and a controller that turns on/off the cold and/or hot water tap to achieve the preferred temp. Then, it will need a water level or pre-overflow sensor to make sure the water does not go over a certain level. Once the target level and temperature is achieved, the owner receives a notification.... "Your bath is ready, sir." -- in an English, butler-ish accent.

Future thesis writers... here's an idea for you.

Now, if only we have a bathtub. :D

[kisshmet]

It would have been more challenging to have the bathtub water set to a preset temperature.

The non-variable valve opening shouldn't be an issue. What is needed are a couple of temp sensor that samples the water temp and a controller that turns on/off the cold and/or hot water tap to achieve the preferred temp. Then, it will need a water level or pre-overflow sensor to make sure the water does not go over a certain level. Once the target level and temperature is achieved, the owner receives a notification.... "Your bath is ready, sir." -- in an English, butler-ish accent.

Future thesis writers... here's an idea for you.

Now, if only we have a bathtub. :D

Its an issue for the thesis panelist then bcoz we also control the light remotely to ward of intruders who could think that the house is unattended if theres no light the whole night for several days

With our contraption a user can remotely turn on the light..so its basically an on/off situation

A fully open or fully closed valve operation will be similar to an on/off light switch thats why the panelist specifically requested a variable valve operation (slightly open, half way open, fully open, fully closed valve)

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[Archerfish]

It would have been more challenging to have the bathtub water set to a preset temperature.

The non-variable valve opening shouldn't be an issue. What is needed are a couple of temp sensor that samples the water temp and a controller that turns on/off the cold and/or hot water tap to achieve the preferred temp. Then, it will need a water level or pre-overflow sensor to make sure the water does not go over a certain level. Once the target level and temperature is achieved, the owner receives a notification.... "Your bath is ready, sir." -- in an English, butler-ish accent.

Future thesis writers... here's an idea for you.

Now, if only we have a bathtub. :D

There is a similar implementation of this idea, it is the jacket water temperature of the main engine that propels a ship.

ON/OFF controller won't do for this type of control. Instead, PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) is used. There's a pneumatically​ controlled valve to regulate the flow of the cooling medium and a 3-way valve to recirculate it or discharge it overboard.

A feedback temperature is of course installed to the return line of the jacket water which dictates the position of the 3-way valve.

I believe that it is possible to have this idea implemented in a bathtub.

[12vdc]

If you just want to control relays and some C+ knowledge there are DIY Adruino kits you could customize.

[oj88]

There is a similar implementation of this idea, it is the jacket water temperature of the main engine that propels a ship.

ON/OFF controller won't do for this type of control. Instead, PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) is used. There's a pneumatically​ controlled valve to regulate the flow of the cooling medium and a 3-way valve to recirculate it or discharge it overboard.

A feedback temperature is of course installed to the return line of the jacket water which dictates the position of the 3-way valve.

I believe that it is possible to have this idea implemented in a bathtub.

This is fun, bouncing ideas with you guys.

By controller, I had the Arduino in mind as the center of the water valve trigger as well as the temp and water level feedback. Though, other modules will still be required for the front-end interface, solenoid drivers, sensors, as well as network connectivity to be able to send out notifications and/or for the user to be able to access the interface remotely through an app. Maybe even an API to integrate with Alexa, IFTTT, etc. I'm thinking of the Raspberry Pi for the interface and IoT integration.

Many homes would have a hot and cold water tap and to adjust the water temp that ends up in the bathtab, the logic just needs the temperature feedback and the preset target temp. It will then open up the respective valve, hot or cold. At a certain level, if the feedback circuit detects that the water in the bathub is too cold for the target temp, it will keep the hot water valve open longer than the cold water valve and vice versa.

I know this should work in theory, just don't know how to get there.... along with where do I put the bathtub.

[Archerfish]

I know this should work in theory, just don't know how to get there.... along with where do I put the bathtub.

The greatest difficulty will be where to put the bathtub!
[emoji3]

If you just want to control relays and some C+ knowledge there are DIY Adruino kits you could customize.

Yes, Arduino should work. I was thinking of the industrial application that I forgot about servo motors that can be controlled through it which is practical to do instead of a pneumatic valve.

[dreamur]

Even the older generation is trying to catch up with the new technology. Hey goo-goo!

Hey Goo Goo, okay Goo Goo! This Italian Grandma using Google Home is hilarious - YouTube

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[fleas2016]

Where do you guys get your broadlink stuff?

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[oj88]

Where do you guys get your broadlink stuff?

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Lazada, mostly. A few from Shopee, depending on the price.