Everything Smart Homes in Trinidad & Tobago

[Duane 3NE 2NR]

Try https://www.home-assistant.io/ - though I think you need a hub which can be a Raspberry Pi.
Or ActionTiles app on the Fire tablet - install PlayStore on the FireTablet

I'm finally going to look at this and maybe run my own server to run home automation. Very disappointed with IFTTT and how my applets have all disappeared leaving just only 1 running. I've just read on the subreddit that the company is sinking and everyone is abandoning ship anyway. And I want to integrate many different brands of hardware for my home automation. I think I'll get an older used Intel NUC or Lenovo ThinkCentre or Dell Optiplex business machine with maybe an i5-4th gen and run the x86-64 OS. A steep learning curve for me to get past here. Gonna be asking ChatGPT for help with the coding. Hope I find some Home Assistant integration support for Tapo somewhere.

I'm in the Apple ecosystem so I'm using HomeKit. I also use Alexa.
For the devices that do not support HomeKit I'm using HomeBridge running on a Raspberry Pi 4.
It's rock solid and very little to no programming needed. Really cheap too compared to an intel based computer.
It seemed daunting at first but it turned out to be really simple.

[eitech]

So i can already operate my water heater remotely. I want to integrate some kind of temperature monitoring remotely as well. The intent is if there is hot water you wont have to turn it on. Any ideas?

[Duane 3NE 2NR]

So i can already operate my water heater remotely. I want to integrate some kind of temperature monitoring remotely as well. The intent is if there is hot water you wont have to turn it on. Any ideas?

Need some more details.
How are you operating the water heater remotely? Smart switch?
What do you mean by "if there is hot water you wont have to turn it on", where else do you get hot water from?

[thelem-again]

^ what part you stumbled at? Maybe I can help.

Thanks for the offer but I actually figured it out. Wasn’t that difficult for me once I got into it. I created a new cloud development project and used the North American server I believe.

[eitech]

So i can already operate my water heater remotely. I want to integrate some kind of temperature monitoring remotely as well. The intent is if there is hot water you wont have to turn it on. Any ideas?

Need some more details.
How are you operating the water heater remotely? Smart switch?
What do you mean by "if there is hot water you wont have to turn it on", where else do you get hot water from?

Yea i use a smart switch to operate the heater. Once the heater has been on for one hour it switches off automatically. That hot water in the tank lasts for max two days with normal showers in between. I trying to teach them home to let the water run a bit until the hot water reaches out but they jus switch on the heater one time. Obviously the water will run cold initially.
So if i can have remote temp display u will know whether you have to turn on the heater or not.

[Duane 3NE 2NR]

^ That's a lil unusual application.
But you can put a PVC T angle with a cap and plumb this.
https://www.amazon.com/WiFi-Thermometer ... B0B4Z6WG69
It will give a read out of the water temp on your phone.

On another note, your water heater tank should maintain the temp automatically. Switching it off will take more energy to bring the water back up to temp than just maintaining the temperature.

"there is no need to turn it off at night, as it will not be using energy unless you require it to. In fact, turning it off at night might even be the less energy efficient option as you will need to fire it back on every morning, which consumes more energy than just leaving it on"
https://www.beeco.green/facts/should-i- ... -at-night/

[redmanjp]

^why not just adjust the temp to a lower number and keep it on? because when its turned off the temp would be high but gradually get lower over the next 48 hrs.

[Duane 3NE 2NR]

What I want to set up is a water tank level monitor.
The setup is a water level transducer
https://www.amazon.com/Generic-Transmit ... 09B399GZQ/
Wired to a Shelly UNI
https://www.amazon.com/Shelly-190372-UN ... B08X4YSVSR

This guys shows the setup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N90C9Xge8Z4

[thelem-again]

What I want to set up is a water tank level monitor.
The setup is a water level transducer
https://www.amazon.com/Generic-Transmit ... 09B399GZQ/
Wired to a Shelly UNI
https://www.amazon.com/Shelly-190372-UN ... B08X4YSVSR

This guys shows the setup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N90C9Xge8Z4

Same but I’ve been considering Mopeka Non-Pressured Sensors. https://www.mopekaiot.com/products#Non- ... nk_Section

I Would have to add the Wi-Fi bridge and integrate it into HomeKit.

[eitech]

What I want to set up is a water tank level monitor.
The setup is a water level transducer
https://www.amazon.com/Generic-Transmit ... 09B399GZQ/
Wired to a Shelly UNI
https://www.amazon.com/Shelly-190372-UN ... B08X4YSVSR

This guys shows the setup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N90C9Xge8Z4

Same but I’ve been considering Mopeka Non-Pressured Sensors. https://www.mopekaiot.com/products#Non- ... nk_Section

I Would have to add the Wi-Fi bridge and integrate it into HomeKit.

Was lookin for something myself. I actually got an ultrasonic one with a remote display online. It used to work however it suffered from condensate build up on the sensor so i removed it. There is a real expensive ultrasonic one. Too expensive for me.

[Duane 3NE 2NR]

What I want to set up is a water tank level monitor.
The setup is a water level transducer
https://www.amazon.com/Generic-Transmit ... 09B399GZQ/
Wired to a Shelly UNI
https://www.amazon.com/Shelly-190372-UN ... B08X4YSVSR

This guys shows the setup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N90C9Xge8Z4

Same but I’ve been considering Mopeka Non-Pressured Sensors. https://www.mopekaiot.com/products#Non- ... nk_Section

I Would have to add the Wi-Fi bridge and integrate it into HomeKit.

I’ll check this out thanks!
I saw this Mopeka brand on Amazon but it was for propane and LPG tanks.
https://amzn.to/3QGfAlz

Oh I now see they have this water tank sensor but looks like you have to mount it on the base and it’s not for very big tanks
https://amzn.to/3YxG4qZ

Are you running HomeBridge?

[eitech]

Anyone has slow wifi issues with the amount of devices on their network? What can you do to alleviate this problem?

[Duane 3NE 2NR]

Anyone has slow wifi issues with the amount of devices on their network? What can you do to alleviate this problem?

How many devices and which router are you using?
I switched to a mesh system and it's working great - have over 30 devices on the network

[eitech]

Anyone has slow wifi issues with the amount of devices on their network? What can you do to alleviate this problem?

How many devices and which router are you using?
I switched to a mesh system and it's working great - have over 30 devices on the network

Got the digicel router and about 30 devices myself

This is what the diagnostics says:

[maj. tom]

Get a Tp-link Deco mesh with a built in hub.

[Duane 3NE 2NR]

^ definitely need a mesh router system.

I switched to a TP-Link Deco X20 (AX1800) and it's been a great experience so far
https://amzn.to/3OTT2w7

I mentioned it in this thread before
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=719807&start=300#p10354859

[scotty_buttons]

For the HomeKit guys

What yall using as smart light switches? I bought the Aqara camera hubs and security system and switches since there aren’t much no neutral wire options.
It works well.. when it works. But several times a day the Aqara hub would just randomly go offline for a couple mins. Happens about 20x a day. I did a factory reset n all. No improvement.
Any alternatives for no neutral wire smart light switches that compatible with HomeKit and has two and three gang options?

Also, unrelated. But the Apple Home app doesn’t work on my iPads or Mac anymore. It loads the app but it just shows up as an empty window. No devices. Nothing to click. Tried resetting those devices too. This going on for months.
Only the home app on my iPhone and wife’s iphone works.

[Duane 3NE 2NR]

For the HomeKit guys

What yall using as smart light switches? I bought the Aqara camera hubs and security system and switches since there aren’t much no neutral wire options.
It works well.. when it works. But several times a day the Aqara hub would just randomly go offline for a couple mins. Happens about 20x a day. I did a factory reset n all. No improvement.
Any alternatives for no neutral wire smart light switches that compatible with HomeKit and has two and three gang options?

Very little options for good quality devices.
I have been using Lutron Casetta light switches - they are rock solid devices that never need resetting. I have them years now.
But you have to look for the no-neutral models and there aren't any 2 and 3 gang options.
Hopefully eventually Matter will fix this.

I've been looking at the Aqara M2 Hub and 2 gang switches for some places where I need it. I'm concerned now that you told me this. Have you tried getting another hub? Which Aqara hub are you using?

Also, unrelated. But the Apple Home app doesn’t work on my iPads or Mac anymore. It loads the app but it just shows up as an empty window. No devices. Nothing to click. Tried resetting those devices too. This going on for months.
Only the home app on my iPhone and wife’s iphone works.

What's the model and iOS version on the iPad and Mac? Home was recently upgraded and don't support older versions any more. I'm actually delaying upgrading the Home app for that very reason.
https://www.theverge.com/23512574/apple ... ade-how-to
Unfortunately I don't think you can downgrade once you upgrade.

[st7]

anyone ever got a smart humidity sensor locally?

thinking of putting one in my bathroom

[scotty_buttons]

For the HomeKit guys

What yall using as smart light switches? I bought the Aqara camera hubs and security system and switches since there aren’t much no neutral wire options.
It works well.. when it works. But several times a day the Aqara hub would just randomly go offline for a couple mins. Happens about 20x a day. I did a factory reset n all. No improvement.
Any alternatives for no neutral wire smart light switches that compatible with HomeKit and has two and three gang options?

Very little options for good quality devices.
I have been using Lutron Casetta light switches - they are rock solid devices that never need resetting. I have them years now.
But you have to look for the no-neutral models and there aren't any 2 and 3 gang options.
Hopefully eventually Matter will fix this.

I've been looking at the Aqara M2 Hub and 2 gang switches for some places where I need it. I'm concerned now that you told me this. Have you tried getting another hub? Which Aqara hub are you using?

Also, unrelated. But the Apple Home app doesn’t work on my iPads or Mac anymore. It loads the app but it just shows up as an empty window. No devices. Nothing to click. Tried resetting those devices too. This going on for months.
Only the home app on my iPhone and wife’s iphone works.

What's the model and iOS version on the iPad and Mac? Home was recently upgraded and don't support older versions any more. I'm actually delaying upgrading the Home app for that very reason.
https://www.theverge.com/23512574/apple ... ade-how-to
Unfortunately I don't think you can downgrade once you upgrade.

I heard so many good things about Lutron; looking at the blinds too.
I have two Aqara hubs. The G3 and the G2H pro. BOTH of which giving problems. Even after three firmware updates. Several forums show some users experiencing the same.
It’s more annoying cuz when one hub goes, the entire smart home is inaccessible. I always thought it’ll switch in between hub devices such as my HomePod or iPads but nope
Matter rel sticking man. Have a Ring Alarm pack down and that has been pretty reliable when I had it hooked up.

I have a 2021 14 MacBook Pro.
2020 11 inch iPad Pro
2020 iPad Air
Three apple TVs. But the Apple TVs show the security cameras without issue.


It did started happening after the new HomeKit infrastructure upgrade coming to think of it. But I’m on iOS/homepod os, tvOS, iPadOS 17 beta 5 since and it’s been happening since iOS 16.
I’ve been hoping the new betas help with each upgrade but nope.

[scotty_buttons]

That’s what’s been happening overnight.

I removed the G3 hub from the home app and it works fine on their Aqara app hence why you’re not seeing it here.

[maj. tom]

From my experience devices go offline when they get disconnected due to unreliable signal and then cannot reconnect within a certain time. Used to happen often on my Asus router, but it never happened after switching to a mesh+hub system with good distribution coverage.

[scotty_buttons]

From my experience devices go offline when they get disconnected due to unreliable signal and then cannot reconnect within a certain time. Used to happen often on my Asus router, but it never happened after switching to a mesh+hub system with good distribution coverage.

I thought this too. But I’ve been using a Google WiFi mesh system for years now. No issues until recently. By issues I mean with the Aqara hubs.

But I’ll consider upgrading it. That was my next step before I buy new switches from another brand

[Duane 3NE 2NR]

For the HomeKit guys

What yall using as smart light switches? I bought the Aqara camera hubs and security system and switches since there aren’t much no neutral wire options.
It works well.. when it works. But several times a day the Aqara hub would just randomly go offline for a couple mins. Happens about 20x a day. I did a factory reset n all. No improvement.
Any alternatives for no neutral wire smart light switches that compatible with HomeKit and has two and three gang options?

Very little options for good quality devices.
I have been using Lutron Casetta light switches - they are rock solid devices that never need resetting. I have them years now.
But you have to look for the no-neutral models and there aren't any 2 and 3 gang options.
Hopefully eventually Matter will fix this.

I've been looking at the Aqara M2 Hub and 2 gang switches for some places where I need it. I'm concerned now that you told me this. Have you tried getting another hub? Which Aqara hub are you using?

Also, unrelated. But the Apple Home app doesn’t work on my iPads or Mac anymore. It loads the app but it just shows up as an empty window. No devices. Nothing to click. Tried resetting those devices too. This going on for months.
Only the home app on my iPhone and wife’s iphone works.

What's the model and iOS version on the iPad and Mac? Home was recently upgraded and don't support older versions any more. I'm actually delaying upgrading the Home app for that very reason.
https://www.theverge.com/23512574/apple ... ade-how-to
Unfortunately I don't think you can downgrade once you upgrade.

I heard so many good things about Lutron; looking at the blinds too.
I have two Aqara hubs. The G3 and the G2H pro. BOTH of which giving problems. Even after three firmware updates. Several forums show some users experiencing the same.
It’s more annoying cuz when one hub goes, the entire smart home is inaccessible. I always thought it’ll switch in between hub devices such as my HomePod or iPads but nope
Matter rel sticking man. Have a Ring Alarm pack down and that has been pretty reliable when I had it hooked up.

I have a 2021 14 MacBook Pro.
2020 11 inch iPad Pro
2020 iPad Air
Three apple TVs. But the Apple TVs show the security cameras without issue.


It did started happening after the new HomeKit infrastructure upgrade coming to think of it. But I’m on iOS/homepod os, tvOS, iPadOS 17 beta 5 since and it’s been happening since iOS 16.
I’ve been hoping the new betas help with each upgrade but nope.

Those iPads and Macs should be able to run the new architecture.
Try upgrading the Home app on all those devices and ensuring they are all using the same upgraded archetecture.

[Duane 3NE 2NR]

anyone ever got a smart humidity sensor locally?

thinking of putting one in my bathroom

Actually that's one of the reasons I am looking at Aqara, for the temp and humidity sensors
https://amzn.to/47si10T
and the leak sensors
https://amzn.to/3OSVrpV

I'm looking at the Aqara M2 hub though as I see scotty_buttons getting problems with the Aqara cameras that double as hubs.
https://amzn.to/45sPV3G

[Duane 3NE 2NR]

That’s what’s been happening overnight.

I removed the G3 hub from the home app and it works fine on their Aqara app hence why you’re not seeing it here.

4215436bcbb4e5a8bd36507dce980d86.jpg

Since you have so many Aqara devices and already using a mesh wifi system, I'd try the Aqara M2 hub since it's stand alone
https://amzn.to/45sPV3G
before looking at changing all those Aqara switches and devices

[st7]

anyone ever got a smart humidity sensor locally?

thinking of putting one in my bathroom

Actually that's one of the reasons I am looking at Aqara, for the temp and humidity sensors
https://amzn.to/47si10T
and the leak sensors
https://amzn.to/3OSVrpV

I'm looking at the Aqara M2 hub though as I see scotty_buttons getting problems with the Aqara cameras that double as hubs.
https://amzn.to/45sPV3G

ah ok... my preference is hubless haha. i'll see what i find on amazon then since local might not be an option

[Duane 3NE 2NR]

anyone ever got a smart humidity sensor locally?

thinking of putting one in my bathroom

Actually that's one of the reasons I am looking at Aqara, for the temp and humidity sensors
https://amzn.to/47si10T
and the leak sensors
https://amzn.to/3OSVrpV

I'm looking at the Aqara M2 hub though as I see scotty_buttons getting problems with the Aqara cameras that double as hubs.
https://amzn.to/45sPV3G

ah ok... my preference is hubless haha. i'll see what i find on amazon then since local might not be an option

It’s less strain on your WiFi network when you use a hub instead of connecting each bulb, switch, sensor to your WiFi and end up with 100+ devices.

Yea we wish one hub could control everything but there’s hope that’s what Matter on thread will bring

[st7]

lol nah man, i dont have that much devices. i keep most of the smart stuff on the 2.4ghz and use the 5ghz for my computer, ps4, firestick.

in total, i have 6 echo devices, 4 active smart bulbs, 1 smart led strip, 2 smart switches, and 2 smart plugs.

i can only imagine how many you've got! lol

[eitech]

I got a tp link wap and set it up in access point mode. I started migrating wifi devices one by one to it but when when i moved up to 10 of them, my router still says too many devices. I had to migrate most and then that warning came off.
So now i have four ethernet connected hardware connected to my router and all wifi devices switched to access point. Warning off and i have noticed an improvement already in video streaming.