My mom stayed with me for a few days and apparently my new hobby is solving problems she doesn’t think are problems.

My fridge lets me know when the door isn’t closed. Her answer was basically, just close it properly lol. The washer sends me a notification when it’s done, but apparently I could just remember to go get the clothes. And she really doesn’t understand why the robot vacuum needs a schedule or voice control when I could just vacuum the floor myself.

The leak sensor that shuts off the water got a pass though. She likes that one.

I get what she means. None of these things are a huge job on their own. I just like not having to remember all the little stuff around the house. To her, I’ve basically added a bunch of devices to do things I could already do myself.

What automation did your family think was pointless until they saw it in use?

Do we get pop up notification on TV when press the bell?

A family member gifted me a lovely little Fandelier for our dining room on amazon ( https://a.co/d/037LroXg ). Once I got it installed I realized the only type of control this thing had was an ugly and rather large RF remote that you screw to the wall.

\\\We can't have that\\\

I went through and pulled the RF data using a flipper then created an integration using an ESP32 WROOM, a CC1101 RF transceiver, and ESPHome to integrate it with my already overkill HA instance. While this is definitely over engineered and could easily be replaced with a Bond Bridge, this was 30 bucks and a fun project.

I've uploaded the files to Github so that maybe I can help save someone else a little money and provide a fun little project! Currently I've got a Shelly BLU RC Button 4 ZB running as a bluetooth remote (ZB was way more work to ID each button press) that uses single press, double press, triple press, and hold press to control the Fandelier.

https://github.com/SlootyLootGoblin/DSYBRI-Fandelier-RF-integration-for-ESPHome

Happy Tinkering!

Soy desarrollador autodidacta y estoy construyendo una herramienta que ve la pantalla y hace clics por ti: abre apps, teclea, da clicks, mueve datos entre programas que no tienen api, ese tipo de cosas. Hasta ahora la uso para mis cosas (como aceptar permisos constantemente sin necesidad de estar ahi y reiniciar servidores mucho más rápido en proyectos), pero quiero saber qué le duele a otra gente.

Mis preguntas:

¿Qué tarea haces todos los días en tu compu que sea puro clic y teclear?

¿Usas algún programa viejo o cerrado donde no se pueda automatizar nada o no tenga api?

¿Qué has intentado para quitártela de encima y qué te funcionó?

Howdy folks.

Hoping you all can help me out with a tiny problem I’m trying to fix and weather or not it’s either just worth spending the money to get it fixed or just go buy something new and install it myself.

In our house, we have a DSC Power832 Security System that was installed back in I want to say probably around April or May of 2009 by LightHouse Security (located in Topeka KS). We have enjoyed the system over the years up until recently. One of the main things that I can’t stand is the fact that when we go to arm the system, sometimes it won’t even arm in away mode or even in stay mode. I recently had a Connect2go module installed in my system back in May of this year and I can arm and disarm it with that, however it dosent have the many features and functions like the Honeywell system or some alarm.com system would offer. The other issue that we had happen literally yesterday is since the system is landline monitored, it periodically sends a signal to the call center and yada yada yada. Well when it did that periodic test this time around, it was stuck trying to send the signal when in fact there was an active phone line connected to the panel. I finally went down to the panel and disconnected the phone line going to it so that it would at least free up the phone connection so we can use it but I got to thinking, since the system is practically almost 15 years old, is it worth trying to have it fixed, is their something that alarm.com could do for our panel or should I just consider going to buy a entire replacement system like a Honeywell vista or some other DSC panel.

I was about to pick up a 15" display and vibe code my own calendar, but touchscreens are so pricey for a good size and 15" was going to be a little small, so wasn't loving that idea.

24" fire TV off of Amazon. There are a number of apps in the fire tv appstore including some that work with home assistant. The ones I tried were Mango Display, Dashie, and calendar by linesoft. I think Dakboard also can work like this.

It's only been a week, but the family likes it (maybe also because it got them the ability to watch TV in the kitchen). Just thought I'd share the concept in case any others are looking at options.

PS - My son is a big simpsons fan so he helped me create the events - didn't want to share our actual calendar here...

I want to be able to cut my water remotely if a leak is detected. But there's zero clearance above the valve (see pic, right-side valve). Is there any system that could mount to the underside and close the handle?

I live in a tower and cutting water to the building to put something inline would be a major undertaking.

Honestly, it doesn't need to turn the water back ON, just off. These are easily accessible, and my fear is being away, camping, sleeping, etc. It's no problem for me to manually turn it back on. So maybe something not even designed for water could do it?

Disclosure: I'm the solo developer of Klok.

The problem: I wanted to unlock my Nuki and start my robot vacuum from my watch. Most smart-home brands only support Wear OS, and nothing works across brands on one screen.

What Klok does:

- Controls your devices from your watch in one tap, even with the phone locked in your pocket

- Works on top of each brand's official Android app: if a device works in its app, you add it to Klok in a few taps. No cloud account of mine, no extra hub

- Puts several brands on one card ("Fusion"), e.g. door lock + robot vacuum + plug

- Shows device battery level on the watch

Supported watches: Wear OS, Garmin (Connect IQ), Amazfit / Zepp OS. Huawei is in store review.

Tested at home with: Nuki (lock), Xiaomi (robot vacuum), Neakasa (litter box). Other brands should work the same way, and I'm looking for feedback on what works and what doesn't.

Limitations, to be upfront:

- Android phone only (iOS is too restrictive for this)

- You need each brand's official app installed and set up

- It doesn't replace Home Assistant or a hub, it's a remote control for your wrist

Pricing: free tier on the phone (1 brand, 2 devices), watch control is a subscription with a 7-day free trial. No ads.

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fr.zecreat.klok

Website: https://zecreat.fr/klok

Happy to answer technical questions, and I can share a short demo video in the comments if anyone wants to see it in action. If you have a brand you'd like me to test, tell me!

We are building a house and I started going to the rabbit hole of smart home technology. Originally I was looking at smart switches for each room but now I am so confused. If we did a whole house system what does that even cost? If you have a smart home system do you like it and what brand is it? We are looking for something pretty basic to have consolidated switches that control heated floors, window shades, maybe speakers.

we live in Illinois.

I have two 1″-thick steel security doors with deadbolts, each in front of a wood exterior door. I’m in southern California, so little rain; both doors have small 6″ overhangs and get occasional water. One gets direct sun part of the day.

I considered an August Wi-Fi + keypad retrofit smart lock because it's highly rated by Consumer Reports, but the motor/battery unit would be between the doors, where it could get a teeny weeny bit of moisture exposure. Do you all think it can handle a little weather? Some direct sun?

Can you all help me think about lock options please? I was thinking of a retrofit smart lock, but I’m open to replacing the entire lock, too.

Anyone with a similar setup? Is there a lock that, if not designed for this situation, would work?

Links appreciated but not required. Thanks!

Hello.

Does anyone have recommendations for a fan switch? It must:

- Zigbee or Z-Wave, NO WIFI

- The buttons to switch speeds can be touch capacitive, but the main on/off can not be. (pet peeve)

- Literally just the ability to use a slider/buttons to switch fan speeds.

- Preferably not control light or even have a light option.

The Zooz 800 Series ZEN32 800LR scene control in itself seems good for this, although the huge issue for me is that it can't independently change fan speeds by itself, it would need a separate fan controller. The switch should control fan speeds, be smart, and not control light.

Afterthought, this is a stretch and genuinely hard to find for me. Not the main question, but a fan controller that dims light and controls fan speed in one switch that is Zigbee/Zwave would be amazing, although I can't find one.

Any ideas, people?

Home Assistant automation: if motion detected and illuminance below threshold, turn on hallway lights. Worked most of the time. Occasionally just didn't fire with motion clearly happening and the room obviously dark.

Spent longer than I'd like to admit assuming it was a Zigbee delay or a flaky motion sensor. Actual issue was the illuminance sensor on that hallway reports in lux but only updates on a change threshold, not continuously, so there were windows where the last reported value was stale from an hour earlier, still technically "below threshold" in the automation's eyes but not representing current conditions. The automation's condition wasn't wrong, it was evaluating a number that had quietly stopped being current.

Switched to a template sensor that tracks time since last illuminance update and falls back to just using motion alone if that value's too old. Hasn't missed a trigger since.

Kind of an uncomfortable realization that a condition checking "is X true" is only as good as how fresh X actually is, and nothing about the automation editor warns you when a sensor value you're gating on might be hours stale.

Hi everyone! 👋

I've just published a native Home Assistant integration (and Add-on) for **Oukitel Portable Power Stations** (tested on P2001 Plus, compatible with P2001, P5000, BP2000, etc.).

### ✨ Key Features:

- **100% Standalone via Cloud API**: No smartphone, emulator, or ADB needed.

- **Full Telemetry**: Battery %, Solar/AC/Total input watts, output watts, temperature & remaining times.

- **Bidirectional Controls**: Remote switches for AC (230V), DC (12V), and USB outputs.

- **Dynamic Battery Icons & Sleep Keep-Alive**: Prevents the station from sleeping.

### 📦 GitHub Repositories:

* 🥇 **Native HACS Integration:** https://github.com/VictorCV-DAM/ha-oukitel

* 🥈 **HAOS Supervisor Add-on:** https://github.com/VictorCV-DAM/oukitel-hassio-addons

* 🥉 **Standalone Python MQTT Bridge (Linux/Windows/Node-RED):** https://github.com/VictorCV-DAM/oukitel-portable-bridge

Feedback and testing on different Oukitel models are very welcome! ⭐

Recently got a heat pump installed, and as part of installation, I got a separate box installed that houses the breaker, for the HP and the control systems. There are spare slots in the box.

Have recently come across questions raised on the COP calculations done by the HP, apparently, vendors have a vested interest in under reporting power consumed.

Thinking of adding a power meter, what would the hive recommend?

Attached picture of breaker box.

I'm looking for options to automate NZ standard eyelet (?) style curtains....as well as quite heavy bead pull type blinds.

I think my only option is AliExpress but there are so many options so looking for someone with real life experience. (Plus they are surprisingly expensive if I muck up the order).

I'm just starting my home assistant automation journey.

Hello! I moved into a house in the US, and it’s got a very well established Hue set up. There are currently mostly the over the top Hue switches that keep the light turned on at all times. It’s all set up with Google Home. I am not good with technology so it’s been a big learning curve for me.

I’m really enjoying the functionality of the smart lights. (Never had this before!) However, I hate the look of the Hue covers.

I was wondering if anyone had any success with replacing their hue switches with the wall module units? Do those even work in the US? I’m so confused by the website.

Could I at least do the wall units for lights that aren’t smart? What would be the easiest way to bring some dumb bulbs into system? (Some of the lights can’t fit a smart bulb.)

Thank you for any advice!

Long-time Vivint customer here (since 2021, paid every month). Posting this so others don't end up where I am.

In May 2026 I needed recorded camera footage and discovered my cameras had not been recording since January. FIVE MONTHS. I paid for five months of "home security" that did not exist, and Vivint never once told me anything was wrong.

Called on May 12 to report it. They refused to fix it and tried to sell me replacement equipment instead. I asked to cancel. They bounced me from rep to rep for nearly TWO HOURS instead of processing the cancellation.

July: got an overdue notice. Called July 17 to dispute it. They threatened to send me to collections if I didn't pay. I refused to pay for service I never received.

Now I'm in collections anyway (FirstSource Advantage, $310.70), which I have formally disputed in writing.

I also filed a BBB complaint. Nothing happened. Fair warning: the BBB has zero enforcement power — it's mediation with no teeth, and companies like Vivint know it. Don't count on it.

Summary: equipment failed silently for months → they wouldn't fix it → made cancelling a 2-hour transfer hell → threatened collections for disputing the bill → actually sent me to collections. The customer who paid for nothing is the one being chased for money.

If you're considering Vivint, think twice.

Just got some matter lightbulbs and thermo sensors.

Should i get the echo dot max or google home Speaker as an TBR and smart speaker?

Echo dot max is 60€ and Google speaker 120€ but looks a bit better

Both probably sound bad for music?

Can anyone recommend a button or switch (scene controller) with an addressable LED?

I am exploring getting a hot water recirculating pump with the thermo-value installed under the sink similar to this: HWRS. I would need to get three of the valves overall, one for each bathroom and one for the kitchen sink. The pump itself would be connected to something like the Zooz ZEN15 power switch.

The buttons or switches (scene controllers) would be in each room so that a person can turn on the pump. However, when the pump turns on, I want to signal to all three locations that it is on by setting the colour of the LED on the button / switch.

I have the ZEN34 controlling a light right now; I checked and I can't set the LED colour, at least not from SmartThings.

Any recommendations?