The SmartThings automatic rules or actual automation capabilities, such as lighting automation, home monitoring, general push and text notifications, as well as the aforementioned CoRE are provided by SmartApps that need to be installed from the Marketplace menu. Despite this internet dependency, direct device control is very responsive, with hardly any perceptible delay. Many of the hub’s automation triggers are still able to operate if your internet connection is lost, however, you will not be able to directly control your devices from your mobile device without an internet connection, even if you are connected directly to your home network. The software has been fairly stable for me, although the mobile app is at times bewilderingly confusing. In general, I’ve been pleased with the SmartThings Version 2 Hub. SmartThings SmartTiles Web Client running on an otherwise unused iPad. I also added a virtual switch device handler to the hub and defined it as a “Rain Mode” that can be toggled by current weather conditions via IFTTT for incorporation into garden watering rules. ![]() For IOS and Android users – and those with more complex scenario needs, the free CoRE (Community’s own Rule Engine pioneered by Adrian Caramaliu) allows for extremely sophisticated rules and triggers. For Apple IOS users, the $9.99 Smart Rules is a very straightforward way to add simple rules to your devices. There are a couple of 3rd party rule engines available that fill this glaring gap in the base system. After adding my devices, I also installed a user developed Rule Engine using the SmartThings IDE. Some of the most useful capabilities for the SmartThings hub come from user-developed content. SmartThings has a very strong user community that is constantly improving the base capabilities of this unit using the SmartThings web-based Integrated Development Environment (IDE) based on the Groovy language. ![]() The SmartThings interface has a convenient method to first exclude your Z-Wave devices from any previous network, so I did not need to manually reset the devices or even access the hub that was controlling them before. Within minutes of setting up my account, I was able to add several of my existing wall switches, energy monitors, flood sensors, and a Nest thermostat to the hub. Initial set-up requires that you connect your hub to your home network via its ethernet port, download the mobile app for either Apple IOS, Android, or Windows mobile, and set-up an account on the SmartThings cloud. The back of the unit includes a reset switch and unlabeled ports for the power adapter, ethernet, and two USB connections, which Samsung says are for future USB expansion capabilities. Samsung claims about 10 hours of battery-powered hub operation in the event of a power outage. I am using a Linear FS20Z-1 Z-Wave relay and SmartSense Multi Sensor for my Garage Door automation and these are the steps I took to work around the V2 issue.The package contents include the 5″x4.5″x1.25″ hub itself, a 5V, 2A AC/DC power adapter, ethernet cable, the SmartThings Hub Quick Start Guide, and 4 AA batteries (which gives the otherwise featherweight unit enough heft to keep it from flying away in a strong wind). If you have any trouble setting this up or any other questions, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I know this isn’t the most elegant of solutions, but it should be effective in the mean time while we cook up something nicer. Just connect the devices and tell me what models they are and the names you gave them in SmartThings. I am more than happy to do this for you if you’d like. ![]() Depending on the specific sensor and garage door controller you’re using, it may be necessary to manually change the device types in the web interface to get proper functionality.Now where it says “select a device that will appear at the top of the Room’s list” you can add either the controller for easier button-pushing or the sensor for easier status-viewing (personally I prefer having the sensor there). ![]() Optionally you can tap the menu again and hit Edit Room. Tap the controller to open/close the door and look at the status of the sensor to indicate whether the door is currently open or closed. You now have the controller and the sensor grouped in the room.Tap Add Devices to your Room and select the sensor and garage controller.Call the room Garage (or whatever you want.Create a new room by tapping the 4 square (My Home) button at the bottom, going to to rooms tab, tapping the menu button in the top right, then Add a Room.For now the best solution we’ve got for setting up a garage with a controller and a sensor on the door is this: We are currently reviewing our garage door implementation to make it work as well as we possibly can (we’re considering adding lasers, but we’re on the fence about it still).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |