Google Home - Home Automation (Need ideas and suggestions)

UMSEEE on 26/07/2017 - 09:45
Last edited 26/07/2017 - 09:46

Hi All,

I recently bought Google Home and with that bought a few Lifx bulbs through the deal that was posted on ozbargain.

From there I started reading more and more about home automation.

The next thing that I'm trying is to control my IR Devices ( tv, dyson fan, split ) through google home.

So far what I've read is that the only way to get that done in a cost effective way is to get broadlink rm pro and Raspbery Pi.

First question:
1. Is broadlink rm pro + raspbery pi the best+cost effective solution to go with?

Second question:
2. What are other brilliant things that I can do with reference to home automations? That are cost effective too

Any ideas and help will be much appreciated:)

Regards

Computing Google Speakers Voice Assistant

Comments

  • sane on 26/07/2017 - 09:59
    +1

    OK, all you really need is a server that's going to be on 24/7. The RaspPi can be used in that role, but personally I have a NAS/Server that can run dockers.

    On that you run a central control system - I use Home Assistant - that can control stuff, AND take in information. You put the smarts in there. HA can control the Broadlink RM Pro, which can control IR and RF devices (remote mains switches).

    The Google Home, or Amazon Echo just end up being voice input devices, which is not where Google wants to be - however they haven't delivered anything so far that's much cop (excepting casting to chromecasts).

    Unfortunately making the smarts is still a programmatic thing at the moment - it's not idiot friendly. However you can do things like recognising you are nearing home and turning on the lights, opening the garage doors, etc. if you put the effort in

  • IdBuyThat4aDollar on 26/07/2017 - 10:28
    +1

    I also run Home Assistant but on raspberry pi. I don't have Google Home yet, not sure if I need one but I may buy one down the track.

    On HA you can pretty much script whatever automation you can think of based on what components (eg. lights, remote, etc) you have added to it. I have simple ones like turn on certain lights when I arrive home if its after sunset etc.

    This will show you some examples https://home-assistant.io/cookbook/

    • UMSEEE on 26/07/2017 - 10:45

      Does that mean that I will need to buy home assistant + bridge too? To do what I want to do?

      • IdBuyThat4aDollar on 26/07/2017 - 10:50
        +1

        Home assistant is open source you just download it.

        What do you mean by bridge?

        • UMSEEE on 26/07/2017 - 11:33

          Sorry my bad, I read somewhere about ha bridge. Wasn't you.

  • mooney on 26/07/2017 - 11:52
    +4

    I have executed exactly what you have listed. All you need to achieve it is the following:

    RM mini 3 (got these for less than $15 each)
    Android phone or tablet (to act as Tasker server)- I use Xiaomi Redmi 4A (was $120 delivered)
    Tasker app
    Autovoice app (requires $12 per year subscription for natural language functionality)
    Broadlink RM plugin.

    Works absolutely flawlessly for me.

    I have an RM Mini in every room now. Can control anything that uses a remote control via my phone or via voice. Its nice to say 'Ok Google, goodnight' and have my google home shut everything down for me. It shuts down the airconditioners in kitchen and living room, my tv and stereo, my study lamp. After 5 minutes it turns the lights off in the living room, then finally after 15 mins it turns off my outside light.

    • UMSEEE on 26/07/2017 - 12:14

      A naive question(Sorry): is there a way to do it with iPhone or apple device?

      • mooney on 26/07/2017 - 14:02

        Unfortunately no. You need the tasker app which isn't available for iPhone. Iphones are too locked down. I have an iPhone myself so had to get an android phone to do the work.

      • allenhori on 20/08/2017 - 17:01

        Home Assistant + Homebridge to let Siri do similar stuff, not sure if it works 100% like described eg. Shutdown everything by saying goodnight etc. you can definitely control individual devices. Search Hassbian + Homebridge

    • sane on 26/07/2017 - 21:25

      I tend to suggest the RM Pro since you can control RF remote mains switches as well with them. Maybe a combo if you want more than one IR control.

      And if you use Home Assistant, you don't need the android device, task, or anything else. The HA component works directly with the RM Pro.

    • mgrogan on 27/07/2017 - 07:23

      Does the air conditioner/tv/lamp devices have anything special for them to be controlled, eg. would 3 year old air conditioner be OK?
      Thanks :)

  • AdrianW on 26/07/2017 - 14:26

    This is probably the least cost effective method - but it certainly works well: Get a Harmony Elite remote, these can control all your IR and bluetooth devices (TV, receiver, LIFX lights, etc) so you can control them all physical buttons on the remote. And you can then link the Harmony hub to your Google Home (or Amazon Alexa) and control things by voice as well.

    • UMSEEE on 26/07/2017 - 15:30

      I thought about that but just that on its own would cost about 450$? Please correct me if I am wrong

    • SirFlibbled on 27/07/2017 - 09:53

      hmm I didn't realise you could control your harmony via voice. I have one but haven't invested in a Google Home because I couldn't control my tv via it. Sounds like you can.

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