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Free HomeSeer HS3 (Pi3) Home Automation Software AD SUPPORTED (Ad-Free Version Normally USD $99)

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Free HomeSeer HS3 (Pi3) Home Automation Software AD SUPPORTED (Ad-Free Version Normally USD $99)
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bigrizz on 04/07/2019 - 08:42 shop.homeseer.com (5273 clicks)
Last edited 05/07/2019 - 08:30

UPDATE: Thanks to a couple of observant OzBargainers, it should be clarified that the version on offer here is ad supported where the ad-free version is on sale at USD $79. It's not easy to discern that unless you trawl the listings on their website, which is a bit sneaky. So it would be disingenuous to say that this version was ever USD $99. I have no idea why they say it's only available until 10 July nor how obtrusive the ads are. Generally, once configured, you tend not to visit the desktop often, so I'd suggest it's probably not that big a deal, unless they're pushing obnoxious ads to the mobile app as well. Someone that has tried might care to comment.

ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION:
HomeSeer is offering their HomeSeer HS3 for Raspberry Pi3 for free until 10 July. It's legitimately normally USD $99. A couple of times a year, they offer a 50% discount on their software. I've never seen this for free. Particularly nice since it is the current software version.

Yes, I know there are free alternatives. HomeSeer is more plug-and-play than the current crop of open source options, so best suited to those who don't have the time or inclination to learn how to script routines or trawl forums to find solutions to issues. Free is free. Try it along with the alternatives and decide for yourself. I've got a spare Pi3 kicking around in my drawers, so that's exactly what I'll be doing.

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closed Comments

  • sjp770 on 04/07/2019 - 09:04
    +2

    Grabbed it thanks - might try it one day but im in that other group of people that is already setup. But free is free right?

  • SnowDragon on 04/07/2019 - 09:31
    +5

    Looks like I need to buy a Pi3 now.

    • Chandler on 04/07/2019 - 12:39
      +3

      Looks like I need to buy a Pi3 now.

      Looks like I need to buy a Pi4 now.

  • Cousin IT on 04/07/2019 - 09:32
    +2

    Just an FYI, this free version includes HomeSeer Ads.

    • josh3003 on 04/07/2019 - 09:33
      +11

      Heh, so run pihole along side it :)

    • timi2fly on 04/07/2019 - 09:47
      +1

      So is this version different from the standard Pi3 paid version?
      Are you talking about email advertisements or targeted Google ads?

      • Cousin IT on 04/07/2019 - 14:54

        The website indicates that it has ads, the video of the product shows ads across the app screen.

  • josh3003 on 04/07/2019 - 09:33

    Thanks

  • Clear on 04/07/2019 - 09:39

    Makes sense why they would make this free with HS4 in development and the release of the Rpi 4.

    • magic8ballgag on 04/07/2019 - 16:52

      Not really, the release of a new RPi doesn't make all previous models obsolete, they could still very well charge X amount of dollars for HS3.

    • Anubis on 04/07/2019 - 09:45
      +4

      Are you saying you could easily code this version of HS3?

        • Anubis on 04/07/2019 - 09:54
          +1

          Its far more complicated than just getting status though, it actually does have automation flows built and of course plugin infrastructure…

          • bestbarginever on 04/07/2019 - 10:03
            -7

            @Anubis: That automation flow (if the loop and if else statements are what it is) can be coded if you know programming straight - no need to build a translation/interface layer just for that.

            That will reduce the "automation" software to just get/set of device status.

            Device support may be the tough nut to crack here but absolutely doable once you have the know how to interface with a few vendor products

            • [Deactivated] on 04/07/2019 - 10:59

              @bestbarginever: Let us know how you go

              • bestbarginever on 04/07/2019 - 11:02
                -3

                @[Deactivated]: I am setting up a github repo as we speak. do you have a github account that I can share with you?

                • idonotknowwhy on 04/07/2019 - 12:21
                  +2

                  @bestbarginever: You going to make it open-source and link here?
                  (If you do, link ping me here).

                  I think you'll find it a bit more work to get your scripts as polished as this product, but I know where you're coming from.

                  It sometimes shits me how bloated garbage like slack, which just made irc a web interface, gets so much positive attention lol. But then I remember, slack is easier for most people to just pay and use…

                • cerealJay on 05/07/2019 - 00:19
                  +1

                  @bestbarginever:

                  do you have a github account that I can share with you?

                  Github account is not needed to download from github.

                • billy bass on 05/07/2019 - 11:24
                  +1

                  @bestbarginever: if it takes you this long to set up a github repo, i think it will be a while before we see your version of HomeSeer

            • Andoes on 04/07/2019 - 11:47
              +2

              @bestbarginever: Go do, then come back here and give away all your work for free.

              • Chandler on 04/07/2019 - 12:41

                @Andoes:

                then come back here and give away all your work for free

                That's basically what this deal is…

            • kasp on 04/07/2019 - 17:29

              @bestbarginever: I mean that's true but how long does polishing to the point it is nice to use for an end user take?

              People are paying for the interface to not spend hours and hour of messing around.

              Just because you could do it as well doesn't diminish the value of a product.

    • timi2fly on 04/07/2019 - 10:10
      +2

      How long would it take you to easily code something equivalent to HS3?

      • timi2fly on 04/07/2019 - 10:13
        +1

        Actually re-reading your comment I doubt you have used HS3 fully.

      • plmko on 04/07/2019 - 10:14

        Apparently the equivalent value of 'free' because it's easy.

      • expertreader on 04/07/2019 - 11:14
        +2

        Sounds like he is proud of his coding skills ..good for him. But a lazy ass like me needs all the free software I can get so I can make use of my $40 pie today instead of learning to code for 6 months.

        • bestbarginever on 04/07/2019 - 14:20

          Yeah. That's why the software industry is still relevant today.
          In fact that's how all trades work - you trade something you have for something you don't

          • magic8ballgag on 04/07/2019 - 16:54
            +1

            @bestbarginever:

            In fact that's how all trades work - you trade something you have for something you don't

            Exactly, so your original comment suggesting everyone here should just code it themselves seems a bit silly now, doesn't it?

            If we all just learnt how to do everything ourselves, there would be no economy in Australia.

            • bestbarginever on 04/07/2019 - 17:00

              @magic8ballgag: Did I suggest that? hmm…….
              "if you are good in javascript this can be easily coded using existing open source libraries."

              • magic8ballgag on 04/07/2019 - 17:05

                @bestbarginever: Doesn't that go without saying for every service/trade? "If you're good at electrical wiring, you could just install the AC yourself!"

        • Major Mess on 04/07/2019 - 14:27
          +2

          Or just install Home Assistant which is always free and has a larger user base.

          • K1LL3R12 on 06/07/2019 - 07:11

            @Major Mess: This comment was what I've been looking for this whole time. +1 for Home Assistant which I was running on my Raspberry Pi 2 Model B very easily. Had no issues after upgrading from Raspberry Pi 1 B.

            Ditched that config a while ago as built my own server, but had it running fine for about 2 years.

  • elitistphoenix on 04/07/2019 - 09:44
    +12

    Got it. Though will probably stick with home assistant

    • josh3003 on 04/07/2019 - 09:45

      Yeah interested to see the difference between this and home assistant.

      • Anubis on 04/07/2019 - 09:49
        +2

        HA is a bit more hands on, but supports more devices and of course its all free. This has a price attached to most useful plugins…

    • boomramada on 04/07/2019 - 10:15
      +1

      I don't know about HomeSeer although home assistant is well maintained and easy to get community support. Yes, you need to learn yml scripting.
      Based on google search, this is basic version, which mean HA be way better than this. Plus HA way more customisable.

      • whats up skip on 04/07/2019 - 10:27
        +1

        I was surprised how much you need to use the YML script in Home Assistant. Coming from using Node Red, I thought it was supposed to be much more user friendly. I wouldn't bother with HomeSeer though.

        • XeSSiV on 04/07/2019 - 10:39
          +1

          Version 1.00 is set to reduce this considerably. I'm already set up but it sure would get more people on board with less fiddling. God knows how many hours I've spent on config files lol.

        • boomramada on 04/07/2019 - 10:57

          Configuration isn't that hard but creating automation conditions are the head spin. I'm getting better at it and so is my automation :)
          Make sure always to keep a backup, sometimes upgrading can kill old settings.

        • mattyman on 04/07/2019 - 23:03

          HomeAssistant used to require a lot of YAML coding but they've significantly reduced the need for that now as they're prepping for a 1.0 launch. I've started moving my automations (from YAML) over to the NodeRed plug-in in my install. Where I need to use YAML still the Visual Studio code plug-in makes things super easy.

      • Major Mess on 04/07/2019 - 14:28

        But only a little, and there are lots of examples to use as a template. An editor that checked the syntax would make it easier.

  • homersyd on 04/07/2019 - 09:46
    +3

    the download link for the Pi3 version is broken:
    https://www.homeseer.com/updates3/hspi3_image_070319.zip

  • cholas on 04/07/2019 - 09:47

    Got it too, but still probably will go with home assistant… who knows in the future. Thanks OP

    • jackwoz on 04/07/2019 - 10:11
      +3

      Im looking forward to seeing how HA looks when it finally hits version 1

      • Major Mess on 04/07/2019 - 14:29

        @jackwoz What can't HA do for you at the moment?

        • jackwoz on 04/07/2019 - 14:41

          Its perfect for me. I know when i first started though it was a complete head fu*k. took a while to get used to and im sure other beginners will find it the same.

          There a few niggly issues which seem to arrive each and every time i update, which is a bit annoying.

  • Maz78 on 04/07/2019 - 09:49

    Anyone used this or can compare it to Hass.Io?
    I don't have the time or patience to delve further into Hass.Io to further customise some of my basic devices. Is this a better alternative to those who CBF learning YAML and the like?

    • timi2fly on 04/07/2019 - 09:54

      I’ve used both and this is way ahead in terms of ease of use. No languages to learn. The phone UI is the main downside I see although their new app has improved this significantly.

      • XeKToReX on 04/07/2019 - 12:37

        HSBuddy is the app to use

    • Nuggets on 05/07/2019 - 11:09
      +1

      HA is almost at the point where you don't need to code anything ever to use the software.

      • tomlut on 06/07/2019 - 02:14

        True but there are still major breaking changes afoot.

        Don't get me wrong, it's my automation system of choice but man it's changing fast.

  • tlattouf on 04/07/2019 - 09:54

    I've ran a few different homeautomation controllers/software over the years and HS3 is by far the easiest. I can do a little scripting and coding but I just dont have the time. Running over 20 plugins with HS3 and another plus is the direct or cloud option. Definitely recommend it.

  • timi2fly on 04/07/2019 - 09:55

    Is there any reason this wouldn’t work on the new Pi4? I’m running a version on Pi3 at the moment and all works well. Extra speed of Pi4 couldn’t hurt.

    • Skinah on 04/07/2019 - 10:20

      Pi4 is still too new, a lot of projects don't work and it will be a few weeks to months before the projects catch up to the new hardware. I'm guessing the free version that is being given away will not work on the pi4 unless you pay for an upgrade.

  • samburner3 on 04/07/2019 - 10:10

    I am a Javascript software dev and even Hass.Io was too much fiddling to get setup, HS3 is very nice as it has inbuilt event management and has lots (although not all free or as many as Hass.io).

    Supports scripting etc. Plugins are written in C something (++ or #) not my cup of tea. However there is a plugin that allows rest api access with HS3, is very nice for me as a web dev.

    I have a large LED sign in my room running on another pi in Node.js that communicates with HS3 thanks to the rest API plugin. It works very nice.

    • mynameisborat on 04/07/2019 - 10:15

      What does the Led sign show you? If the door is open for example?

      • samburner3 on 04/07/2019 - 10:29
        +1

        Temperature (both outside and in the room),
        yes door status via connected alarm system when opened,
        real time bus timetable in the morning for my local stop
        clock :p
        weather alerts and summary for day in morning

        is all I have for now, serves its purpose well. Also auto adjusts the brightness in relation to room brightness.

        They have a great forum also. here is the post re LED sign https://forums.homeseer.com/forum/homeseer-products-services…
        Yet to post my recent updates.

    • Skinah on 04/07/2019 - 10:17

      If you know JS, then check out Openhab which is opensource and allows you to write your automations in JavaScript if you prefer. With extra functionality there usually comes more complexity and this is why the two main opensource projects take more time to learn, simply because they do more if you find value in doing that.

      • oz-stef on 05/07/2019 - 09:24

        I'd suggest for JS devs Node Red is even better than Openhab…

  • hypie on 04/07/2019 - 10:14

    Can you use something like this with Samsung SmartThings to have everything occur locally or does that defeat the purpose?

    • XeSSiV on 04/07/2019 - 10:41

      If it's an automation hub then yes you can! Try it out, and also try out Home Assistant, and see what works best for you! Hope you've got time on your hands :P

  • Forfiet on 04/07/2019 - 11:13

    No love for openhab?

  • loginid on 04/07/2019 - 11:52

    Does this work with Xiaomi stuff?
    Merci!

  • HKS on 04/07/2019 - 12:20
    -6

    got it so i can never use it. put in fake info kek, some random person will get a text from homeseer about their products.

    • XeKToReX on 04/07/2019 - 12:39
      +1

      What a genius move!

    • bigrizz on 04/07/2019 - 13:03
      +1

      Was that before or after you set fire to the neighbour's letter box? Have a neg from me on behalf of that random person.

      • HKS on 04/07/2019 - 13:43

        after

    • duketing on 04/07/2019 - 14:49

      So That was you!!! ;^p

  • duketing on 04/07/2019 - 15:27

    How did you guys pay at checkout? when I select paypal , it wants to charge us$0.01. Is that what you all got?

    • duketing on 04/07/2019 - 20:20

      ok.. do not go through express checkout… use the normal go to payment method at the very bottom and next page will not charge you.

  • SBOB on 04/07/2019 - 19:03

    one of these days ill end up setting up home automation
    saving for that eventual day ;)

  • fez on 04/07/2019 - 20:52

    ordered , probably won't use, dont have a pi

  • chiuy on 05/07/2019 - 05:47
    +4

    It's misleading to claim that this ad supported version was ever sold for $99.

    You can get the no ads version for $79.

    Hard place an accurate dollar value on an ad supported version.

    • bigrizz on 05/07/2019 - 07:07

      Yep, I agree. I didn't know what you were on about, so I went back to their website and looked deeper into the links. It does indeed look like there are two versions now. I don't know how obtrusive the ads are bit still, it should be clear that it's not the ad-free version. I'll amend when I get to a computer later today.

      MODS: should I expire this deal or just amend to clarify?

  • dan2k on 05/07/2019 - 11:01
    +2

    Thanks OP. Will check it out.
    I wouldn't want a Pi3 kicking around in MY drawers, those corners are really sharp!

  • whirlpool_guy on 08/07/2019 - 13:39

    Sneaky web site - Says a lot about how the business operate. Buyer beware

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