4 packs meross Smart Plug Works with HomeKit Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant AU$72.24
Code: G6B9N3H4
CamelCamelCamel.
They do, I just set one up this week. It's fantastic!
How hard is it to set up and where did you get yours from?
Got it off Amazon, the non Homekit version for $70.
Set up was super easy, hardest part was placing the door sensors but still not bad.
All up probably 30 mins including Google assistant integration setup.
I did one too last month. Mine was an older B&D and it still worked, just fiddly getting the wires in. $50 during Prime sales.
Generally quite straight forward, but if you have a roller garage door, the installation location of the reed switch sensor can be a bit tricky since the provided sensor type is designed for sectional garage doors.
@YellowKnight: Of the reed switch sensor? Not from Meross, will have to get it from another supplier. They're fairly common though, just Google "roller door reed switch".
Roller door reed switches are generally mounted on the bottom of the door and concrete floor and is sealed and weatherproof.
Do you have a roller garage door?
Can one install custom firmware on these?
If they are the same as the MSS310 just without the power monitoring then no.
I just got a few and was disappointed to find they don't use an ESP8266 chip. See here for more info.
Still looking for a good smart plug with power monitoring that can run Tasmota.
If you find any please post somewhere. I am looking for the same, although would be running esphome.
I want to attach one to washing machine so I can receive HA notification when it finishes cycle.
How do these compare to the kogan ones?
No idea about Kogan ones, I have been using a few of them for the last year. And they have been pretty solid. Always responsive, unlike my Lifx.
$60 @ Bunnings
only differences I can see is the home kit compatibility? As an android user I think the arlec one is just the same
I was thinking the 4 pack of arlec grid connect From Bunnings aren't a bad deal.
For $72 I'd want energy monitoring and they look very wide and bulky. No use if they block out the next plug
Yep, and if you have powerpass its even cheaper.
What good powerboard would you recommend for The usual AV gear, tv, soundbar etc? 550 joule protection?
@G-rig: I use this one in my study that allows individual control of each of 4 outlets, plus one alway on outlet.
Have also successfully flashed this one with Tasmota.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-grid-connect-smart-5-outle…
Think you'll be hardpressed to find any relatively affordable ones with rated surge protection. This one has safety overload switch, but doubt it specifically has a rated surge protection.
I use in combination with a plug in surge protector at the powerpoint.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-plug-in-power-surge-protec…
There is a version with dual USB charging ports (Type A & C), total 3.4A as well.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-grid-connect-smart-4-outle…
Haven't got one, but there is an entry in Tasmota templates, suggesting it probably is flashable.
https://templates.blakadder.com/arlec_PB88UHA.html
There is also a new version with 4 outlets and global on/off for all outlets at once, that is about half the price of two above.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-grid-connect-smart-4-outle…
However, posts on <community.home-assistant.io> suggest it has newer firmware and cannot be flashed to Tasmota.
There may also come a time when new stock of the two above has newer firmware and can't be flashed, so if you were in the market, would probably get one sooner rather than later.
Another alternative is to have one of these plug in controllers at powerpoint, then attach any old (non-smart control) surge protected power board to that.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-grid-connect-smart-plug-in…
This is what I do for my lounge room entertainment system (TV, android box, amp, game console), as don't need individual control i.e. when I turn on, I want it all to get power at the same time. Internals of the Arlec plug, seem much better at handling power surges than an Aldi (Bauhn) one I had, as would frequently have the breaker trip on main powerboard outside with the Aldi when timer turned everything off, but not once since changed to Arlec.
@opposablethumbs: Thanks was meaning to reply yesterday - sounds like a few good options there depending on ones needs.
The question is how much of a good surge protection board/plug do you need, its meant to be quite a few storms this summer (in BNE)? The basic decent ones are about 175 joules, good belkins etc are 525-650.
After a lot of looking around it seems the grid connect range from Bunnings is probably the best for the price with the least hassle. I noticed that 4 outlet version for $20 which seems like a good deal if want all on/off but may as well use a normal surge protected board and a single smart plug at the wall or a single surge protector and board/smartboard like you say.
Definitely thinking a four pack of single smart plugs for $60 is pretty decent and just use one on odd devices.
I've got a good Crest Earth saver powerboard from back in the day that has a master outlet, two always on and the rest peripherals (plus a coax in/out). I've kind of got the entertainment system split in two, the master is good for my DAC which has a hard on/off button so when i turn that on both powered speakers and chromecast audio come on. Will use that board for this and hoping a smart plug in the master socket will allow to remotely turn it all on/off (with voice).
I found I need a few more always ons, so will run everything else from a new power board. Not so concerned about standy energy (tv $5 per year etc), but wondering if it's worth putting on a timer during the day just so stuff like the google tv are always 'warm'. Also not sure if just putting the Google TV on a smart switch will wake up the connected devices (Google TV -> Soundbar (HDMI) ->TV (HDMI ARC), or put all on a smart board.
Wouldn't mind getting the router and modem on a surge protector too.
Cheers,will have to settle on something soon, haha
@G-rig: The ideal setup for your needs usually requires a bit of tinkering and experimentation, but once you get there is then set and forget.
My main use is to reduce standby power on a lot of older but still high quality gear. Standby power use is pretty good for new devices these days, but was still substantial a few years back.
I have multiple timers set through the day for times when least likely to be using and even if I get an all off while still using, is easy enough to turn on again or turn a timer off if I remember in time from phone or computer.
Not sure if you want to go the Tasmota flash route, as these will work out of the box with any generic Tuya app, even if you don't want to use Arlec's Grid Connect app. Can always go the Tasmota route later, once you see they work for your usage. I just didn't want my network passwords effectively leaky through something connected to a third party cloud, but I am much more paranoid about security and data harvesting than most. Some routers (e.g. with DD-WRT firmware) allow you to setup Virtual Wi-fi interfaces with separate SSID and password to your main network so connected devices won't see the security details of the rest of the network.
I started with one TP-link plug (decent but not flashable), then Aldi Bauhn flashable cheapies that kept tripping my circuit breaker after an all off and finally settled on the Arlec range - flashable, plus quality and price-wise about the best bang for buck I've seen.
Enjoy the journey :-).
@opposablethumbs: Thanks will turn into a fulltime hobby, but trying not to get into it as i'm just renting this unit, however most should be transportable. My bro is going all out, he has solar and panels/switches everywhere plus a rasberry pi to manage it all.. pretty cool will have to check it out. I'd be happy with not having to turn on the DAC manually but the master/slave has been good all these years, stuff turnint speakers on separately
Will havet o look into that, sounds like time to get a few arlec bits while can still flash them. The only other smarts i got is a xiamoi x1 fan (home can turn on/off), the Chromecast with Google TV is great (have built in android tv but bit old, couldn't power off with voice), and cc Audio.
Mainly just want some wake/morning lamps for winter after being impressed with my phone screen going from orange to yellow, works great in winter to get up. The e14 smart colour bulbs seem a bit expensive
cheers!
@G-rig: Going way off topic, but if you're after RGB lamps, have played with ones below and are also Tasmota flashable.
Not using for main lights so can't really say how reliable they are for daily use, but not much else decent around this price point.
https://www.harveynorman.com.au/connect-smart-10w-e27-rgb-le…
https://www.harveynorman.com.au/connect-smart-10w-b22-rgb-le…
Have also used these E14>E27 adaptors for non-smart lamp and have been solid to date.
www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07DWVTSCN
Standard E14 lamps are usually pricier than they need to be, so don't expect any nice prices for smart lamp versions.
If just for daily wakeup/sleepy time, could avoid having to use the E14 socket and adaptor if just use one of the RGB lights above in a cheap lamp near the bed, for same effect.
Even if only a little bit of a tinkerer compared to your brother, can guarantee that once you get started becomes a bit of a hobby :-).
@opposablethumbs: Hi mate, after all that, today exchanged the e27 bulbs for E14, turns out Harvey Norman have some for the same price lol.. much better. Sending the adapters back to amazon.
https://www.harveynorman.com.au/connect-smart-5w-e14-rgb-led…
All works well just need to know how to link a scene or something to become morning/sunrise lights, not sure if a 3rd party app, but eveytime try to add to the routine it just asks to authorise the already linked apps again, sign in and doesn't appear to do anything else. I think home now includes gently turn on / off lights.
Still bit of tinkering and experimenting as you say :)
@G-rig: There you go, hadn't actually looked for E14 on HN website.
At 5W will be significantly dimmer than the 10W E27 & B22, but if is just for mood setting then am sure will do the job and not stick out too much (like it does a bit with the adapters).
Even has a template if you ever want to go down the Tasmota flashing route.
https://templates.blakadder.com/connect_smarthome_CSH-E14RGB…
Saving that, Tuya Smart is good generic app for any of the Tuya-based devices.
@opposablethumbs: Yeah mate 5W is plenty for bedside tables, could easily read with them etc. I found the bigger bulbs (E27) great but their lowest wouldn't be dim enough (in white at least) but mostly they stuck out too far. These suit the frosted ikea lamps i already had :)
Still great for $15 IMO, crazy how much some brands are, and no bridge/hub needed still. Although are 'offline' now for some reason.
Sounds interesting will have to look into it - cheers for that
Just received these today. Setup takes seconds and so far app is easy to use and everything works great. Installed 2 already, one for floor lamp and other for garden lights.
Would buy again.
any idea about it working with HomeAssistant?
Homekit control for turning my Vornado DC fan on and off would actually be handy. Wonder what else I could use the other three for.
Shame can't adjust fan speed and direction on those, I got one too in the living room :).
Wouldn't mind one to turn the coffee machine on in the mornings, takes a while to heat up
Pretty happy with these ones from Arlec, available at Bunnings.
Can also confirm can flash these to Tasmota with OTA Tuya Convert.
Enables me to control everything over my home wifi network, without the need to connect to any third party cloud service.
Single with 2.1A USB charger $15.99
https://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-grid-connect-smart-plug-in…
4-pack (without the USB) $60
https://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-grid-connect-smart-plug-in…
Better than some generic ones I had from Aldi, that seemed to trip the circuit breaker on my powerboard if too many appliances were attached and turned off at same time.
Oh these look good. Can you link to the instructions to flash these please?
Depends on what device you will use to do the OTA flash.
Raspberry Pi is probably simplest if you have access to one, but can use Linux or other systems if connected to wifi.
Home automation and setting up for your own network with Tasmota or ESPurna is a bit of a rabbit hole with a decent learning curve.
Haven't found any one great source of info, but recommend just starting the journey by searching for "OTA Tuya Convert".
The first flash will take you a bit of trial and error, but once you've set it up, then becomes very easy for any subsequent devices.
Doesn’t mention HomeKit.
I don't do Apple - goes against all of the DIY customise ethos that is the point of me getting off the cloud.
However, if you are so inclined, just Google search "arlec grid connect apple homekit".
I’ve tried HomeKit workarounds before and they aren’t smart solutions, more like hacks.
@AustriaBargain: If you try the search term I indicated above, then you will get lots of links to pursue yourself, including this one.
Arlec specific Grid Connect free app in the Apple App Store with 4.6 star rating.
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/grid-connect/id1443698968
Doesn't look like a workaround to me.
What I was talking about was an affordable, relatively widely available & cheaper, similar product that I have used successfully and flashed with Tasmota to get off the cloud, so I can control on my own home network.
I don't know if Apple allows you to do that. I steer clear of them as my experience with their products and ecosystem is the opposite of what I want i.e. endless abilty to allow the end user to configure/hack/customise as they see fit and stay off the cloud if they want to.
As I have said, I don't do Apple - but if you want to, then please try a Google search.
@opposablethumbs: But don’t HomeKit compatible devices just appear in the HomeKit app, without needing a third party app to mediate.
@AustriaBargain: Have attempted to be polite and even helpful until now.
I have simply given direct advice about a product that I use, have flashed to Tasmota and can now control on my home network without need for connecting to the cloud.
However, if you haven't got it yet, WRT to Apple and Homekit, don't know and don't care.
You're the Apply guy, please do your own research.
@AustriaBargain: Feel free to keep reinforcing all the stereotypes about Apple users that are already prevalent.
If OTOH, you actually have anything to contribute from your own research or real world experiences with this or other smart home devices on your chosen platform, feel free to share with the OzB community so that some might gain something useful from it.
For the handy man. The "Sonoff Basics" are also nifty (& cheap) for small things like fans etc.
Example Only: take a short power extension lead Or powerboard), and insert the Sonoff between plug and sockets making the lead or powerboard wireless. It does require splicing the cord (leave earth uncut and can run around the outside of Sonoff box thus earthing still exists. Then rewire the spliced ends into the Sonoff. Yes I know, in Australia requires electrician for such work!
Why cut the cord and not just use the smart plug between the power point and the power board? I don't understand what you're achieving.
Edit: nevermind, I see you're talking about a different product.
these look bulky, can i fit another one next to it if i were to use it on a power board?
Don't these guys also make smart garage openers?