I’ve set up a relay that lets me control my garage door with a simple voice command. It’s especially handy when my hands are full.
Mason said:
I’ve set up a relay that lets me control my garage door with a simple voice command. It’s especially handy when my hands are full.
Is it secure though? Couldn’t someone else just shout the same command to open your garage?
@Erick
It uses a unique code word that isn’t commonly known. Plus, I get instant notifications whenever the garage door operates.
Mason said:
@Erick
It uses a unique code word that isn’t commonly known. Plus, I get instant notifications whenever the garage door operates.
Sounds convenient as long as it’s secure!
@Erick
And if someone steals my TV, I’ll just get a better one. But honestly, I wish someone would take my leaky fridge!
I developed a sensor for my fountain to monitor water levels and prevent it from running dry. It’s a complex setup involving a 3D printed part, a micro air pump, and a pressure sensor, all managed by a Raspberry Pi.
Chart said:
My setup includes automated dust collection in my workshop, air quality monitoring, and even bed sensors that trigger various automations based on occupancy.
The bed sensors sound intriguing. How do they work, and what do you use them for?
@Chart
That’s really smart! I’m always looking for ways to enhance my home automation. And it’s reassuring to know the doors are locked without having to check.
My ‘Cinema’ automation dims the living room lights to 10% and the nearest hallway light to 45% when I turn on the TV in the evening. It creates the perfect movie-watching ambiance.
For Halloween, I connected an animatronic skeleton to my smart home system using ESPHome and NodeRED. It’s a hit every year!
In my professional capacity, I’ve installed float sensors in outdoor vaults to detect water levels, and humidity sensors in apartments to prevent mold growth due to high humidity.
I’ve automated my electric Christmas decorations and even my home’s ventilation system using ESPHome. Here are some links to my projects: Automate Christmas decorations | vd Brink Home Automations and Control an Orcon mechanic ventilation system from Home Assistant | vd Brink Home Automations
My setup includes a Eufy controller for our sunroom awning, connected to Alexa for easy voice control. I’ve been wondering whether all smart devices really need to be interconnected.
I have water sensors in my basement linked to my Nest security system. They alert me to leaks or if the temperature drops too low, which could freeze pipes.
One of the quirkiest devices I’ve seen is the Quirky Wink egg tray. It connects to the internet to tell you how many eggs you have left. Here’s where you can find it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GN92KQ4
The first smart device I got was an egg tray from a defunct platform. It used to tell me how many eggs were left in the tray. It was quite innovative for its time!
I’m currently working on a DIY project to create sensors for our home’s deadbolts to check if they’re locked. Also, I’m developing a detailed gas sensor that can identify specific volatile organic compounds, beyond what typical air quality monitors can detect.
@Herman
You might want to consider an August smart lock. It replaces only the interior part of your existing deadbolt, so it’s perfect for rentals.
Harrison said:
@Herman
You might want to consider an August smart lock. It replaces only the interior part of your existing deadbolt, so it’s perfect for rentals.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely look into the August smart lock.
I have a relay system attached to my furnace’s humidifier to automatically adjust the humidistat based on the weather forecast to prevent window frosting.