Guest Casey Liss, an independent application programmer, joins the show to discuss automation, from home automation in the 1970s to Shortcuts now. Topics include early home automation systems, Lutron switches, situational automation triggers, troubleshooting tips, using Home Assistant for unique automations, and automating pool check-ins.
Automating lighting to create smooth transitions in daily routines.
Using situational triggers for more efficient and seamless automations.
Experiencing issues with HomeKit automations and exploring alternative solutions.
Utilizing HomeBridge to integrate non-HomeKit devices into the smart home system.
Creating automation to check pool occupancy and receive push notifications.
Setting up alerts for open garage doors using HomeBridge and Pushover API.
Deep dives
Automating Lights for Morning Routines
I have automated the lighting in our house to create a smooth transition from morning to evening routines. For example, when my wife wakes up early, the pendant light over the sink turns on at a dimmed level. When the kids are about to wake up, the light brightens up to 100% and the living room lights turn on. This provides cues for us and makes the space more comfortable.
Situational Automations
I have started using more situational triggers for my automations. When the TV turns off, the outdoor lights automatically come on so that our dog can see when she goes outside. Additionally, when my wife turns off her bedside lamp, it triggers the outdoor lights to turn off as well, signaling that it's time for bed. These situational automations make our daily routines more efficient and seamless.
Troubleshooting HomeKit Automations
I have been experiencing some issues with my HomeKit automations, particularly with my presence-based triggers. Sometimes, my iPhone doesn't register that I'm at home, causing the automations to not run reliably. I have tried some troubleshooting steps, such as changing the location sharing device in Find My and rebooting my devices. However, I still need to explore other possible solutions, like those offered by Home Assistant.
Using HomeBridge for Device Compatibility
I have found HomeBridge to be a useful tool for adding non-HomeKit devices to my smart home. It allows me to bridge the gap between different ecosystems and bring them into HomeKit. Although HomeBridge can be a bit fiddly to set up, it has helped me integrate devices like my garage door opener into my smart home system.
"Is the Pool Busy?" Automation
Last summer, my family joined a local community pool. To avoid crowded days, I created an automation that periodically checks the pool's website to see if it's busy. Using a web scraper, it gathers information about the pool's occupancy and sends me a push notification if it's too crowded. This automation helps us plan our pool trips better and ensures a more enjoyable experience.
Automating Garage Door Alerts
I have set up automations to alert me if the garage door is left open. Using a combination of HomeBridge and Pushover API, I receive push notifications whenever the door is open for an extended period. This provides an added layer of security and helps me keep track of the door's status even when I'm away from home.
Smart Dehumidifier Automation
I have turned my dehumidifier into a smart device using a smart plug and a humidity sensor. With this setup, the dehumidifier turns on automatically when the humidity reaches a certain level and turns off when the desired humidity is reached. This automation helps maintain optimal humidity levels in our home without manual intervention.
Progressing with Home Assistant
While Home Assistant has a steeper learning curve, I'm considering giving it another try due to its flexibility and power. The ability to create intricate automations and leverage advanced features makes it appealing for advanced users. I truly believe that Home Assistant could take my smart home setup to the next level and offer more customization options.
Finding a Balance with Home Automation
While home automation offers countless possibilities, it's important to strike a balance between functionality and complexity. Some automations, like timed light controls and basic routines, can provide immense value without diving too deep into advanced setups. It's up to each individual to determine the level of automation that suits their needs and comfort level.
The Future of Home Automation
With the advancements in smart home technologies and the emergence of standards like Matter, the future of home automation looks promising. As more devices become compatible with home ecosystems and the tools for automation become more user-friendly, we can expect a smoother and more integrated smart home experience.
Conclusion
In summary, my home automation journey has involved a mix of situational triggers, troubleshooting, and integrating non-HomeKit devices using solutions like HomeBridge. I have explored automations for morning routines, pool occupancy checks, garage door alerts, and more. While I continue to fine-tune my setup, finding a balance between functionality and complexity is key. With the ongoing advancements in home automation technologies, the future looks bright for seamless and integrated smart homes.
Automating Pool Check-Ins
The speaker created a shortcut that uses website data to determine how busy the pool is. By pulling data from the website, the shortcut can provide a real-time estimate of the number of guests at the pool. The speaker then integrated the shortcut with voice assistants, allowing them to simply ask if the pool is busy before deciding to go.
Automating Device Charging
Another automation discussed involved receiving push notifications when devices needed to be plugged in for charging. By setting up an automation that checks the battery level of devices and sends a notification if it drops below a certain percentage, the speaker ensured that their devices, especially their children's iPads, were always adequately charged. This automation also used push cut to clear the notification once the device was plugged in, providing a seamless experience.
