SmartThings, WebCoRE and SONOS

I love my SONOS devices. Problem is that the integration between SmartThings/WebCoRE and SONOS leaves a lot to be desired. Enter jishi’s node-sonos-http-api. A cool and simple NODE.JS that allows you to really fully control SONOS via WebCoRE.

Xbox On, Shades Down

With my new Fyrtur blinds, I am now able to set an advanced scene for movie time. The windows in my dining room are southern facing and the sun comes right into my living room. During the day, the glare is horrible and makes TV viewing unwatchable.

I installed a Zooz Power Switch Zen15 on my Xbox and now when the Xbox comes on during the day, shades go down.

The way I’ve done this is to do two pistons.

Fyrtur – SmartThings Device Handler

Before the Fyrtur Shades are paired to SmartThings, you will need a Device Handler. Would also highly recommend setting the Maximum Drop on each shade individually as part of the setup process so that the Device Handler sees shades at Maximum Drop as closed.

Fyrtur

I’m back. To talk Fyrtur shades from Ikea. They are easy to install, and even easier to get integrated into Home Automation. If you are not familiar with them, they are blackout blinds from Ikea that are Zigbee compatible. They are a part of the TRÅDFRI line of products,

Sonos Setup

Time to talk Sonos. I love my Sonos Devices. I have either a Playbar or Playbase attached to each of my TVs, and some form of Sonos speaker in every room of my house. They are great sound, fill a room, and infinitely configurable. While they are a bit expense, I get a sweet discount as a Microsoft employee.

I found a clever way to hook up my work Surface Book to the Sonos Devices so that while I am on conference calls, I can have the audio play throughout the house.

Party Mode

One of my favorite things about home automation is simplifying repetitive tasks. Before SmartThings and WebCoRE, I had a list of things I would do prior to having a party. Things like make ice, shut off the Ring Chime, set the temperature, disable presence light sensors in the main party area, and unlock doors.

Ring Camera Alerts

Ring has retired their Windows Phone app, so I have used WebCore, IFTTT to simulate some of the functionality. At the same time, I am working towards less notifications and being less governed by my screens. So when the app was working (I do have it on a spare Android phone), it has a Snooze Feature which is pretty nice.

Roomba 980

I have a Roomba 980, named Caprica 6 which services my two bedrooms and study.

I work from home and am conference calls a lot, so I needed a way to control the Roomba so that when SmartThings knows that I have an upcoming meeting it does not trigger the Roomba to run.

Ring Chime

I really like my Ring Stickup Cameras (sadly no longer on the market) and Ring Floodlight Camera. They are all fairly good video quality, charged by solar panels and generally pretty good quality. They are all tied into a single Ring Chime which alerts me when there is motion.

Keen Air Vents

I’ve purchased three Keen Smart Vents. They are very clever vents that are Zigbee controllable.

They use 4 AA batteries that are supposed to last for 2 years and even have a replaceable air filter on them.