Home automation

[BenGrimm]

Recently bought a Smartthings starter kit and a couple extra accessories like a siren and an IP camera for self monitoring home security.

So far everything has connected pretty smoothly. When I've tested setting off alerts the notifications on my phone have very little delay.

The app is a little weak though. It's not. Very intuitive on how to customize routines or find where to add new things.

Anyone else do any home automation? I'd be interested to hear about useful ways to expand the system.

 

[Freak]

What comes with the starter kit?

I've been looking into a smart thermostat that I can control from my phone.

 

[BenGrimm]

What comes with the starter kit?

I've been looking into a smart thermostat that I can control from my phone.

2 door/window sensors, 1 motion detector, and a plug you use to automate lights or appliances with.

It's compatible with Nest. I want to get one eventually.

It's also compatible with Amazon echo to use voice commands to control connected devices.

 

[joevol33]

What comes with the starter kit?

I've been looking into a smart thermostat that I can control from my phone.

I'd like that.

 

[Aavoxx]

I'd like a Nest and then some Nest compatible fans from Big Ass Fans. They run at variable speeds based on what your thermostat is set at.

 

[BenGrimm]

Smartthings is having a 20% Sale through June 4th for any that are interested.

Overall I'm digging the system. Still haven't had chance to dive in beyond the basics yet. I did get a Samsung smartcam (cert refurbished to save money) which connects to the system but only for live viewing. The camera has a built in motion sensor which triggers recording to a microSD BUT to access that feature as well as others such as 2-way mic you need a separate app. Plus it doesn't trigger any of ST automations so there is very little reason to have it connect to the system. Seems silly considering both are Samsung products.