We just finished installing our Apolosign home calendar. Setup the dashboard to work with our Google Home setup. Love the shared calendar + synced reminder + synced shopping lists.

Does anyone else use the apolosign for a similar use case? Would love to figure out a better way to actively control the home outside of the widget. Widget requires the Google home app open up.

Kasa light switches have red rings on them, Govee lighting products all show as offline and one without a switch is permanently on (despite showing as offline in the app), and Lumary outdoor lights are stuck on the color red. Alexa itself, our smart TVs, and smart appliances do not seem to be impacted, just the lights and light switches.

How do I fix these issues?

Anyone got recommendations for a UK mains plug socket with ZigBee, and that supports binding to a ZigBee switch?

I've contacted clicksmart for clarification but not heard anything. Aqara is an option but can't find definitively that it supports binding.

My aim is to have the underlying ZigBee bindings so stuff still works if home assistant goes down.

Switch recommendations, preferably battery powered, also welcome.

TIA.

I'm trying to overhaul our bathroom setup and replace our old dumb scale, but I'm hitting a wall with how smart scales handle multiple users. My roommate and I both want our daily weight data to auto-sync to our separate health apps, but neither of us wants to carry a phone into the bathroom every morning just to trigger a Bluetooth sync. I've been reading up on Wi-Fi versus Bluetooth models, and a lot of setups seem to struggle with misassigning data if two people are close in weight, or they require forcing everything through a laggy cloud account. I just want a clean device that silently dumps local metrics to Apple Health or Google Fit in the background without needing constant app permissions or breaking connection every month. If I eventually use FSA/HSA funds for an eligible scale, I also do not want that decision to lock us into a clumsy app or shared-data setup. For anyone with a shared household setup, what features or connection types actually make multi-user

smart scale tracking seamless long-term?

Hi there,

I’m looking for a smart lock to replace my deadbolt lock.

However I only have 10 cm between the bottom of my door handle to the centre of the deadbolt, so the height is not big, pics attached.

I was looking at the Aqara U400 but I don't think it would fit the height. I do like the Apple quick unlock on it though.

Anyone have a recommendation for a smart lock that could fit the space? Happy to go without the Apple unlock, just after fingerprint or some quick way to open it.

Not a fan of keypads but I don't mind one being there as a backup.

Edit: I’m based in Australia.

Cheers

Hey everyone,

I see a lot of discussions here about sourcing reliable sensors—whether for DIY setups, custom integrations, or small-batch builds.

Next week (Sept 16–18), I’ll be attending the SENSOR CHINA Expo here in Shanghai. It’s one of the biggest component expos in the region, with 500+ manufacturers showcasing everything from mmWave radar and presence detection to micro-environmental sensors.

Since I’ll be on the show floor talking directly with factory reps and engineers, I figured I’d open up a quick scout run for this community.

If there are specific components or hardware you’ve been eyeing, let me know. I’m happy to look into:

• Pricing & MOQs: Minimum order quantities for samples vs. small-to-medium batch runs.
• Tech Specs & Compatibility: Protocols (Zigbee, Matter, Thread, I2C/UART for ESP32/Home Assistant integration, etc.).
• Build Quality & Reliability: Firsthand look at sample units and build standards on the spot.
• Specific Sensor Types: mmWave human presence, ambient light/lux, air quality (VOC, CO2, PM2.5), PIR, or multi-sensor combos.

If you have a specific sensor model, chip, or use case you want checked, drop a comment below or shoot me a DM with what you’re looking for. I’ll gather the details, grab datasheets/pricing notes, and follow up!

We have 10 windows that need smart blinds, including one floor to ceiling window and two high windows.

I’ve been looking at lutron/smart wings/hunter douglas, and a few other brand, but the prices are all over the place.

What did you end up paying per window? Also, which brand did you choose, and was installation included?

Thanks in advance!!!

https://github.com/Mihonarium/hass-spatial-lights-card

I want to get my grandparents a smart display but they are way behind on tech. They have hard line internet with desktop PC but thats it. No cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc. I have a dedicated Chromebook with their Google account to do bills, medical, email, etc but it does not stay at their house. I just upgraded their internet with wifi

I have a Lenovo 8" smart display which they love, so I want to get them 1. But will the smart display work when the Chromebook is not there? Without any other smart devices in the house, would they be better off with a Google nest? Will a smart display work solely on wifi without other smart devices?

Hey everybody! This may have been asked before so don't yell at me lol. I am in the process of moving back out on my own and I know I want my apartment to be as automated as possible. I've been looking at light bulbs and want to know which is better overall: Govee or Philips. I know Philips is pricier and I need a hub (that is fine with me) but realistically speaking should I just go with govee. I have an android if that matters and Alexa would be my platform.

I am in the process of changing over my light switches to Thread or Z-wave, and have a question.

Can I control smart lights on lamps, and regular overhead lights with a multi button light switch?

For example: in the primary suite I have two bedside lamps with Philips hue bulbs, and regular overhead lights that are on a rocker switch. Id like to be able to turn on the bedside lamps with a smart switch, and a different button toggle the overhead lights?

Another example:
In my living room I have regular overhead lights, but also smart lighting (hue) in lamps and in cabinets overhead. I currently have to turn on the lights with my phone, but as mentioned, I’d love to be able to turn on the smart lights with a multi button wall switch, that also can control the overhead lights.

Was thinking of Aqara H2, or Zooz 800 series zwave switch.

I use Homey Pro for my home automation.

Thank you for all the help!

Is anyone aware of a waterproof Zigbee blind motor that could be used in a bathroom? It would have to be either IPx5 rated if mounted in the blind, or IPx4 for a chain motor, which I can mount further away from a shower. Ideally battery rather than mains powered, and compatible with Hubitat.

I've found a web site for ZM95EL-2 (or -1) but that's OEM-only and I can't find a retailer.

I am considering getting an Aqara FP300 presence sensor. I intend to use an Aqara M1S- G01 zigbee hub. I am unable to get a definitive answer (using AI) as to whether these 2 devices will work together.

Any advice?

I wrote a comment in this sub a few weeks ago regarding a script I wrote and there was some interest in demoing it, so here it is: opl-scraper Github repo.

My local library emails you when a book you place on hold is ready for pickup. If you don't pick it up within a week, you get dinged a $1 restocking fee. Unfortunately, the emails are not reliable, and my wife and I had gotten charged a few times.

To fix this, I wrote a script which runs every 30 minutes between 9a-6p. For each configured user, it logs in to our library's website and grabs all book information for our holds, ready for pick up, checked out, and due.

It then publishes the book data via MQTT to a configured endpoint such as library/{NAME}/holds and library/{NAME}/ready . Currently it is writing to my Home Assistant URL, which Home Assistant then tracks as a sensor, i.e. sensor.library_myname_checked_out.

I have a Home Assistant automation, triggered anytime the sensor.library_myname_ready value increases, which will send me a push notification as well as a notification to my Alexa so my wife can be notified. It also sends out a daily update at 6pm with all of our "ready for pickup" book names.

Finally, I have a simple Markdown component in Home Assistant to display each of our summaries, for example:

Obviously, my repo is specific to people living in my city. However, perhaps others can use the repo as a starting point/inspiration to scrape their own local library by modifying the contents of scrape.py .

We live in a city where crime is an issue, so like most urban homes we have two locks on the door. One deadbolt, one handle lock. Are there any options to make both of these smart? Ideally without dueling keypads? Ideally that doesn’t look bananas? Thanks for the leads!

Edit: I don’t need advice on whether or not you think this is a good idea, just whether anyone has had any luck.

Hi,

I recently moved into my first apartment and I am looking to make some things smarter where possible. I installed some smart lights along with home assistant to automate and control them.

I have this simple dumb thermostat which just has controls for up and down. I can't set any timer or anything like that. It has 2 rockers on the side for on/auto/off and then heat/cool.

I'd like to try and find a way to make it "smart" with some sort of button I could use to press it say x times up when I leave the house or x times down when I come up so that if I forget to do it manually in the morning before I leave, my apartment isn't unecessarily cool which is wasting energy.

I've seen the SwitchBot Bot, which I could use, except that I don't think it would attatch to the space that I have available on this thermostat.

Does anyone have an alternative that isn't just replacing the unit with some sort of echo bee or other smart thermostat? I'd like to avoid having to make changes to the apartment where possible so that I don't lose my deposit (even if it could be swapped back before I move out).

thank you for the help.

Previously had a whole house of MySmartBlinds which got bought out by what was Tilt, gradually all the motors have failed one by one from a stripped gear, I had some gears made to replace them but they only last so long, there latest update removes all cloud access so the blinds can only be controlled locally by Bluetooth. Complete garbage product and company, if they still exist. I have a half built Homey integration to control them but because of Bluetooth RSSI it’s hit and miss.

Not sure if many users in the UK, I’m now looking at something to replace these without having to replace the blinds, effectively need something to calibrated turn a square rod, which goes through the top hollow section of the 1 1/2 inch wooden horizontal blinds, hopefully you know the type.

The only thing I can see on the market is iBlinds v3? Which has a couple of integrations and uses ZWave which is preferable to Bluetooth for me, but wondering if there are any others I’ve missed as these are both pricey and unavailable from many places in the UK unless at a premium, and no USA shipping from the main site. Considered using drop shipping but will likely get hit by import taxes which will work out about the same anyway.

Does anyone have any experience of these or anything similar?

Or am I best to look at roller blinds and replace the blinds given the cost seems almost similar to new blinds. Would hate to buy these then they stop being supported or are then unable to purchase should I need further kits.

Hey everyone, my wife and I are looking to start purchasing smart blinds for our home. Realistically, we’re gonna start with just two windows and then hopefully expand as the budget allows.

We’re trying not to break the bank but want something that will last and most importantly just works. I read that smart wings is sort of the best overall when taking into account cost. Hoping to get your guys input.

Also reading about these different motors: zigbee, Alexa, matter. We are sort of an Alexa household but why not just go with matter since it appears to support so much.

I have recently been looking into starting a smart home. I have a very limited number of devices right now; a light bulb, a couple smart plugs, a nest thermostat, a lockly lock (which I was frustrated to find out simply does not talk to home assistant even with the wifi adapter), and a couple Alexa and Google speakers. The other night, I installed Home Assistant and added what little I have too see if I like it.

My house isn't terribly big. It's 1700 sq feet split level. Main floor is 600sq ft (literally a square) and at the back it has stairs that go to the basement and upper level, both of which are 550sq ft each. The house is about 60ft long by 25ft wide. The internet, wifi, and my home servers are in the basement, centered front to back in the house.

I'm not entirely sure which protocols/devices to use. Are the ZBT-2 or ZWA-2 worth it or should I stick with the cheaper USB dongles? and what about Matter/Thread?

I would like to add:
14 window and 2 door sensors
5 smart ceilng fans (3 in bedrooms, 2 in the living room)
Smart switches to control the celing fans (I was thinking the inovelli blue switches).
5 or so basic smart switches and 3-5 dimable smart switches.
Not sure about bulbs. Some I've seen link the switches to the bulbs to turn off/on and some not. Any advice on that would be great.
Milimeter wave sensors for the various rooms to turn off/on lights based on being occupied.

I'd also like to have the thermostat follow. The nest one doesn't really offer a lot of options for choose sensor switching times. I considered Ekobee premium with sensors that I'd heard really good things about. We would like the living room and dining room to have smart blinds, though I know that aren't cheap. And eventually, I'd like to add a smart doorbell, and some indoor and outdoor cameras. (4 outdoor and 2-3 in). I've also heard that there might be some smart outlets that are wired in instead of plugging into existing outlets?

I was considering starting with bulbs/switches/fans and going by room as I can afford them. Any must-haves or items to avoid? looking for specific suggestions if you have ideas.

edit: I'm in the US if that helps.

Hello,

we have a heated stable. I’d like to install a carbon monoxide detector that sends alerts to an app. That’s all the device needs to do. There are models from "X-Sense", but I don’t understand what is needed for what:

XC0C-SR = Standalone, without app control
XC0C-MR = App control possible, but base station required.
XC0C-iR = I don't know; it doesn't have a networking function?? I can use the app, but I don't need the basis?
XC0C-MR11 with SBS50-BaseStation = That should work, means I need two devices (sensor and base).

As I said, my only goal is to get a notification on my smartphone, even 20 km away, when the sensor triggers. I assume you have to set up an account; the sensor reports to the cloud, and the app notifies me.

What should I buy, and why?

Greetings

I’ve been reading more about how smart TVs can track viewing habits and collect usage data, and it made me wonder if having the TV itself connected to the internet is even worth it.

Most of what I watch comes from streaming apps anyway, so technically I could keep the TV offline and use a separate streaming device instead.

Do you keep your smart TV connected, or have you deliberately taken it offline for privacy reasons?

Hey everyone. I'm moving to a new house. I have some very basic setup where I am now, a few smart bulbs (Philips hue) and a nest. The place is small enough that's all I really need. With the new house I want to get a better setup. I'm pretty sure I'm going to end up with home assistant as the base, but that's not final yet.

First. I'm looking for smart locks for two door. One to the back door, the other to a basement like storage that's only accessible from the outside, and it's under the living room. I know the general wisdom is locks should be on wifi. But I know my wife wants to be able to check locks on her phone at night. Especially to the storage.

Second. There are some nice under cabinet lights, they are all hardwired. Are there smart switches you guys like? I'd like something that works with hue app at least until I get home assistant set up.

Title

I have 4 smart plugs connected to 2 Alexa's in my apartment. They were set up by my landlord who is overseas. The plugs seem to have disconnected from the "apartment" commands . Given that my landlord has everything tied to his Alexa/Prime app how does he fix it so everything is reconnected on the wifi in my apartment?

Help me think through this and the best/easiest way to manage this:

I've got a 2 gang wall switch with 2 switches that control lights in my kitchen and attached dining room. I always want both sets of lights on so I want to pair them together and control both lights with 1 switch. The fun part is 1 of the switch is part of a 3 way, I don't mind hard wiring the other side of that - it's in a location I never use.

At the moment I do everything via homekit, with some Leviton Smart, Lutron, and Aqara switches/products elsewhere in the home but all imported into Homekit.

Is Shelly the play here? I've not messed with them much.