Home Automation Bargain Alerts thread - No General Chat

Shefwedfan

If your buying the bulbs, is it better to buy the hub or buy the Echo Plus with embedded hub?

bk

Shefwedfan wrote: »

If your buying the bulbs, is it better to buy the hub or buy the Echo Plus with embedded hub?

Buy the Hub, it will give you far greater power and versatility.

Shlippery

ablelocks wrote: »

3 bulbs deal of the day offers at amazon again

Excellent, just picked up 3 white ambiance b22 ones for my parents house to get em started, is there much functionality lost with just the bluetooth? Will likely pickup a cheap hub on Adverts.

snowstreams

Shlippery wrote: »

Excellent, just picked up 3 white ambiance b22 ones for my parents house to get em started, is there much functionality lost with just the bluetooth? Will likely pickup a cheap hub on Adverts.

There are often people selling the hubs cheaply on adverts because they got extra hubs with some of the amazon deals.
That's how I got started, a €25 hub and a spare hue bulb my brother gave me when he moved apartments!

The high horse brigade

snowstreams wrote: »

There are often people selling the hubs cheaply on adverts because they got extra hubs with some of the amazon deals.
That's how I got started, a €25 hub and a spare hue bulb my brother gave me when he moved apartments!

We should also warn you that it's starting you off down a bad road of buying bulbs for no reason other than they were on offer....(*_*)

Shlippery

The high horse brigade wrote: »

We should also warn you that it's starting you off down a bad road of buying bulbs for no reason other than they were on offer....(*_*)

I've 18 hue bulbs in my 1 bed apartment.

I massively only bought these because they were on offer and want the luxury of Hue functionality when I stay at my folks house :pac:. I'll be damned if I use a light switch again.

Gumbo

On the lookout for some Sonoff S26 plugs if anyone sees any offers.
They are for my dad, who I bought 3 for last year and he uses with the eWelink app so i'm thinking keep the same or any that will work with that app. Don't want to have him using separate apps for separate plugs.

Thanks.

Del2005

kceire wrote: »

On the lookout for some Sonoff S26 plugs if anyone sees any offers.
They are for my dad, who I bought 3 for last year and he uses with the eWelink app so i'm thinking keep the same or any that will work with that app. Don't want to have him using separate apps for separate plugs.

Thanks.

Banggood

6,62€ 42% OFF]SONOFF® S26 10A AC90V-250V Smart WIFI Socket CN/US/UK/AU/DE/FR/BR/CH/IL/IT Wireless Plug Power Sockets Smart Home Switch Work With Alexa Google Assistant IFTTT Electronic Accessories & Gadgets from Electronics on banggood.com

https://banggood.app.link/sHaeZmZ2v2

Shefwedfan

bk wrote: »

Buy the Hub, it will give you far greater power and versatility.

Ok but if you are using non Phillips device then you will need a separate one? correct? thanks

Gumbo

Del2005 wrote: »

Banggood

6,62€ 42% OFF]SONOFF® S26 10A AC90V-250V Smart WIFI Socket CN/US/UK/AU/DE/FR/BR/CH/IL/IT Wireless Plug Power Sockets Smart Home Switch Work With Alexa Google Assistant IFTTT Electronic Accessories & Gadgets from Electronics on banggood.com

https://banggood.app.link/sHaeZmZ2v2

Thanks.
That's where I bought the first lot too.

VUDuo2

I was looking for an indoor Hue motion sensor, £30 on Amazon UK, €43 in Argos or €36 in Arnotts.
Some other Hue yokes marginally discounted in Arnotts

lucast2007us

With the Hue bulbs as technically the switch has to be on the whole time in order for them to work, are they using power even when they are off (no light on) but switch still in on position?

AndyBoBandy

lucast2007us wrote: »

With the Hue bulbs as technically the switch has to be on the whole time in order for them to work, are they using power even when they are off (no light on) but switch still in on position?

Yes, they use less than 1w (about 0.7w) when powered on, but not lighting. Its a very minimal amount, and as someone with over 50 bulbs installed in the house, with them all 'powered on', it might be an extra €3-€5 per year in electricity costs..

bk

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Ok but if you are using non Phillips device then you will need a separate one? correct? thanks

Which non philips devices would you be talking about?

I'd stick with Hue for everything, Hue light bulbs, Hue motion sensors, Hue switches, etc. I find sticking all to the same brand gives you the best and most reliable experience.

If you mean using things like motion and door sensors for other uses then lighting, then yes, you need a different hub for those (e.g. Smartthings, etc.).

Of course you can still integrate them at a higher level using software, like IFTTT, etc.

When first starting out, almost everyone (including myself) thinks that the one hub to rule them all would make for the best experience. Most of us quickly find that this leads to a much poorer experience * and you are better off just using the dedicated hubs and integrating instead at a higher level.

* I'm not including the likes of Home Assistant, etc. in this, they can be great, but take time and expertise to set up.

flexcon

bk wrote: »

Which non philips devices would you be talking about?

I'd stick with Hue for everything, Hue light bulbs, Hue motion sensors, Hue switches, etc. I find sticking all to the same brand gives you the best and most reliable experience.

If you mean using things like motion and door sensors for other uses then lighting, then yes, you need a different hub for those (e.g. Smartthings, etc.).

Of course you can still integrate them at a higher level using software, like IFTTT, etc.

When first starting out, almost everyone (including myself) thinks that the one hub to rule them all would make for the best experience. Most of us quickly find that this leads to a much poorer experience * and you are better off just using the dedicated hubs and integrating instead at a higsher level.

* I'm not including the likes of Home Assistant, etc. in this, they can be great, but take time and expertise to set up.

I must say I found your post interesting.

At this point I have a mixture of Philips Hue, Alexa, Knockoff Chinese Plugs, Wyze cams and IFFT, etc all running around the house and it can be sometimes slow or non responding.

I am now thinking of just going all in iKea Tradaffi for my lighting, and getting philips hue on amazon discounts for my "colour" lights and strips since both use Zigbee. Also I have two of ikeas smart plugs and they are great for a tenner really and now homekit enabled I believe, so really keeping the options open.

And sticking with Wyze for cameras and sensors.

Shefwedfan

bk wrote: »

Which non philips devices would you be talking about?

I'd stick with Hue for everything, Hue light bulbs, Hue motion sensors, Hue switches, etc. I find sticking all to the same brand gives you the best and most reliable experience.

If you mean using things like motion and door sensors for other uses then lighting, then yes, you need a different hub for those (e.g. Smartthings, etc.).

Of course you can still integrate them at a higher level using software, like IFTTT, etc.

When first starting out, almost everyone (including myself) thinks that the one hub to rule them all would make for the best experience. Most of us quickly find that this leads to a much poorer experience * and you are better off just using the dedicated hubs and integrating instead at a higher level.

* I'm not including the likes of Home Assistant, etc. in this, they can be great, but take time and expertise to set up.

I have Sonoff plugs. I suppose I am struggling a little with the cost of the Phillips bulbs. Seem expensive but I might just have to bite the bullet on them and check it out.....just dont tell the CFO

flexcon

Shefwedfan wrote: »

I have Sonoff plugs. I suppose I am struggling a little with the cost of the Phillips bulbs. Seem expensive but I might just have to bite the bullet on them and check it out.....just dont tell the CFO

Try Ikea Tradaffi. It runs on Zigbee and is now homekit enabled too if you were inclined to go that way. 10euro for a bulb or plug is great

If you have the philips bridge already, you dont need their bridge.

Shefwedfan

flexcon wrote: »

Try Ikea Tradaffi. It runs on Zigbee and is now homekit enabled too if you were inclined to go that way. 10euro for a bulb or plug is great

If you have the philips bridge already, you dont need their bridge.

Does it integrate with Alexa? :-)

ted1

Shefwedfan wrote: »

I have Sonoff plugs. I suppose I am struggling a little with the cost of the Phillips bulbs. Seem expensive but I might just have to bite the bullet on them and check it out.....just dont tell the CFO

Lots of good smart bulbs that use WiFi out there. They don’t require a hub and seem to have better response times than hue

Alkers

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Does it integrate with Alexa? :-)

Yes.

I have found the best setup is Hue hub and accessories but where you don't need colour bulbs the IKEA ones slot in fine. Some people have posted that they are a bit laggy but I haven't experienced this.

RunDMC

https://home.google.com/promotions?utm_campaign=GS104125&utm_source=app&utm_term=support&utm_content=AU

I just saw this in the Android forum. Free Nest Mini if you're a Youtube/Play Music subscriber. I did not get a notification from Google. It seems legit.

R

donspeekinglesh

It is legit, mine arrived yesterday.

flexcon

RunDMC wrote: »

https://home.google.com/promotions?utm_campaign=GS104125&utm_source=app&utm_term=support&utm_content=AU

I just saw this in the Android forum. Free Nest Mini if you're a Youtube/Play Music subscriber. I did not get a notification from Google. It seems legit.

R

donspeekinglesh wrote: »

It is legit, mine arrived yesterday.

Interesting I am a paid Irish customer past 2 years and it says not eligible!

Bluefoam

flexcon wrote: »

Interesting I am a paid Irish customer past 2 years and it says not eligible!

My brother received the offer today

Shefwedfan

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bulb%EF%BC%8CRGBW-Dimmable-Compatible-Controlled-Required/dp/B07ZGHDW74/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=smart+bulb&qid=1576705567&sr=8-10

These seem cheap and a mini offer if you buy 2, just wondering are these cheaper bulbs any good?

TitianGerm

Shefwedfan wrote: »

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bulb%EF%BC%8CRGBW-Dimmable-Compatible-Controlled-Required/dp/B07ZGHDW74/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=smart+bulb&qid=1576705567&sr=8-10

These seem cheap and a mini offer if you buy 2, just wondering are these cheaper bulbs any good?

As far as I'm aware they won't work with Hue.

Shefwedfan

TitianGerm wrote: »

As far as I'm aware they won't work with Hue.

Work with Alexa, I havent Hue yet

ted1

TitianGerm wrote: »

As far as I'm aware they won't work with Hue.

They work with Alexa , google, IFTT and the smart life app ( same as teckin smart plugs). Why would you need them to work with Hue?

TitianGerm

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Work with Alexa, I havent Hue yet

I don't think I'd spend £10 on one of those. I'd invest in a premium product that will last and has good support.

TitianGerm

ted1 wrote: »

They work with Alexa , google, IFTT and the smart life app ( same as teckin smart plugs). Why would you need them to work with Hue?

I thought Shefwedfan had Hue stuff already.

Shefwedfan

TitianGerm wrote: »

I thought Shefwedfan had Hue stuff already.

Nah discussing buying, but I have sonoff plugs which I can set up using app and then just push control to Alexa and sorted

I guess with bulbs it would be same

I have read review of pcmag etc and not so sure the premium products are that massively better

All I want is a bulb I can turn on off and maybe auto turn on with motion detectors

I Bought solar pv today so could do with saving a few quid

nigwerwig

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Nah discussing buying, but I have sonoff plugs which I can set up using app and then just push control to Alexa and sorted

I guess with bulbs it would be same

I have read review of pcmag etc and not so sure the premium products are that massively better

All I want is a bulb I can turn on off and maybe auto turn on with motion detectors

I spent 7k on solar pv so could do with saving a few quid

Try yeelight works great for me for the last 3 years

bk

Shefwedfan wrote: »

I have read review of pcmag etc and not so sure the premium products are that massively better

They are, the entire Hue ecosystem is seriously impressive. Easily the best Home Automation ecosystem on the market. Supports connectivity with pretty much every other device and service out there. For instance, my Hue lights work with my Yale alarm, if my alarm goes off, all the Hue lights start flashing red.

Their range of products is massive and second to non. And the quality in terms of colour temps, etc. is the best.

Having said all that, if you just want one or two simple bulbs I'm sure others will work ok too.

I tried some other cheap bulbs (ikea), they are in the trash now, happily replaced by Hue bulbs.

RunDMC

My wife also received a code from Youtube, and ordered her's for free even though we're on the same family plan. My daughter also got a code, but we haven't tried it yet.

R

Shefwedfan

bk wrote: »

They are, the entire Hue ecosystem is seriously impressive. Easily the best Home Automation ecosystem on the market. Supports connectivity with pretty much every other device and service out there. For instance, my Hue lights work with my Yale alarm, if my alarm goes off, all the Hue lights start flashing red.

Their range of products is massive and second to non. And the quality in terms of colour temps, etc. is the best.

Having said all that, if you just want one or two simple bulbs I'm sure others will work ok too.

I tried some other cheap bulbs (ikea), they are in the trash now, happily replaced by Hue bulbs.

Yes the hue system is better. If you invest in the system and the flashing red on the Yale I seen and really like

But if just comparing a bulb to a Philip bulb they are not hugely different to the non brand.

I need to decide if I want to go down the whole system route and then will go hue, but at the moment if I can just turn on/off a few bulbs I can use non brand and Alexa

Bradz213

bk wrote: »

They are, the entire Hue ecosystem is seriously impressive. Easily the best Home Automation ecosystem on the market. Supports connectivity with pretty much every other device and service out there. For instance, my Hue lights work with my Yale alarm, if my alarm goes off, all the Hue lights start flashing red.

Their range of products is massive and second to non. And the quality in terms of colour temps, etc. is the best.

Having said all that, if you just want one or two simple bulbs I'm sure others will work ok too.

I tried some other cheap bulbs (ikea), they are in the trash now, happily replaced by Hue bulbs.

How are you finding the Yale alarm? Was looking into it. Have you bothered with their smart lock?

lucast2007us

Did you have to get a electrician to disable and uninstall your old alarm?. I like the idea of the Yale alarm but I wouldn't know how to disconnect the old wired alarm and have it taken off the wall etc

punisher5112

lucast2007us wrote: »

Did you have to get a electrician to disable and uninstall your old alarm?. I like the idea of the Yale alarm but I wouldn't know how to disconnect the old wired alarm and have it taken off the wall etc

No you wouldn't.

Leave it all there if ever you were to return.

To disable you would need to pull the fused spur if fitted and remove the battery so it won't continue to sound.

If your original alarm is working would you not consider upgrading to a more modern wired as it's mostly already there.

randomname2005

bk wrote: »

They are, the entire Hue ecosystem is seriously impressive. Easily the best Home Automation ecosystem on the market. Supports connectivity with pretty much every other device and service out there. For instance, my Hue lights work with my Yale alarm, if my alarm goes off, all the Hue lights start flashing red.

Their range of products is massive and second to non. And the quality in terms of colour temps, etc. is the best.

Having said all that, if you just want one or two simple bulbs I'm sure others will work ok too.

I tried some other cheap bulbs (ikea), they are in the trash now, happily replaced by Hue bulbs.

Is it a standard Yale alarm, something along the lines of:
https://www.screwfix.ie/p/yale-premium-alarm/7338x
?

Thanks,
RN

bk

Bradz213 wrote: »

How are you finding the Yale alarm? Was looking into it. Have you bothered with their smart lock?

I'm pretty happy with it. But it isn't perfect, it has pros and cons versus a full professional system. Main cons being no 3g backup comms channel and no shock sensors.

However I think it is very good value for money. However I'd say once a system comes along that ticks all the boxes, I'll upgrade then, but I'm pretty happy to use this for a few years until more smart alarm systems come out and mature.

No, I haven't gotten their smart lock. I don't think it would fit my home.

lucast2007us wrote: »

Did you have to get a electrician to disable and uninstall your old alarm?. I like the idea of the Yale alarm but I wouldn't know how to disconnect the old wired alarm and have it taken off the wall etc

I just left my old HKC system in place and just don't use it. Probably not the prettiest with two PIR's in each spot, but to be honest I never notice and the missus fortunately is pretty geeky too and doesn't care about it.

You could remove the old system if you want, but I'd leave the cables in place, could be useful for future use.

randomname2005 wrote: »

Is it a standard Yale alarm, something along the lines of:
https://www.screwfix.ie/p/yale-premium-alarm/7338x
?

Thanks,
RN

No, I've got the Yale Smart Alarm:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yale-Smart-Living-Home-Alarm/dp/B01I549JFO/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=yale+smart+alarm&qid=1576781587&sr=8-6

There is a newer version of this now, looks more attractive and has some extra features:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yale-Smart-Alarm-Works-Amazon/dp/B07FR78X16/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=yale+smart+alarm&qid=1576781587&sr=8-5

The alarm at Screwfix looks to be quiet an old fashioned system, I wouldn't recommend it. 433MHz wireless devices and phone dialer rather then modern app monitoring.

punisher5112 wrote: »

If your original alarm is working would you not consider upgrading to a more modern wired as it's mostly already there.

I considered upgrading my old HKC 812, however it was going to cost at least 3 times as much and involves ongoing monitoring fees. It is certainly an option worth considering, but I wasn't happy with the idea of spending relatively so much on a system that is sort of outdated. Not that Yale is perfect either, but at least as a stopgap for a few years, it is much cheaper. And with the money I saved I also bought a bunch of IP security cams.

I don't mind spending €1000 on a professional installed wired alarm system, but I want one that isn't already pretty outdated, one that I'd be happy with for at least 10 years. Now that Yale's parent company owns HKC, hopefully we will eventually see a system that combines the best of both systems.

Shefwedfan

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leyuee-Compatible-Wireless-Control-Devices/dp/B0824TWBSJ/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?keywords=smart+bulb&pd_rd_i=B0824TWBSJ&pd_rd_r=487a3f8f-a82e-4b28-ba33-830d638a40a4&pd_rd_w=3ofkC&pd_rd_wg=I6MxW&pf_rd_p=7dc56c0d-8a5f-4d97-9143-7233b106859a&pf_rd_r=PY5C6J0JY4HD88NTF6FY&qid=1577013968

So just looking at stuff, these come out at 29 pounds with delivery. Might be good to someone. You should get option to get a 20 pound voucher off them which reduced them from the 49.

No idea if good or bad. I might try them or buy more Sonoff

chuck eastwood

Shefwedfan wrote: »

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leyuee-Compatible-Wireless-Control-Devices/dp/B0824TWBSJ/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?keywords=smart+bulb&pd_rd_i=B0824TWBSJ&pd_rd_r=487a3f8f-a82e-4b28-ba33-830d638a40a4&pd_rd_w=3ofkC&pd_rd_wg=I6MxW&pf_rd_p=7dc56c0d-8a5f-4d97-9143-7233b106859a&pf_rd_r=PY5C6J0JY4HD88NTF6FY&qid=1577013968

So just looking at stuff, these come out at 29 pounds with delivery. Might be good to someone. You should get option to get a 20 pound voucher off them which reduced them from the 49.

No idea if good or bad. I might try them or buy more Sonoff

Much larger unit than the Teckin plugs and a tenner more expensive. Deal almost every week on Teckin plugs. I've been using them for about two years now and no issues.

Smart Plug WiFi Outlet TECKIN Mini Plug Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and IFTTT, Wireless Smart Socket Remote Control Timer Plug Switch, No Hub Required 4 Pack https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07JFJQ3ZP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Fu1.Db2ASQZA5

Shefwedfan

chuck eastwood wrote: »

Much larger unit than the Teckin plugs and a tenner more expensive. Deal almost every week on Teckin plugs. I've been using them for about two years now and no issues.

Smart Plug WiFi Outlet TECKIN Mini Plug Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and IFTTT, Wireless Smart Socket Remote Control Timer Plug Switch, No Hub Required 4 Pack https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07JFJQ3ZP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Fu1.Db2ASQZA5

I have been using the Sonoff.....have 6 so far.....I was using lamps around the house and turning them off/on using alexa.

Now going to bridge into the bulbs.


The problem I am starting to see with the Sonoff, If you using them regular to plug things in/out they dont seem to last. One is broken now so it wont let you push a plug in.....

chuck eastwood

Shefwedfan wrote: »

I have been using the Sonoff.....have 6 so far.....I was using lamps around the house and turning them off/on using alexa.

Now going to bridge into the bulbs.


The problem I am starting to see with the Sonoff, If you using them regular to plug things in/out they dont seem to last. One is broken now so it wont let you push a plug in.....

The quality of any sonoff unit I have used is Piss poor. Silly amount have failed or not connected at all. have a few switches wired in above lighting cabinets etc where I can easily get to. They are cheap unreliable and are known to be knock off units in so many cases. For safety reasons I wouldn't by more.
I'm going to try a few shelly switches. The hardware seems far better
https://shelly.cloud/shelly1-open-source/

deezell

Seen this in currys yesterday. €220 for Gas/Electric, €150 electric only.

Shefwedfan

deezell wrote: »

Seen this in currys yesterday. €220 for Gas/Electric, €150 electric only.

Based on previous these are a rip off because the rate you get is terrible. Better off getting th ehigher discount and then buying the item out of savings


Of course I could be wrong but I dont see the % discount

Shefwedfan

One thing, do you just need one hub per house? for Phillips?

The high horse brigade

Shefwedfan wrote: »

One thing, do you just need one hub per house? for Phillips?

Yes, that's up to 50 bulbs. Also, hue is ZigBee mesh so if you have a bulb a long distance from the hub adding a bulb in between will improve the signal so the more you have the better they work

Shefwedfan

The high horse brigade wrote: »

Yes, that's up to 50 bulbs. Also, hue is ZigBee mesh so if you have a bulb a long distance from the hub adding a bulb in between will improve the signal so the more you have the better they work

So it doesn't piggy back on your wifi?

The high horse brigade

Shefwedfan wrote: »

So it doesn't piggy back on your wifi?

It doesn't use your WiFi at all. The hub plugs in using Ethernet