Home Automation Bargain Alerts thread - No General Chat

Cyrus

Pablo_Flox wrote: »

Any recommendations on an electrician to install the Nest Hello? I am in Dublin 18 and would prefer it wired in. I currently have no bell or transformer. Thanks!

if you have no bell or transformer then i assume there is no power to the front of the house? be a bigger job than id like for a doorbell at that rate

championc

A doorbell transformer is like a phone charger - AC one side and DC the other. You can wire it directly into the fuse board, but you could also just stick a plug on a tail and connect it to a socket

2011

championc wrote: »

A doorbell transformer is like a phone charger - AC one side and DC the other.

Not quite, transformers are always AC in and AC out.

You can wire it directly into the fuse board, but you could also just stick a plug on a tail and connect it to a socket

That is true but for safety the transformer would have to be installed in an enclosure, otherwise there would be exposed live terminals:eek:
This arrangement would look very untidy in my opinion.

emaherx

2011 wrote: »

Not quite, transformers are always AC in and AC out.



That is true but for safety the transformer would have to be installed in an enclosure, otherwise there would be exposed live terminals:eek:
This arrangement would look very untidy in my opinion.

You can get AC to ac adapters in the same package as phone chargers also

2011

emaherx wrote: »

You can get AC to ac adapters in the same package as phone chargers also

Yes, but I’m not really sure what your point is.

Anyway video doorbells such as Nest and Ring are designed to work on AC so a doorbell transformer is ideal. No DC conversion necessary or desired.

deezell

championc wrote: »

A doorbell transformer is like a phone charger - AC one side and DC the other. You can wire it directly into the fuse board, but you could also just stick a plug on a tail and connect it to a socket

A bell transformer like this must be mounted on the fuseboard, by a competent qualified person.

https://www.screwfix.ie/p/garo-8-12-24v-1a-bell-transformer/716HK?gclid=CjwKCAiA2O39BRBjEiwApB2IklF0VMyl9VuARKfQKkNsqmyPNMJXpfpDt5IC8INcDmcr5JVSjNhO0xoCQFAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

A mains plug type transformer (a.c. - a.c.) can be plugged in to a socket near the door and the cable routed tidily to the door frame. It runs the risk of being pulled out and the flimsy cable being caught and broken over time, while the fuse board installation is a proper lifetime job.

emaherx

2011 wrote: »

Yes, but I’m not really sure what your point is.

Anyway video doorbells such as Nest and Ring are designed to work on AC so a doorbell transformer is ideal. No DC conversion necessary or desired.

Ok, it's a transformer safely enclosed. Sort of fits in with the options suggested in your previous post. I agree a doorbell transformer is the ideal solution but a house which dosen't have one might have an easier run to a socket.

I never suggested dc conversion.

For clarification by in the same package I mean the same sort of plastic plug in enclosure.

AngelaRI

Eufy Indoor Cam 2K on sale at Eufy site: https://www.eufylife.com/uk/products/variant/indoor-cam-2k/T84002W3
£24.99, use discount code WSEUFYINCA
Amazon deal sold out currently but was same price

OU812

AngelaRI wrote: »

Eufy Indoor Cam 2K on sale at Eufy site: https://www.eufylife.com/uk/products/variant/indoor-cam-2k/T84002W3
£24.99, use discount code WSEUFYINCA
Amazon deal sold out currently but was same price

They're no accessible from outside the house though, right? You have to take out the memory card, put it in a computer to view?

Gregor Samsa

OU812 wrote: »

They're no accessible from outside the house though, right? You have to take out the memory card, put it in a computer to view?

If you're on the Apple ecosystem, and you're paying for iCloud storage, you can use that to store and view recordings remotely.

https://9to5mac.com/2020/07/23/eufy-indoor-cam-2k-homekit-secure-video-hands-on/

Alkers

AngelaRI wrote: »

Eufy Indoor Cam 2K on sale at Eufy site: https://www.eufylife.com/uk/products/variant/indoor-cam-2k/T84002W3
£24.99, use discount code WSEUFYINCA
Amazon deal sold out currently but was same price

Similar deals on most of the eufy security gear.

1080P battery doorbell for about €115 is a good deal.

digitaldr

Tado vertical radiator valves 31.99 stg, horizontals 34.99.These are great prices. I bought for a similar price for all my raditors about a year ago and have found them to be brilliant.

Actually 4 pack of the verticals works out a little cheaper & some great black Friday deals on all Tado stuff.

John mac

Drayton wiser are on Amazon good discount .
£84 for unit and 2 tvr's £57 without tvr

Gregor Samsa

Sonos Beam sound bar, with both Alexa and Google Assist built in, down to €349 (€100 off) direct from Sonos. They’ve other savings on smart speakers too.

https://www.sonos.com/en-ie/shop/beam.html

Pablo_Flox

Gregor Samsa wrote: »

Sonos Beam sound bar, with both Alexa and Google Assist built in, down to €349 (€100 off) direct from Sonos. They’ve other savings on smart speakers too.

https://www.sonos.com/en-ie/shop/beam.html

Would it be possible to use the Sonos Beam as the chime for the Nest Hello doorbell?

grogi

Pablo_Flox wrote: »

Would it be possible to use the Sonos Beam as the chime for the Nest Hello doorbell?

From my experience with GA on Sonos, no. It feels like an unfinished implementation and I wouldn't recommend any Sonos products if you want to use them with Google assistant.

Beam can sound fantastic, both for music and movies, but don't think about using it as Google Assistant.

slicedpanman

grogi wrote: »

From my experience with GA on Sonos, no. It feels like an unfinished implementation and I wouldn't recommend any Sonos products if you want to use them with Google assistant.

Beam can sound fantastic, both for music and movies, but don't think about using it as Google Assistant.

Completely agree... Have a beam and a Sonos one. GA is poor on both, the Sonos one seems like it's deaf - you need to roar directly into the mic for it to even respond

Both very good with the primary function

Phil.x

Can anyone help, I'm looking to get a sonos beam, but my tv doesn't have an arc hdmi so will be using an optical connection, will I be able to control the volume using my remote control of the virgin media horizon box does anyone know?

grogi

Phil.x wrote: »

Can anyone help, I'm looking to get a sonos beam, but my tv doesn't have an arc hdmi so will be using an optical connection, will I be able to control the volume using my remote control of the virgin media horizon box does anyone know?

You can teach Beam to react to infrared signals from a different remote. The problems starts once the remote is not IR anymore. I don't know what type the VM is.

DelBoy Trotter

I'm looking for a smart bulb that doesn't require a hub, but which will work with Alexa and the Smart Life app, any suggestions?

Pete123456

DelBoy Trotter wrote: »

I'm looking for a smart bulb that doesn't require a hub, but which will work with Alexa and the Smart Life app, any suggestions?

Teckin bulbs have worked very well for me, run on WiFi, change colour and work with Alexa and Google as well as Siri Shortcuts. They’re usually very cheap

ted1

I’ve these , good lamp, no complaints

LE Alexa Smart Bulb Bayonet, App or Voice Control, B22 Colour Changing Light Bulb, Works with Alexa and Google Home, No Hub Required (9W = 60W, RGB and White 2700K - 6500K, 2.4GHz WiFi) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07L4D27GK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_nroWFbX5WZNR8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1


Probably same product as teckin.

JKGT

grogi wrote: »

You can teach Beam to react to infrared signals from a different remote. The problems starts once the remote is not IR anymore. I don't know what type the VM is.

Afaik the horizon remote is both IR and RF with the horizon box itself being the device controlled with RF and the IR reserved for TVs.

JKGT

Phil.x wrote: »

Can anyone help, I'm looking to get a sonos beam, but my tv doesn't have an arc hdmi so will be using an optical connection, will I be able to control the volume using my remote control of the virgin media horizon box does anyone know?

If your already using the horizon remote to control you tv you should be ok it's just plug in and set tv audio output to optical.... I see you can't use Alexa while using the optical cable tho is this a feature you were interested in?

grogi

JKGT wrote: »

If your already using the horizon remote to control you tv you should be ok it's just plug in and set tv audio output to optical.... I see you can't use Alexa while using the optical cable tho is this a feature you were interested in?

Not necessarily. If the VM is sending DD over the optical, it is the receiver that controls the volume.

Frisbee

Trying to order a Neato Robovac from Amazon but it won't deliver to Ireland. And weirdly won't deliver to the NI ParcelMotel address either.

Mickeroo

Frisbee wrote: »

Trying to order a Neato Robovac from Amazon but it won't deliver to Ireland. And weirdly won't deliver to the NI ParcelMotel address either.

Try address Pal instead. Sometimes because PM is in NI it won't work but Address Pal might because the address is mainland UK. It's worked for me before.

Phil.x

JKGT wrote: »

If your already using the horizon remote to control you tv you should be ok it's just plug in and set tv audio output to optical.... I see you can't use Alexa while using the optical cable tho is this a feature you were interested in?

Alexa no, i just wanted to make sure I didn't need to use the sonos app on the phone to adjust volume. Cheers folks.

kaerobe

AngelaRI wrote: »

Eufy Indoor Cam 2K on sale at Eufy site: https://www.eufylife.com/uk/products/variant/indoor-cam-2k/T84002W3
£24.99, use discount code WSEUFYINCA
Amazon deal sold out currently but was same price

I couldnt input an irish address?

Officer Giggles

kaerobe wrote: »

I couldnt input an irish address?

Parcel wizard / parcel motel / address pal ........

AstraMonti

I got some Teckin plugs and they don’t show energy consumption like the previous model. Does anyone else noticed the same?

John mac

that feature was removed as it wasn't showing consistent results .

SouthWesterly

Bit the bullet on the tado multi room kit.

iba

DelBoy Trotter wrote: »

I'm looking for a smart bulb that doesn't require a hub, but which will work with Alexa and the Smart Life app, any suggestions?

You dont mention what type of bulb you want, but I'm using this in my porch light bulb, works great. Probably works too with a light bulb adapter.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001091474801.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dQeiegd

stockshares

ted1 wrote: »

I’ve these , good lamp, no complaints

LE Alexa Smart Bulb Bayonet, App or Voice Control, B22 Colour Changing Light Bulb, Works with Alexa and Google Home, No Hub Required (9W = 60W, RGB and White 2700K - 6500K, 2.4GHz WiFi) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07L4D27GK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_nroWFbX5WZNR8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1


Probably same product as teckin.

Do you have to connect these to your router or can you just control them from the smartphone App?

Del2005

Phil.x wrote: »

Can anyone help, I'm looking to get a sonos beam, but my tv doesn't have an arc hdmi so will be using an optical connection, will I be able to control the volume using my remote control of the virgin media horizon box does anyone know?

I had a horizon box and controlled my sound bar using the horizon remote. Have the 360 box now and it also works the sound bar volume, you can program more than one device with the 360 box and choose which one you want to use

pogsick

Seen in the Argos bargain alerts thread, Kasa smart plugs buy 1 get 1 free, add 2 to reserve and price stays at €23.60

ted1

stockshares wrote: »

Do you have to connect these to your router or can you just control them from the smartphone App?

They connect via WiFi

kaerobe

Really hoping some of the Meross Homekit enabled plugs and powerstrips will be reduced. They are just significantly more exp than other smart products.

Ive realised over the last few months ive been phasing out all my alexa products in favor of homekit

deezell

kaerobe wrote: »

Really hoping some of the Meross Homekit enabled plugs and powerstrips will be reduced. They are just significantly more exp than other smart products.

Ive realised over the last few months ive been phasing out all my alexa products in favor of homekit

Anything to do with Apple is expensive. It was ever thus.

Pete123456

kaerobe wrote: »

Really hoping some of the Meross Homekit enabled plugs and powerstrips will be reduced. They are just significantly more exp than other smart products.

Ive realised over the last few months ive been phasing out all my alexa products in favor of homekit

I was looking at these, but really trying to avoid clogging up my WiFi network if possible, so decided to try and pick up a few Philips smart plugs so theyre on the hue bridge instead. Probably no use to you because of the price, but they’re three for two on Philips website at the mo, not a bad price.

deezell

Just got an email from AddressPal, they have a new virtual UK address, and charges gone up to a whopping €6.50, and the promise of a VAT inspection, so expect €6.50 plus 21% plus €10 inspection admin charge on a trivial €30 item. Depressing.

ted1

deezell wrote: »

Just got an email from AddressPal, they have a new virtual UK address, and charges gone up to a whopping €6.50, and the promise of a VAT inspection, so expect €6.50 plus 21% plus €10 inspection admin charge on a trivial €30 item. Depressing.

If being exported then the UK VAT wouldn’t apply. So that it’s not simply a matter of adding 21%, as you need to deduct 19%

grogi

ted1 wrote: »

If being exported then the UK VAT wouldn’t apply. So that it’s not simply a matter of adding 21%, as you need to deduct 19%

But that is not automatic. Since the vendor is shipping within UK to an UK address, they will be reluctant to deduct the VAT at source.

deezell

grogi wrote: »

But that is not automatic. Since the vendor is shipping within UK to an UK address, they will be reluctant to deduct the VAT at source.

Correct, AP was useful as it was a mainland UK address, for suppliers who won't deliver to ROI, or even NI, or else charge serious delivery rates. It used to be €3.95 for decent sized packet, now €6.50. There is a VAT prepay service available to Non Eu suppliers (OSS, one stop shop) to charge the appropriate local rate and thus avoid delays, custom checks, and the asmin fee. While no-one is ttrying to avoid VAT, (😬 !) its a PITH to be charged €10 to pay maybe €5 on a €50 purchase. I can't see OSS being available if your address is UK, suppliers would be subject to missing UK VAT at home if they collected Irish VAT on a delivery marked as export but bound for a UK address. It would only work if the UK address was registered as an export hub. Maybe thats what this new AP address is all about, but at the moment they're warning of inspection. If You from the UK from an OSS supplier, like Amazon I presume, you'll pay current VAT as normal, no inspection, but there could be duty depending on the items, and of course the vat is charged on the delivery cost also.

JJJackal

Presumably most people will now just buy from Amazon EU stores?

Sheep Shagger

JJJackal wrote: »

Presumably most people will now just buy from Amazon EU stores?

You'll need to buy a Prime sub for each one, guess you could read reviews and descriptions on the UK site but order on the Euro one.

Gregor Samsa

Sheep Shagger wrote: »

You'll need to buy a Prime sub for each one, guess you could read reviews and descriptions on the UK site but order on the Euro one.

The German site is available largely in English. There’s a button to show English or German language Questions and Reviews (that have been posted to the German store), and the facility to translate the German ones to English. Some of the reviews from the UK store are also available down the bottom in the “Top reviews from other countries” section.

You can switch to the German English store in the mobile app (three bar hamburger thing > settings > country and language)


Now that Amazon are getting warehouses and distribution set up here, I wouldn’t be surprised if a .ie site appears if it’s required after we see how the Brexit deal lands.

Sheep Shagger

Gregor Samsa wrote: »

The German site is available largely in English. There’s a button to show English or German language Questions and Reviews (that have been posted to the German store), and the facility to translate the German ones to English. Some of the reviews from the UK store are also available down the bottom in the “Top reviews from other countries” section.

You can switch to the German English store in the mobile app (three bar hamburger thing > settings > country and language)


Now that Amazon are getting warehouses and distribution set up here, I wouldn’t be surprised if a .ie site appears if it’s required after we see how the Brexit deal lands.

I wonder if the irish warehouse will fulfill orders from European Amazon websites, I'm assuming so?

thecivvie

Sheep Shagger wrote: »

I wonder if the irish warehouse will fulfill orders from European Amazon websites, I'm assuming so?

I sent amazon a tweet asking about Brexit. No reply as such. As they charge Irish vat, I wonder will they continue. I have a large number of subscribe and save items