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  • Use Alexa Sounds in SmartThings Routines Using Echo Speaks

    In the video I will show you how to use the sounds (available in the Alexa App), in any of your SmartThings routines using Echo Speaks. The sounds that I am using in this video include the "wolf howl" and the "rooster" sounds. The possibilities are endless! Take your home automation to the next level by setting up Echo Speaks ▶ Video instructions to enable the Smartthings Skill in the Alexa App ▶ Video Instructions to set-up the Community Installer ▶ Web Instructions for Echo Speaks ▶ SimplySmart123 Video Instructions to set-up Echo Speaks ~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~ Shop our Online Store

  • British Male Voice on Echo Device Using Echo Speaks & SmartThings

    In the following video I will show you how to trigger custom voice notification on your Alexa Echo devices using the SmartThings Community App called Echo Speaks. You can write a vast variety of Echo Speaks routines to remind you to perform certain tasks at various times of the week. The voice notification can be customized to speak in male or female voices and in a multitude of dialects. Echo Speaks may also be used to report various events, like sending voice announcement and SMS messages when a multipurpose sensor opens or when motion is detected in a certain room. The possibilities are endless! Echo Speaks Documentation CLICK HERE to discover how to begin you smart home by following these 3 EASY STEPS!

  • Create a Virtual Momentary Switch to Control SmartThings

    In the following video I will take you through all the steps to create a Virtual Momentary Switch (VMS) as a Device Handler, add the VMS to your SmartThings device list, verify that the VMS is ported over to your SmartThings App, connect the VMS to a routine so the you can execute (run) SmartThings Scenes after they are triggered by pressing the VMS, and I will then provide directions for transferring the switch to the SharpTools app so the you can create action tiles within the Sharptools Dashboard which can be used to start your SmartThings scenes. -~-~~-~~~-~~-~-~-~~-~~~-~~-~-~-~~-~~~-~~-~-~-~~-~~~- HELPFUL HOW TO ARTICLES & VIDEO LINKS: 🔵 SmartThings Scenes with Virtual Switches ( SharpTools Article ) 🔵 Login to the SmartThings IDE 🔵 Josh Lyon's GitHub Code for Virtual Momentary Switch 🔵 SharpTools Web Application Link 🔵 How to Setup SharpTools to Control SmartThings 🔵 Shop our Online Store

  • Water Leak Announcement On Your Echo Device

    In the following video I show how to set-up an easy routine in the Free Echo Speaks App within SmartThings for automatic notifications when your SmartThings Leak Sensor detects a flooding at your sump pump. The routine is created in Echo Speaks and uses the Echo Speaks custom response designer to repeat verbal alerts through one or more Amazon Echo devices such as your Echo Dots or Echo Show. Additionally, the Echo Speaks routine sends repeated push notifications to one or more smart phones. Don't be caught unaware of a unexpected water leak or flooding event ever again! ▶ Video instructions to enable the Smartthings Skill in the Alexa App ▶ Video instructions for setting up the Community Installer ▶ Instructions for setting up Echo Speaks 🔵 Shop our Amazon Online Store

  • How to Create a Smart Home 101

    Would like to learn the secret to creating a successful and well connect smart home ecosystem? Not quite sure where to begin. There is load of products and information out there and it can be confusing and somewhat intimidating. I will give you three basic and easy to understand steps to get you started. Follow these three steps and you will on your way to creating a good and reliable smart home ecosystem with that will provide you with convenience and security for years to come. Watch the following video to discover how easy it is to start you smart home automation journey! 🔵 Shop our Amazon Online Store 🔵

  • Echo Announcement of Garage Doors Status at Sunset

    This SharpTools routine uses SmartThings devices, Amazon Devices and the EchoSpeaks Application to report the status of my two garage doors at 20 minutes prior to sunset. The rules controlling this routine are written to report four potential states of my two doors. The rule also sends announcements to my echo device so that I will be reminded to take needed actions to ensure that may doors are closed and secured. ▶ Video instructions to enable the Smartthings Skill in the Alexa App ▶ Video instructions for setting up the Community Installer ▶ Instructions for setting up Echo Speaks Step-by-Step Video Instructions on how to Set-up this Automation in the SharpTools App

  • 12 Easy Ways to Make Your Home Smarter With SmartThings!

    Would you like to make your home smarter? Then SmartThings devices can make it happen. Read on to learn about the 12 ways SmartThings devices have made my home more automated and secure. Smart Things devices are easily paired to a hub that is connected to you home’s WiFi. The hub monitors and manages all compatible Z-Wave, ZigBee, Wifi and Bluetooth LE devices and allows you to control these devices from the SmartThings application (The Free App is installed on your IOS or Android Smartphone). In addition to uniting all your smart products together, the app also helps them to work together in what is known as “routines”. The automation of these devices can make life more convenient and secure. Here are 12 reasons why I feel that installing SmartThings is a fantastic idea. 1 - Automated Security Alarm upon Departure SmartThings is programmed with GPS sensing capability. The SmartThings hub sets a geofence around our property and uses your smartphones or a SmartThings proximity sensor to determine your presence or lack of. As such, the hub can determine when any member of our household arrives or departs from your home. Because of this capability, you can set the alarm to an active state when all family departs from your home. If your home is breached while everyone is away, the alarm will sound and all devices with receive notification of a breach. If you have camera installed, you can then access the cameras to determine if any dubious activity is occurring and notify the authorities. When any member of the family returns home the alarm can be set to automatically disarm prior to your entry into your home. What you need: SmartThings Hub Dome Siren SmartThings Arrival Sensors or personal Smartphones Indoor and/or Outdoor Cameras (optional) 2 - Auto Security Alarm during Evening Hours. My alarm is programmed to auto set to active state in the evening. Furthermore it automatically disarms in the morning. I have a lamp the signals when the alarm is active to remind family members of the need to disarm the alarm prior to opening a door. What you need: SmartThings Hub Dome Siren Z-Wave Door Sensors (one for every exterior door) SmartThings F-Out-US-2 Outlet (to control the lamp) 3 - Determine if the Garage Door is Open & Auto Close the Garage Door Who hasn’t left their home wondering if they forgot to secure the garage door? SmartThings is programmed to check my garage door after the last family member departs from home. If found open, SmartThings closes the door and notifies family members that the home is secured. It also is set to automatically close the door one half hour before sunset. I also have a routing that is set to sense my arrival and auto open the garage door upon my entry into the driveway. What you need: SmartThings Hub GoControl Fixture-Mounted Control Module (Works as a momentary switch, "press button" to open and close the garage door) Garage Door Tilt Sensor (determines if the garage door is open or closed) SmartThings Arrival Sensor or Smartphone 4 - Lights and Chime When Activity is Detected on Porch I have a motion sensor to detect activity on my porch. The sensor is intelligent enough to disfurnish between a small animal (pet friendly) and an actual person. Upon sensing activity, I have a routine that triggers the lamp in our entertainment room to flash and I have our alarm make an audible chime. The lights on the porch are set to come on at 100 percent brightness for three minutes and dim for a couple of minutes before turning off. We can bring up our cameras on our TV or PC to determine who is on our porch. What you need: SmartThings Hub SmartThings Motion Sensor Dome Siren (Chime Mode) GE Z-Wave Plus Smart Lighting Control Light Dimmer Switch SmartThings F-Out-US-2 Outlet 5 - Turn Lights On & Off Automatically Some of my room lights are set to turn on automatically when I enter the room. They can also be auto turned off after a determined delay, once activity stops in any given room. What you need: SmartThings Hub SmartThings Motion Sensor GE Z-Wave Plus Smart Lighting Control Light Dimmer Switch - or - SmartThings F-Out-US-2 Outlet 6 - Auto On/Off Heating Pad Nothing is worse than crawling into a cold bed on a snowy winter night. Not a problem if you heating pad is plugged into a smart switch. The switch can be programmed to turn on 15 minutes before bedtime so that your bed will be warm and toasty when you slip between those sheets. You can also activate the switch with your smartphone or other smart device. What you need: SmartThings Hub SmartThings F-Out-US-2 Outlet 7 - Temperature Sensors in all Door Open/Close Sensors As stated previously is a door is breached while the alarm is armed a notification is sent to smart devices. These sensors can also report the temperature of each door surface. The system can be programmed to automatically notify family members when the temperature exceeds specified perimeters. This could be used to monitor you home for the possibility of a house fire. What you need: SmartThings Hub Z-Wave Door Sensors Smartphone 8 - Auto On/Off Christmas Lights. During the winter season I have my exterior lights turn on automatically at a half hour after twilight and then turn off at midnight. What you need: SmartThings Hub GE Z-Wave Plus Smart Lighting Control Light Dimmer Switch - or - SmartThings F-Out-US-2 Outlet 9 - Chime when Door Sensor is Opened A pleasant chime announces when any individual door is opened. SmartThings can be programmed to announce the opening of any number of doors. Additionally, the chime can be restricted to ring during certain times frames of particular days. What you need: SmartThings Hub Dome Siren (Chime Mode) Smartphone 10 - Family Notifications of Departure & Arrival Since SmartThings has a geofence and presence sensors, the device can notify other family members when another member departs home or arrives safely back home. What you need: SmartThings Hub Smartphones 11 - Alexa Integration for Voice Commands SmartThings can be pared with the Echo and can be used to turn individual devices on or off. I use Alexa to “Close the Garage Door”, “Turn off the light”, “Check the Garage temperature”, “Unlock a Door”, “Arm the Security Alarm” and many others. What you need: SmartThings Hub Amazon Echo Dot Appropriate Z-Wave Connected Devices. 12 - Armed Stay Option If my wife is home and wants an extra measure of security she can select the Armed Stay option which arms the security system while she is at home. What you need: SmartThings Hub Dome Siren Z-Wave Door Sensors There are countless other smart devices that can do household tasks such as turn water valves on or off, control a thermostat or sense if a water leak is beginning in your basement. These devices are easily paired and programmed with the SmartThings app. I feel that purchasing SmartThings is one of the smartest decisions I have made. You can easily begin making you home smart with the Samsung SmartThings Home Monitoring Kit. It is extremely economical at around $165.00 and it includes everything you need to begin making your home a smart home. This kit will enable you to connect compatible appliances, lights, speakers, locks, cameras, thermostats, sensors, appliances and more. Get started today and feel more secure, all without monthly recurring security service fees! Browse & Shop Amazon for Popular Smart Home Devices!

  • Make Your SmartPhone a Presence Sensor for SmartThings

    In prior articles I mentioned that the SmartThings App gives you the ability to set-up your Smart devices, either a tablet or smartphone with cellular service, as a presence sensor. You may be wondering how to accomplish this. I’ll take you through the easy steps to setup this functionality in this helpful article. Enable Location Services for your SmartThings App If you already have your SmartThings app installed on your phone but you are not currently using your Smartphones as presence sensors, your first step in to turn on location services for the SmartThings app. To do this: 1. Go to your phone’s settings; 2. Find SmartThings in the list of your installed apps; 3. Click on the SmartThings icon and find “Location” and set Location to “Always” Allow Location Access; Setting up Your Location in the SmartThings App Once location services is enable on then you need to set up your Location in the SmartThings app. The following instructions are specific to setting up your location in the SmartThings Classic app. To Add a Location in the SmartThings Classic app: Tap the More menu (the three stacked lines in the lower right corner) Tap the gear icon beside the Location To choose a different Location, tap the dropdown arrow and then tap the gear icon for the Location Add a Location Name - Tap to edit. Add a Location Picture - Tap to take your own photo or choose one from our library. Tap the map for Location Placement - The red pin should automatically center on your GPS coordinates. If needed, long press to place the pin in a new spot on the map, or tap and hold the pin to drag it. Set the preferred circumference for your Location Geofence - Tap the map. Tap and drag the dot to change the size of the geofence surrounding your home. How to Add a Cellular Phone or Tablet as a Presence Sensor You can enable this feature at any time by following these steps in the SmartThings Classic app: Tap Marketplace (The image beside the 3 stacked lines on the bottom right - looks sort of like a circus tent.) Under Things, tap Sensors Tap Presence Sensors Tap Mobile Phone Tap Connect Now Give your device a name and select an image Tap Done How to view, edit , or remove a mobile device In the SmartThings Classic app: Tap My Home Tap Things or Family Select the device Tap the gear icon Security Related Smart Device Product List: ** SmartThings Home Monitoring Kit ** SmartThings Motion Sensor ** Dome Siren ** Arrival Sensor ** Wireless Smart Security Camera Browse & Shop Amazon for Popular Smart Home Devices! You may also appreciate these ** Website SPECIALS ** - Discount for signing up for Amazon Prime!! - Prime Student Deal | 50 Million Songs | Just $0.99 Per Month - Amazon's Most Popular Gift Ideas (Updated Daily) - Amazon's Hot New Releases (Updated Every Hour) - Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks - Audible Romance Free Trial - Access to 16,000 Woodworking Projects Limited Time Click here to access my YouTube Channel for more great household tips!

  • How Automate your Garage Door | A helpful illustrated guide

    In the following article I show how I automated my garage door using two z-wave devices. The two devices deployed are the: * * GoControl Z-Wave Isolated Contact Fixture Module - FS20Z-1 * * Z-Wave Plus Gold Plated Reliability Garage Door Tilt Sensor First of all, the instructions that I am giving are specific to a Genie Garage door opener. The instructions may vary for different Genie models or for different garage door manufacturers. Additionally, when you open and alter the contents of any electrical unit you will void the warranty of that unit. I will not be held responsible if your void your warranty and/or damage the unit while attempting the following alterations. Finally, any repairs made to electrical equipment should be done by a qualified electrician. If you are unfamiliar with electrical repairs it is best to leave it to someone that is competent at this type of work. By writing this article I am not recommending that either qualified for unqualified persons attempt these actions. If you chose to execute the following instructions you do this at your own free will and will not be responsible for any damages or injuries incurred, whether you deem or consider yourself qualified. Disclaimers out of the way, let's get to the instructions for wiring this unit. The GoControl Z-Wave Isolated Contact Fixture Module - FS20Z-1 has a total of six wires. There is the red wire (atenea), black (hot), white (neutral); green (ground) and two blue wires that are attached to the same terminals that your push button switch are attached. On my Genie Garage door opener I attached the blue wires to terminals number one and number two located within the front inside lense cover that houses the two light bulbs. To attached the white, black and green wires, I first unplugged the unit. I removed the rear housing of the garage door opener unit. I cut the main power cord inside the rear housing of the unit. I used three wire nuts to splice the three leads of each color wire together. In other words you splice the three black leads together, the three white leads and the three green leads and secure each set of leads securely with a proper sized wire nut. See pictures below: I trust this information is helpful. If so, be sure to check out other great automation articles on this site and also on my YouTube Channel - Bud's Odd Jobs Home Improvement Ideas and Solutions! Browse & Shop Amazon for Popular Smart Home Devices! Thank you for your support.

  • Detect & Record Motion With Your Old iOS Device | Home Security with the Presence App

    Home security is easy and FREE with the Presence App. Check out the instructions provide in the video below to learn how to use an old iPhone or Android device as an inexpensive security camera. The Presence app is feature rich and makes use of an older/obsolete Android or IOs devices that you might have lying around the home. The app uses the camera and microphone in your old iPad, iPhone, Android or other device. The app uses your device to detect and record motion. the app also has a geofencing feature that can be set to detect when you leave or arrive to your home. When your device is in Away Mode you can have it deploy rules which can be set to record any motion and activity that occurs while you are away. It can also send email and text notifications anytime activity is detected. You can then use your current iOS device to watch live activity or to review recorded activity Check out the Presence App here If you want more information or if you would like to see the app in action you may check out the following video: -~-~~-~~~-~~-~- ** SPECIALS ** - Amazon Prime Discount!! - Prime Student Deal | 50 Million Songs | Just $0.99 Per Month - Amazon's Most Popular Gift Ideas (Updated Daily) - Amazon's Hot New Releases (Updated Every Hour) - Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks - Audible Romance Free Trial - Access to 16,000 Woodworking Projects Limited Time -~-~~-~~~-~~-~- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Remember to Click that Bell to be notified when I post new content

  • How to Use your Amazon Firestick to Control Samsung SmartThings

    You can easily control your Samsung SmartThings devices with your Amazon Fire TV Stick or an Amazon Echo Dot. In this video blog I demonstrate how I am able to operate my automated smart garage door which is equipped with just two z-wave devices, (a momentary switch and a tilt sensor). I am also able to automate my front porch lights and adjust the brightness of the lights. Finally I also use the Fire Stick to request information about the temperature in various rooms as well as confirm that doors are closed. This is all possible using the capabilities of my Smartthings Multipurpose sensors. Pretty Cool! I also feature my Amcrest Camera system. You can access the 6 Part Camera Security System blog here or, if you prefer, you can view the 6 part video series here The following are links to information, reviews and cost for various Amazon Devices: * * Fire TV Stick * * Ethernet Adapter for Fire TV Devices * * Echo Dot (2nd Generation) * * Echo Dot (3rd Gen) * * Echo Plus (2nd Gen) * * Echo Show 5 Charcoal with Kasa Indoor Smart Security Camera * * Echo (3rd Gen) Here is product information and reviews for the two Z Wave Switches used to control my Garage Door: * * GoControl Z-Wave Isolated Contact Fixture Module - FS20Z-1 * * Z-Wave Plus Gold Plated Reliability Garage Door Tilt Sensor Other Momentary Switches that are available to make your garage door a smart door: * * GoControl/Linear GD00Z-4 Z-Wave Garage Door Opener, (includes tilt sensor) * * GoControl GD00Z-4 Product Install Video To control smart devices you need a SmartThings Home Monitoring Kit Source more product information and reviews for Home Security & Surveillance Devices DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this description are Amazon affiliate links, which means if you click on a link to make a purchase on Amazon I may receive a small commission. You will not incur additional cost for using my affiliate links and your purchase will help support this channel. Thank you for your support!

  • How to Set-up a SmartThings Automated Security System

    In this article I will provide you with details about how SmartThings devices can work as an automated security system for your home. I’ll discuss the smart devices need to set-up security automation and provide you with product links so that you can source cost information and reviews for the specific products that I will recommend. In an article to follow, I will show you how easy it is to use the "Classic" Samsung SmartThings app on your smartphone to set up these devices. So be certain to read that article if you intend to install you SmartThings automated security system for your home. The SmartThings system has GPS sensing capability. Therefore the SmartThings hub is capable of placing a wireless geofence around your property. The hub then monitors the geofence for the presence of your smartphones or a SmartThings proximity sensor. The hub can be instructed to perform certain actions based on your arrival or departure into or out of the defined geofence area. This capability can be used to automatically arm your security system when all family members depart from your home or disarm your system when any one family member returns. If your home is breached while everyone is away the activated alarm will sound and a designate family member's smartphone with receive a text notification of a breach. If you have cameras installed, you can then access the cameras to determine if any sort of questionable activity is occurring. If you confirm that your home is being compromised you can then remotely notify the authorities. Since the hub knows when each family member arrives home, the hub can be instructed to perform any number of specialized tasks. This would include tasks such as unlocking a door, turning on lights, opening your overhead garage door and disarming your security system to name a few So what do you need to set-up this sort of automated security system? There are only four types of smart devices necessary for setting up an automated security system for your home: A Wireless Z-Wave Siren. I use the Dome Siren. Additionally you will require Z-Wave Window & Door Sensors…You should have a minimum of one sensor for each exterior door. You will also need presence sensors for each family member. You may use your personal Smartphones as presence sensors or you have the option to buy SmartThings presence Sensors. And finally, you may opt for indoor and/or outdoor cameras as well…but cameras are optional. Now let’s review what how each of these devices function in the system. Let’s begin with the SmartThings Hub. The SmartThings Hub is the heart of your smart home. It is connected to your home’s router. It is then paired wirelessly with any number of compatible smart devices. The hub provides you the ability to monitor, control, and secure your home from anywhere. The SmartThings Hub is simple to install and easy to use with the free SmartThings app. The Z-Wave window and door sensors along with motion detectors will notify the SmartThings Hub when a door is ajar, there’s someone on your property, or if you have a home invasion. The Hub will trigger the alarm and send a text alert to all smartphones that are connected on the system. On notification, you can then use the SmartThings app to determine which doors or windows are compromised. Cameras, if installed can be accessed via your phone to view live activity. The Dome Siren works in combination with door and window sensors. If activated, the Dome alarm emits a loud siren up to 105 decibels. Your system can be assisted by security cameras for the confirmation and recording of the intruder. In addition to being used as presence sensors… receiving security alerts … and viewing live camera feeds, your Smartphones are used to monitored the status of your system. You can check all smart devices to confirm their present status…such as ensuring that doors and windows are secure. You can also use your phone to remotely turn your smart devices on or off. Cameras are optional, but highly recommended. Cameras allow your to remotely survey your home to determine if the there is activity that warrants the notification of the authorities. It should be noted that the SmartThings app provides you with countless options when setting up security routines such as what specific members are notified, who receives siren alerts and whether you want a delay on your alarm so that you have time to investigate a possible breach before the siren is activated. I provided a comprehensive list of SmartThings devices in the description below…that I currently use and recommend. You are welcomed to use the links in this list to research reviews and cost information on these recommended devices. Each of these devices comes with easy to follow instructions that take you step by step through the set-up process. They are easily paired to the Hub and recognized by the SmartThings App for setup options. There is also a SmartThings user site with countless articles and instructional videos as well as an online SmartThings user’s community. If you want instructions how to setup these devices in the SmartThings smartphone app that watch the following video (Part 2). I will show you all the steps necessary to set up a routine that will automatically trigger the Armed/Away setting when everyone in your family leaves home. I will also take you through the easy steps for instructing the app to send a text alert if your house is breached while no one is at home. If you want to watch the video version of the this current article then click on the video to your right, Home Security Setup (Part 1). Have the piece of mind that comes with protecting your home and loved ones with an easy to install and easy to setup SmartThings Home Security System.

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