Injury20
Established Member
Hi all, I've not been on here for a long time, looking for some advice on home automation from some of you wonderful experts out there. (Yes I am a noob so limited technical speak ) sorry about the length of this post but I’ve tried to include as much info as possible to get the best advice.
I want to use amazon echo alexa (seen it in operation at sisters over xmas and I’m hooked) but not sure which way to turn first. I’ve been reading through endless forums and threads, so thought it easier to list my current equipment and setup (pics) and what I want automation to do for me.
Firstly as money is limited, ideally I’m looking for a solution which I can add to as and when spare funds are available something like Samsung smart things, starting with music, tv control and lighting and then adding extras like security and automatic curtain closures. Would the solution also be able to set timers etc for when I’m not in/holidays? I already have a hive for my heating.
1. I would like to be able to control everything around the house and thought the echo dots looked a good solution??
2. I’m looking to be able to control my lights though out the house with alexa, I have been looking at smart switches on amazon but I don’t have neutral feeds so those are out, are there any other alternatives which may do the trick which don’t require neutral feeds?? I was looking at these sonoff switches https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075D8R...liid=I3DJ8TYGSKIDZB&colid=27XLDGS0ZRJEW&psc=0 (hope that link worked)but don’t like the idea of them being cloud based and reports of them going offline when sonoff servers are down, is there anything similar which I can create my own network for, I’m happy to invest in my own hub if it’s the best option. Also the type of lighting I have won’t accommodate wifi bulbs either.
3. I’m currently in the process of building a new banister at top of the stairs which I need some colour changing led strip lights (pic attached), I need something that will be compatible with Alexa but ideally will also work manually as I need the lights sharpish to complete the project but in no rush for the automation, any suggestions??
4. I have a number of appliances/lamps etc where I can use wifi sockets, hive list some but they look quite pricey, what brands work well with alexa?
5. Onto music, best options for streaming around the house, I thought I could use an echo dot in the living room wired to my surround system in the living room. Would this work and be able to control tv/sat etc also. I’d like some sort of speaker in the bathroom (maybe ceiling mounted) which I can control with voice (an echo dot or similar perhaps) then could I add bluetooth speakers to other rooms with addition dots as and when required?? I don’t have any Spotify type accounts any suggestions on what works well, as my daughters get older (currently 5 & 8) would like to be able to upgrade so they can play their own music in their rooms and playroom etc
I think that should be enough to get me started, so would I better getting a separate hub or an amzon echo + with the built in one?? I currently have BT fibre router with a gig switch plugged in for the extra connections.
All my tech is hidden away in the cupboard under the stairs in a wheeled cabinet i built with a hole drilled through into the living room behind the TV controlled by a pyramid remote sender.
I appreciate you taking the time to read my post, I've added a couple of pics of my set up for reference and hope to get some good pointers, thanks in advance all
I want to use amazon echo alexa (seen it in operation at sisters over xmas and I’m hooked) but not sure which way to turn first. I’ve been reading through endless forums and threads, so thought it easier to list my current equipment and setup (pics) and what I want automation to do for me.
Firstly as money is limited, ideally I’m looking for a solution which I can add to as and when spare funds are available something like Samsung smart things, starting with music, tv control and lighting and then adding extras like security and automatic curtain closures. Would the solution also be able to set timers etc for when I’m not in/holidays? I already have a hive for my heating.
1. I would like to be able to control everything around the house and thought the echo dots looked a good solution??
2. I’m looking to be able to control my lights though out the house with alexa, I have been looking at smart switches on amazon but I don’t have neutral feeds so those are out, are there any other alternatives which may do the trick which don’t require neutral feeds?? I was looking at these sonoff switches https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075D8R...liid=I3DJ8TYGSKIDZB&colid=27XLDGS0ZRJEW&psc=0 (hope that link worked)but don’t like the idea of them being cloud based and reports of them going offline when sonoff servers are down, is there anything similar which I can create my own network for, I’m happy to invest in my own hub if it’s the best option. Also the type of lighting I have won’t accommodate wifi bulbs either.
3. I’m currently in the process of building a new banister at top of the stairs which I need some colour changing led strip lights (pic attached), I need something that will be compatible with Alexa but ideally will also work manually as I need the lights sharpish to complete the project but in no rush for the automation, any suggestions??
4. I have a number of appliances/lamps etc where I can use wifi sockets, hive list some but they look quite pricey, what brands work well with alexa?
5. Onto music, best options for streaming around the house, I thought I could use an echo dot in the living room wired to my surround system in the living room. Would this work and be able to control tv/sat etc also. I’d like some sort of speaker in the bathroom (maybe ceiling mounted) which I can control with voice (an echo dot or similar perhaps) then could I add bluetooth speakers to other rooms with addition dots as and when required?? I don’t have any Spotify type accounts any suggestions on what works well, as my daughters get older (currently 5 & 8) would like to be able to upgrade so they can play their own music in their rooms and playroom etc
I think that should be enough to get me started, so would I better getting a separate hub or an amzon echo + with the built in one?? I currently have BT fibre router with a gig switch plugged in for the extra connections.
All my tech is hidden away in the cupboard under the stairs in a wheeled cabinet i built with a hole drilled through into the living room behind the TV controlled by a pyramid remote sender.
I appreciate you taking the time to read my post, I've added a couple of pics of my set up for reference and hope to get some good pointers, thanks in advance all
— As an Amazon Associate, AVForums earns from qualifying purchases —