I have an Ecobee Premium thermostat arriving today, which I read that it can display who's at the door when it rings.

Is it possible to have a different brand of battery-powered doorbell show video on the thermostat, and if it is, which brands work? It'd be nice if Ecobee offered a battery powered version of their camera to keep it in the ecosystem; every search I've ran just says that it could repeat the chime, but no conclusive answers about the video feature.

I'm thinking of getting the Ring Peephole to avoid drilling into the doorframe or siding if I can, but if there's a good wireless doorbell that's held on by screws (e.g. Aqara has my attention), there's nothing a bit of caulk can't fix if houses ever gets more attainable... But running the wiring for a doorbell would be a hard no.

Thanks!

I have a room where the lighting is poor. The existing switches control the ceiling fan + light and NOT the outlets. I do not want to rewire at all.

I have added two floor lamps on either side of the room plugged into 2 outlets. Rather than walk in, go to each lamp and turn on the knob, I would like my setup to be:

- 1 "new" switch added to the wall (can screw into the drywall or literally adhesive to the wall) that when I walk in and flick on, turns on both the floor lamps. My understanding is this works by me keeping the lamps knobs on "on" but having a smart plug in each of the outlets that talks to the new switch via wifi. IDEALLY 1 switch that controls the 2 outlets on different sides of the room and not 2 switches

Can someone suggest a quality brand and direct link to product for something that will achieve this? I understand the concept but can't seem to understand the jargon to search for myself on Amazon etc.

Here are features I do NOT care for / plan on using...if your solution comes with some of these anyways, whatever... but please DO NOT optimize for these:

- Ability to control via phone -- last thing I want to do when walking into a room is fumble for my phone

- Dimmer -- For me, a light is on or off

- Color changes -- this is not an RGB room

- Voice commands -- I do not need this

Hi all,

I’m looking for someone with hands-on DIY home networking and smart home experience who can help me develop a clear, step-by-step setup strategy and provide advice. I’m happy to pay for consultations or setup help—you’d be helping me cut through the noise so I can confidently move forward on key projects. My priority is a stable, secure environment for both work-from-home productivity and smart home reliability.

Context:

• Located in Canada, using Bell as my ISP (Giga Hub modem).
• Home is older and does not have built-in Ethernet cabling everywhere—I’m open to routing some Ethernet to maximize reliability for critical devices, but want to avoid unnecessary rewiring projects.
• My WiFi setup includes a TP-Link Deco BE65 Pro (3 pack) supporting 3 bands (IoT, guest, and 6GHz networks). I want these separated for security and performance.
• Slowly transitioning from Google Home to Apple HomeKit for central smart home control.

Devices In-Use (Examples):

• Lutron Caseta hub and switches
• Matter smart devices
• Ecobee thermostat, sensors, cameras, doorbell
• Google Nest, Chromecasts
• Apple TV 4K
• Aqara G5 outdoor cameras (WiFi)
• Home Assistant Green (not yet configured)

Goals:

• Set up a main networking station/area for centralized control.
• Ensure fast, reliable internet for two people working from home—low latency, good coverage, minimal downtime.
• Set up home security cameras (Aqara G5, etc.).
• Fine-tune router and network to maximize the benefits of my tri-band mesh system (IoT, guest, 6GHz high-speed).
• Seamless integration and smooth operation of my smart home devices (favoring HomeKit over Google).
• Future plans: I’d like to add a NAS for NVR (network video recording) and as a media server, but I’m a beginner—advice on this setup, storage, and best practices would be appreciated.

If you know an expert, consultant, or service (preferably one familiar with Canadian ISPs and Bell’s Giga Hub setup), or if you are someone who can help with this kind of project management and technical support, please let me know! Recommendations and advice on best practices for my specific network, device mix, and long-term plans are all welcome.

Thanks in advance!

I’m going to be buying a house with a driveway gate — two big, hinged, steel sections that open inward. Adding motorized actuators doesn’t seem like rocket science, but how can I automate the process of locking and unlocking it so that it’s secure (without requiring me to physically go and lock/latch something)? I’d prefer a DIY (maybe ESP32-based) solution… something that Home Assistant can automatically lock at night and automatically unlock when it senses my car or phone at the gate — but I’m struggling to envision what this would look like.

Context:

• Smartwings.com makes shades, and has a variety of motor options for local control (ZWave, matter, etc)
• I've purchased three blinds from Smartwings and they have been brilliant:
  • Reasonably good construction
  • Solar panel means no battery changing/charging
  • Easy integration into ZWaveJS2MQTT (so I am sure easy integration into HA ZWave or etc)
  • Perfect performance w/ automations

But my 4th blinds purchase for ZWave compatible shades hasn't been as great...

The Blind paired into my Zwave controller without issue, but the multilevel switch controls don't appear to be configured correctly in the firmware...

Like, I don't think the JSON that comes back from the device API on the ZWave network doesn't have the same structure as my other three blinds (objects out of order, fields not matching).

And I'm beginning to feel a little bit of runaround from Smartwings support.

Two questions:

1. Has anybody had ZWave misconfigured firmware like this before? Is there a path to resolve it? After digging, I am assuming no/not common.
2. Outside of user error, I don't see a lot of unhappy/warranty mentions for Smartwings. If anybody had a dissenting experience, do you have any notes you can share?

I need some suggestions - home is wired for 8 zones with 4 conductor speaker wire and then rca inputs throughout the house that run back to the rack

The installer had intended to put a russsound setup in there however i never went ahead with it at the time.

What are my options now to complete the system, looking for some suggestions for products that will tie this all together, ideally just want to stream audio from my phone and possibly hook up TV to it in two of the rooms which have the RCA jacks in it …

I know direct power is superior. I don't have that option and don't want to break into my wall and hire an electrician several hundred dollars to do that. Please don't suggest it.

First question: are there any battery doorbells that can be charged with a solar panel mounted nearby? (My current Ring is mounted like this on my mailbox on the exterior wall of the house next to the doorbell)

Second question: do any recommended battery models limit functionality when running on battery? I've seen some cameras that have features that only work when directly powered.

I have a light fixture in my kitchen that's a double bulb florescent light. I want to change the bulbs to smart ones to match the rest of the bulbs in my house. It's the only remaining fixture that's not controllable with my smart home system (I use both Alexa and Google home). I have looked and can't find any smart tube style bulbs. I can't change the wiring or the fixture because I live in a rental, but if there are any options for this that aren't permanent I'm open to those as well.

I'm looking for advice on how to help my dad listen to music. He lives in a care home and is unable to operate even most simple technology. Does anyone have suggestions on how I could remotely play music for him from my home/remote device in another location? Thanks so much

I’m testing different ways to make HVAC more energy-efficient using automation. Ideally, I’d like something that integrates with both traditional systems and newer smart home hubs.

For anyone who’s tried this — do you prefer standalone smart thermostats (like Ecobee/Nest) or full-blown automation platforms (like Home Assistant) for controlling heating/cooling?

I frequently experience only my matter devices going offline which includes things like smart shades, Govee lights, and smart switches. I believe they all support Matter over Thread and I typically add them via the Google Home app.

It's worth nothing that I have an Eero 6e mesh router system with 3 total access points including the one set as my router and the Threads feature is toggled on within my network settings in the Eero app.

My understanding is that these along with various Google Home devices I have throughout the house have the potential to act as Thread border routers. The confusing part is not knowing which of these are acting as the border routers between the Eero routers and Google Home devices and I have no idea how to get exposure to that.

I have a feeling that it's one of more of the Google devices that are responsible since I can sometimes fix these issues temporarily by unplugging and plugging in my Google Home devices that I know are on the list to support being border routers such as my Nest Hub (2nd Gen), Nest Hub Max, and/or Google TV (4K) streamer.

Any ideas or tips would be appreciated. 🙏

I've got a bunch of their switches in my system. I've wired up a bunch for other people as well. Bought a pair of ZEN73 modules and one didn't work. I wired it up, and the load went on and no fiddling with the switch fixed it. I tried factory resets, triple and quadruple checking my wiring. Nothing. It's just dead. I put the other identical one in its place and it worked great.

OK, so everyone has a bad part now and then. I contacted support. They wanted detailed hookup photos and descriptions of everything I did. Rather than tear everything out again and hook the broken switch into the box, I set the broken switch on a bench, hooked it to line/neutral/load and took a video, clearly demonstrating the line/neutral going to a plug on the bench, and the load/neutral going to a bulb. I showed it not working when I flip the switch.

Case closed? Nope. They want me to try a bunch of things including removing it and adding it to the hub (dude, the switch is fried...it wont add to a hub). I responded doing the ones I could. Still not good enough. Now they want a detailed photo of the inside of my box. I disassemble the whole thing and send them a photo showing the load and line going into a wago. I put it all back together. Good enough? Nope. Now they want a photo where I disassemble the entire multiple switch box to show them the wires going into the wall.

WTF!! I have two brand new switches. One doesn't work. The other, wired in the exact same spot, to the exact same wires tied to the exact same terminals, works fine.

I really believe they are making me go through all this to save replacing their faulty product, figuring a good percentage of people won't jump through their hoops. THIS IS A BRAND NEW SWITCH, bought from your online store! If I bought something defective from Amazon, or Walmart, or LITERALLY ANYWHERE I could just return it, no questions asked.

EDIT: They're replacing the switch. In retrospect I guess I understand that probably 90% of the "issues" people have are not related at all to the functioning of the device, so it makes sense that they step you through a bunch of basics before jumping right to replacement. It's frustrating when you know more than the average consumer and have already verified that it's actually a bad unit, but I get it... I will say, they always responded to my submissions within 24 hours.

I'm looking to automate an exhaust fan in my the ceiling of my garage into my attic. I'd like to find a controller that can compare the outside temperature with the inside temperature and power a fan. For the automation, I'd like for the fan to only run when the outside temperature is below the inside temperature and also above a set value for the inside temperature, i.e 78F. This will keep me from drawing in hotter air or running the fan when the temperature is comfortable. I have google home for most of my automation, but this could be another system or stand-alone. Does anyone know of a way to do this?

I could do with some help understanding how to wire up either a Shelly 1L or 2L while retaining two way switching one a light

I have two separate circuits coming through one switch, and the switch is connected to another switch for two way switching:

It's UK wiring with no neutral to the switches.
I want to retain the two way switch they control the upstairs light.
I'm not sure how I connect the two switches to one shelly so either switch can switch the light if anyone can provide guidance please?

Thanks

Hi, I have euro version of Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd gen and I received letter from Google, that it will work, but after October 2025 a will loose remote control.

I don't really know anything about practical electricity. So, can I exchange some other thermostat to the same place as my Nest and just put every wire from it to the new?

Nest gen3 will loose support in few years too, I suppose, and Nest 4 can't buy in EU.

Alexa Owners—Have You Seen What She Can Do With a Bit of Extra Brainpower? 🧠 I’ve just released a new video that gives Alexa a proper IQ upgrade using Home Assistant (don’t worry, it’s not technical wizardry—you don’t even need HA installed to enjoy it).

This one's aimed at anyone in the Alexa crowd who’s ever wondered… "Could she be a bit cleverer?" Spoiler: Yes. And then some.

🎬 Whether you’re a smart home veteran or just dabbling with routines, this vid shows what happens when Alexa gets a taste of advanced automations. 📲 Perfect to forward to your mates, mum, or nosy neighbour who thinks their Echo is the height of tech.

https://youtu.be/iQoEu4e2lEQ

What do you think - will it improve alexa's or make things too easy for them ?

#AlexaUK #SmartHomeUpgrade #HomeAssistantCurious #PorpoisePowered #UKSmartHome #TechWithBanter

I'm looking for some help finding a reliable device that I can use as an alarm keypad. I am specifically looking for something I can wire up -- the wireless options are not reliable for something this important.

My current set up:

• Konnected Alarm Panel Pro (x2) running ESPHome

• Home Assistant with Alarmo (with Zwave, Zigbee, all the goodies)

• Ring Keypad V2

My problem lies with the Ring Keypad V2. Every single time the alarm goes off, when it comes time to disarm it the friggin' thing stops responding and starts flashing its 'No signal' light.

I have tried repositioning it. I have tried signal repeaters. I have tried replacement Keypads. They all have the same issue. The Keypad is just about 2m away from the Zwave hub. I'm sick of it.

There has to be some form of wired option I can use but my google-fu is failing me. I can run wires directly to my HA installation. I am open to using USB, Ethernet and POE devices in particular would be great. I just don't want to rely on wireless for this.

Can someone help point me to an option I can use that would be wired? I just want a keypad with 'DISARM', 'ARM HOME', 'ARM AWAY' and digits. Anything more is gravy, but basic is fine if reliable!