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In your opinion, do I need SmartThings, IFTTT...
In your opinion, do I need SmartThings, IFTTT app, and Harmony Hub all at once?
+7
votes
asked
May 17, 2020
by
sideboard
(
260
points)
In your opinion, do I need SmartThings, IFTTT app, and Harmony Hub all at once? I have Alexa and IOS Siri. Also, what is the best motion sensor for a home? Why?
harmony
sensor
motion
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5
Answers
+5
votes
answered
May 17, 2020
by
temperance
(
590
points)
Best answer
I have all 3 of these also + Alexa / iOS, I got a harmony because I wanted to automate things like an AC unit which only is controllable via IR remote sensors, IFTTT is like a technical “glue” which will allow automations from different systems that weren’t initially intended to talk to each other - use as a last resort like the others have said. Once u set everything up in smartthings then u can use Alexa to control it - that’s how I use it anyway. Ohh and I use homebridge to import everything from smartthings into Home app to have Siri control also.
commented
May 17, 2020
by
sideboard
(
260
points)
@
temperance
SmartThings can or can not be controlled via Siri? I thought it could (without homebridge/IFTTT) What else do you use your Harmony for besides your AC unit?
commented
May 18, 2020
by
temperance
(
590
points)
@
sideboard
as far as I know smarthings cannot be controlled via Siri - maybe the Apple shortcuts feature allows this not sure. My LG TV also there are some things which I can only access via the remote interface so I use harmony.
commented
May 18, 2020
by
hague
(
11.6k
points)
@
temperance
if you're using a harmony primarily to control an AC unit, you're doing it all wrong. Get a Sensibo.
commented
May 18, 2020
by
temperance
(
590
points)
@
hague
didn’t know something like this existed. Thanks
commented
May 18, 2020
by
hague
(
11.6k
points)
@
temperance
absolutely - I have 3 of them and they are awesome. They just announced a new wireless version too that doesn't need to be plugged in and works on batteries.
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+5
votes
answered
May 17, 2020
by
lenka
(
490
points)
Your post is very vague. What do you want?.
commented
May 17, 2020
by
sideboard
(
260
points)
@
lenka
I own all of the three I mentioned, do I need them all I’m order to make scenes in my home? I feel like they all do the same because all my devices connect to them, esp my lights.
commented
May 17, 2020
by
lenka
(
490
points)
@
sideboard
well no. What do you want tho? You want a light to turn on when you enter a room?
commented
May 17, 2020
by
sideboard
(
260
points)
@
lenka
yes, exactly. I want to place a sensor (need to buy) facing a door. When the door opens, the lights come on automatically in that room. Also, a sensor facing my bedroom door, when I open it, another set of lights light up in my kitchen. Or when I walk into my home for my ceiling fan to turn on. Also want to set a scene when I say “movie time” might lights dim, spot lights go on, color lights change diff color, and my sound bar turns on.
commented
May 17, 2020
by
mariandi56178
(
4.2k
points)
@
sideboard
you don't want motion sensors, you want contract sensors. Door open/close. At least from what you're describing. But yes. Smartthings is way more capable than Amazon. Amazon has voice control though.
commented
May 17, 2020
by
sideboard
(
260
points)
@
mariandi56178
a door sensor (when opened) can trigger a light to turn on? Any suggestions on any good but inexpensive sensors you may suggest but still do everything a higher-end sensor might do? Or should I just go with the name brand higher-end sensors overall?
commented
May 17, 2020
by
sideboard
(
260
points)
@
lenka
ok thank you. I appreciate your time.
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+5
votes
answered
May 17, 2020
by
painting
(
1.6k
points)
You can do a lot of this with Alexa or Smartthings.
commented
May 17, 2020
by
sideboard
(
260
points)
@
painting
but do I need SmartThings, Harmony, and IFTTT app? Can I downsize and do all and any of the things I want or can will possibly do? I feel like those three things do all the same exact thing and control the same devices.
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+5
votes
answered
May 17, 2020
by
hague
(
11.6k
points)
Avoid ifttt unless you absolutely have no other options. It sucks.
commented
May 17, 2020
by
sideboard
(
260
points)
@
hague
Youre def right. I somehow (idk how) connected my lights to turn on when my home lock unlocks, but I see it has a delay of a few seconds when the lights turn on. I’ve tried looking up “simple” steps to automate things in sequence but I can’t seem to find any. I guess once you understand what has to be done it’s when it becomes “simple” as many would say lol
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0
votes
answered
May 18, 2020
by
unclothe1851
(
17.1k
points)
Some of those things you listed have hardware capabilities that others do not. Not sure why IFTTT is even in there - is it performing a function for you that another platform you already use could do? We don't know without more details. If you have a SmartThings hub, get a SmartThings-compatible motion sensor (zigbee or zwave). Doesn't really matter which. the zigbee SmartThings-branded sensors work fine.
commented
May 18, 2020
by
sideboard
(
260
points)
@
unclothe1851
thank you. I appreciate your time.
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