Question

Thanks for adding me to the group! I’ve been an ST user for a few years now and I’ve joined to ask some questions. I’m looking for an inexpensive RF blaster that will control some dumb receptacle switches. I’ve tried broadlink and I couldn’t even get it to connect to my WiFi and didn’t want to mess with the android app server thing anyway. I’m also wondering about what kind of support there is for ST. It’s been awhile and I haven’t seen many updates to apps and etc. it’s making me wonder if I should try a different hub. Thoughts?  

Answer 1

I have broadlink they are brilliant but are a pain to connect make sure your on 2. 4 not 5 as they don't support 5

Comments

@quadripartite I bought the rm 4 pro. I think it’s the newest model. I was of course on 2. 4 and it wouldn’t even set up my WiFi. Plus, their app seems like a bullshit Chinese data harvesting deal. It made me uncomfortable.  

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@marvelofperu no what you mean the next best thing is the harmony hub but it's not cheap

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And I think it integrates with st

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@quadripartite actually, after fussing with the RM 4 for a few days I got frustrated and sent it back. As a last ditch effort I searched for harmony hubs and found a used one for $45. However, I think that’s IR only. I would really like to incorporate these dumb remote switches I bought before I started on the smart home stuff.  

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You can make a virtual switch in Smartthings I'm fairly new to this myself

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@quadripartite these are the switches I’m referring to. I believe they are RF.  

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@quadripartite 415mhz switches. Sonoff makes a 20 dollar bridge that can learn this but you have to flash tasmota on it and install a ST handler. So if you can solder program and install a cloud based handler go for it. or toss it and go to IKEA

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I have got a Broadlink RM4 mini to control AirCon, I tried but I couldn't integrate ir with ST. Some help or tips?  

Answer 2

Saw the device you're trying to automate. Quite honestly I'd go completely different with this you can find peanut zigbee outlets on sale for $10-15 each all day long and there are still SmartThings V. 2 hubs available out there for $40. You can get a hub (if you don't have it) and a lot of outlets for under $100. (Harmony hub retails for $99) Now mind you I really like the Harmony, but I think trying to automate those things is an exercise in futility.  

Comments

@anatolia7046 I’m starting to think the same. I have some monoprice outlets that are cheap and also display power consumption. I just wanted to kill two birds with one stone using something I already own if possible.  

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@marvelofperu ^this. Toss them in the trash and get some ikea or peanut plugs (assuming you’re in the USA)