The single available Mode is seriously limiting what I can do with SmartThings…
How is everyone else handling the need to keep more than one disparate Mode or global State? Note, the state must be available to read/update in different SmartApps, hence Global.
In my last home automation system (MisterHouse), I had the following Mode sets (global variables):
<li>HomePresence: AllAway,SomeoneHome</li>
<li>TimeOfDay: Day, Night</li>
<li>Security: Disarmed, Arming, Armed, Tripped</li>
<li>HomeTheaterMode: On, Off</li>
<li>QuietTime: On, Off</li>
etc…
Is there any way to have global states/multiple modesets now?
I think I’m going to throw in the towel with Smartthings, due to their lack of caring even before selling out to Samsung.
I’m backing “The Stack Box” because it seems more open and I can write locally-executed Python scripts for my automation in addition to the cloud stuff.
Even if it isn’t better, it’s good to have competition to spur ST on to actually implement the things we’ve asked for.
Looks like a glorified RaspberryPi in a pretty box and an XBee module. All other HA protocols are supported via USB dongles. Bottom line, if it’s open source like they promise, I can procure my own RPi for $35.
True, but there’s something to be said for having it all put together for you and for supporting a project.
I could buy a mountain of ore and smelt it to build a car chassis, but I’m a long way from driving that car…
I’ve been the total-do-it-yourself route (Misterhouse) and the do-everything-for-you-but-what-you-want (SmartThings and iPhone) route. I’m hoping this is more middle of the road.
But if it is, so much the better. I’d love to see a real HA platform on open hardware. Of course, the software has to be up to snuff for it to be worth a damn.
Cannot agree more. I’m waiting for someone to port OpenWrt to the Wink Hub. As far as hardware goes, the Wink Hub is almost perfect. Wish it had a USB host port and serial.
BTW, have you seen this: http://www.openhab.org ?
It’s open source Java. I’m not a huge Java fan, but it seems well designed and have a lot of stuff already integrated, including your favorite Hue I also downloaded their iPhone app and it looks pretty slick. Gotta explore it some more.