Experiences using Smartthings in Netherlands (Benelux)?

Nico · 2016-08-08 14:43:15 UTC

Last year was announched that ST would be released to Netherlands this year. Since then it has been pretty quiet. Does anyone know if ST will be released this year in Netherlands or Benelux?

I wunder also if there are users from Netherlands (or Benelux) which are currently already using ST and if they encountered any issues? I have some open questions;

Will the ST app and hub be able to connect to the servers from Netherlands?
Is the ST power plug is useless or can I just put a convertor on it?
How about the frequencies used in UK are these the same as in Netherlands?
Will I experience any issues with other things or should they work like they do in the UK
Where could I order ST in UK to have it shipped to Netherlands?

In case I buy the UK version of ST would it then be possible just to download the Dutch app (once available) to retrieve the Dutch translation of the notifications etc or is this not possible with a UK ST hub?

bobbles · 2016-08-08 14:59:33 UTC

Just to kick off with some answers.
I am in the UK and have a UK v2 hub.
If you get a UK v2 hub you will use the EU shard which I believe is hosted in the UK but like all cloud based products it could be anywhere so this shouldn’t be an issue.
The UK zwave devices use the EU approved frequency. So in theory any EU zwave device will be compatible. You just need to make sure it is on the approved compatibility list or someone has written a device handler for it.

I see no reason why I could not bring all my sensors, devices and hub etc. to The Netherlands or anywhere else in the EU for that matter and everything will work.

As for notifications, there are apps out there that let you define the text in the notification and also text to speech apps that let you define what is said. (I do not know how good they are though)

I suppose from your point of view it’s a matter of whether you take a leap into the unknown or not.

Just thought of something else.
The zigbee frequency used is the same in the EU as it is in the USA. The frequency level is higher for US devices and therefore illegal in Europe. So therefore only use EU zigbee devices. Just something to be aware of.

Allan_Skipper · 2016-08-08 19:47:43 UTC

I had the exact same questions, the only difference is I live Denmark. I took the plunge 1 month ago It works perfectly if you can live with UK locale in the app. Hurry up and buy it, you won’t regret it Make sure to get a plug adapter.

CSC · 2016-08-09 12:11:22 UTC

Yes, don’t need to wait, I’m using UK version in Singapore and they work well

Nico · 2016-08-10 10:02:52 UTC

Thanks for the replies I am now fully convinced @bobbles do you know which app I can use to adjust the texts used, I assume that this is not the standard ST app?

Also I would like to buy ‘Things’ like motion sensors, Window/door sensors and an sirene/alarm. Any good advice/
experiences which certain ‘Things’ that you guys are using?

bobbles · 2016-08-10 18:17:49 UTC

For the texts, and the vast majority of all my light automations etc. I an using CoRE. Search the forum and you will find lots of imnformation about. Here are a couple of links:-

CoRE - Get peer assistance here with setting up Pistons

I’m trying to do a similar piston for lighting when away for evening or on holiday When on holiday the piston can be similar to above, but if we’re only out for evening and come back before the ‘end’ time. How would i do it so when we return home, selected lights stay on, if on, or switch on, if off, (i.e. entrance hall) and all other selected lights switch off. Would then need to revert back to other light control pistons?? I use Holiday modes(day,evening & night) and Away modes(day,evening) and Home modes (day, evening, night) The piston below is not yet finished. You can ignore the variables as I was playing around with trying to get more randomness into the piston. [image] This is what i have so far. I was going to put a ‘when true’ section under each of the 3 groups with 3 …

All I can comment on is what I have.
WeMo bulbs. These integrate well into SmartThings and work brilliantly for me. (No bespoke device handler required).

WeMo Switch and Insight. These integrate well into SmartThings and work brilliantly for me. (Bespoke device handler required).

ST Motion Sensors. I have had one of these lock up occasionly. Provides Motion Sensor and Temp.

Fibaro Motion Sensor. Provides Motion Sensor, Lux reading and Temp reading. These integrate well into SmartThings and work brilliantly for me. (Bespoke device handler required).

Popp Outlet. These integrate well into SmartThings and work brilliantly for me. (Bespoke device handler required).

Fibaro Smoke Detctor. Provides Smoke Detection and Temp reading. These integrate well into SmartThings and work brilliantly for me. (Bespoke device handler required)

Phillips Hue RGBW Light Strips. These integrate well into SmartThings and work brilliantly for me. (Bespoke device handler required).

Phillips Hue RGBW Light Bulb. These integrate well into SmartThings and work brilliantly for me. (Bespoke device handler required).

Life360 Integration for Presence sensing. Theis integrates well into SmartThings and work brilliantly for me. (Bespoke device handler required).

Sensative Door/Window Sensor. These integrate well into SmartThings and work brilliantly for me.

Fibaro Dimmer. These integrate well into SmartThings and work brilliantly for me. (Bespoke device handler required).

All the device handlers, how to load them onto your set up etc. can all be found on the forum with a little bit of searching.

I will attach a couple of my rules to wet your appetite.

EDIT: I forgot my Sonos R1 and R3 speakers which I use for my speech stuff.
Also my Tado thermostat is integrated although to be honest I use the Tado app to control it as I find that easier.
I do use ST to let me know when the mode on my Tado system changes though.