Hello, IoT newcomer

[JDRoberts]

As far as devices go, usually you’ll get the best responses in the forum if you limit each topic to one question, or at least one use case.

I’ve started a new linked topic for you on the question of thermostat sensors in the device category so hopefully others will respond on that topic there:

Using Ecobee Sensors with Other Thermostats?

Continuing the discussion from Hello, IoT newcomer: Hopefully others will chime in. Was there something specific about The ecobee sensors that you liked? There are a lot of different temperature sensors available that people use for zone triggers. Many motion sensors and contact sensors do double duty and have temperature reporting included. In particular, see Keep Me Cozy 2 in the official Smartapps under Green Living. It doesn’t care which device you get the temperature from. Very popular. https://community.smartthings.com/t/list-of-all-officially-published-apps-from-the-more-category-of-smart-setup-in-the-mobile-app/13673