Honeywell RTH6580WF options to trigger eWeLink fan?

[jamaroney (Jim)]

TOTAL noob here, so please forgive any incomplete info. Also, I’ve just installed SmartThings, and I’ve heard there’s been major changes…

I have a Honeywell RTH6580W smart thermostat that I readily control via Honeywell Total Connect Comfort. It’s recognized as a device on my SmartThings.

I would like to setup the following routine:
When the thermostat indicates a minimum room temp (e.g., 76 degrees), a command would be sent to my Alexa to activate the smart ceiling fan (the fan’s smart controls is via eWeLink, but SmartThings doesn’t recognize it).

Is this possible?

[Paul_Oliver (PCO)]

Yes it is possible. You need to create a virtual switch with an integral contact sensor (called Virtual Alexa Switch in the Groovy days) in ST. Then use that switch in Alexa to trigger the ewelink device.

[jamaroney (Jim)]

Could I be directed to a webpage that provides such information?

[Paul_Oliver (PCO)]

I wish there was some better information, but following links may help.

Vesync Outlet

You can get partial integration for these devices using Alexa. Create virtual switches with integral contact sensor in ST. Then use these virtual switches as triggers in Alexa routines. Create 1 Alexa routine to turn the device on and a second Alexa routine to turn the device off. You do not need any Alexa devices only the Alexa app on your phone. See the following link for creating virtual Edge devices.

[JDRoberts]

@jamaroney

Could I be directed to a webpage that provides such information?

It’s not official, but There is a community FAQ in this forum that explains how to do it:

FAQ: Can I trigger an Echo Action without Speaking to It?

[jamaroney (Jim)]

This may seem like a real dumb question, but again, I’m totally new to this:

Does SmartThings require an actual physical device (hub) to operate? I thought it was strictly software.

[Paul_Oliver (PCO)]

No a hub is not required for WiFi devices, but a hub is required for Z-wave, ZigBee and Lan devices using Edge Drivers. My right up assumed you had a hub.

[jamaroney (Jim)]

I don’t have a hub. Given that, is my original scenario possible?

[Paul_Oliver (PCO)]

Yes you can. You can create a virtual lock and use it to trigger Alexa routines with out a hub.

Alternate to Alexa Switches for hubless locations

A suitable hubless Alexa Switch had been sitting under our noses for a few weeks. It is called the “Virtual Lock” which can be easily created using the Simple Device Viewer or the beta API Browser+. The lock can be manually operated in the ST App, and/or it can be controlled by ST Routines. On the Alexa side it can be used as a trigger in Alexa routines. Two minor problem are the Lock Icon and it says locked/unlocked vs on/off which can’t be changed. @JDRoberts @orangebucket @DaWeav @Jake_Mohl

[JDRoberts]

I added the information about virtual locks for those who don’t have a SmartThings/Aeotec hub to the FAQ on triggering Alexa routines from SmartThings .

[jamaroney (Jim)]

I created the Virtual Lock. Then on the ST app I chose “Automations”. Was that correct? I set up a time span, but then when I went to “Device Status”, it’s greyed out, so I can’t choose my thermostat or the virtual lock.

Also, I can’t find the FAQ about triggering Alexa routines from ST

[JDRoberts]

@jamaroney

Also, I can’t find the FAQ about triggering Alexa routines from ST

It’s the one I already gave you upthread:

FAQ: Can I trigger an Echo Action without Speaking to It?

[jamaroney (Jim)]

Thanks - I now understand about the Virtual lock triggering an Amazon action. That’s set up and ready to go.

What I don’t yet understand is how to make the Virtual Lock tie in with the thermostat on ST (both are recognized and assigned to the same “room”). I assume I should set up an “Automation” on ST, but it never allows me to select a device - “Device Status” is always greyed out.

[JDRoberts]

@jamaroney

Thanks - I now understand about the Virtual lock triggering an Amazon action. That’s set up and ready to go.

What I don’t yet understand is how to make the Virtual Lock tie in with the thermostat on ST (both are recognized and assigned to the same “room”). I assume I should set up an “Automation” on ST, but it never allows me to select a device - “Device Status” is always greyed out.

It sounds like both need to be initialized to SmartThings.

For the virtual lock, try locking and unlocking it in the Alexa app and see if that does anything for the status in the smartthings app.

If not, maybe @Paul_Oliver knows how to initialize that one.

For the thermostat, I don’t know the details of that particular integration. Can you post a screenshot of the routine that you were trying to create in the smartthings app? Also, can you post a screenshot of its details page in the smartthings app?

[Paul_Oliver (PCO)]

I just created this routine. My thermostat is a Honeywell T5 and uses the Honeywell Home app, so there is a difference.

[HalD (Hal)]

I, too have Honeywell thermostats and am set up with the Total Connect Comfort integration to SmartThings. With the TCC integration, there is no access to thermostats on the IF part of a Routine, only on the THEN part.

Tried to add the Honeywell Home integration but my VisionPro 8000 WiFi thermostats are not supported by the integration. I do control them via the Resideo app. Honeywell is so annoying.

Edit: seems like Honeywell has improved the TCC integration. I now have a good selection of attributes of my thermostats available for trigger conditions in Routines. Not sure if the issue of refresh time is addressed yet, when I look in history for thermostats, I see a once daily update.

[Declankh]

Is there a reason he can’t control the fan directly from SmartThings using the “Ewelink” linked service?
I have a very early Wi-Fi sonoff switch which I can control directly through SmartThings using ewelink linked service without having to resort to an Alexa virtual switch?

[jamaroney (Jim)]

Thanks for all the comments here. Judging by HalD’s experience with TCC integration, that explains why I can’t access my thermostat on the IF part of the routine, which makes this whole endeavor a non-starter.

And, like HalD, my Honeywells are not supported via Honeywell Home integration - although I can control my Honeywells via that app, if I try to link Alexa to the app it says that no devices are found.

The fan is controlled by the Sonoff iFan04, which is not recognized by Sonoff or eWelink service (I have a number of Sonoff devices, including 8 iFan04 units - eWelink recognizes all Sonoff devices except for any of the 8 iFan04s.

It seems I picked the wrong smart devices to try to work together…

Paul_Oliver: I see the top of your screenshot says “Routine name”. I see no option in my ST app to setup a routine, only “Automation.” And as I noted earlier, I can’t even get past “IF” because “Device Status” is greyed out.

Also, when you state they should be “initialized”, I’m unsure what that means, as SmartThing operates my thermostat just fine.

[JDRoberts]

@jamaroney

Paul_Oliver: I see the top of your screenshot says “Routine name”. I see no option in my ST app to setup a routine, only “Automation.” And as I noted earlier, I can’t even get past “IF” because “Device Status” is greyed out.

“routine” is the official term for the type of automation you can create through the smartthings app.

There are two ways to do this, they eventually take you to the same part of the app.

1. from the favorites screen, choose the + in the upper right

Then choose “create routine“ from the next screen

2. from any screen, choose “automations“ from the bottom menu line

This will take you to a screen that says “automations“ at the top.

Choose the “+“ and then “add routine” from the pop-up.

[JDRoberts]

@jamaroney

Also, when you state they should be “initialized”, I’m unsure what that means, as SmartThing operates my thermostat just fine.

You can ignore that comment. It doesn’t apply in your situation. Sorry for any confusion.