completely missed the fan post. There are switches/dimmers meant specifically for those. I literally just installed one a couple of days before your post. I am going with the Lutron Caseta smart switch setup, so keep that in mind. They have a dimmer switch meant for pull-chain ceiling fans and it does the job. The downsides are a) if you have a light kit, you will need a second switch to control that (and have wiring to support it), and b) it’s not currently supported in ST.
For the second issue, it’s an annoyance to me but since I can control it in the Lutron app and it IS supported in Google Home, I can deal with that stumbling block until a DTH is rolled out.
Yeah I got to weigh my options really not trying to bost my head before even taking the hub out the box🤣 and as for voice I currently have 1 echo dot collecting dust.
I had a couple of Echo Dots that were used for setting kitchen timers. Then I did smart switches for almost all the lights in the kitchen and living room. Now the Echo is used many times a day to change Lighting
I’m looking to purchase a Samsung device (in this case a range) that is compatible with SmartThings.
I need to control/monitor it remotely (outside of my wifi).
I understand the app has a ‘cloud’ option. I also understand there is a thing called the ‘SmartThings Hub’.
Can I merely monitor/control the device from the app (cloud option chosen I suppose) or do I I need to purchase the hub? Any guidance and thoughts greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I believe so, but I don’t have any idea of the appliances, so I don’t know for sure.
Since we are hijacking a different community member’s project thread, I suggest you start your own thread under devices with a more meaningful topic title and then other people will be able to help you.
This is mostly true, but there are some caveats. To integrate with some local network devices (for example using the local hue hub integration), the SmartThings hub must be on the same IP network as the device being controlled.
If the networks are bridged (share the same IP network) and allow devices on each network to connect to each other, there is usually not a problem. If they are separate IP networks, you could run into an Issue with certain IP connected devices if they are on the other network.
So let me understand right. If devices zigbee and zwave are connected to the hub there is no issue. If they are wifi smart devices then that’s where the issues may arise ?
Most people end up with a few Wi-Fi devices, particularly anything with video like a camera or a video doorbell. In addition, these days many people have a voice assistant like echo or Google home and those will also be Wi-Fi. The Phillips hue bridge, Logitech Harmony for home theater control, and other smart speakers like Sonos are also popular Wi-Fi devices.
And then there are the Samsung brand smart televisions and smart appliances for people who get those.
As long as the Wi-Fi devices that you want to control with smartthings are on the same Wi-Fi network as your hub, you’ll be fine. Some of the others will also be OK if it’s a cloud to cloud integration, it just varies.
You should get the newest generation of the hue bridge if you are going to use hue bulbs. This is the square one. There is an older generation which is round, but don’t get that, it is no longer being supported.
I am not for say looking for hue. I was browsing amazon and found some bulbs that say work better with hue then directly with smartthings. Omg I am getting confused.
Hue bulbs are well engineered, their app offers lots of features, and they have some nice accessory devices including the Hue outdoor motion sensor. But they are definitely more expensive than many competing brands.
The hue bridge is brilliantly engineered (and I don’t say that often) and has an open API with allows integration with almost all home automation systems out there. Consequently it can be very useful as a means of integrating otherwise incompatible systems since both can see the hue bridge so you can use a bulb turning on as a signal to the other system.
If you aren’t going to get a home automation hub, then I think the hue system is definitely The top contender for colored lighting.
On the other hand, if you are going to have a home automation hub, and specifically if you are going to have a smartthings hub, then the Ikea Tradfri bulbs are definitely worth considering. They are inexpensive (for the white only, $9.99 in the US, £9.99 in the UK), they are excellent zigbee repeaters when used with the smartthings system, have decent engineering, and can be connected directly to a smart things hub. (You don’t use the tradfri gateway if you are using the smartthings hub.) and their handheld remotes also work with the smartthings hub.
Both of these options are on the official “works with smartthings” list.
So while there are lots of different brands out there, honestly as of the summer of 2019 smart bulb selection for smartthings has become really simple.
If you want the least expensive, simplest option that you will control through smartthings and the smartthings app, get Ikea Tradfri.
If you want a smart bulb system with Many more features and its own app which can be used with other systems you might have and which also integrates officially with smartthings and you are willing to pay the price for it, get the hue bridge and Hue bulbs.
There are some specialty reasons why someone might want Zwave smart bulbs or Wi-Fi smart bulbs that would lead to other choices, but those don’t affect most people.
Yeah not looking foward to multiple hubs bridges ext. Since my center point of house is the kitchen and that’s where I plan on putting the smartthings hub.
Other bridges don’t need to be near your SmartThings hub, just an Ethernet access point.
Anyway, in your case take a look at the IKEA Tradfri line. You’ll probably want to buy it directly from IKEA, it costs much more if you buy it through Amazon or other outlets.
On the other hand, if you don’t want color changing bulbs or color temperature changing bulbs, most people find it easier to go with smart switches if you are allowed to use wired devices. renters may go with smart bulbs just because it’s easier than asking for permission to change the light switches.
Yeah I really want smart switches but since it’s a really old house some locations have raceway boxes and smart switches won’t fit. Also in one location ceiling fan and fan light kit is connected to the same switch
I’m not sure if I am hijacking this thread. If so can you send me to the right place. I am fairly new to SmartThings. My primary use right now is a dome water shutoff valve and sensors on a vacation house. Works like a charm. I am a little confused on how SmartThings integrates with a WiFi device like Alexa, or WiFi cameras. I would like to install some cameras like the Wyse cameras but I don’t know how. Thanks for any help you can give.
I am going with the Lutron Caseta smart switch setup, so keep that in mind. They have a dimmer switch meant for pull-chain ceiling fans and it does the job. The downsides are a) if you have a light kit, you will need a second switch to control that (and have wiring to support it), and b) it’s not currently supported in ST.
