[RELEASE] Alexa Helper

Like a scheduled activity? That is better suited for a program like CoRE…Ask Alexa really shines at real time verbal responses.

Yea adding it verbally would work perfect.

Maybe I am not understanding the request then…Ask Alexa can already give battery levels verbally when asked. You just need to set thresholds and allow other attributes to be played, or set up a voice macro and the list of items you want to report on.

Sorry, let me delve a bit further into the app then. Did you happen to find out any information on the app not playing on Sonos?

Thanks for your help MichaelS

Sorry, I’m using Alexa Helper not Ask Alexa.

I am on a plane at the moment but can tell you the code hasn’t changed in months. Basically you have a virtual switch that is attempting to turn on or off a Sonos? Have you verified SmartThings can actually control the speaker. If the IP address of the speaker has changed that would cause an issue.

The sono’s speakers work fine with smartthings. It just doesn’t speak when I hit the button.

Can you share a screenshot of your setup?

I can yes, It’s actually working now for some odd reason. Possibly something on the backend was not working.

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Hi Micheal…I am hoping you may can help me. HAM Bridge (http://solutionsetcetera.com/about-ham-bridge.html) & (http://scottinpollock.us/ham-bridge-and-smartthings.html) are software and SmartApps that allow one to use a combination of Amazon Echo and SmartThings to send HTTP requests via the code below to the HAM Bridge server running on my MAC Mini…HAM Bridge Server will then command the MAC Mini to run any given applescript with up to 9 variables on the MAC Mini. I am using this to control an iTunes based whole house sound system using a MAC Mini and Airport Expresses (http://www.kenrockwell.com/apple/how-to-create-a-whole-house-music-system.htm). I am only able to do this using on/on switch commands and would like to use a dimmer to send commands with variables to control volume within iTunes on the MAC Mini. The key is the smartapp code line to send the command to HAM Bridge on the MAC Mini:

def doHAMB() {
def ip = “${settings.server}:${settings.port}“sendHubCommand(new physicalgraph.device.HubAction(””“GET /?${settings.HAMBcommand} HTTP/1.1\r\nHOST: $ip\r\n\r\n”"", physicalgraph.device.Protocol.LAN))
}

I can do basic applescripting but am lost on some of the logic in these smartapps… but realize that your smartapps could be modified to send this HTTP request to my mac for just about anything. Can you help me understand how? Here is the link to help of HAM Bridge which explains the commands: http://solutionsetcetera.com/help-ham-bridge.html

Thank you if you can help.

I am assuming you already tried the internal web address command via the control scenario? That looks to give you the exact same command you are looking for…Let me know if I am missing something.

Does anyone know if Alexa is still supporting the undocumented open close commands? I have setup an Alexa switch with this Alexa helper but Alex only responds to on and off commands.

Background: I have a virtual Alexa switch called “Chicken Coop Door” and I want to say Alexa, close chicken coop door. She says I can’t help you with that command. However, if I say Alexa, turn off chicken coop door. it works. So I’m wondering if the undocumented open close commands are still working or do I have something setup incorrectly??

The “open / close” cmd’s are no longer supported natively in Alexa. I have been in contact with Amazon regarding this.

That’s too bad! This would have been so cool!

Thanks for the quick response.

I would be remiss if I did not include that you can give the open/close command in the ASK ALEXA app (MStruck has written that app as well).

http://thingsthataresmart.wiki/index.php?title=Ask_Alexa.

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This is just fantastic!! It is going to take some time to get it all setup but it looks perfect for what I want to do. I will even be able to ask Alexa if the coop door is open!! How did I get so far behind on what the community is doing with the Echo? What a great bunch of developers love open source!! Oh man i cant wait to get this setup!! Thanks @femwitjava for pointing me in that direction!!

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Let me know if you have issues with the installation.

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Thanks! And thanks for doing all this!!

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Hi @MichaelS i am trying to use one of your Alexa switches that i can use with Alexa using a “turn up” or “turn down” command to alter the dimming level. Am i doing something wrong or does it not respond to that command? If not do you know of a virtual switch that would? Thanks Adam.

Hi Adam,
Maybe I/we can help you until Michael (real expert) checks in ?

there is a section in his Alexa Helper WIKI - here is the link - it is section 7 - about 1/3 of the way down the document.
http://thingsthataresmart.wiki/index.php?title=Alexa_Helper

There is info in there about using momentary button tiles etc to trigger switches.

If you provide more details I can better try to guide you as to what switches you may be after for your use.

If it strictly dimming … you will be able to do you this with commands such as increase / decrease/ brighten/ dim - if it is a in wall switch (light or fan) or a smart connected bulb.

let us know if that helps you or provide more details on the specifics you are trying to achieve.