Whose using home automation in the garage or shop?

[lilscorpion]

Kinda on a HA kick and keep coming up with ideas of how to use home automation to create useful things. Who else is headed down the HA route and what are you doing with it simple or complicated?


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[Briancapecoral]

Alexa can open/close the garage door and turn on/off the lights. Motion detector turns on front porch light after sundown and back lights turn on when you open back door. Nice to be able to ask Alexa if the doors are locked without getting up when wife asks and we are already in bed.

 

[slodat]

I use HomeSeer in the shop. It works with my camera system, alarm, thermostats, ceiling fans, power to my garage door openers, and more. I love it.

I use HomeSeer to control my electric heaters via Ecobee thermostats, at a lower temperature than the ecobee's go at my storage building. Saves quite a bit of energy maintaining 38F vs 45F. HomeSeer is very easy to use, has plugins to work with damn near anything and is as programmable as you want it to be. In my opinion nothing else compares.

Thread where I described it...

 

[lilscorpion]

Alexa can open/close the garage door and turn on/off the lights. Motion detector turns on front porch light after sundown and back lights turn on when you open back door. Nice to be able to ask Alexa if the doors are locked without getting up when wife asks and we are already in bed.

I didn’t know you could ask her to check if the door was locked, just did and she confirmed it was. That’s cool!

 

[jake28]

I’m in a similar kick as I head in to finish my shop.
So far I’m going with a combo of nest for thermostats and smoke detectors and simply safe for security and video.
Sonos for stereo.

In the shop I’m most excited to have Alexa hooked up to my dust collector via a smart plug for instant dust collection from across the room

 

[honcho]

Lots of interesting HA stuff out there nowadays but I only have a few old x10 items running. Refuse to have Alexa or any other cloud-based home automation in my home.

 

[ixlr8]

I am running an Insteon system in my house. Updated/improved X10 like system. I too refuse to have Alexa/Google or any other cloud based system in my home. I have a keypad controller in my house that is dedicated to my shop that is 120ft from my house. From it I can turn the lights on/off, I can also open/close the garage doors. The indictor lights on the keypad show if the doors are open or closed, lights on or off. Next up, I am going to put Insteon control on my air compressor as I keep forgetting to shut it off.

 

[Git]

Homeseer sells some wall dimmers that have a series of small LED Lights on the side that can be used to show the status of something. For example, if the front door is unlocked, all 7 of the LEDS will flash red. If the water heater circulation pump is running, the lights flash blue just to let you know that it is on. (Homeseer automatically turns off the pump after it runs for 4 minutes). The ceiling outlets in the garage that the door opener plugs into are z wave controlled by HomeSeer. Power is automatically turned off on schedule at 11 PM and it is not turned back on until 7 AM (people leave car doors in driveway unlocked, dirtbag gets into car, finds remote garage door opener, opens garage door....)

Aetoec sold a z-wave doorbell but what is cool about it is the 'chime' module that plugs into an outlet, is actually a mp3 player. You can use an online text to speech program, export it as a .mp3 file, and then copy it to the module. So, for example, I have a motorized ball valve to turn on/off the airline from my compressor (I would rather shut off the air than the electricity). So when I want to use the compressor, it should already be up to pressure, I just say "Alexa, compressor on" and then the chime module that I have in the garage announces "The air compressor just turned on" to confirm that it worked. Same thing when turning it off

Lots of stuff to play with

https://homeseer.com/lighting/

https://darwinsden.com/audio-clips-for-smart-home-automation-systems/

 

[Git]

Lots of interesting HA stuff out there nowadays but I only have a few old x10 items running. Refuse to have Alexa or any other cloud-based home automation in my home.

Homeseer isn't cloud based

 

[lilscorpion]

I use HomeSeer in the shop. It works with my camera system, alarm, thermostats, ceiling fans, power to my garage door openers, and more. I love it.

I use HomeSeer to control my electric heaters via Ecobee thermostats, at a lower temperature than the ecobee's go at my storage building. Saves quite a bit of energy maintaining 38F vs 45F. HomeSeer is very easy to use, has plugins to work with damn near anything and is as programmable as you want it to be. In my opinion nothing else compares.

Thread where I described it...

Cool setup. After reading your thread I ended up chasing HomeSeer down a rabbit hole on the internet. Looks like it had a bunch of plugins for things I’d want to do. Trying to decide between the Hubitat and the Homeseer now...thanks for sharing, was very helpful.

 

[lilscorpion]

I’m in a similar kick as I head in to finish my shop.
So far I’m going with a combo of nest for thermostats and smoke detectors and simply safe for security and video.
Sonos for stereo.

In the shop I’m most excited to have Alexa hooked up to my dust collector via a smart plug for instant dust collection from across the room

I think there’s a lot of opportunities for automation around the shop beyond the thermostat, door locks, openers, and sensors. The first one I’m going to try is for my built in pressure washer. IMO just purchased a deionizer system which I’ll want to use for the final (spotless) rinse. Since Ill need to switch between water types dying the wash I’m thinking of using automation to control a few valves which will do the work.

I’m also thinking about using valves to do some basic ops around the shop like interval draining of the air compressor and temperature triggered draining of the water lines (in the event the heater fails to do its job).

Another thought I’d had is to use servos to lock and unlock drawers and cabinet doors...

 

[soloz2]

I have two Chamberlain MyQ door openers and a MyQ light switch for the courtyard light. I also have an echo dot in the garage mounted to the ceiling. Unfortunately, Alexa and MyQ don't play nicely together which I didn't realize before buying the openers.


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[slodat]

Homeseer is the glue between all the different things out there. I can’t recommend it enough. My shop is much more secure, I never forget to arm or disarm my alarm, change camera modes, turn heat on/off and so much more. When I drive up, everything changes how I want it when I’m there. When I leave, same thing. Been trouble free since I got it going 2.5 years ago!

And, no Amazon/Google bs. Not cloud based.

 

[niget2002]

I have a homeassistant setup. I have a motion detector in the garage that turns on the garage light when I walk out to get a beer. It shuts it back off 5 minutes after no more movement. I have remote temp sensors hooked up to my weather station. One of the temp sensors is in my brooder for the chicks. The heat lamp is on a wifi outlet. The two work in unison to keep the brooder the right temperature.

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[chicken89]

Homeseer sells some wall dimmers that have a series of small LED Lights on the side that can be used to show the status of something. For example, if the front door is unlocked, all 7 of the LEDS will flash red. If the water heater circulation pump is running, the lights flash blue just to let you know that it is on. (Homeseer automatically turns off the pump after it runs for 4 minutes). The ceiling outlets in the garage that the door opener plugs into are z wave controlled by HomeSeer. Power is automatically turned off on schedule at 11 PM and it is not turned back on until 7 AM (people leave car doors in driveway unlocked, dirtbag gets into car, finds remote garage door opener, opens garage door....)

Aetoec sold a z-wave doorbell but what is cool about it is the 'chime' module that plugs into an outlet, is actually a mp3 player. You can use an online text to speech program, export it as a .mp3 file, and then copy it to the module. So, for example, I have a motorized ball valve to turn on/off the airline from my compressor (I would rather shut off the air than the electricity). So when I want to use the compressor, it should already be up to pressure, I just say "Alexa, compressor on" and then the chime module that I have in the garage announces "The air compressor just turned on" to confirm that it worked. Same thing when turning it off

Lots of stuff to play with

https://homeseer.com/lighting/

https://darwinsden.com/audio-clips-for-smart-home-automation-systems/

for your compressor, it just turns a ball valve... it doesn't actually turn on the compressor?
i've see plugs/switches for 110v plugs, but would be nice to find one for 240 for my compressor. i understand the issues with 20a, 30a, 50a and the different plug configurations. would be something nice!
what about breakers? is there a HA breaker available? guess that would be easier than figuring out a plug version.

 

[niget2002]

for your compressor, it just turns a ball valve... it doesn't actually turn on the compressor?

i've see plugs/switches for 110v plugs, but would be nice to find one for 240 for my compressor. i understand the issues with 20a, 30a, 50a and the different plug configurations. would be something nice!

what about breakers? is there a HA breaker available? guess that would be easier than figuring out a plug version.

I made my own for my large dust collector. I used a large SSR to match the 30a circuit that it runs on. I put a fan and heatsink on the SSR so it doesn't overheat.

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[engineer2]

Mine is a simple sump pump backup, but it's really not that smart. In our area, if you have a basement, a sump pump is a must along with a battery powered backup. If it ever fails, you can have a flooded basement and they always fail at the worst possible time.

I got rid of the **** Glentronics backup system that would eat batteries and cause constant false alarms. Put in a smart charger to keep the battery topped up. A 1982 Chrysler horn relay wired to the float switch activates the backup pump. Wired in a manual test switch too.
I installed a WiFi water sensor that sends me an email and a text message if it detects high water.
I installed an old router as an extender nearby to ensure a good signal. That was the most challenging part because there is so much bad info on the internet on how to set up a range extender.
I bought a 12V buck-boost converter and a relay to transfer the router power to the sump pump backup battery in case of a power failure.
Fun little project.

 

[soloz2]

I've been meaning to set up home assistant. I have an old laptop, but haven't had a chance.


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[UltimatE]

I've got a garage door controller on all of my doors, a camera with motion detection recording setup inside, and alarm door switch on the man door. All setup and run through the Alarm.com app. Can open any of my garage doors from anywhere in the world with internet connection, alarm trigger on the man door, and video recording/access remotely via the app.

 

[Git]

for your compressor, it just turns a ball valve... it doesn't actually turn on the compressor?

Yep - personal choice. I believe turning off the air instead of the electricity has its advantages. For one, you don't have to wait for the tank to come up to pressure. I should add that I installed my air system about 15 years ago, there is a minor leak somewhere in the line that I don't care to fix - primarily because with battery-powered tools, the only thing I use compressed air for nowadays is when I am spraying something (wood finish)

With a motorized ball valve right at the tank, it shuts the air off and is ready to go when I need it. Easy peasy and pretty reasonably priced ($50)

Anyone interested in the HomeSeer software, it usually goes on sale twice a year for 50% off. Usually near the end of May and end of November. Also, they are getting ready to release version 4. You really need to look what comes with the 'Pro' version and if you will actually use it. I ended up with the standard version for $125 during the sale

 

[slodat]

I do both with my air compressor. My shop has a lot of automation and control stuff going on. My compressor is a long way from the entry door. There’s a control switch at the entry door.



This switch controls a soft start valve from automation direct. The valve slowly opens to 50% system pressure then fully opens. Prevents slamming air into the header. I use it to depressurize the air system so the auto drains will cycle. Additionally, the coil for the compressor motor magnetic starter is powered through my lighting contactor. This means the compressor will only run when the lights are on, which is only when I’m in the shop. Years ago I had a compressor pressure switch weld shut. The compressor ran until I found it with the relief valve cycling. It could have went much worse than it did.

I use the soft start valves in my PLC controlled completely automated dust collection system and my cnc milling machine as well. Air is only on when the system is powered up.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

I've toyed with the idea of a home automation system for many years, but I just can't commit. I'm like many here and don't want to have any cloud based stuff in my home, but I also don't want anymore wireless stuff in my home either.

I'm now exploring the automation direct PLC route for a few projects. My job is in automation so I know a bit about how to work with PLCs, multiple style user interfaces and the communication protocols that go with them. Might be worth a look for those that want to be more hands on.

 

[aggie113]

I plan to get a Chamberlain RJO70 for the main garage door opener. The online monitoring and specialty opening codes are the only thing I plan to connect to the internet. It's ability to let friends access to the garage without me being there is a big reason for getting an opener that comes with "app" support.

 

[engineer2]

I like that HomeSeer has their remote valves in a 1" size!

 

[Git]

I've toyed with the idea of a home automation system for many years, but I just can't commit. I'm like many here and don't want to have any cloud based stuff in my home, but I also don't want anymore wireless stuff in my home either.

I'm now exploring the automation direct PLC route for a few projects. My job is in automation so I know a bit about how to work with PLCs, multiple style user interfaces and the communication protocols that go with them. Might be worth a look for those that want to be more hands on.

Look into Z-Wave. It's not 'wifi' it uses its own frequency (908.42 MHz). Usually, any hard-wired device (dimmer switch, outlet, etc as opposed to battery-powered) acts as a repeater. It is considered a 'mesh network', so the more devices you have the better it works. Z-wave can be as simple or as complicated as you want. I got started with a simple kit from Intermatic about 12 years ago. I was looking for a better way to control the recirculation pump on our water heater. It came with the control (pictured) along with a couple of modules. And from there the system just grew

Some of the more advanced light switches/dimmers from Homeseer actually let you control other devices from one wall switch. The system can detect 'presses' on a decora style switch. Example - If you press the up paddle on the switch 2 times, the system detects it and then you can create an event to trigger other devices. So you could come into your shop/garage, press the light switch on 2 times and have it turn on all the lights in your shop, start up your compressor, etc etc.

 

[pgray007]

I'm pretty deep into homeseer for the house and detached garage. Here are some of the "stupid tricks" that I've setup:

1) Open and close garage doors remotely

2) Turn on/off the detached water heaters. I have a sink POU heater and a big 40gal for the bath upstairs. When I turn on "guest mode" the big water heater kicks on, climate control adjusts, and lighting changes. At some point I'll add the ability to generate a new code for the Z-Wave locks so the guest can come in/out and then it will "self-destruct"

3) I have a geofence setup on my phone, so when I fly out for work it turns off the water heaters, etc. that I probably forgot to turn off manually.

4) Arms/disarms the house on vacation mode based on geofences, and adjusts HVAC and lighting accordingly.

5) I have a "workout mode" since the garage is also the gym. Drops the HVAC a bit, turns on my big honking fan, then turns everything off when I leave and lock the door.

There's probably some other cool stuff I forgot, but it all ties together with Alexa and various other tools. As mentioned HS is basically the "glue" that ties everything. It's complex and a bit clunky but once you figure it out it starts to make sense and you can do a lot of neat thing with it.

 

[slodat]

What are you using for your HomeSeer geofence? I’m using Blue Iris’ geo fence currently.

 

[ozyborn]

Mine is lower tech. After my wife forgot to lock her car one night, and their Gameboy was stolen. They go out, every night before bed, and check the car doors, shed and garage locks. As far as security, their names are Brutus and schnapps. 2 GS that have run of the yard 24/7 and doggy door into the garage. Good luck if you are not family at night.

Was considering a tech solution but not trusting the security of any wifi devices.

 

[pgray007]

What are you using for your HomeSeer geofence? I’m using Blue Iris’ geo fence currently.

I use an iCloud plugin and Geofency. Both have plugins with guidance on the HomeSeer forums. Neither is 100% so hoping HS4 offers native geofencing that’s more reliable.


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[slodat]

I never had any luck getting the geofency stuff working reliably.

 

[lilscorpion]

I do both with my air compressor. My shop has a lot of automation and control stuff going on. My compressor is a long way from the entry door. There’s a control switch at the entry door.







This switch controls a soft start valve from automation direct. The valve slowly opens to 50% system pressure then fully opens. Prevents slamming air into the header. I use it to depressurize the air system so the auto drains will cycle. Additionally, the coil for the compressor motor magnetic starter is powered through my lighting contactor. This means the compressor will only run when the lights are on, which is only when I’m in the shop. Years ago I had a compressor pressure switch weld shut. The compressor ran until I found it with the relief valve cycling. It could have went much worse than it did.



I use the soft start valves in my PLC controlled completely automated dust collection system and my cnc milling machine as well. Air is only on when the system is powered up.

Oh that’s awesome. Soft start valves are probably much better for what I was planning to use. How does it work with the dust collector? Is it slowly opening a gate or does it work somehow on the motor via voltage control?

 

[lilscorpion]

Some of the more advanced light switches/dimmers from Homeseer actually let you control other devices from one wall switch. The system can detect 'presses' on a decora style switch. Example - If you press the up paddle on the switch 2 times, the system detects it and then you can create an event to trigger other devices. So you could come into your shop/garage, press the light switch on 2 times and have it turn on all the lights in your shop, start up your compressor, etc etc.

I have some ZWave stuff, like it a lot. How did you schedule the recirculation as to not impact someone in the shower? Guess you could run it when none of the bathroom lights are on. Neat idea.

 

[slodat]

Oh that’s awesome. Soft start valves are probably much better for what I was planning to use. How does it work with the dust collector? Is it slowly opening a gate or does it work somehow on the motor via voltage control?

In the dust collection system, the soft start valve prevents the gates from slamming when the system is pressurized. This is the true purpose of the soft start valves. I liked them so much I added to my main header and my milling machine. I build systems to be as hands off as possible. The dust collection system only has two user controls - a main power switch that powers up the system and energizes the soft start valve and a remote control to turn the cyclone off once it's running. Zero user interaction to line up dust collection to a tool or start the cyclone. Turning on a tool takes care of all of that. Same with the CNC router, it controls dust on it's own.

On the mill, when the control is powered up, the soft start is energized, making air available to the draw bar and accessory air blow nozzle.

 

[Git]

I have some ZWave stuff, like it a lot. How did you schedule the recirculation as to not impact someone in the shower? Guess you could run it when none of the bathroom lights are on. Neat idea.

When it comes to those 'multi-tap' light switches and dimmers, it is all in the way you have an 'event' set up. Events uses If and Then type statements. If this happens Then do this. Or you could have several triggers. If the front door is closed for 5 minutes and if the door is unlocked, then lock the door.

The recirc pump is only setup right now for voice control through Echo Dots. Alexa - water heater on, and then Homeseer will shut it off after 4 minutes

 

[MattRMagnum]

Just a quiet thought from someone who hangs out with IT Security folks: if any of your home automation/IOT devices rely on Wifi? Setup a separate SSID that has Internet access, but no access to your personal computers/phones/ipads. A lot of the IOT devices, especially the cheap ones, are prone to listening in/device probing/etc. Isolating them so they can't touch any of the computers or devices that matter to you is best.

 

[Git]

Another reason why I like Z-Wave over WiFi devices

All of my IOT (VOIP, etc) are on there only dedicated subnet and I am using pfSense as a router

 

[CarmelitaYoung]

I'm using HomeSeer at my shop

 

[sberry]

Seems like less work if someone steals it, it blows up or I gotta turn it on. Just remembering all the acronyms would cause me to short out.

 

[pgray007]

Just a quiet thought from someone who hangs out with IT Security folks: if any of your home automation/IOT devices rely on Wifi? Setup a separate SSID that has Internet access, but no access to your personal computers/phones/ipads. A lot of the IOT devices, especially the cheap ones, are prone to listening in/device probing/etc. Isolating them so they can't touch any of the computers or devices that matter to you is best.

This can be another benefit of something like homeseer. I run all my IoT-type stuff on a VLAN (essentially a separate network) and let Homeseer talk to that VLAN. Not perfect since if you compromise Homeseer you can get into the main network, but devices like Chinese VoIP cameras are as insecure as they are attractively priced.

 

[slodat]

I also block my IP cameras from sending anything outside the network. They are all known for wanting to phone home.