This still doesn't make sense though.  From my understanding there is no way for the Echo and ISY to talk directly to each other.  You are left with one of three options:

 

1) Use an emulator as a bridge running on another device in your network acting like something the Echo can talk directly to

 

2) use IFTTT, in which case I don't think you'd need to use different dim level approach

 

3) use the (hopefully approved soon) ISY skill for the Echo routing commands through ISY Portal, which again I don't think would need this different dim level approach

 

The Hue emulator from BWS is a simple Java app, so you can run it on just about anything you may already have running 24x7 like a Pi, linux box, windows box, Mac, random NAS, etc.  And as I previously mentioned you can fire off as many as you need, one per every 40 or so devices or scenes you want to control.

 

Maybe I'm missing a forth approach where this would help.

You do understand you can turn on and off your lights via a browser and URL right? I am trying to figure out how to run programs through a URL now and get the correct formatting. All you do is add the Alexa channel then, make a verbal command, add a then to the maker channel and put the url to the program or light you want to trigger and run. If I am wrong please correct me.

 

I found this thread that talks about how to use REST to run a program via a url browser but it doesn't make sense to me.

 

http://forum.universal-devices.com/topic/15934-can-i-run-a-program-based-on-receiving-a-network-message-using-networking-module/?hl=%2Brun+%2Bprogram+%2Bvia+%2Burl#entry137185]http://forum.universal-devices.com/topic/15934-can-i-run-a-program-based-on-receiving-a-network-message-using-networking-module/?hl=%2Brun+%2Bprogram+%2Bvia+%2Burl#entry137185

 

If anything I thought it would be something like: http: //external-ip.com/ username:password@ISY-IP /rest/programs/program-number/run - not sure what this means or does from the thread: --URL::beded9b7f083040842ab3f92be035542--

How do you get Maker to run a program?

Thats what I am trying to figure out and said on post #100! [emoji48]

 

EDIT: Still working on it but I am trying in IFTTT on the maker channel entering the URL to the run side of the program.

I'm having trouble understanding why you're trying to do this in the first place? Are you just trying to get around limit on device count in the emulator? If so its much simpler to just run more emulators, you can start up as many as you need and each supports ~40 devices if I remember correctly.

For some this means buying and configuring a PI or running a PC 24/7 and configuration, plus the limitations. However I don't think there is anymore needs since Amazon announced IFTTT custom commands now. Now with the Maker channel you could activate a program to run direct with IFTTT.

Amazon added IFTTT so now you can say custom commands to Alexa to run recipes IFTTT. For example the "maker channel" is avail now. Check the skills section on the Alexa app. Now we need to figure out, if you have the networking module how to get the maker channel to send a notification to the ISY to run a program. Then there is no need for the lamplinc now with multiple scenes and programs.

Amazon added IFTTT so now you can say custom commands to Alexa to run recipes IFTTT. For example the "maker channel" is avail now. Check the skills section on the Alexa app.

I believe you mean the HUB Pro? I don't believe the HUB II allows Siri access even with the generation 3 Apple TV. I believe Siri access is only available via the HUB Pro but I could be wrong but that is what I have read over the last 14 months.

Sorry my mistake. I thought the Hub2 was Homekit. So the answer is no. Then I wonder if you could do the same with the "Hub Pro" which will give you Siri access? Not that its a big deal when you have an Echo but would be a additional "feature". Like you said the benefit is no emulators etc in the background/on another node with the device limitations.

 

Thanks to both of you for sharing/cross posting.

I understand completely that this is regarding the Amazon Echo being used with the Insteon Hub2. However my question is since the Insteon Hub2 has HomeKit can you use Siri as well in conjunction with it/the Amazon Echo?

Since you have the Hub2 with Homekit support (Siri) can you use it as well?

Xathros,

 

You're the one that gave me the idea! This is a game changer, at least for me...

So did you pull the trigger and buy a echo yday?

It was all my fault! Then once I realized it and edited my post Xathros had already replied.

 

This will work perfectly then as there is no scene/device limitations and there lies the reason to pay for the portal. Not to mention when IFTTT is added down the road and whatever else it will be very powerful.

 

Are we all happy now?

Well, it doesn't really. My initial thought here was a device or button would represent one activity and allow for On/off = start/stop. Multiplexing many commands into it via brightness levels would require rather odd language with Alexa thus taking you right back to the unnatural usage you are trying to avoid in the first place. Worse yet, you would need to remember what brightness a particular task is assigned. At that point, the "Alexa, tell Izzy to run ..." implementation is better in my opinion.

 

-Xathros

So I removed the last paragraph because I was confused but then I did think the idea would work.

 

So for example make a scene called ESPN Living Room, add the lamplinc to the scene, then make the brightness on at 1%

 

Then have a program that, IF lamplinc is 1%, then run the network module (IR Command) - the program name doesnt matter like you said it would be the Scene name that counts for Alexa.

 

In theory then would this work?

 

"Alexa turn on ESPN in Living Room" - scene is ESPN in Living Room.

Makes perfect sense, however since I want to create multiple IR commands relating to a multitude of devices, I'm thinking a simple way to do that is by creating scenes as you suggest which would turn on my LampLinc (not currently in use anyway) to a specified brightness level (different for each IR command) and then have a program looking for a certain brightness level to then execute the appropriate network resource. This would allow me to use a multitude of IR commands tied to a single switch.

 

What do you think?

Chuck

Thanks for the spark Xathros. Sometimes you just need another person to look at something differently.

 

This may work. You then could have the physical device hidden with up to 99 commands via the brightness levels if your idea works.

 

Edit: Removed braindead question.

This is very helpful. Out of curiosity, I am curious to know why you would switch over from the Hue Emulator if it's working well and also free to the ISY portal, especially since you can create custom name tags which I don't believe you will be able to do using the portal. I'm in no way beating up in the ISY portal as I most likely will be using it myself. I'm just trying to understand the differences between the two...

 

Thanks again for your info as it's very helpful,

Chuck

The emulator maxes out at a certain amount of devices. Right now its fine because I dont have many setup yet, just my most used ones so havent hit the max yet. I probably have 10 total devices & commands now for the important stuff. Who knows how many more I actually need!? I could easily delete some like "Monday Night Football" and stay with ESPN since its the same macro just different named command.

 

I hope your wrong and we can create custom names & run programs. I just assumed the portal/skills would be the same. Anyone care to chime in here? Am I wrong? If I cant this will be a huge downside and I will have to look into BWS setup and see about using his instead. I think with his there are no device limitations and works like the hue emulator I am using already. I now will have to investigate.

 

If all works as it does now I rather give Michel my money and go all within the ISY so I dont need to use a PI and deal with configuring one, which I think BWS does require. Also v5 firmware is coming so that also may change things. Just waiting to see...

Very cool! Where do you set up the Alexa trigger name? I don't have an Echo yet but am doing my homework ahead of time so I know what I'm getting into. Currently I'm using a pair of RedEye WIFI to IR devices and set up a program for each IR command in my ISY using the network module. Based on my reading, the ISY portal will use both the lighting API and ISY skill for non lighting functions. However, it appears it will be a bit clumsy for my situation as I would have to say something like "Alex, ask my home to run Monday Night Football". Are you using virtual devices of some sort?

 

Thanks for your time,

Chuck

I am using the hue emulator right now. But expect to switch over fully when the skill is out and get the portal. In the emulator right now you can set any names you want. Plus Michel just posted "home" was not approved by Amazon but Izzy was. Which I do like better. So now I think the command will be "Alexa ask Izzy to turn on ESPN" then it will your run your program set in the ISY triggering the networking module for your communication to the RedEye. AFAIK the Amazon skill will run devices, programs and scenes on the ISY. I also use this to control my motorized shades. The catch now with this is only ON/OFF commands work. Again expect it to change some with the skill once released. So "Alexa turn off living room shades" closes them, turn on opens them.

 

Hope this helps.

I'm in the same boat as you and very careful about opening new credit accounts so it wouldn't be worth it in this case. I'm thinking of waiting until Thanksgiving as I would think we might see a better deal. Any thoughts?

See my prev post #56 - Basically order one now then have them price match if it goes on sale lower? I dono if they will/do this but not sure why they wouldnt. Or as long as its within 30 days you could return the higher priced one and just buy it again lower. If they say no. Maybe point that out to them if the do say no and see if they change their position. Just a thought...

"Echodeal" didn't work for me...

You need to open the amazon store or amazon credit card for it to work. I didnt bother, I dont want another cc or hit on my credit report. I am picky when it comes to my personal credit. I just paid the $150 sale price vs the normal $180. Also I do have a Coti double cash back card so its 2% off I guess if you care.

Would you please elaborate on how you set up the channel changes using Alexa? I assume like myself you're using a WIFI to IR device and sending http get requests from the ISY network module? Or are you using some other method?

 

Thanks,

Chuck

I actually have a RTI remote control system linked with the Echo. Then I have a digital matrix distribute audio/video via HDMI over Cat6 to receiver baluns to each of my TVs, which have tx/rx IR control.

 

BUT if you have a Harmony remote you could do the same with their hub. Its documented in the "Amazon Echo and ISY" thread. You would just need a hub for each room and IR blaster to the TV. Prob could use a cheaper Wifi to IR solution like you mention but I havent gone that route as I dont need it.

 

Then I setup Alexa trigger name to something cool. I have EPSN, but then also saying "Monday Night Football" does the same macro to ESPN, Red Zone Channel for Sunday games, etc.

Here's an interesting integration of Echo and the ISY that I'll be trying: http://forum.smarthome.com/topic.asp?whichpage=1&TOPIC_ID=17353#93089

What specifically interests you? Everything said looks like we will be able to do this without the hub. I am using it to turn on my home theater room projector, av rec, etc. I have changing channels in different rooms working, etc. I can say "Alexa turn on Monday Night Football in Living Room" and it does. Alexa integration is so d@nm nice!

 

Funny no mention of using the hub with Siri. Thats the only thing that would make the Insteon hub worth the cost, but then I am not sure if Siri really matters anymore to me now having the Amazon Echo.

I have one, bought one today and hoping it goes cheaper closer to the holidays as I want one more. Figure I can ask them to price match the one I just bought if it does go lower within 30 days. I figure theres a good chance we see it on sale again. I want it at $99! [emoji48]

Amazon Echo is on sale today for $149.99 - one day only.

Coming from someone who has spent money on a professional system...

 

I have an RTI system in my home. It does have to be professionally installed and programmed but I LOVE IT! I have a XP6 with three T2x remotes and a couple iOS licenses. Thankfully I am in the industry and have access to this so I can program it myself. The nicest thing is they have a driver (plugin) that is able to communicate directly with the ISY giving you full two way feedback over standard TCP/IP. The driver was made by a ISY forum member here actually. The downside is that this system not cheap and every plugin or lic for a device costs money. However because its rock solid, fully configurable, and works with a ton of products I dont mind spending money for the quality. It is cheaper overall than Control4, Cresteon, Savant, etc. I also wanted remotes with actual buttons, as I dislike using touch screens. My belief is touch screens should be used for informational feedback only. See pix. I am boring and keep the gui graphics and buttons to a minimalistic design so please dont pick on me.

 

You can look at AMX, ProControls, and URC - all have pros and cons. Some of these if not all require a authorized installer, but these cost less then the ones above.

 

Here is a sample of some screens of my remotes. On my "Home" page the top button can arm/disarm the Elk and show armed state. I have my most used lighting scenes for each area. There is a "sleep" button that auto turns on a playlist of calming nature sounds in my bedrooms distributed audio, and then buttons control my HD shades (I could have made this a single button). The current weather is at the top right, which I can click on to give me more info about today, then by swiping I can get a 5 day forecast. If I click on the "Home Page/Date Time" it then gives me the full details of my remote specs, IP, Remote Name, WiFi Signal strength, etc. I also can touch any of the lighting, directv, kodi, or music to control and get feedback of those devices.

 

On the DirecTV page, its very simple but I get the show name, channel, when it started and time left all from a quick glance. If I click on the "DirecTV and date/time" in the top left I go back to the "Home" page. This info can have more details if required.

 

I find it easy for anyone to pickup and use and but very powerful.

 

 

 

 

No insteon devices yet and yes the mesh network is a concern. I want it to work without me chasing dead batteries in one of six motion detectors and six wireless door sensors etc. I already chase the damn smoke alarms all over the house with deas batteries. They drove me a little insane.

I don't have any lamps Teken.

You could add a program in your ISY to email, text or other notification to warn you when you have a low battery No chasing necessary.

If you have a triggerlincs then yes you just make a program and it can send you a notification via text, email, etc. example: If triggerlinc is on then send notification.

"Siri ask Alexa to turn on my lights"...one day maybe.

Try putting a power cube on the output and add a small 4 watt old fashioned incandescent night light bulb. That should be enough to swamp the sensing current.

 

That is what the X10 users did and it works just as well for the small sensing current from Insteon modules.

 

 

Forgot about that Brian. Maybe a couple 2amp phone chargers?

Thanks guys for the info, that worked! I never heard/read that before but I plugged an "Y" electrical cord splitter into the LampLinc and then on one side put the LED strip and on the other plug put a 4.5V DC 1000mA power adapter from an old project and wa-la it worked. When I unplugged the power adapter the LEDS then turned back on dimly even when the LampLinc was off, plugged the power adapter back in and the LEDS turned off. So add a power adapter is the key.

 

I also called Philips Hue support and confirmed without using the app you cannot turn the Hue Lightstrips or Bulbs (even with the new "plus" and v2 hub) back to the last "color" it always will default to the warm white, which doesn't work for me, I need daylight/cool white.

 

That being said I still am trying different things out. I rather not have a separate hub, network whatever to control my LED strips. I am trying to go 100% Insteon/ISY.

 

I then mounted the LED strips inside a metal channel with a frosted lens from Klus Design: http://www.klusdesign.com/products/led-extrusions

They have all different kinds of channels you can use depending on how you want to mount the LEDs.

These are really nice, thanks for posting the link. My countertops are white so the LEDS shine down on them and you can see each LED bulb on the counter. Grabbing a frosted channel to put the LED strip in maybe the perfect solution to stop that and still have a nice task lighting.