Amazon Echo and ISY

[blueman2]

Barry,

 

With regard to Custom devices.  I have enabled it with the 'Custom Address' in the .INI file.  What if I need to talk to several different custom end points?  I tried editing the default custom IP:Port in the On URL box and doing an update, but that just appended the old default to the new address I edited.  Is there another way to add multiple custom devices?  I guess I could change the .INI whenever I needed to add another custom device.  Since I would rarely do that, this would probably work just fine.

 

I was going to use this to power on/off my amplifier that accepts http commands.  

 

EDIT: I realized that there is an issue with updating any custom device.  If, for example, you change the name and hit update, it will append the default IP address again.  is this a bug? 

Edited September 21, 2015 by blueman2

[ferdies]

Ferdie, You need to include the Scene folders you want to display in your .ini.  I had the same issue with no scenes showing up until I edited the .ini file.

 

Hi,

 

In my ini file, scene folder is enabled; "show scene folders = True"

[blueman2]

Hi,

 

In my ini file, scene folder is enabled; "show scene folders = True"

  But you also need to include the line for specific folders to show.  For mine, it is:

Scene Filter       = Scenes, Interior, exterior

[MWareman]

Hello everyone,

 

Just a quick update: we just published ISY Skill to Echo and waiting for certification!

 

With kind regards,

Michel

Awesome! I assume this will require the UDI portal - or is it entirely onsite (Echo => ISY) communication?

[barrygordon]

Blueman2,

 

Sure sounds like a nasty creepy crawly.  

 

In my custom control endpoint I look at what I have been sent and then determine where it will go. For example devices SPA, Waterfall, Pool Light all go to the Autelis Pool controller, The device Theater goes to the PC that controls the theater. My custom controller is driven from an ini file that provides all the information needed to steer the command to the correct endpoint based upon what is in the command sent by the Echo.

 

Would you prefer to provide a list of Custom address, and then select the one you want when you are defining the custom control. ?

[blueman2]

Blueman2,

 

Sure sounds like a nasty creepy crawly.  

 

In my custom control endpoint I look at what I have been sent and then determine where it will go. For example devices SPA, Waterfall, Pool Light all go to the Autelis Pool controller, The device Theater goes to the PC that controls the theater. My custom controller is driven from an ini file that provides all the information needed to steer the command to the correct endpoint based upon what is in the command sent by the Echo.

 

Would you prefer to provide a list of Custom address, and then select the one you want when you are defining the custom control. ?

 

Frankly, I would leave it as is for now.  I only have one custom device for now anyway.  If I add more later, I can either create an endpoint to distribute the commands or I can just change the custom IP in the .ini and add the other device.

 

But as for the 'update' bug in the custom settings, it would be nice to have that fixed!!!  Also, if it is fixed,then I can manually adjust the http command to whatever I want in the URL on and off boxes.  

 

Thanks again for being so kind to share your work with us.  I really appreciate it!!

Edited September 21, 2015 by blueman2

[barrygordon]

Well The bug is fixed and I will post the updated version tomorrow. I have just about all the code done to handle a list of control addresses so that will go in also

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi guys,

 

I will create a new post with more information as soon as we have had a chance to test the production.

 

MWareman,

 

Unfortunately all in the portal.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[randyth]

I totally get the aversion to using the cloud, especially for something like home automation where each device (Echo and ISY) coexist on the same LAN.  That said, I think using the portal is a perfectly acceptable solution.  I'm using it now for my own tests and it adds no noticeable delays.  I'm also not too paranoid about the security issues.  Heck, I already put a microphone in my house so Jeff Bezos can listen to all my conversations.

 

-Randy

[blueman2]

My only aversion to "cloud solutions" is that they are typically just an excuse to force the consumer to put 'some function' on another computer so that the owner of that computer can charge you a monthly fee.  Often, the 'some function' does not need to be remote and would work just as well, probably better, on a local computer.  It is done remotely just to generate fees.  

 

I think UDI feels the same (prefers not to use portals unless truly required), but is trapped by Amazon into using a portal solution.  It will probably mean monthly fees though.  The size of those fees will determine whether the portal is worth it.  But I am preparing myself to continue to use my own bridge and keep all functionality local on my LAN.  

 

Time will tell which route will be better, but I urge everyone doing development today not to slow down or wait for a portal solution.  

[blueman2]

Well The bug is fixed and I will post the updated version tomorrow. I have just about all the code done to handle a list of control addresses so that will go in also

 

Thanks, Barry.  Just installed 1.1.82 and all is working perfectly! 

 

What does the 'list of control addresses' refer to? I did not understand that reference.  

Edited September 22, 2015 by blueman2

[barrygordon]

There is a new version that I just posted. 

 

I am not sure what you are referring to when you say 'list of control addresses". As you alluded to before, you can now have a list of  custom addresses instead of just the one. It is described in the word doc.  If there is neither a custom address entry or a [custom endpoints] section then the custom button will not appear. If you have either a custom address entry or the custom endpoint section has exactly one end point then the custom button will appear and the provided custom address will be used. If there is more than one custom address provided by a combination of the custom address entry and the custom endpoints section, then a drop down list will be shown when building the custom endpoint device item so a selection can be made.

 

I think I got the code right, but it might need more testing.

 

I really try and stay out of the cloud. I believe: 

(1) If I don't need a cloud service than why have it with who knows what is being looked at and how good their security is. 

(2) Why pay money for something I shouldn't need

(3) Why give someone the opportunity to send me more trash advertisements when they change their "Policy". I don't have a twitter account and I am rarely posting on Facebook

(4) A significant rationale behind cloud services is the generation of revenue through advertisments. 

 

[randyth]

As I'm sure you are aware, you are using "the cloud" simply by using your Echo.  But, you are certainly minimizing your exposure via a HUE emulator as opposed to a portal solution.

 

Though I have a working HUE emulator in addition to my hard-coded (read, "only works for me") Alexa Skill app, I plan to support UDI's efforts to create an official UDI-created app.  I assume the cost of the UDI portal will be reasonable and have no qualms about rewarding their good work with my money.  I know UDI would prefer to avoid the cloud as well, but for now, Amazon is sadly not providing UDI with the same level of custom support as they are the big players like Phillips.  Maybe down the road...

 

By the way, I also support your efforts, Barry!  Even if its only moral support and not with my checkbook.  Your work is truly impressive.

 

 

-Randy

[barrygordon]

Thank you randy.  I do not solicit monetary support or donations unless I do something special in collaboration with another person.  That was the case when I wrote the Squeeze Player control system for the Pronto PRO several years ago. 

 

I code because I enjoy it, like to solve puzzles and keep my mind/memory nimble. I am retired after a long career in the hardware/software world and now prefer a no "Schedule demands" environment.  I need to get started on my Alexa Skill. Probably this week. The basics are done, but I need to write the utterances and intents.  Thank you for what you sent me a while back.

 

I just received a Smartthings hub and it is going back. I don't think I have any use for it. Just about everything is under the control of the UDI ISY994, so why . . . 

The only thing I might want to do with it is play with an arrival sensor, put one in each car and no longer have to play with the visor buttons. It appears limited however as to what it will do when it senses an arrival or departure. Send me a notification, heck I am in the car!  

 

I have tried RFID solutions and when I did the range was poor.  Does anyone know of a good RFID solution that will work with the ISY994? 

[blueman2]

There is a new version that I just posted. 

 

I am not sure what you are referring to when you say 'list of control addresses". As you alluded to before, you can now have a list of  custom addresses instead of just the one. It is described in the word doc. 

 

Doh!  I forgot to RTFM.  Beautiful!!  More than I hoped for in terms of custom endpoints.  I will start using now and let you know how it goes!

 

Bob

[barrygordon]

Every Man has the wit to know, and the will to learn, but the key to knowledge is the open book.  That is the long polite version of RTFM.

[blueman2]

Working just wonderfully, Barry.  Once again, thank you for sharing your work!

 

Bob

[barrygordon]

You are welcome.

 

I believe dimming is also working fine. I was using the wrong phrase. I will post the dimming information tomorrow or later tonight.  No change required in the configuration program, but I might want to make a change based upon whether the device is dimmable, and what I need to do for a Scene. The onURL needs to change for dimming.

[blueman2]

You are welcome.

 

I believe dimming is also working fine. I was using the wrong phrase. I will post the dimming information tomorrow or later tonight.  No change required in the configuration program, but I might want to make a change based upon whether the device is dimmable, and what I need to do for a Scene. The onURL needs to change for dimming.

 

Holy crap!!!  Dimming!?!?!  Please don't make me stay up all night wondering how you did that!!!!!

[barrygordon]

BlueMan2,

The version I will post tomorrow will have dimming implemented. It will allow for dimming of Scene's or devices that the ISY has configured as a dim'able type. Since it would require a complete re-entry of all the devices, I have supplied a one-time process that will modify each entry on each emulator to be in line with the dimming format.  The operation of the dimming update is controlled by an entry in the ini file.

 

Go to bed, dimming was always working, I just didn't say the correct phrase to Alexa.  She is very fussy regarding dimming.

[blueman2]

BlueMan2,

The version I will post tomorrow will have dimming implemented. It will allow for dimming of Scene's or devices that the ISY has configured as a dim'able type. Since it would require a complete re-entry of all the devices, I have supplied a one-time process that will modify each entry on each emulator to be in line with the dimming format.  The operation of the dimming update is controlled by an entry in the ini file.

 

Go to bed, dimming was always working, I just didn't say the correct phrase to Alexa.  She is very fussy regarding dimming.

 

You are up kind of late on the east coast!  Thanks for the update.  I cannot wait.  There are really only 2 things that are missing for me: setting temperature by degrees for my HVAC, and dimming lights.  I will be curious of the dimming capability can at some point be extended to work with thermostats for a specific temperature.   

[Scottmichaelj]

Quick question. I am still using the mapper and have added a couple programs. I named them "Open Living Room Shades" and "Close Living Room Shades". However Alexa is back talking me, telling me I have multiple devices named that and she wont run the program. Should I be naming them something smaller? Maybe the command is wrong? Do I say "turn on open living room shades"? Or what?? The programs have been discovered. Thanks in advance for the help.

Edited September 23, 2015 by huddadudda

[btreinders]

Quick question. I am still using the mapper and have added a couple programs. I named them "Open Living Room Shades" and "Close Living Room Shades". However Alexa is back talking me, telling me I have multiple devices named that and she wont run the program. Should I be naming them something smaller? Maybe the command is wrong? Do I say "turn on open living room shades"? Or what?? The programs have been discovered. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

Try naming it just "Living Room Shades" and use the command Alexa, open living room shades or close living room shades.  It works with garage door.  Sort of.  Close still needs turn off garage door.  Otherwise it adds close garage door to my to do list.  So I made two, one called just garage door and one called close garage door.  I can say open garage door, turn off garage door, or turn on close garage door.  Sure hope the ISY solution will fix this.

[Scottmichaelj]

Try naming it just "Living Room Shades" and use the command Alexa, open living room shades or close living room shades.  It works with garage door.  Sort of.  Close still needs turn off garage door.  Otherwise it adds close garage door to my to do list.  So I made two, one called just garage door and one called close garage door.  I can say open garage door, turn off garage door, or turn on close garage door.  Sure hope the ISY solution will fix this.

So I changed it to "Living Room Shades" the On URL = http://username:password@ip:port/rest/programs/0030/003D/runThenbut the console and url are giving me a error 404. The program works fine through the admin console of the ISY. Maybe I will just wait a bit longer until the Skills are available. Its a "program" though not a device. My devices work fine.

 

Results from the url direct in the browser =

<RestResponse succeeded="false">

<status>404</status>

</RestResponse>

[barrygordon]

I have just posted version 2.0.0 of my Hue Emulator configuration program for the ISY. This version allows for the setting up of devices and scenes for dimming. PLEASE read the documentation on the web page before downloading And, very important, READ the word document that is in the Archive. The Word document details the new ini file formats, and what spoken phrase will cause lights/scenes to dim.  You will need to adjust the ini file to reflect your systems. 

 

All Scenes are set for dimming, and those devices that are coded in the ISY as able to be dimmed are also set up for dimming. The coding in the ISY is automatic through recognition of the device type when the device is installed in the ISY.

 

Feedback greatly appreciated.

 

Barry