Portals and apps and Pi's, oh my

[waterbaby64]

Since I've started to greatly expand my home automation, I feel lost in the realm of available ways to talk to the ISY and other smart devices.

 

So, after starting with the basics of scenes and programs, I:

1. Graduated to controlling my devices via the Mobilinc app using the "ISY Series" as the host controller instead of the MobiLinc Connect controller as that was an extra cost.

2. I then added iBeacons and geolocations to my control via MobiLinc for smarter control of two garage doors.

3. While I started to use IFTTT for notifications about my home status, I switched over to Pushover which literally has no latency issues like IFTTT

4. Next I setup my ISY portal to use with the Amazon Echo and setup my spoken commands to control the home

5. I'm now working on integrating my Home Theater control via the Harmony Hub/IFTTT/Amazon Echo as a start, with the goal of bypassing IFTTT

6. To bypass IFTTT for the Harmony control, it appears I have to setup a Raspberry Pi and install ISYHelper (which will be a bit of a learning curve, here)

 

In my quest to do more, I am now at the point that I don't know the advantages or disadvantages of MobiLinc Connect vs the ISY Portal. And do I need a Raspberry Pi to control the Harmony without the need for IFTTT?

 

Is it me or does MobiLinc and ISY have overlap? It seems that I either use the ISY portal or the MobiLinc Connect. Why? And with Amazon adding features to Echo, it appears my decision process is muddied.

 

Once I get past Home Theater control via Amazon Echo, I intend to integrate:

1. A new security system (Elk, being the only choice?)

2. SmartLocks

3. Thermostat control

4. Etc....

 

So I need to take a step back and make sure I've planned my base tools properly.

 

Is there some sort of chart comparing the various ways of available command and control of my smarthome via apps, portals and Pi's? Should I use MobiLinc Connect instead of ISY Series? Do I need a Pi? Is ISY Helper there because ISY Portal is still ever evolving?

 

I don't mind the time and effort to learn these things. Heck, if I did I would have gone for Apple's HomeKit route, but that is way limiting. I'm happy to challenge my brain.

[Jimbo.Automates]

I'll only address the ISYHelper questions. It originally existed to fill a gap to control ISY with Alexa before the portal, I still use it for that, but it sounds like the speed of the portal is acceptable by everyone now so I will probably try it again. But ISYHelper also supplies 2 way status between the ISY and harmony hub, which can not be done with ISY portal and ifttt, and direct control of any device from the ISY to the harmony, and direct control of harmony from Alexa without ifttt, It is also much faster than using ifttt where others have reported very long delays. It is a little learning curve, but a couple of others with no experience have helped to get the instructions cleared up so it should be smooth now.

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[waterbaby64]

I'll only address the ISYHelper questions. It originally existed to fill a gap to control ISY with Alexa before the portal, I still use it for that, but it sounds like the speed of the portal is acceptable by everyone now so I will probably try it again. But ISYHelper also supplies 2 way status between the ISY and harmony hub, which can not be done with ISY portal and ifttt, and direct control of any device from the ISY to the harmony, and direct control of harmony from Alexa without ifttt, It is also much faster than using ifttt where others have reported very long delays. It is a little learning curve, but a couple of others with no experience have helped to get the instructions cleared up so it should be smooth now.

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Ok, thanks Jim. Like I said, I'm happy to learn. But I need to setup a Raspberry Pi, install ISYHelper and configure things. Is there a tutorial for that? Would make a great Youtube tutorial video

 

Also, do I get better spoken words via ISYHelper? I think with Echo via the ISY portal, I can only say "Turn On" or "Turn Off". I'd like to be able to say things like "Change the channel to ..." or "Show me my record programs" (like off my DVR). I could actually use the Echo to Harmony directly with "Trigger CNN" or "Trigger Netflix". Or am I wrong on better syntax with ISYHelper?

[Jimbo.Automates]

Ok, thanks Jim. Like I said, I'm happy to learn. But I need to setup a Raspberry Pi, install ISYHelper and configure things. Is there a tutorial for that? Would make a great Youtube tutorial video

 

Also, do I get better spoken words via ISYHelper? I think with Echo via the ISY portal, I can only say "Turn On" or "Turn Off". I'd like to be able to say things like "Change the channel to ..." or "Show me my record programs" (like off my DVR). I could actually use the Echo to Harmony directly with "Trigger CNN" or "Trigger Netflix". Or am I wrong on better syntax with ISYHelper?

The instructions link to a document created by io_guy on these forums for setting up the RPi, and ISYHelper. Also, depending on the type of thermostat you choose, you may also need io_guy's NodeLink program running on a RPi as well.

 

You will not get additional commands, Alexa only allows a small set of commands sent to a hue/wemo device, which is what ISYHelper emulates. More complex commands like you mention would only be possible with an Alexa skill adapter.

 

Sent from my Pixel C using Tapatalk

[Xathros]

To add to what Jimbo provided above, the ISY Skill is available on the Echo once you get connected via the ISY Portal.  That skill allows more control of things beyond On/Off/Brighten/Dim but the language is still fairly restricted.  

 

I understand that the Mobilinc Connect portal now also offers their own Alexa skill.  I have no information on what the MLC skill is capable of but I would have to guess it is similar to the ISY skill.

 

There is a fair amount of overlap between the ISY Portal and the MLC Portal.  Each has a few capabilities that the other does not.  I personally have never used the MLC portal but do use Mobilinc (The App) frequently.  I'm quite satisfied with using Mobilinc and the ISY portal.

 

Given your listed goals, an RPi is a necessity in my opinion.  It will serve you well and the learning curve is not that bad with all of the support available here and across the internet.

 

As for alarm integration, the Elk has direct ISY support once you purchase the Elk modiule on the ISY and the extra interface gear on the Elk side.  That said, once you have the Pi, IO_guy has DSCLink and NodeLink programs that both can be used to integrate a DSC system with the ISY.

 

In addition, IO_guy has EcoLink, VenLink and Nodelink that can be used for integrating Ecobee and Venstar WiFi thermostats and I have heard some rumors that there may even be Nest support in the works.

 

So, as I said above, the Pi is really a necessity.

 

Hope this helps.

 

-Xathros

 

PS: ISYHelper is next up on my todo list for one of my Pi's.  The IFTTT piece of the Harmony puzzle is the weak link making integration iffy at best.  I'll be very happy to have that whole transaction local once past the Echo voice command.

[waterbaby64]

Thanks for the added information Xathros and Jim. I'll start searching for the instructions from io_guy.

[waterbaby64]

Got my Raspberry Pi up and running and save for a brain **** on the Harmony account information, ISYHelper is running. Thanks for the help.

 

My next steps are to:

 

1. Setup ISYHelper to run at bootup

2. Remove control of the Harmony through the Amazon Echo/IFTTT/Harmony path

3. Learn the control of the Harmony through the Amazon Echo/ISY path

 

It's been real fun re-kindling my Unix experience. Good for the brain