(Part 2) Best products from r/HomeKit

It worked better on the iOS 12, since last person leaves does not always work. If you set it manually it works great, and hoping once we are out of beta it will work again. I don’t have a HomePod, but with the ability to play something on HomePod you might be able to use that. I will say the siren is pretty loud and sure gets your attention.

Requires some rewiring into a 12v plug to get it to work.
Honeywell WAVE-2 Two Tone Siren https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006BCCAE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_bMApDb0KJT4S0

To add more detail to what u/mwwalk pointed out, you can install homebridge (https://github.com/nfarina/homebridge) on a raspberry pi and use the homebridge-chamberlain plugin (https://github.com/caseywebdev/homebridge-chamberlain#readme). This is a lower cost alternative to purchasing the MyQ Home Bridge ($97 on Amazon) but requires a level of comfort in using an rpi and linux command line.

Raspberry pi homebridge helps to add non-HomeKit accessories into HomeKit. At some point in the past, Chamberlain/LiftMaster did not have a HomeKit option.

My garage door opener setup is not exactly the same as yours... I have a non-WiFi Chamberlain but added a MyQ Smart Hub (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075H7Z5L8) purchased on discount for $20 to add in WiFi capability.

I've linked in my Ring cameras, Plex, and other stuff as well, so this approach with rpi homebridge was greater value for the time, money, effort.

​

edit: fixed the link to the chamberlain plugin

I just bought, but haven't installed, the Yale Assure original HomeKit edition and the August update. There's a special on Amazon that makes it cheaper to buy them separately:

https://www.amazon.com/Yale-Assure-Lock-Touchscreen-YRD256iM1619/dp/B073V7451H
$149 for the original Yale+HomeKit, $129 for the August update (includes the connect box), vs $299 for the Yale+August

It's a good enough deal that you could start with just the Yale HomeKit and upgrade later.

It's pretty easy, especially with Lutron Caseta, because they don't need a neutral wire.

1. Turn the light on so you can see it has power
   
2. Turn off the circuit breaker
   
3. Confirm that the light went off
   
4. Use a voltage tester to verify that none of the wires in the electrical boxes have power going through them
   
5. (Optional) Take a picture of the current switch and wires
   
6. Remove the old switch
   
7. Install the new switch
   
8. Turn the circuit breaker back on
   
9. Test the new switch
   
10. Add the smart switch to your app(s)
    
    Tips:
    
    

• Online videos will help you through the process - it might be good to watch one first to see what to expect.
  
• Lutron Caseta dimmers have videos for them specifically.
  
• Keep your wires neat and tight - smart switches usually take more room than standard switches
  
• Identify your 3-way and 4-way installations and order appropriately
  
• I always order the Lutron Caseta kit that includes a Pico remote for 3-way installs because its only $4 more than without and much less expensive than buying the stuff separately. You can always use the extra Pico remotes for something
  
  Things to have:
  
  
• voltage tester
  
• philips screw driver
  
• flat blade screw driver
  
• electricians tape
  
• wire nuts
  
• flashlight (headlamp)
  
• pliers
  
• wire cutters
  
  Also, get the Lutron Caseta, they are rock solid reliable and very fast/responsive.

My first HomeKit product was an iHome SmartPlug. I initially purchased it out of curiosity, and now I can't believe I ever lived without it. I've plugged in my bedroom lamp to it and the convenience is amazing. At night, when I'm ready to go to bed I simply tell Siri "Good night" on my watch and she turns off the lamp. In the morning it turns on automatically about half an hour before I want to wake up, helping me wake up.

If you can think of one situation where having something plugged into HomeKit would be even slightly more convenient, I'd recommend trying out the SmartPlug. It's cheap (The Home Depot near me had them on sale for $30) and it's an easy way to test out HomeKit without committing a lot of money.

Edit: Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/iHome-Control-featuring-Compatibility-ISP5WW4TC/dp/B010ACFEI0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452295158&sr=8-1&keywords=IHome+smart+plug

Home Depot: http://www.homedepot.com/p/iHome-SmartPlug-iSP55WWTC/206450167

It looks like Best Buy removed the free 3rd camera from the listing unfortunately.

Also it looks like the eufyCam 2C is up for sale on Amazon. I don't see anything about Homekit support however.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W1HKYQK/?coliid=I39V2GW6VELD0M&colid=1BWG07MQKJNDD&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I'm in the same predicament. The main area lights in my rooms are integrated into ceiling fans.

I sent a message to Lutron about the lack of fan/light controls in their Caséta lineup, pointing out that they already have a perfect product for this in their Maestro line (Lutron MA-LFQHW-WH Fan Control and Dimmer Kit). All that thing needs is to be integrated into Caséta and then it's perfect for HomeKit.

I'm hoping they'll address this early next year for CES or something.

https://www.amazon.com/White-Philips-RunLessWire-Compatible-Assistant/dp/B07MMWH2YB/ref=sr_1_3?hvadid=78340278976959&hvbmt=bb&hvdev=c&hvqmt=b&keywords=runlesswire+switch&qid=1570124725&s=gateway&sr=8-3

This fits standard US light switch plates. It's technically designed to work as a dimmer for Hue, but it can setup to work with HomeKit to trigger scenes as well. I'm pretty sure it required a Hue hub though.

Select any half decent weatherproof speakers (I have a set of Yamaha's that whilst not the best sounding, have forgiven me a couple of midwest winters where I forgot to bring them inside).

​

Grab an auto-sensing amp. This used to be a decent buy but has gotten a little pricey of late: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZSEFU94/ref=psdc_537344_t1_B01N3QXFDG

​

Grab an AE (second gen if you really want AP2).

​

It'll cost a little more than a single all-in-one, but will sound better, and is a lot easier to service when something inevitably breaks.

Sylvania has HomeKit compatible LED strips that can be extended. I have these for under cabinet lighting in my kitchen and they work great.

Legrand's look nicer though because they have support for Alexa and Google Assistant according to their product page.

If you don't want August Connect feature, you can save $80-$150 and get the version with Yale iM1 Network Module, such as this heavily discounted offering at Amazon.

I have the HomeKit only version and I replaced iM1 Network Module (gotta love the modular design) with August Connect upgrade kit, which offers both August Connect and HomeKit features.

Reasons for going with August Connect:

• Remote monitoring
  
• Activity history that logs when the door was locked and unlocked, and by which user (HomeKit can only notify whether the door is locked or unlocked, and does not keep a history)
  
• Remotely invite and disinvite guests (great for occasional rental)
  
• Includes a door sensor (not HomeKit compatible unfortunately)
  
  ​

That is the 2C, not the 2. 2 specifically states HomeKit support on Amazon’s page

https://www.amazon.com/eufy-Security-Wireless-Weatherproof-Compatible/dp/B07Z35RM2Q/

Looks like the 2C has the same HomeBase 2 as the EufyCam 2. Eufy is basically staying that hope to bring HomeKit support to the 2C. It’s no different than Arlo releasing HomeKit for the Pro/Pro2, then Ultra...and finally the Pro 3.

Caseta has non-dimming switches that work with HomeKit. The more reasonably priced one requires neutral but the hard to find one doesn't. (For some reason it's on Amazon for $58 instead of $70+ as I write this)

These can be used to turn a fan on and off, but not control the fan speed.

I wish there was a Caseta version of this combined controller (for a reasonable price) that can work with one wire to the canopy.

I was surprised at first by the lack of HomeKit support, considering that most of not all of their other products are compatible. But like others have said, battery life is probably the main concern. Phillips Hue has a battery powered wall dimmer switch that can control other HomeKit devices and scenes, but they’re only able to accomplish this through the Hue bridge. Also, they are similar, but not quite not decora sized unfortunately.

FYI the Sylvania ones look to get good reviews as well:

https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-Bluetooth-Starter-HomeKit-Required/dp/B075KBQ7RQ/ref=pd_sim_60_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B075KBQ7RQ&pd_rd_r=F99976YT91E4T0B5H910&pd_rd_w=2DAia&pd_rd_wg=4QBWC&psc=1&refRID=F99976YT91E4T0B5H910

August Smart Lock Pro with hub for $149

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0752V8D8D/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Vocolinc Light Strip $27.99

https://www.amazon.com/VOCOlinc-Multicolor-Adjustable-Assistant-SmartGlow/dp/B07QNNW1Y6/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=homekit&psr=EY17&qid=1574962061&s=black-friday&smid=A2924Q9PJ7SHQ8&sr=1-2

​

WeMo Smart Plug $15.99

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1311456-REG/wemo_f7c063_wemo_mini_smart_plug.html

Most people who go all in on Hue cover the light switches with something like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078MDDFM7/ref=dp_cerb_2 and add some of these for switches https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Hue-Dimmer-Installation-Free-Exclusively/dp/B076MGKTGS/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1538531531&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=hue+dimmer+switch&psc=1 or https://www.amazon.com/Philips-without-Batteries-Installation-Free-Exclusively/dp/B079P5H2WG/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1538531555&sr=1-1&keywords=hue+tap

I currently split my time between two residences and one has hue the other Lutron and I find the hue just has all sorts of nice bells and whistles like sleep cycle alarm integration along with having solid lights that have consistent dimming and color options. The Lutron works and adds some smart functionality to your lights but in my experience getting it up to what Hue gives you takes a lot more work.

I've been using this in my shower to trigger different Homekit scenarios. After about a month, the water sensor stopped working. When I opened the battery compartment, the inside was wet from the constant watering. Thus, it appears the electronics shorted out. I bought another Aqara water sensor, and bought this transparent duct tape to seal the battery compartment: https://www.amazon.com/Transparent-Performance-Residential-Gaffer-Power/dp/B076J2BS1B/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1549498464&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=transparent+duct+tape&psc=1

So far, the duct tape seems like it's working to seal the battery compartment fine. So, if you are going to use it as a rain sensor, then try to seal the battery compartment. I don't think this sensor was meant to be used for the constant watering scenarios like you and I want to use it for.

I'd recommend the leviton (you'll need a white wire (neutral)): Leviton DH6HD-1BZ 600W Decora Smart Dimmer, Works with Apple HomeKit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKC66HD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_QAXIBb82W0NGW

No hub or bridge needed. Just wifi.

They also have a non dimming one as well.

The picture you have there shows a fixture versus a standard consumer replaceable bulb. It also shows a light that is hardwired into the wall, I am assuming you turn this light on and off using a switch. So versus the hue model of replacing the bulb, you wire in a new switch.

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Wireless-Lighting-P-BDG-PKG1W-Assistant/dp/B00MXCRAX8/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=lutron+caseta+hub&qid=1569721998&sr=8-2

It requires very basic home DIY skills namely:

• ability to identify and turn off circuit breakers
  
• comfort some some very simple wiring
  
• comfort with google + youtube + here if troubles arise

Look at the Broadlink RM on Amazon. It'll do most IR remote controls for fans, blinds or lights.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FK2SDOC

Here's a review: https://stephenradford.me/homekit-ir-blaster-controlling-my-tv-with-homekit/

I bought one two weeks ago and hope to set it up this week. (Been swamped with work) Be aware it does require installing Homebridge so you'll need either a Mac that's always on or a Raspberry PI to get it to work with HomeKit/Siri.

If you don't want to mess with Homebridge then a Homekit compatible IR controller for blinds and fans is Bond. I know next to nothing about it:

https://bondhome.io

Here you go: iHome Smart Plug, Wi-Fi, Works with Amazon Alexa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010ACFEI0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_BzNAybE0Q6C9X - at my local Home Depot they're $29.99 each.

The iDevices switches are also $26 and do energy monitoring as well: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U31IO3Q/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

The ceiling fan in our living room is split between two dumb switches right now: fan on the left switch and light on the right switch. I suppose I could swap out the left switch for an iDevices switch to control the fan. Any reason you think that wouldn't work? Is this the one you have?

[Onvis Smart motion] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KY6747N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_htnHDb5AZW23N)

[IDevices Plug] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U31IO3Q?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share)

[Vocolinc Plug] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LDTJZ8R?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share)

Try the iDevices switch: https://www.amazon.com/iDevices-Switch-Energy-Monitoring-Required/dp/B00U31IO3Q/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542253852&sr=8-3&keywords=idevices+switch

It does not support IFTTT, but it supports Alexa and Google Assistant.

Leviton makes some that don’t need a hub: Leviton DH6HD-1BZ 600W Decora Smart Dimmer, Works with Apple HomeKit

Haven't tried it but seems like this would work: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMWH2YB/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_J16OCb9JMN3B8

​

Just hard wire the switch and put this in the gang box. It's listed on Hue's website so should be compatible.

The cheapest way is to purchase a Caseta starter kit. It'll include a dimmer for a light and bridge. The bridge adds easily to HK. It was one of the first (and IMHO one of the best) HK integrations.

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Wireless-Lighting-P-BDG-PKG1W-Assistant/dp/B00MXCRAX8/ref=pd_cp_60_2?pd_rd_w=1Cc2X&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=11WQJXBMVDNVY35FZZ8T&pd_rd_r=5bc69812-c3b0-40eb-9ff8-ecfefccc9026&pd_rd_wg=hEiyD&pd_rd_i=B00MXCRAX8&psc=1&refRID=11WQJXBMVDNVY35FZZ8T

Leviton has a 3 way switch solution. You need either of their 600W or 1000W “master” switch, along with a less expensive switch remote that is installed in the second location:

One of these two:
600W: https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-DH6HD-1BZ-Decora-Dimmer-HomeKit/dp/B06XKC66HD
OR
1000W: https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-DH1KD-1BZ-Decora-Dimmer-HomeKit/dp/B06XK2BL57

Plus one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-DD0SR-DLZ-Voltage-Digital-Matching/dp/B01AFU1JTK

Same here, plus I didn't want to fork over that much money just to turn a tower fan and atv on. It's a RM Mini3: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01FK2SDOC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497038649&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=rm+mini+3&dpPl=1&dpID=418npUQ%2BGKL&ref=plSrch

I think have narrowed down the problem. It's my idevices switches. These ones: https://www.amazon.ca/iDevices-Switch-Energy-Monitoring-Required/dp/B00U31IO3Q/

After unplugging them all everything is back online and working! My network is also responding much faster. Also Plume is now functioning much better. I'll continue to monitor.

Dimmer Light Switch, Compatible with Philips Hue (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMWH2YB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_gwpKDbK6WS77X

If you don't mind the using a dimmer instead of the a switch, you can find the dimmer/hub bundle for not that much more.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lutron-Caseta-Wireless-P-BDG-PKG1W-In-Wall-Dimmer-Kit-w-Smart-Bridge-White-NEW/323233088576?epid=0&hash=item4b42318440:g:tE0AAOSwreVZzNrL

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Wireless-Lighting-Starter-P-BDG-PKG1W/dp/B00MXCRAX8

I am using iHome and iDevices. Works with HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant. The iDevices I have gives me power consumption details. Both cost $30.

iDevices

iHome

Checking the price on camelcamelcamel shows that it as dropped slightly below $50, but has spent a lot of time at $100. I would assume it is related to limited supply. Note that idevices is selling for $80 on amazon, but it is not “prime”.

https://camelcamelcamel.com/iDevices-IDEV0008-Wi-Fi-Smart-Switch/product/B06Y5G7XPJ