(Part 2) Best products from r/amazonecho

There are several of these types of things available.

I bought one of these MoKao Power+ when it was a $39 Daily Deal on Amazon last year; the current $69 price is too high - regular price last year was $49. The sound was OK, a bit more bassy but not as clear mid- or high-tones, not as good as the first-gen Echo but acceptable for a moderate sized room. Mine "released the magic smoke" (burnt out) a few hours after I started using it, so I sent it back.

I replaced it with the Doss PowerBox; it's again, OK sound, less bass but pretty clear; it's sound is more uni-directional than the others; that's OK for certain uses, though. It's been reliable.

I also got a three Vaux to give as presents - the sound is the best of the three types, quite nice, good bass, mids and highs comparable to the first-gen Echo, and I've had no issues with either.

I don't use the battery base very often, but when I do it's been a great thing. I have 4 dots and an Echo, I have them all on an "everywhere" group; when I have a large party I take the Dots in their powered bases and place them around the house and yard outside to provide seamless music for the party - very nice.

Does your receiver have a "switched outlet" ? My Denon has an outlet that provides power only when the receiver is on. This allows me to turn off the receiver and the BT adapter at the same time.

If not the other reply about using a smart switch makes sense.

Last resort buy different adapter. I have this one and it doesn't auto reconnect. https://www.amazon.com/Nyrius-Bluetooth-Streaming-Smartphones-BR40/dp/B00EVXZAI4/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1485881865&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=Nyrius%2BSongo%2BTap%2BWireless%2BBluetooth%2BaptX&th=1

I have this adapter and it works great! My situation was a little different but similar solutions. I wanted the adapter to connect only when I wanted to play music but not connect when I am doing other things with the receiver like watching TV, gaming etc.

So I have a Bluetooth speaker and the adapter. I have the BT speaker on a smart switch. When I want to play music I shut off the BT speaker and power on the receiver. This lets the Dot connect to the receiver because it doesn't find it's last connection "the speaker", when I want to switch back to the speaker I turn off the receiver (which in turn powers off the adapter), turn on the speaker using the smart switch, and tell the Dot to connect. It finds the speaker, once connected to the speaker it will not connect to the adapter anymore so I can turn on my receiver for other activities. When I want music to receiver again, turn off the smart switch and tell Dot to connect, now it can't find the speaker so if finds the receiver.

I set up the [Speakerfy] (https://www.amazon.com/Speakerfy-Unofficial-Spotify-Connect-Skill/dp/B079CDWVCX) skill to do exactly this. It uses Spotify Connect to control music on other devices. It took a bit to get it going, but it works well. A couple of tips that were helpful were to create a group with the device you wish to control, giving it an easy name. I named mine "The Speakers." The next tip is to use the exact phrasing the app specifies, like "Alexa, play on The Speakers." [Speakerfy] (https://www.amazon.com/Speakerfy-Unofficial-Spotify-Connect-Skill/dp/B079CDWVCX)

New Alexa Skill - Make me happy!

Make Me Happy helps you to become motivated and think positively. Make Me Happy will give you also the positive affirmations you need. You might try it https://www.amazon.com/Rocky-Robots-Inc-Make-happy/dp/B07KG2NYFV/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-skills&ie=UTF8&qid=1542277780&sr=1-2&keywords=make+me+happy

>Interesting, I didn’t know there was an Alexa skill for HA. However, I don’t see a paid skill. Got a link?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Home-Assistant/dp/B0772J1QKB

To use that skill you need to be using Home Assistant Cloud, which costs $5 a month. The free unofficial skill (which requires you to create an Amazon developer account) is here:

https://github.com/mike-grant/haaska

>Also, if the OP’s interested and isn’t familiar with Home Assistant, doesn’t it require buying a Raspberry PI, installing and maintaining HA, and running it 24x7 in addition to writing a script? (If all the OP’s interested in is an Echo button, an HA solution might be might be a bit much... although Stringify’s also sort of a heavy-handed solution to toggle a button.)

If you're not already using Home Assistant, yes it probably isn't worth it just for this. I was already using it and the script itself was simple (only 6 lines in total).

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0722Q3FMF?th=1

I wanted to get my Dots in the kitchen, Bathroom and the garage but the mounts looked awful and didnt do anything to hide the cord so I made a new-fangled mount. It was also designed to get the microphones and the light ring more visible. I think it will work well with the new features. It seems to be working very well and just went live on Amazon. More colors coming. Not trying to spam just wanted to throw it out there. Cheers

EDIT: Holy Cow! I just hit #1 New Release in Speaker Stands! blown away... Thanks for validating months of work.

EDIT 2: folk have been asking for pics of the other colors: http://imgur.com/a/Dk8AK
Black is just black and will be here soon.
we thought the blue would be fun for a kids room and grey would look good in kitchens that have a lot of whit already. kids room with blue: http://imgur.com/a/PbD4o

So the plus just gets you Zigbee control. I have an Echo Plus, but all my smart home devices are wifi, and not Zigbee (except a few hue lights, but I already have the hub for that).

So I'm controlling:

• 2 smart light switches, 1 smart dimmer (all wemo)
  
  
• ~6 hue bulbs
  
  
• 2 tp link bulbs
  
  
• wemo outlet
  
  All over wifi.
  
  You'd need the echo plus to control:
  This light switch without a hub, but you wouldn't need it for this other switch.
  
  I did some googling, and it looks like no Apple TVs do Zigbee. So the normal echo should be able to do everything it can currently do. The plus just opens the option to directly control Zigbee devices.
  
  edit: as /u/RichardBLine correctly pointed out, Echo Plus supports Zigbee and not Z-wave. I've updated the post and links. Thanks!

You need these;

https://www.amazon.com/Sumaote-Controller-Compatible-Assistant-Dimmable/dp/B07JC3L4Z6/ref=sr_1_14?keywords=magic+home+led+wifi+controller&qid=1564066781&s=gateway&sr=8-14

Install them parallel with your current light switch in the RV, this will bypass the switch when it is off, and yet the switch can bypass the WiFi controller while IT is off. :) I live in my RV full time, I use these everywhere.

​

Do use LED lights though. Filament light wattage adds up fast and might burn these up. These will run small fans as well, but the dimming feature will cause a lot of motor whine if used to slow the fans.

As for the 110v, any smart plug (including Amazons which I have on my AC) will have a physical button on the side to toggle them on and off when you don't have Alexa working. That said, pair her to your phones hotspot and enjoy.

​

I have all the carriers with unlimited everything since internet is 100% required for me. I use a GL.iNet AR300M micro router to create a permanent access point regardless which phone I use to tether to it.

​

Here's a cheap version that will do all you need;

https://www.amazon.com/GL-iNet-GL-MT300N-V2-Repeater-Performance-Compatible/dp/B073TSK26W?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_13180420011

​

Hope this helps!

you don't. i literally bought the bundle on amazon and it says (no hub required)


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R2MQ2PY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

• CONTROL LIGHTS WITH YOUR VOICE: Works with Alexa for hands-free voice control. Easily connect your Philips Hue Bluetooth smart lighting directly with Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen), Echo Plus and Echo Show (2nd Gen), with support for additional Echo devices available in the fall. Amazon Echo devices also support voice control of Philips Hue Bluetooth smart lighting through the Philips Hue Hub.

I have seen people setting up integration with RM-Bridge but that was too clunky for me. Im leveraging a custom Alexa skill and a local NodeJS server that utilizes python-broadlink and BlackBeanControl. I bought two Broadlink RM3 mini's for controlling a TV and Apple TV upstairs and a entertainment center downstairs.

It works pretty well and as soon as I clean up the code and write a how-to I plan to publish this to Github.

Yes, you need a smart bulb for every bulb in the fixture.

If you have a neutral in the switchbox (IEC code in America since 2011), you can add a smart switch. Z-Wave, Zigbee smart switches require a hub. Kasa makes a Wifi smart switch as well:

https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Wi-Fi-Light-Switch-TP-Link/dp/B01EZV35QU/ref=sr_1_1?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1536589791&sr=1-1&refinements=p_n_amazon_certified%3A16741513011

Sadly, and I feel your pain, this does seem to be the case...

From the official 'Skill' page here --

>To get started, just say, “Alexa, introduce me to Samuel L. Jackson.” Then, choose whether you’d like Sam to use explicit language or not. If you change your mind later, simply go to the settings menu of the Alexa app to toggle between clean and explicit content.

>
>After purchasing, try saying:

>
>“Alexa, ask Samuel L. Jackson where he is from.”
“Alexa, ask Sam to wake me up at 7am.”
“Alexa, ask Sam Jackson to sing happy birthday.”

>
>Although he can do a lot, Sam won’t be able to help with Shopping, lists, reminders or Skills.

​

My hopes have been shattered as well. I really wanted to replace Alexa's voice in full, well, excluding the kids' room. :(

Exactly. A proper stereo is the solution here. Use a decent amp and speakers for the audio and pair it with an Echo Dot to control it, using the line out jack on the Dot to connect it to the amp.

If /u/Treas0n is looking for a good budget option, I'd highly recommend the Lepai amp + Dayton speaker setup. This setup is the go-to budget kit on /r/audiophile and would be plenty loud with really good sound quality. It's about $90 for the whole kit (+$30-$50 for an Echo Dot):

Lepai LP-2020TI Texas Instruments TPA3118 Hi-Fi Stereo Audio Mini Amplifier with Power Supply https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071FJF4FF/ (don't go for this one anymore, grab a tripath version)

Kinter K2020A+ Limited Edition ORIGINAL Tripath TA2020-020 Class-T Hi-Fi Audio Mini Amplifier with 12V 5A Power Supply Black https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077Z7DBRT

Dayton Audio B652-AIR 6-1/2" 2-Way Bookshelf Speaker with AMT Tweeter Pair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NOA58RS/

AmazonBasics 16-Gauge Speaker Wire - 50 Feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006LW0WDQ/

Monoprice 105597 3-Feet Premium Stereo Male to 2RCA Male 22AWG Cable - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094A1F3S/

If the OP wants even bigger sound then add a powered sub for $100 more (you may want to double up on your 16ga speaker wire for connecting the subwoofer between the stereo speakers and the amp)

Polk Audio PSW10 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Single, Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002KVQBA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IEFWBbD0GFQVW

A smart plug is a wifi enabled plug that will allow you to turn things plugged into it on and off through the internet. An Alexa-enabled smart plug lets you also do it by voice command or Routine with Alexa. Here's an example, though there are many brands and types available.

The Harmony Hub would let you control all your entertainment components that have IR remotes with Alexa though.

Put in any light fixture and bulbs you want and use a Lutron Caseta in wall dimmer switch. First light switch is about 100 bucks,

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-P-BDG-PKG1W-Caseta-Wireless-Selected/dp/B00MXCRAX8/ref=sr_1_3?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1482958038&sr=1-3&keywords=lutron+caseta

This includes the Smart hub needed to make it internet accessible.
Each additional switch thereafter is around 50$.

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Caseta-Wireless-Dimmer-150-Watt/dp/B00KLAXFQA/ref=sr_1_2?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1482958148&sr=1-2&keywords=lutron+caseta

You can also purchase them with remotes for $60

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Wireless-600-watt-150-watt-Multi-Location/dp/B00JJY0S4G/ref=sr_1_1?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1482958148&sr=1-1&keywords=lutron+caseta

and you can purchase plug in versions that allow you to control standard lamps and such ($60)

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Caseta-Wireless-Dimmer-300-watt/dp/B00JJY1QG0/ref=sr_1_7?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1482958148&sr=1-7&keywords=lutron+caseta

Lutron Caseta is not only compatible with alexa, ("alexa turn my living room to 50%" "alexa turn off my bed room" "alexa turn my living room to 10%" etc.) it is also fully homekit enabled. ("Hey siri, set my chamber to 2%" ) and utilizing the home app on your iDevice, you can set up schedules and such, for example my bedroom light turns on to 10% 30min before my alarm, and up to 50% 5 minutes before my alarm. This really helps me wake up on time.

Lutron caseta work great. worth the money

I love the Flash Briefings. Word of the Day and Daily Tech Headlines are the best!

You can use the Lutron Caseta for 3 way switches or more. Install the full Lutron Caseta switch in one box, and use remotes for the other boxes. You can put another switch anywhere, even if there isn't wiring there.

Lutron Caseta Wireless In-Wall Dimmer, 600/150-Watt, Single Pole, Works with Amazon Alexa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KLAXFQA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_BazDyb4YRKZ8B

Remote with wall bracket
Lutron PJ2-WALL-WH-L01 Pico Remote Control with Wall Mounting Kit, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JR202JQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ObzDybQ8C594T

You need the hub as well

Hub, 1 switch, and 1 remote
Lutron P-BDG-PKG1W Caseta Wireless Dimmer Kit with Smart Bridge for Amazon Alexa and Selected Models, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MXCRAX8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kdzDybXVZ4ZGM

They sell the wall brackets seperate as well
Lutron PICO-WBX-ADAPT Pico Wallplate Bracket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JZRAFEA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_nfzDybQX74B01

Basically you can get a 2way solution for $100, and add a 3rd switch for $20

I've recently installed 4 of these, and will be installing 2 more: https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Required-Fixtures-Anywhere-HS200/dp/B01EZV35QU/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1480206517&sr=8-6&keywords=tp+link+smart+plug.

They are quick, easy, and work well with Alexa. The TP-Link app is easy to use as well.

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced option, check out the Anker Soundcore Minis . They are less than $30 and can be paired together before connecting to Alexa device. It’s not a true “surround sound” but it is stereo sound with a pretty dynamic sound for the price.

For a small speaker in a compact space I recommend the Anker soundcore mini. Very clear vocals and a bit of bass. I really like this speaker for light listening.

It can stay plugged in and doesn't sleep for me, I have it plugged in to the dock with an aux cable.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-SoundCore-Bluetooth-Speakers-Super-portable/dp/B01HTH3C8S/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1482786755&sr=8-8&keywords=anker+soundcore+bluetooth+speaker

I love wemo with alexa. "Alexa, turn off the lights!" ....Alllllrighty then. CLICK! I use this one

http://www.amazon.com/WeMo-Enabled-Control-Anywhere-Compatible/dp/B00DGEGJ02/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449095051&sr=8-1&keywords=wemo+wall+switch

If you only have two you are in luck.

Logitech has two harmony skills. If you need a third hub you’re going to need a separate account.

https://i.imgur.com/oAHVP05.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-Secondary-Hub/dp/B01N4DMQ5P/

Two different harmony apps? Not sure if this link will work but all I see if the one Harmony skill: http://alexa.amazon.co.uk/spa/index.html#skills/dp/B01N4DMQ5P/?ref=skill_dsk_skb_sr_0

I have had different kinds of hissing noises when using an Echo Dot 2 in a powered speaker/battery enclosure like https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0756RCVDJ . I have also had ground-loop like hum when using the Dot's audio output connected to another powered device. But never noticed that the Dot was producing noise itself. Do you have it connected by wire to any other device?

We bought The Spot USB Outlet Cover Plate by Dot Genie (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0785FY482/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_kMbEhp7RJLARO), as built by a fellow redditor. We've had it since December and we love it.

Smart Home Skill: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M4LDPX3/ (Pretty sure it's US Only)

Generic Skill: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4DMQ5P/

Alexa cannot recognize different users, nor can it recognize permission differences between different Echo devices. Anyone who is capable of giving commands to an Echo on your account (meaning, anyone in your home with an un-muted Echo) is assumed to have full permissions for anything attached to that account.

As for wall switches, I use this.

Just get a smart plug, it connects to wifi. name it "fan" and plug your fan into it. "Alexa turn on the fan".

https://smile.amazon.com/TP-Link-Required-Anywhere-Occupies-HS105/dp/B01K1JVZOE

I have a wemo plug myself.

Although he can do a lot, Sam won’t be able to help with Shopping, lists, reminders or Skills.(https://www.amazon.com/Samuel-L-Jackson-celebrity-voice/dp/B07WS3HN5Q)

​

Yeah, I'm bummed Mr. Jackson won't be my weekly reminder to take out the trash.

http://www.amazon.com/Nyrius-Bluetooth-Streaming-Smartphones-BR50/dp/B00EVXZAI4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1457025754&sr=8-2&keywords=optical+bluetooth+receiver


I guess you would have to get something like this and connect it to the play bar.

Hooray!

So, with a 3 gang box, you can put in anything. Wemo make a light switch and also a dimmer switch. Leviton has a few switches as well.

Keep in mind that you'll need a neutral line available for all of these switches. If you have the kind of switch where there's only a single wire and the switch sits in the middle to cut off power flow, you'll have a problem swapping in a smart switch.

So, it looks like you have to preface it with, “Alexa, ask Sam to...”

And while it looks cool, I’ll probably buy it, and I’m sure it will evolve over time, I’m disappointed I can’t just change the default Echo voice to Sam’s for everything.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WS3HN5Q

Something like this?
Lutron Caseta Wireless In-Wall Dimmer, 600/150-Watt, Single Pole, Works with Amazon Alexa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KLAXFQA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_lQcAybR2S3GG7

It's not custom wake words. According to the Samuel L Jackson Alexa voice page the celebrity voice is just a way to interact with inane stuff like the weather. It won't respond unless you specifically ask Alexa to "ask Sam".

> Sam won’t be able to help with Shopping, lists, reminders or Skills.

Kind of disappointing really.

Even something small like the Anker Soundcore Mini will be a big improvment if used for music. For voice alone the internal speaker is acceptable.

Secondary Harmony skill to adjust volume-change amount.

Cheaper solution is a Broadlink RM and the unofficial skill.

You could get an Alexa compatible IR blaster for around $25: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FK2SDOC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Then you can do things like have Alexa turn on your TV and change the volume/channels (which I know is the exact opposite of going outdoors)

I use the Daily Tech Headlines skill which puts it in my flash briefing. It's put together by Tom Merritt, formerly of Buzz Out Loud (CNET), Tech News Today, and now Daily Tech News Show. It's always less than 10 minutes (usually closer to 5) and is just a rundown of the top tech stories with no commentary or discussion. It's a must have skill if you're interested in tech stuff.

> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0722Q3FMF/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_PlHdzbQ3WEG9R

As a parent, I'm hoping it is limited (at least by default) to the Echo ecosystem with white listing. No one has home phones anymore, and I'm hesitant to give my young children their own phones.

This would be a cool way to restore the "home line" of old, at least for the purposes of calling dad or the grandparents.

Well there's a mini now same retail price as the old one, they're just discounting to get rid of stock I bet

These speakers: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016P9HJIA

This Sub: https://www.amazon.com/Polk-10-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer-Single/dp/B0002KVQBA/

This Headphone Splitter (goes into your echo aux/external speaker connector). https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Splitter-Extension-Earphone-Compatible/dp/B00LM0ZGK6/

2 of these 3.5mm to RCA cables, one of them goes from the echo to the speaker inputs and the other goes from the echo into the subwoofer inputs. https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-3-5mm-2-Male-Adapter-Cable/dp/B01D5H8KO2/

That sub will be a bit overpowered for those speakers, the speakers will be much louder than the echo as well and you won't even have to run the sub at full to have plenty of extra bass.

Just plug into the wall then plug your lamp into it, connect it to your Wi-Fi, then add it to your devices on your Alexa app so you can use it with your echo device. I like this one because it only takes up one plug space some cover-up both, I've had it for a couple of years. every once in awhile I have to resync it with the Wi-Fi but no other issues
TP-LINK HS105 Mini WiFi Smart Plug tplink 1-Pack White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K1JVZOE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hzPQCb2B6Z84X

These guys?

https://www.amazon.com/Light-Switch-Wi-Fi-enabled-Amazon/dp/B00DGEGJ02

I have this on the way.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FK2SDOC/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_u4ogAb6FWVTK1

I believe it’s exactly what your looking for.

Wemo

http://www.amazon.com/WeMo-Switch-Enabled-Control-Lights/dp/B00DGEGJ02/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1464881273&sr=8-4&keywords=wemo

I've got two of these: The Spot Outlet Wall Mount Hanger Stand.

They are very handy.

It should be these or [these] (https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Hue-Bluetooth-compatible-activated/dp/B07R2MQ2PY/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2YI5JA2LQWXBH&keywords=hue+bluetooth+lights&qid=1563316920&s=gateway&sprefix=hue+bluetoo%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-3), assuming you're in the US (bad assumption, I know ...).

Here is a link for what I am looking to get: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DGEGJ02/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1458389913&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=wemo+light+switch&dpPl=1&dpID=31qXY0J18EL&ref=plSrch

This one (Belkin WEMO) is WiFi and works with Alexa.

This one (GE Z-Wave) is Z-Wave and works with Alexa.

Here is a direct link to the skill http://alexa.amazon.com/spa/index.html#skills/dp/B01N4DMQ5P/?ref=skill_dsk_skb_sr_1

Is there a reason I couldn't just install a TP Link wireless switch in place of my gas fireplace switch?

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Required-Fixtures-Anywhere-HS200/dp/B01EZV35QU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481905178&sr=8-1&keywords=TP+link+light+switch

This is what I was thinking of doing.

Edit: added clairification

Part 1 has a skill listing already(but not yet available) and
Part 2 ain't missing brother :)

https://amazon.com/Samuel-L-Jackson-celebrity-voice/dp/B07WS3HN5Q

amazon.com/Samuel-L-Jackson-celebrity-voice/dp/B07WS3HN5Q

​

Doesn't look like it can be set as a default voice or default response. It's just a damn skill.

I have these for my wall switches. https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Required-Fixtures-Anywhere-HS200/dp/B01EZV35QU/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1483896100&sr=1-1&keywords=tp+link+smart+light+switch They work great, easy to set up, but no dimmer. I replaced the wemo ones since I didnt have much luck with them working and setting them up was a pita.