I am saying it loud and clear, I like automation. I have always been a big fan of automation and have empowered my teams at work with many automation ideas and efforts. So, it is given I would like to automate everything in my new home. For years I have watched so many YouTube videos on home automation and have always thought my day will come to dip my feet in the ocean.
As a matter of fact, I do not know how to swim.. Home Automation needs a lot of planning and execution but the rewards are worth every effort. When we were in our apartment, we did have few automations with a smart plug here and there and the big mama Google Home..
Today I am ready to step up my game and start my dream project in Home Automation. I am brining the big guns in to the play. Home Assistant is going to be my jam. I watched a lot of videos and read a lot about HA and I am ready to plug and play!
Knick Kancks
For the past few months, I have slowly collected few things to start building my Home Automation. As far as the Home Assistant goes I felt Home Assistant Green will be great foundation to build my system on. I had my eye on many of the Aqara Zigbee devices but i dint want multiple hubs for Zigbee so went with SLZB -06 coordinator. These two were my first purchases for my home.
Then I found a good deal on Aqara devices on Prime day so snagged a water leak sensor and window sensor. I was so crazy that I got all these components even before moving into our new house.
I was so deep into my planning I also got few Reolink cameras and NVR.
The Beginning
I was excited and wanted to take the plunge once we moved in. I have everything planned out and it is going to be easy peasy. NOPE!! Not at all…
We moved in to a builder grade house, though it was pretty good one but very basic electrical work was done. I planned to use a dedicated space for my setup and it did have a wireless access point so I thought it will not be hard for me to hook up my system to the WAP. First, the WAP was on the ceiling and I did not have any cat cable to run from the ceiling to my setup.
Getting a Cat6 wire is not hard right? I ordered my Cat6 wires but now my week-long leave is over and I must go back to my work. Duh Adult Life!!
I patiently waited for the weekend to hook up my system, asked my (Handy) Man to help me connect the devices to the ceiling. Found out that again I missing a piece, we need a ethernet coupler to join two cables…
Believe me there is no amount of enthusiasm which will make me to run to a store to get a coupler on a Sunday afternoon. There goes by another week with no progress.
I could not spend time on my project for next three weeks due to other commitments. Then came a Friday, I was determined to start the project and at least have something up.
Also, in the meantime I was so triggered by my inability to control my light switches remote and purchased few Lutron smart switches and Lutron Hub.
I was so focused and told my husband today is the day and we connected the ethernet cable and boom Home Assistant Green was up and running baby!!!
And it continues…
I was pumped and was ready to dive in. But then came the next obstacle, I need a network switch to run multiple ethernet lines to my different co coordinators / hubs.
Let’s go shopping!! I ordered a TPlink switch and hoped that there is a light at the end of this tunnel and I will be there soon!
