Hi everyone, I’ve been experimenting with some interesting smart home setups lately and wanted to share my experiences! 
First off, I’ve been working on a Bluetooth parking solution using Home Assistant. It’s been a fun project, and I thought I’d walk through my approach. I wanted something that could automatically track where I parked without needing extra add-ons. Here’s how I did it:
- Bluetooth Connection Setup: I used the Companion app to enable the ‘Bluetooth Connection’ sensor. This helps track when my car connects to my phone via Bluetooth.
- Device Tracker Integration: In Home Assistant, I utilized the
device_tracker.seeservice to create a custom device tracker for my car. I set a static location (like The Great Pyramid of Giza, just for fun!) and configured it to update when my phone disconnects from the car’s Bluetooth. - Binary Sensor for Status: I created a binary sensor that triggers when my phone connects or disconnects from the car. This ensures the system knows exactly when I’m in or out of the car.
- Automation Magic: I set up an automation that updates the car’s location on the map and sends a notification when I park. It even opens Google Maps to guide me back to my car!
This setup has been a lifesaver, especially when I’m in large parking lots. It’s all about making life a bit easier with some smart tech!
On another note, I’ve also been exploring presence detection using my iPhone’s online status. I found that relying solely on ICMP and ARP pings wasn’t reliable enough, so I switched to using OwnTracks. It’s been much more consistent and gives me accurate presence data for my smart home routines. 
I’d love to hear how others are tackling similar projects or if you have tips for improving these setups! Let’s keep the smart home creativity flowing! 