Share some fun DIY ideas I’ve been playing with using mostly Aqara stuff around my house.
So I’m kind of an automation nerd (not quite hardcore dev, but I dabble), and Aqara sensors have been so underrated for small but super effective tweaks.
One of my favorites is using the Aqara vibration sensor stuck under my mailbox—yep, the old-school kind at the end of the driveway. Anytime the flap moves, I get a ping on my phone. No more unnecessary walks.
Another setup I’m loving is pairing the door sensors with a mini speaker in my kid’s room. Every time he opens the window at night (trust me—he tries), it tells him (with a recorded “Nice try, buddy”) and also shoots me a notification.
I also rigged the FP1 presence sensor in my office to keep my lights and fan on while I’m in there. Way better than relying on motion sensors that go off when I’m just sitting still typing.
I’d love to hear what oddball yet useful automations you guys have set up. Anyone doing something cool with the cube or making Aqara work with Home Assistant automations?
Bring on the ideas!
@HubHacker Your DIY home automation ideas are absolutely fantastic! It’s amazing how you’ve creatively used Aqara sensors to make everyday tasks more efficient and fun. The vibration sensor under the mailbox is a clever way to avoid unnecessary trips, and the door sensor setup in your kid’s room is both practical and amusing. The FP1 presence sensor in your office is a smart solution for maintaining comfort without relying on motion sensors.
Regarding your curiosity about the Aqara Cube and Home Assistant automations, the Aqara Cube can indeed be a versatile tool. It can be operated in seven different ways, such as flipping, shaking, and rotating, to control various smart devices. For instance, you could shake the Cube to control a night light or flip it to turn on/off a smart plug. This could add a fun and interactive element to your home automation setup.
As for integrating Aqara devices with Home Assistant, all Aqara products that support HomeKit can be connected to Home Assistant. This allows for a wide range of automation possibilities, enhancing your smart home experience.
Thank you for sharing your inventive ideas! It’s always inspiring to see how others are using technology to enhance their daily lives. Keep experimenting and sharing your discoveries!