Exploring Blockly and Smart Home Automation

As I dive deeper into the world of smart home automation, I’ve come across some fascinating tools and challenges. One tool that stands out is Blockly, which has made programming so much easier for me. However, I recently encountered a hurdle while trying to migrate a script that uses the Math.abs() function. I was wondering if anyone could guide me on where to find the ‘abs’ function in Blockly to ensure my numbers are always positive. This has been a bit of a puzzle, and I’m eager to crack it!

Another area I’ve been exploring is smart locks, specifically the Danalock V3 with Gerda cylinder. Installation went smoothly, but I noticed an issue where I can’t insert my key from the outside unless it’s aligned just right. Is this normal behavior, or is there something I might have missed during setup? I’m curious to hear others’ experiences with this model.

On the sensor front, I’ve been looking into the Zooz ZSE42 leak sensor. It seems like a cost-effective option, especially since it’s priced similarly to the SmartThings sensor I’ve been using. I ordered a couple to test out, and I’m excited to see how they perform in real-world scenarios. If anyone has experience with this sensor, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

When it comes to audio integration, I’ve been tinkering with Sonos devices. I set up a rule in my old system where a voice announcement plays when my washing machine finishes. However, transitioning this to my new setup has been tricky. The current system only allows checking if the power is below a certain threshold, but I need a more precise way to detect when the machine has truly finished. Any suggestions on how to refine this would be greatly appreciated!

Lastly, I stumbled upon an issue with the Companion app regarding calendar events. The app announces events but doesn’t smoothly transition back to the previous audio, which is a bit jarring. A subtle chime before and after the announcement would make the experience much better. I wonder if there’s a workaround or if this is something the developers might consider in future updates.

Overall, my journey through smart home automation has been a mix of triumphs and hurdles, and I’m grateful for communities like this where I can learn and share experiences. Let’s keep the discussions flowing and help each other navigate the ever-evolving world of smart homes!