As a newcomer to the world of smart home automation, I’ve been on an exciting journey exploring various devices and their capabilities. One of my most rewarding experiences has been integrating Shelly and Fibaro devices into my ecosystem. I wanted to share my experiences, both triumphs and challenges, in hopes of inspiring others and perhaps gaining some insights from the community.### Shelly Devices: Remote Control and AutomationI recently purchased a Shelly 1 and have been experimenting with its ability to control devices across different networks. While controlling devices within the same network is seamless, I was thrilled to discover the potential of using external URLs to trigger actions. My goal was to create a system where a motion sensor at my front gate could be controlled by a button in my living room, even if they were on separate networks. This would allow me to automate the opening of my garage door or porch lights without needing to be near the sensor itself.After some trial and error, I managed to set up a basic URL command that works externally. However, I encountered an issue when trying to chain commands between two Shelly devices on different networks. It seems like the external URL approach doesn’t allow for device-to-device communication in this setup. I’m curious if others have found a workaround for this or if there’s a more reliable method to achieve cross-network automation.### Fibaro Wall Plug: Range and ConnectivityAnother device I’ve been experimenting with is the Fibaro Wall Plug FGWPE/F-002. While it’s a great product, I noticed that its range is quite limited, especially when compared to other Z-Wave devices I’ve used. In my setup, the maximum operating range without any obstacles is about 3 meters (10 feet). This has been a bit of a challenge, as I wanted to use it in areas where the wall plug isn’t in close proximity to my VeraPlus hub.I reached out to the community for advice and discovered that adjusting the network settings on my VeraPlus and ensuring that the Fibaro device is properly configured can help optimize its performance. I also learned that using a Z-Wave range extender can significantly improve connectivity. I’m planning to try this solution soon and will share my results with the group.### Tips and Tricks for Device IntegrationFor anyone looking to integrate multiple brands or devices, here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way:1. Network Configuration: Ensure that your hub and devices are on a stable network. Sometimes, adjusting the router settings or using a wired connection can make a big difference.2. Firmware Updates: Regularly check for firmware updates for your devices and hub. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements.3. Community Resources: Don’t hesitate to reach out to forums like this one for advice. There’s a wealth of knowledge and experience shared by community members.### Looking AheadI’m excited to continue exploring the possibilities of smart home automation. My next project involves setting up a more sophisticated lighting automation system using GE Link bulbs and a Linear Z-Wave dimmer. I’m also considering adding a few more Fibaro devices to expand my network.If anyone has tips or recommendations for optimizing device performance or creating advanced automation routines, I’d love to hear them! Let’s continue to learn and grow together in this amazing community.