Exploring Smart Home Integration and UI Optimization

Hi everyone, I’ve been diving into the world of smart home integration and wanted to share some of my experiences and questions. As someone who’s been using OpenHAB for a while, I’m always looking for ways to improve my setup, especially when it comes to user interfaces and device integration.

One area I’ve been exploring is the transition from BasicUI to more modern UIs like Overview or HabPanel. While I’ve heard great things about these interfaces, I’m still a bit overwhelmed by the process. I’ve tried setting up the Overview page, but it’s not as impressive as I hoped. I wonder if there’s a more efficient way to build these pages without manually configuring everything. Does anyone have tips or best practices for creating a sleek and functional UI?

Another topic I’m curious about is device integration, especially with older or less common devices. I recently came across a post about an Onkyo TX-NR818 receiver where only the main zone was recognized. The user mentioned that the second and third zones worked with the Onkyo Remote3 app, so I’m wondering if there’s a way to leverage that functionality within OpenHAB. Has anyone successfully integrated multiple zones from a receiver into their smart home system?

On a positive note, I stumbled upon a helpful solution for Alexa routines after switching hubs. By changing the routine name, I was able to get voice activation working perfectly. It’s these small victories that keep me motivated to tweak and optimize my setup.

I’m also interested in hearing about others’ experiences with UI customization. Do you prefer a minimalist approach, or do you like having everything easily accessible? How do you handle grouping items by function versus location, especially in a smaller space like a two-bedroom apartment?

Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experiences. It’s communities like this that make the journey of building a smart home so rewarding!