Exploring Smart Home Solutions and Seeking Assistance

Hello everyone, I’m diving into the world of smart home technology and have encountered a few challenges that I’m eager to resolve. I hope the community can offer some guidance or insights!

First, I’m using the Tado system for heating control and would love to know if it’s possible to add a button for an alternate heat source. This would allow Tado to function normally without triggering the boiler, which could help with energy efficiency and system analytics accuracy. I currently isolate the boiler manually, but it’s not ideal.

Another issue I’m facing is with my Echo Dot. While it alerts me and plays alarms correctly, it doesn’t respond to voice inquiries. The blue light doesn’t activate when I say, ‘Hey Alexa.’ I’m wondering if there’s a setting or troubleshooting step I’m missing.

I also have an MP3 doorbell system that’s experiencing communication problems. The device sends signals inconsistently, and I can’t adjust the number of sends or retries in the programs. This results in missed alerts and system notifications, which is frustrating. I’m hoping there’s a workaround or configuration fix.

Additionally, I’m curious about accessing my cameras remotely without needing Wi-Fi on my phone. Is there a reliable way to ensure connectivity when I’m away from home?

Lastly, I’m exploring the integration of Alexa skills with OpenHAB parameters. Specifically, I want Alexa to read a parameter value, like the volume of rainwater in my cistern. I’ve tried configuring it but haven’t succeeded yet. Any examples or tips would be greatly appreciated!

I’m really excited about the potential of these technologies and am determined to overcome these hurdles. Thank you in advance for any advice or solutions you can share!