Hi everyone, I’m really excited to share my recent project where I integrated a smart solution to control the main door buzzer in my apartment building. It’s been a bit of a challenge, but I managed to find a workaround using a Shelly Plus 1 and some creative thinking. Here’s how I did it:
First, I identified that the main door buzzer wasn’t connected to any smart devices, which meant I had to find a way to trigger it remotely. After some research, I found that the Shelly Plus 1 could be the perfect solution since it supports both Wi-Fi and Z-Wave, which I already have set up in my home.
The key was to use the Shelly Plus 1 as an intermediary device. I connected it to the existing buzzer system using a simple relay setup. This way, when I press a button in the SmartThings app, it sends a signal to the Shelly device, which then triggers the buzzer. It’s a bit of a hack, but it works perfectly!
I also wanted to make sure that my dad, who has mobility issues, could easily use this system. So, I created a simple automation in SmartThings that allows him to press a single button on his phone to buzz the door. This has been a huge help, especially when he needs to let in service people without having to physically press the buzzer himself.
If anyone else is facing a similar issue, I’d recommend exploring the Shelly Plus 1 as a versatile solution. It’s not just limited to buzzers—you can use it for a variety of other smart home projects too. I’d love to hear if anyone has other creative solutions or improvements to this setup!
Cheers, and happy smart home tinkering! 