Hey everyone! I’ve been working on this really fun DIY project to integrate a Billy Bass into my SmartThings ecosystem. It’s been a bit of a challenge, but I’m thrilled with the results so far. I wanted to share my journey in case anyone else is looking to add a quirky touch to their smart home setup. So, the goal was to turn Billy Bass into more than just a novelty. I wanted him to be an active part of my smart home, capable of announcing things through automations. The best part? I wanted to keep everything Amazon-free, sticking strictly to SmartThings. The Setup: I started by researching the hardware needed. I decided on using a Raspberry Pi Zero W for its compact size and ability to connect directly to Wi-Fi. For audio, I opted for a small USB sound card to handle both input and output. The Billy Bass itself was modified to connect to this setup, allowing me to control its movements and audio output programmatically. The Challenges: One of the biggest hurdles was ensuring smooth communication between the Raspberry Pi and SmartThings. I had to dive into some Python scripting to handle the audio playback and movement commands. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into smaller tasks made it manageable. The Rewards: The satisfaction of seeing Billy Bass come to life and interact with my smart home was incredible. I set up a few automations to start with, like having Billy Bass announce the weather in the morning or play a specific playlist when I enter the room. It’s amazing how adding a bit of personality to my home has made it feel even more connected. Tips for Others: If you’re considering a similar project, here are a few tips: - Start Small: Begin with a simple automation and gradually build up complexity. - Research Compatibility: Ensure all your hardware components are compatible with SmartThings. - Join Communities: Don’t hesitate to reach out to forums or communities for support and inspiration. This project has been a fantastic way to explore the creative side of smart home automation. It’s reminded me that technology doesn’t have to be all about functionality—it can be fun too! I’d love to hear if anyone else has undertaken similar projects or has ideas for how to expand on this. Let’s keep the creativity flowing!