I’ve been diving into the world of home automation lately, and it’s been a fascinating journey! One of my recent projects has been integrating my EufyCam2 camera into my Hubitat ecosystem using HOOBS on a Raspberry Pi. The goal was to create a robust security system with motion detection, chimes, and smart lighting controls. Let me share my experiences and insights with you!
First off, I wanted to trigger different chime sounds depending on which camera detected motion. This required some clever rule setup in Hubitat. I also added a panic button that activates a siren instead of a chime, which adds an extra layer of security. Turning on lights when motion is detected was another key feature I wanted, and I made sure to include porch lights that can be manually overridden if I’m outside at night.
One thing I was curious about was whether I could manage everything through Hubitat without relying too much on HomeKit. It turns out, yes! The EufyCam2 integrates seamlessly via HomeKit, and with HOOBS, I can leverage Hubitat’s powerful automation engine. I even explored the possibility of viewing live video and snapshots directly through Hubitat, which would be a great addition in the future.
I also considered the wireless connectivity of my devices. Since I don’t always have Wi-Fi running at night, I made sure all my devices use non-Wi-Fi wireless technologies like Z-Wave for reliable communication. This includes my Aeotec Siren 6 units and the panic button I added.
Another aspect I wanted to touch on is the importance of having a backup system. I’ve heard stories where relying solely on cloud-based solutions can lead to issues during outages. That’s why I decided to stick with Hubitat’s local control, ensuring my system remains functional even if the internet goes down.
Overall, this project has been a great learning experience. It’s amazing how much you can achieve with the right setup and a bit of creativity. If you’re looking to enhance your home security with smart cameras and automation, I highly recommend exploring the possibilities with EufyCam2 and Hubitat!
Any fellow enthusiasts out there who have tried similar setups? I’d love to hear about your experiences and any tips you might have!