I’ve been exploring the integration of external alarm systems, such as SimpliSafe, with SmartThings. The use-case is quite interesting—managing three states: off, on-home, and on-away. Each state serves a different purpose, especially when it comes to motion sensors and siren delays. For instance, in my setup, ‘on-home’ means no motion sensors are active, which is perfect for when I’m actually home and don’t want false alarms.
I’ve started by tinkering with the Alarm capability in SmartThings, but it’s clear that the current setup isn’t sufficient for handling three distinct states. I’ve shared my initial integration example on GitHub, but I’m still figuring out how to map these states effectively within the SmartThings ecosystem. If anyone has insights or suggestions on the best capability or method to achieve this, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Another interesting challenge I came across was with the GE switch. After painting, the light started blinking blue and wouldn’t function properly, even after reinstallation. It was a bit perplexing, but I managed to resolve it by resetting the switch to its factory settings. This experience taught me the importance of understanding device behaviors and how sometimes a simple reset can solve seemingly complex issues.
On a lighter note, I’ve also been experimenting with the Logitech Pop Smart Buttons. They’re a fantastic addition for controlling smart home devices without relying on a smartphone. Customizing each button with up to three commands has made my home setup more intuitive and user-friendly, especially for family members who aren’t tech-savvy.
If anyone has tips on integrating devices from different brands or creative automation ideas, feel free to share! It’s always inspiring to learn from the community and see how others approach similar challenges.