Hi all, I’m excited to share my recent project integrating my Velbus home automation system with Google Home to control my electric garage gate. After some trial and error, I managed to set up a system that allows me to open and close the gate using voice commands. Here’s how I did it:
Setup Overview
- Velbus System: My entire home automation setup is based on Velbus, including pushbuttons and glass panels. The garage gate is connected via two relays—one for opening and another for closing.
- Raspberry Pi: I used a Raspberry Pi to bridge the Velbus system with Google Home. This allowed me to create custom voice commands for controlling the gate.
- Google Home Mini: I integrated the Raspberry Pi with my Google Home Mini to enable voice control.
The Challenge
Initially, I wanted to treat the garage gate like a roller shutter, where opening and closing would trigger the respective relays for 1 second each. However, I faced some issues in setting this up correctly. After some research and testing, I realized that creating separate commands for opening and closing was the way to go.
Solution
- Voice Commands: I configured my Google Home Mini to recognize custom voice commands such as “Poort open” and “Poort dicht” (Dutch for “Gate open” and “Gate close”).
- Relay Triggers: Each voice command triggers a specific relay for exactly 1 second, ensuring the gate opens or closes smoothly without overloading the system.
- Testing: I tested the setup extensively to ensure reliability. It’s been working perfectly for the past week!
Benefits
- Convenience: Now, I can control my garage gate hands-free using voice commands, just like I do with my smart blinds.
- Integration: The integration with my existing Velbus system was seamless, thanks to the Raspberry Pi acting as a bridge.
- Customization: Being able to set up custom voice commands in my native language made the experience even more personalized.
Tips for Others
If you’re looking to integrate your garage gate into your smart home setup, here are a few tips:
- Start Small: Begin with a simple setup and gradually add more features as you become comfortable.
- Use Reliable Hardware: Ensure your relays and Raspberry Pi are of good quality to avoid unexpected issues.
- Test Thoroughly: Spend time testing different scenarios to ensure everything works as expected.
I’m really happy with how this project turned out and would love to hear about your experiences with similar integrations! If anyone has questions or needs help setting something up, feel free to reach out. Happy automating! 