Hi all, I’ve been experimenting with integrating my VeraPlus system with Blue Iris (BI4) to create some automated scenes, and I wanted to share my progress and thoughts with the community. This might be a bit of a long post, but I hope it’s helpful for others who are looking to do something similar!
The Goal:
I wanted to set up a system where Blue Iris detects motion in a specific zone and then triggers a Vera scene. For example, when motion is detected outside, I want all the exterior lights to turn on and receive a notification on my phone. This would enhance security and convenience around my home.
The Setup:
I’m running VeraPlus with UI7 and Blue Iris 4. The Vera system includes several Z-Wave devices, including motion sensors and light switches. Blue Iris is set up with a network of IP cameras monitoring different areas of my property.
The Process:
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Defining Zones in Blue Iris:
I started by setting up zones in Blue Iris to monitor specific areas. This involved configuring virtual fences around regions of interest in my camera feeds. It’s important to get these zones right to avoid false triggers. -
Configuring Vera Scenes:
On the Vera side, I created scenes for each desired action. For example, one scene turns on all exterior lights, and another sends an alert to my phone. I used Vera’s built-in scene editor for this, ensuring each action was properly linked. -
Integration Challenges:
The main challenge was getting Blue Iris to communicate with Vera. I explored several options, including using Vera’s REST API and third-party plugins. After some trial and error, I found that using Vera’s built-in automation rules with some custom Lua scripting provided the most reliable integration. -
Testing and Refinement:
I tested the system extensively, adjusting zones and sensitivity settings in Blue Iris to minimize false alarms. On the Vera side, I made sure the scenes were reliable and that the notifications were sent promptly.
Results:
I’m happy to say that the system works beautifully! When motion is detected in a specified zone, the lights come on, and I receive an alert almost instantly. This has significantly improved my peace of mind, especially at night.
Tips for Others:
- Start Small: Begin with one zone and one scene to ensure everything works before scaling up.
- Fine-Tune Zones: Spend time adjusting your motion zones to avoid false triggers.
- Check Connectivity: Ensure both Vera and Blue Iris have stable network connections.
- Use Custom Scripts: Don’t hesitate to use custom scripts if built-in integrations fall short.
Future Plans:
I’m looking to expand this system by adding more zones and integrating it with my smart locks and thermostat. The possibilities are endless, and I’m excited to see how much more I can automate around my home!
If anyone has questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear how others are integrating their Vera systems with other platforms!
Best regards,
[Your Name]