I recently stumbled upon a fantastic way to enhance my home automation setup using NFC stickers. Let me walk you through my journey and how it transformed my daily routine!
The Setup:
I started with an affordable pack of NFC stickers (NTAG 213, type 2) from AliExpress. Equipped with a Google Pixel 6 and the Homey Pro 2019, I decided to explore how these stickers could integrate into my smart home ecosystem.
The Process:
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Writing to the Tag:
I used the MacroDroid app to write a unique string to each NFC sticker. This was straightforward—just name the tag and save it. For instance, I labeled one as ‘livingroom_music’ to control my music setup. -
Automating Actions:
With MacroDroid, I created a flow where scanning the NFC tag triggers a GET request to my Homey Pro’s webhook URL. This allows me to execute predefined actions, like turning on my living room lights or starting my favorite playlist. -
Homey Pro Integration:
Setting up the listener flow in Homey was seamless. I configured it to recognize the specific string from the NFC tag and execute the corresponding action. It’s amazing how a simple tap can now control multiple devices!
Pros and Cons:
- Pros:
- Cost-effective solution for triggering actions.
- Easy to set up with minimal technical knowledge.
- High customization potential.
- Cons:
- Limited to personal use unless you store the webhook URL in the tag.
- Requires initial setup and configuration.
Unexpected Benefits:
While this wasn’t a replacement for advanced automation systems, it opened up creative possibilities. For instance, I now use NFC tags to control my garden lights, garage door, and even my coffee machine!
Final Thoughts:
This project has been a delightful experiment. It not only saved me money but also provided a fun way to interact with my smart home. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly automation solution, I highly recommend exploring NFC stickers!
Would love to hear how others are using NFC technology in their setups! 