I wanted to share my experience integrating smart buttons with my Aeotec SmartThings hub. Initially, I faced some challenges, but persistence paid off!
The Goal:
I aimed to control a smart plug that powers a water pump using smart buttons placed in various locations around my home. The pump should activate when any button is pressed and shut off after 2 minutes to ensure instant hot water availability.
The Challenge:
Despite the buttons being visible in the SmartThings app, they wouldn’t trigger the desired actions. Pressing them didn’t activate the pump, and the app didn’t reflect the button presses as expected.
The Solution:
After some research and trial and error, I discovered that the issue was with how the buttons were configured in the app. Instead of treating them as simple on/off switches, I needed to set them up as custom devices that send specific commands to trigger the pump routine.
Steps I Took:
- Reconfiguration: I removed the buttons from the hub and re-added them, ensuring they were recognized as custom devices.
- Routine Setup: I created a new routine in the SmartThings app that activates the pump when any button is pressed and automatically turns it off after 2 minutes.
- Testing: I thoroughly tested each button to ensure they all triggered the routine correctly.
Outcome:
It worked perfectly! Now, pressing any button in my utility room, kitchen, or bathrooms activates the pump, ensuring hot water is always available when needed. This setup has significantly improved my daily routine.
Tips for Others:
- Ensure your buttons are correctly configured as custom devices if they aren’t working as expected.
- Take the time to test each device thoroughly after setup.
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to the community for advice; there are many helpful resources and users willing to assist.
I’m thrilled with how this project turned out and would encourage anyone looking to automate their home to explore similar solutions. Happy smart home tinkering! 