I recently faced a challenge with integrating my Velux skylights into my existing Alexa ecosystem. Despite the manufacturer’s promise, Alexa support never materialized. Determined to find a solution, I explored integrating through Homeassistant using the Apple HomeKit Controller. Here’s how I made it work:
Background:
My goal was to control my Velux skylights via Alexa without switching to a different ecosystem. Velux supports HomeKit and Google Home, but not Alexa. I wanted to leverage my existing Alexa setup without additional cloud costs.
Solution:
- Install Homeassistant: I chose to install Homeassistant on my QNAP NAS for ease of access and management.
- Set Up Apple HomeKit Controller: On my iPad, I enabled it as a HomeKit Hub. In Homeassistant, I added the Apple HomeKit Controller integration.
- Import Devices: After removing the devices from the Apple Home app and reloading Homeassistant, my skylights appeared in the system.
- Hubitat Integration: I used Hubitat’s Maker API to create virtual switches for the skylights. These were imported back into Homeassistant.
- Automations: I set up automations in Homeassistant to link the virtual switches with the HomeKit devices, enabling control through Alexa.
Outcome:
This setup allows me to control my skylights seamlessly with Alexa, maintaining my preferred ecosystem. It’s a cost-effective solution that leverages existing infrastructure.
Tips:
- Ensure all devices are correctly paired and activated in Homeassistant before integrating.
- Regularly monitor integrations to maintain functionality.
This method has been reliable, and I’m excited to explore further integrations using this approach. Happy automating!