Hello everyone,
I wanted to share my experience with setting up scenes in openHAB and connecting them with Google Home/Assistant for voice control. After experimenting with different methods, I found three approaches that work well depending on the level of functionality you need. I hope this helps someone who is looking to enhance their home automation setup!
Method 1 - Google Home Routines
This method is perfect for those who want a quick and easy setup. Simply go to your Google Home app, navigate to More Settings > Routines, and select the routine you want to use. Enable the option to adjust lights, plugs, and more, then select the items you want to include. This method is great for basic on/off commands but doesn’t allow for fine-tuning like brightness or color changes.
Method 2 - Switch Items with Rules
For more flexibility, create a Scene switch item in openHAB. This allows you to define specific actions for each scene, such as dimming lights to a certain level. You’ll need to write a rule that executes when the scene is activated, which can include multiple actions. This method is more complex but offers greater customization.
Method 3 - Full Customization with Setpoint Storage
If you want the most dynamic scenes, this method is ideal. It involves creating duplicate items for each scene, which store the settings for lights, colors, and more. Rules are used to copy these settings when the scene is activated. This method allows for full customization and persistence of settings through power cycles.
Conclusion
Each method has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your needs. Whether you’re looking for simplicity, flexibility, or full customization, these methods provide a solid foundation for integrating scenes into your smart home setup. I’d love to hear if anyone has tried these methods or has alternative approaches they’d like to share!
Best regards,
Ben