Mac Tech Genius

SmartThings HomeKit Integration

2017-09-21T19:57:13Z

I previously created a tutorial showcasing HomeKit integration using Hombridge on a Mac. However, leaving a Mac running 24/7 is not a feasible option for some people, thus I decided to create a tutorial for Raspberry Pi, as it is an affordable alternative solution. If you aren’t familiar with Raspberry Pi, I recommend purchasing a Starter Kit. It comes with everything you need to get started (including preinstalled software), however you will also need a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for the initial setup. Afterwards, you can enable VNC on your Pi so you can remotely connect to it (Screen Sharing).

When paired with a pair of speakers, the Raspberry Pi can also voice audio notifications for SmartThings, function as an AirPlay Receiver, host a VPN Server, and even replicate the functionality of an Amazon Echo.

The Setup

Launch Terminal and input the following command (without quotes): “curl – sSL goo.gl/Ksdhph | bash”

This will run some code for 10-15 minutes.

This is an excellent video that showcases this process. Follow until (1:28), don’t proceed any further
Once that is completed, type “homebridge” (refer to 0:59) of the video.
Once you see the pair code, quit home bridge with a ctrl c.
Install the SmartThing’s plugin, input “sudo npm install -g homebridge-smartthings” into terminal.
Follow the video below from 2:07 to 3:26

GitHub Integration Tutorial

Owner of “pdlove” and name of “homebridge-smartthings” and branch of “master” and then click save.
Obtain the local IP Address of your Raspberry Pi and note it down. It should be something like 192.168.x.x or 10.0.1.x
Download the config.json file (right click and download) and launch it with your favorite code editor app. (TextEdit won’t work) I am using TextWrangler.

Replace the APP ID and APP TOKEN you previously copied from the SmartThing’s app. And input your Raspberry Pi local IP.
Transfer the config.json to your Pi (email/flash drive) and place it in the /home/pi/.homebridge directory.
On Terminal input “homebridge” to run homebridge. You will see the pair code that you can implement in the “Home App” as an accessory on your iOS Device.

That’s It! If you ever need to shutdown Homebridge simply type ctrl c.

Please leave a comment if you have any questions and please subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Links:

Homebridge

SmartThings Hombridge Plugin

UPDATE SEPT. 21 2017:
IF YOU GET AN ERROR – USE TERMINAL COMMAND:
sudo npm install -g –unsafe-perm homebridge
sudo npm install -g –unsafe-perm homebridge-smartthings

DIY Tesla 240V Charging | Quick220 Review

2016-11-30T20:50:33Z

The Quick 220 makes Tesla charging more feasible compared to a typical 120V outlet, which is significantly slower and inefficient. The Quick220 nearly triples the charge rate and does not require the need for a costly installation and the painstaking permitting process associated with it.

The Quick220 is also perfect for road trips in the event the hotel lacks destination charging, allowing an overnight charge to be possible compared to several days. I also foresee numerous Model 3 owners using the Quick220 as a viable charging station alternative, especially for those that rent.

The Quick220 itself is well built, lightweight, and portable. Unfortunately it is not weatherproof, thus prolonged outdoor exposure is not recommended. While this can be resolved with the use of an extension cord, I still hope they release an outdoor enclosure.

The instructions are simple and easy to follow, the Quick220 is made in the U.S (Phoenix, Arizona) and the support team is responsive and familiar with Tesla. The device has all of the necessary regulatory qualifications (UL, etc…)

It also has a built in circut-breaker, I have the 15 amp version so mine is rated for 15 amps (15 AMPS 3 hours, 12 AMPS continuous) . They also have a 20 amp version but that requires 3rd party adapters thus the Quick220 team recommend the 15 amp model for ease of setup.

The wires are 14 gauge – 6 feet long, they are flexible and do not generate heat when charging at maximum amperage.

They also include an outlet tester to make sure the outlet is wired correctly.

The setup is simple, you merely connect each of the plugs into outlets located on opposite phases of the electrical panel. Residential homes receive 240V from the utility that is split into two 120V lines. This step is mostly trial and error, you try various outlets until the light illuminates on the Quick220. The Quick220 monitors the power input and doesn’t start the flow of power until everything is hooked up correctly.

The included outlet tester verifies that the outlet is wired correctly by shining two amber lights. It also has a GFI tester, due to the nature of the Quick220, GFI outlets won’t work which can be an issue when looking for an outlet as you will primarily plug into a garage or outdoors.

The older the house is, the better chance of success finding a standard non-GFI outlet in the garage. My house is fairly new, but I still found that both of my garage doors and force air units were not on GFI outlets, I used those to power the Quick220. The parking garages I went to also lacked GFI outlets which allowed the quick220 to function without an issue.

Once you test both outlets, you simply connect the Quick220 and if everything is wired correctly the light on the unit will shine indicated 240 volts. The unit also has its own circuit breaker so you can shut off power easily.

You will also need the Tesla NEMA 6-15 adapter, which can be picked up on the Tesla web store or local service center.

With the Quick220, I am receiving triple the speed (compared to 120V charging). The charge time is feasible for overnight purposes. If you drive under 120 miles per day, the quick220 is sufficient.

If you are looking for a fast charge solution while you are on the go or an alternative to installing a costly 240 volt outlet, the Quick220 is the perfect alternative. While it may not provide the full capable amperage associated with the 40 AMP outlet or Tesla wall connector, for most people the charging capacity of the Quick 220 is more than sufficient.

Maximus – The Hidden Light Camera

2016-12-02T00:20:11Z

DYI surveillance solutions are a large part of our present-day connected home. Unfortunately, many of these so called DYI products require the need of running wires through the wall or are merely an eyesore.

Maximus alleviates the hectic installation process as it is essentially the combination of a outdoor light fixture and a cloud camera. This provides an easy DYI installation as it is a simple process to replace an existing light fixture instead of running wires for a traditional camera. Moreover, the camera is somewhat concealed and offers a hidden surveillance experience.

I was initially confused between why the Maximus is commonly referred as Kuna (evident on Amazon, Best Buy, etc…), vice-versa. However the team clarified that, “Maximus and Kuna are partners and Maximus is Kuna’s manufacturer so it goes under a different name – Maximus Smart Security Light (but it’s exactly the same as Kuna). Kuna is the software/app component to the Maximus Smart Security Light.”

Included in the purchase, you got your literature, installation tools, and the Maximus light fixture itself. This is the craftsman style with a black finish (other finishes are available to best match your preference). At first glance, the unit is solid and well constructed. It is surrounded with translucent glass along the side which allows some light to passthrough. On the backplate we have the camera, motion sensor and speaker. The wiring as expected is located in the back so you can replace your existing fixture.

My previous light fixture was on a light sensor with other recessive outdoor lights. For the install, I simply covered the light sensor with electric tape so the Maximus receives constant power, I then replaced the preexisting light bulbs with Zigbee smartbulbs which I integrated with SmartThings, my home automation system. Unfortunately, Maximus currently does not work with any other services such as IFTT but Apple Home Kit support is on the way, I hope they provide additional cross platform compatibility in a future software update.

The units itself looks very nice, it has a blue status LED on the side but that can be disabled. The camera is relatively obscure, which provides some sort of secret surveillance. The camera records at 720P, at this price point 1080P would be preferred. Moreover, night time footage is relatively poor. The two-way intercom makes up for this, it is perhaps the best system I used, audio is clear and background noise is mitigated. The light can be managed using the mobile app or a schedule can be set, I have mine set to turn on when motion is evident at night. Maximus also sells a companion light which is essentially the same fixture without a camera, this would be useful if you have two identical light fixtures next to each other.

The Maximus also features 3 preset recordings that can be played using the mobile app. It also has a 100 decibel siren that can scare away a potential thief.

The motion recognition needs some improvements, if you want to use this as a simple “someone at your door” solution it will work fine but it currently lacks the ability to create activity zones for a specific area that competitors offer.

The app loads up relatively quickly, from the app you have the ability to view live and recored footage, play a recorded message, hold to talk, and manually control the light.

I like the recordings interface, it shows the time along with a preview which loads relatively quickly. Keep in mind, only 2 hours are recorded for free and additional recording times require a cloud subscription (no local storage). Recorded footage can be played easily by simply clicking on the footage. You have the option to download the recorded footage into your photo library as well.

Overall, the Maximus is a solid product, it may not have the best video quality but it offers a simple DYI install which can provide benefits to anyone who needs surveillance and communication using one of the best 2-way audio talk systems.

Purchase from Home Depot

Affordable GPS Tracker

2016-08-11T02:40:26Z

A GPS tracker is one of those things, you don’t realize you need…until you need it. I did not realize I “needed” it until I was a victim of a car-break in where I lost all of my tech-gadgets that contained data considered to be priceless. Clearly my outcome would have been much different positively if I kept a Vectu GPS tracker in my bag.

The Vectu functions pretty-much in every country in the world (except for Japan, South Korea, and obviously North Korea), however it requires you to pay a service fee but don’t let that turn you away as it is extremely affordable. At $36 a year, the service is extremely cheap, I haven’t seen another tracker that beats that price.

The Vectu communicates over the 2G network on GSM, I would assume a SIM card is located inside the device but from my understanding it is not user-replaceable.

The Vectu offers the ability to create multiple geofences, it features an emergency help button that can be set to notify multiple users using the free “myAspenta” app or an SMS/Email alert.

Firmware updates are rolled out intermittently to add new features and improve the reliability of the Vectu. Moreover, the “myAspenta” app is occasionally updated which shows that Vectu is continuously providing support and updates for their products.

Inside the box, we get the Vectu GPS, a USB cable, and the quick start guide.

The Vectu itself has a bright blue finish, the help button and status indicator is located in the center, while the power switch, reset pinhole and micro-USB connector is located along the side.

From my experience I got 10 days out of the 3000 milli amp battery which is pretty impressive considering that the form factor of the unit is small.

The Vectu also has a 6-axis accelerometer built in for motion detection, though I am unsure what features motion detection offers. Perhaps it is one of those things that can be activated in a future software update.

The features and settings can be accessed from the mobile app or the web app, they both share the same features.

Once you create an account and enroll the Vectu, the GPS is listed under the main menu. Once you select the GPS, you can view the current location and battery status.

Keep in mind this is a on-demand GPS tracker, so it will only provide location when requested from the app or when the help button is pushed.

If you want a automatic updating GPS tracker, the Vectu Portable Vehicle Tracker provides live tracking and offers additional features include speed alerts, geofencing and unauthorized movement alerts. Unlike the vehicle tracker, the on-demand GPS tracker is intended to preserve battery life, for instance you can drop it into your bag on your next trip, in the unfortunate event of a lost or stolen bag you can simply use the app to locate the Vectu. It is essentially offers an additional peace of mind.

The app keeps a heat map or log of the location request thus allowing you view prior tracking data. These logs are stored for 90 days.

Under settings you can view the device information, such as last contact and current firmware. Other device settings include geofencing, thus one can set a specific location so you can receive an alert if the Vectu enters or exits a specific area.

The tracker also come with one-year of free service, a $36 value!

All in all, I am very pleased with the Vectu GPS tracker. The GPS tracker also provides a GSM based location when a GPS location is not available, I found the GSM location to be somewhat inaccurate so I hope that Vectu offers the ability to force a GPS location request instead. I am sure this could be implemented in a future firmware update. Otherwise, the Vectu GPS is a must-have, it offers an additional peace of mind so you don’t have to think twice about losing a personal possession and at $99 the Vectu is a bargain at what it does.

Tesla $1000 Discount

2016-05-30T19:58:20Z

Thinking about buying a Tesla Model S/X? Want to get $1,000 off your order?

Tesla Model X – Photos

2017-06-05T20:43:29Z

Tesla Model X Photos

Download RAW (ZIP File): DOWNLOAD

$1000 credit when you order a Model S/X

Specs:
Model X 90D
Solid Black
20″ Silver Wheels
Tan Leather Seats
Matte Obeche Wood Décor
Black Headliner
Six Seat Interior
Autopolit Convenience Features
Premium Upgrades Package
Smart Air Suspension
Accessory Hitch

Tint Specs:
30% Ceramic (Front Driver/Passenger Door)
10% Ceramic (All other glass)

SmartThings Review

2014-08-23T18:22:12Z

SmartThings provides an affordable do-it-yourself system for home automation and device interconnectivity. You can start small and expand the system over time. Initial set-up takes less than 15 minutes. SmartThings devices are affordable and have no ongoing fees.

The system provides a limitless number of innovative solutions for the home. For example, you can program your home’s exterior lights to turn on automatically as you arrive home after sunset. The “Hello Home” feature allows you to “talk” to your home, providing you push notification or SMS alerts (e.g., letting you know when a family member has arrived home), as well as the ability to monitor, control and customize your connected devices, and much more.

Having each of your smart home devices use their own separate apps is not very smart at all. The SmartThings app is a unique comprehensive app with a well-built interface to seamlessly connect other home automation devices, such as your home security cameras and the Nest thermostat. Developers will appreciate SmartThings online portal and open platform with which they can create their own SmartApps and commands. Consumers who are keeping up-to-date on future home automation technologies (such as Goji’s smart locks, coming this fall) can anticipate having all of these devices connect with SmartThings.

I received the SmartThings “Know and Control Your Home Kit” which includes the SmartThings Hub, two SmartSense Presence fobs, a SmartSense Motion sensor, a SmartPower Outlet, and two SmartSense Multi sensors. Subsequently, I purchased three GE outdoor light plugs, two GE in-wall switches and an Aeon Z-Wave range extender – all of which are well-described on the SmartThings’ website. The Hub, powered by micro USB, is centrally positioned in the house to maximize range (it may take a little bit of thought and trial to find the ideal spot within large homes), with the range extender to ensure the outside devices are also receiving adequate signal. The fobs are placed in the glove boxes of my vehicles to trigger programmed actions upon arrival and departure. I’ve placed the SmartSense Multi sensors on the front and garage doors to monitor entry and exit, and the motion sensor is used to control security lights.

SmartThings most impressive solution at my house is controlling the home’s exterior lights. No more using timers, which don’t keep time properly, and no more wasting electricity turning on the lights when no one is home. Best of all, no more stomping through mud to reach the electricity boxes to turn on the lights manually. Now, the switches – which by the way also extend range as they are directly connected to the power supply – can be used inside the house for manual operations, and my smartphone can be used to program, monitor and operate the lights on command.

The SmartThings Hub operates with devices using ZigBee as well as Z-Wave. I would note that ZigBee devices provide significantly better signal and range, and are less prone to interference from walls, concrete and other barriers within and outside the house. However, the range extender does its job in ensuring that even the Z-wave devices (such as the GE outdoor lights) are operable.

Given its countless applications and unique solutions, I certainly plan to experiment and to use my SmartThings system in new and improved ways. Visit our site often and subscribe for updates for subsequent SmartThings reviews.

TAKE 10% OFF YOUR FIRST SMARTTHINGS ORDER

Buy a SmartThings Hub or Kit and get 10% off your order (new customers only).

Discount Link: http://fbuy.me/-woM

Aeon Z-Wave Range Extender

SmartThings App Screenshots-

Rachio Iro Smart Sprinkler Controller Review (16 Zone)

2014-08-01T02:17:21Z

The Iro Smart Irrigation Controller eliminates all of the uncertainties associated with a traditional irrigation controller. My biggest challenge using my traditional device was never truly knowing whether my intended settings were still active. Daylight savings time, changes made by my gardener, power outages and adjustments I may have intended to be temporary but then forgot about – all of these factors contributed to an unknown in which hundreds of gallons of water a month were at stake. Well, no more.

Iro Baseplate (Left) & Main Unit (Right)

Installation of the Iro was very easy. As a precaution, I asked my landscape contractor to come help me with the install. It really wasn’t necessary, but seeing how impressed he was with the features certainly was an added validation. I suspect offering Iro will be an option he introduces into new home landscaping contracts in the future.

Baseplate Installed (9 Zone Setup)

The app is very intuitive. Adjusting the watering schedule is a seamless process. No more turning dials or clicking switches. Moreover, what I consider to be the most important feature, viewing watering history. As the seasons change, I expect I will be able to execute on required adjustments quickly and on schedule. That, of course, is the key for being water wise and in ensuring the health of my plants and trees.

Rachio iOS App

In sum, Iro truly brings the process of watering the lawn into the 21th century.

As Iro continues to update and upgrade, I look forward to new features. For instance, what if my Iro app alerted me to changes in my water district’s water rates and any rationing requirements? How about a limited access app which I could give my gardener so he could propose adjustments without having to access my garage? The possibilities are endless, and I can see that so is Rachio’s commitment to improvements.

Video Review

Amazon

Eye‑Fi Pro X2 Review

2014-06-30T00:07:05Z

You have the latest and greatest digital camera with thousands of features, yet you still need to connect it onto your computer to import your media. Wouldn’t it be great if these images and videos could automatically import/upload onto your computer and social networks. The Eye-Fi Pro X2 is a class 10 memory card that allows wireless transfers of pictures and videos!

Several of the many features on the Eye-Fi memory card consists of:

Upload anywhere: users can instantly upload images to their home computer, smartphone or tablet, either connecting wirelessly to the device with Direct Mode or over an authorized WiFi network
Shoot forever with endless memory mode: Cards can be set to automatically free-up space after photos & videos are transferred, so photographers never have to worry about running out of space
Transfer RAW files: as with the prior Pro X2, the highest resolution photos can transfer wirelessly
Back-up automatically: Pictures are safely stored on a home computer or Eye-Fi’s cloud, Eye-Fi View – a great relief if the camera is lost or stolen
Share in real-time: Card can be set to automatically share with selected social networks or photo sharing sites (Facebook, Flickr, etc.)
Geotag pictures immediately: Eye-Fi’s auto WPS Geotagging feature tags photos, allowing users to instantly see where memories were made

Eye-Fi does a great job with their simple “Apple-Like” packaging. They also include a USB card reader which is only required for the initial setup.

The initial setup was a breeze to follow using the included Eye-Fi Software, our Eye-Fi setup is simple yet functional and productive. When a photo/video is taken, it is uploaded onto our computer and our NAS using FTP.

All aspects of the Pro X2 can be accessed using Eye-Fi Center. The photos/videos are automatically organized based on date. With relay transfer your computer and camera do not have to stay on at the same time. It is as simple as turning on your camera and place it next to a router/access point. Without a computer, the Eye-Fi can automatically upload your media onto your social network or a FTP sever. However, you can also configure Eye-Fi to automatically download and organize your media onto your computer.

One of my favorite feature is the location tagging. The Eye-Fi uses WPS (Wi-Fi Positioning System) to add the location onto photos/videos. This works well in cities and urban areas.

Overall the Eye-Fi Pro X2 is a simple yet professional product and includes other amazing features such as direct access and endless memory which we will provide updates on.

Video Review:

Amazon:

Thecus Announces SMB and Enterprise NAS

2014-04-29T00:20:19Z

Thecus Expands SMB and Enterprise NAS Line with 10GbE Ready N7710 and N8810U

Units Boast Intel® Pentium® G850 Dual Core Processors and VMware ESXi V5.5 iSCSI Certification

April 3, 2014, Milpitas California – Thecus is pleased to announce the expansion on the company’s SMB and Enterprise NAS line with the 10GbE Ready N7710 and N8810U. These new models offer identical hardware and performance to the recently released N7710-G and N8810U-G, differing only in stock support for 10GbE connectivity.

10GbE Ready

These models offer excellent value for companies who do not currently have the need or infrastructure for 10GbE speeds, and are looking for powerful performance and an attractive architecture. Both units are fully upgradable if a company decides to make the jump to 10GbE down the line.

Power and Connectivity

Under the hood of each is an Intel® Pentium® G850 Dual Core 2.9GHz processor and 4GB of DDR3 ECC RAM, expandable up to 32GB. Both models also benefit from the balanced strengths of RAID 50, while the N8810U offers the enhanced reliability of RAID 60 as well.

Along with two multimedia ports – HDMI and VGA, these versatile units have two USB 3.0, six USB 2.0, and two single gigabit Ethernet ports.

Compatible with the Latest Technologies

The N7710 and N8810U boast VMware ESXi V5.5 iSCSI certification, ensuring compatibility with the latest virtualization technologies. They also come bundled with free Acronis True Image and McAfee Antivirus software, helping users easily back up and safeguard their data.

Availability

The N7710 and N8810U are available in May at certified Thecus resellers for the suggested retail price of US$1,099 and US$1,899, respectively.


N7710		N8810U

Product Highlights of the N7710 and N8810U

Powerful yet efficient Intel Pentium G850 Dual Core 2.9GHz CPU
4GB DDR3 ECC RAM, expandable up to 32GB
Upgradable to 10GbE
HDMI, VGA, two USB 3.0, six USB 2.0, and two 1 GbE ports
RAID 0 to 60 (N8810U) and JBOD supported
Free Acronis True Image and McAfee Antivirus
VMware ESXi 5.5 iSCSi certified
iSCSI Thin Provisioning supported
MSRP:
- N7710: US$1,099
- N8810U: US$1,899
Availability: May 2014

For more information on the Thecus N7710, go to:

http://www.thecus.com/product.php?PROD_ID=100

For more information on the Thecus N8810U, go to:

http://www.thecus.com/product.php?PROD_ID=101

About Thecus®

Thecus Technology Corp. specializes in Network Attached Storage and Network Video Recorder solutions. Established in 2004 with the mission of making technology that is at the same time intuitive and ground-breaking, Thecus offers technology designed to appeal to both advanced and novice users. By combining a world-class storage R&D team with a commitment to customer satisfaction, Thecus is able to adapt to the market with its innovative NAS and NVR and fulfill the storage and surveillance needs of today’s world.