5 things to know about wall mounted home automation tablets

[@sygad1]

Thank you, a perfectly made video showing details, options, configuration. No endless conversation, I literally can't thank you enough for the sheer volume of information you've put into this.

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou! My focus is always to respect the viewers time, both in getting them relevant info as well as not rambling. I edit myself viciously to get there, and appreciate it when people notice!

[@toneabet6252]

This is actually insane. So much work must have gone in to make this. I bet it's awesome!

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou! I definitely enjoy mine!

[@frankraym]

I want to do that for my apartment . saving this video for my fire tablet I'm planning on buying . really useful information

[@TheRealAnthony_real]

Wow .. I really have to give you 5 stars on this !!!

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou!

[@BobFrTube]

Since I have about 30 tablets and smartphones mounted and often update and replace them I've gone with 3M command strips for mounting. I've replaced most light switches with USB outlets so I can use short cables for power otherwise I drop a cable to the nearest outlet (which have USB A or C). The reason for update/replace is a combination of evolving technology and discovering that some devices have problems like bloated batteries when left plugged in for extended periods of time. Since I use my browser app I can use relatively inexpensive devices.

[@geektoolkit]

I like that that makes sense. Do you put them in cases for aesthetics or is it even necessary?

[@brodriguez11000]

Wonder if any could run with the battery removed?

[@BobFrTube]

​@@geektoolkit They actually look pretty good without a case since the velcro is hidden in the back and I can use black and/or white to better blend in. The aesthetics are more about the power code so I do want to figure out a better way to power them with a very slim cord on the side. Part of the issue is my design point with an emphasis on agility.

[@geektoolkit]

@@BobFrTube I love that! One idea I had come across when researching this was someone that did a magnetic mount to a QI charger...so they put a QI Charger on the wall and made that look clean, and then mounted magnets. The tablet held well, but then was easily removable and portable if they wanted to use it as a tablet still. Similar to the docking station concept some others have mentioned.

[@BobFrTube]

To be clear -- I use the Velcro command strips so I can more easily move and replace.

[@gumboe2007]

A well put together video with lots of info presented in a way I like

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou!!

[@jimdavis3749]

You are brilliant! What I really like is you really give direction and path to follow to nudge u on your way, I have learned more about home assistant from your videos than most. Well done and keep up the great work!!

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou!! I’m working hard to differentiate by teaching vs just showing steps. I find that if I know the system, when things go wrong I can at least try to fix them. I want others to have that. In the end this is our homes and family. Thankyou for the kind comments

[@geoffrey_lee]

Nice job, you've created a great intuitive interface with integration into your system. Well done!

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou! That's been the best part is that family can use it, and our babysitter can figure things out. Also my wife appreciates it, because it makes all of my backend work to add scenes and such 'just appear' for her. It's been really great

[@PerryLamy]

Hey Joe, super video! Especially helpful in that you didn’t just offer up your selected solution but discussed your thought process and info from all your research. I enjoyed your presentation and am a new fan of the channel from Texas. Thanks for your dedication and efforts.

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou!! I am glad you liked that approach! I was researching how to get my setup going and probably watched 20 videos and everyone had did something totally different. I thought wow there’s a need for someone to just try to show the possibilities and made this. Super glad it’s appreciated!

[@phillcrean2300]

Watched it from start to finish due to its high end production value, its content was very interesting, the detail you gone into was exceptional, you narration was superb, I wish you all the very best of luck, as you deserve it. Amazing video, thanks.

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou I really appreciate that!!!

[@tedo3332]

I agree completely. Subscribe button activated!

[@geektoolkit]

@@tedo3332 Thankyou! I appreciate the support!

[@jrm523]

This is the most comprehensive overview video that I have seen on this topic. Thanks for taking the time to create it. I have three Fire HD 10 tablets that I purchased last year to use with my Home Assistant environment. I now just need to dedicate some time to build out my interface. +1 subscribed

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou!! I think you'll really enjoy them when you get them setup, I've really found them to be awesome, and I'm planning a second installation upstairs at some point. It really makes the house feel very sci fi, and it's been easy for our babysitter to use as well for our daughter :)

[@jmrarmstrong]

Wow, I just ordered a new fire hd 10 for this exact reason and my plans was to mount it on the wall. Thanksnl for this video as it will be very useful in the next week or so. Thanks for taking the time.

[@geektoolkit]

Cool!! Glad it’s helpful! Some of this I’ve heard is better now but I need to update mine (stuff like the animated background not working before). Have fun!!

[@djslappy]

You won the internet with this video! I cant wait to implement this. Thank you for sharing!

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

[@rGunti]

Also an idea worth considering: Get an RPi with Touch Display and touch display case. These can be (afaik) wall-mounted with just two nails or screws. But it's a bit bulkier and the resolution is lower but you have full control over the device.

[@geektoolkit]

Yeah, the challenge there is finding a good web browser that doesn’t take an awful long time to load. I love raspberry pis, but web browsing in even my pi4 is painful vs even the weakest of tablets I’ve used. If you can get decent performance on the browser please share the setup, I know something has to be better than chromium!

[@Ingveyisnthome]

WOW I won't admit how many videos I have watched and still had many questions. You did an incredible job here with this video! Really great info on many topics presented in a pleasant fashion. I want all the Android style features you mentioned and had 1 question. Is there an intercom app that goes along with the Android non kiosk way. I would like the ability to walk up to any display and talk to 1 or all of the connected tablets with audio/video. I see where you said it will be able to view any camera attached but I would like the intercom to use the built in camera in the tablet. Thanks gain so much you really are helping many folks, Sincerely Michael Buck

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou for the kind words! I don't know offhand of a way to do that, or an app that does that. The amazing thing with android is theres SO many apps that maybe something either does that or can be hacked in. I'd browse the appstore and see. I was thinking maybe if you setup like a skype account or something you could have them video call each other...maybe google video chat..just have each tablet have its own gmail account or something. Not sure, but I don't see why you couldn't figure out some way to do that..it's an interesting idea. for 'all house' video you could do a group vidoe chat. :D

[@HemantVallabh007]

DUDE this was an amazing video with all of the questions that are frequently asked. One thing if I could suggest if you could do a video on your light setup and make/model you would recommend and maybe how that ties into your HA setup. thanks!

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou! I have a Zwave video that shows the Zwave stick and I think that I'm using GE switches, but I am working on a follow up of using Innovelli...there are some benefits to Innovelli that I think will be really cool to show off. I'm working on updating my Dynaframe project (project videos take alot longer, esp. when I have to code as much as I do for this one) but once that's done I plan on putting out some more home automation videos, and I'll try to keep the bar high. Thanks for the great comment, I put alot of work into my videos to try to be succinct and to provide as much info as possible!

[@HemantVallabh007]

@@geektoolkit I shall subscribe :) Well done and keep making great vids!

[@a.roncarmichael6593]

at around 16:50 you quickly mention "metamount", I think, but several other times you mention products more "in passing" rather than with any greater depth - perhaps a screen shot at the end with all of the different companies/URLs might be helpful? I'm using HomeSeer, trying to choose which tablets to use - bedrooms get smaller tablets than main rooms, for example, but you make a lot of great points such as being consistent on resolutions and landscape vs. portrait. THANK YOU. So glad I came across your video sooner rather than later in my migration of my HA system.

[@geektoolkit]

Oh I think I said “Vidamount” and meant “Vidabox”. Sorry this was a TON of info I was trying to keep in my head and it was all freshly researched (vs stuff I’ve known that I’m relaying). I try to have all the companies in the description so that the URLs become links but if it’s valuable I can do a screenshot as well. I think in the arcade setup I did a chart so the names were up there and I’ll try to stick to that at least...Thankyou that’s good feedback. I started on homeseer myself! I didn’t get fully into it though and kept seeing beautiful dashboards for home assistant and that’s what swayed me at the start...total eye candy decision but it luckily worked out :) Wishing you well on your automation transition!

[@a.roncarmichael6593]

@@geektoolkit I've had a 3-story home fully automated since 1996 using StarGate by JDL with rs-485 digital touchpads and PCS X10 4-switch banks mounted in closets and cabinets. So low-voltage cat 5 to lots of wall switches, POE to power tablets (which must be mounted HIGHER than than the 6-button touchpads will be a lead-pipe cinch, but the HSTouch Designer is my first hurdle to evaluate as it might be the simplest route but simple may not be the most elegant. Wondering if there is a more advanced designer product that can recognize and "call" to all the HomeSeer devices. decisions, decisions..... :)

[@josedominguez2706]

Can you talk about setting up the browser on the fire hd 10 in minute 8:24? I like the simplicity of this view

[@geektoolkit]

Sure, that's just a dashboard in home assistant, I added a few cards and then kept it simple. If you're using home assistant that's pretty straightforward to do

[@twistit4844]

When we talk about tablets there is also the option to buy a Touchscreen Monitor and run an proper OS (and Fully Kiosk Browser on it) on a raspberry pi. This has the Plus that its a bit cheaper and the BIG plus that its modular. There are a lot of possibile Things u could run parallel on the pi. And u can with the years when the technique or your setup changes reuse it. Even for a bunch of other usecases. The con is, that u have 2 setup the Hardware (with some cheaper screens u have to solder) and the OS. But hey, its also hella fun.

[@geektoolkit]

Agreed a pi is super powerful, open, and reusable option. For me the browser performance has been really poor, even on the pi4, esp. compared to a decent tablet. Have you also noticed that? I am wondering if there’s a different browser I should be trying. Some other upsides are around having GPIOs to do fun stuff with, VNC support, and such. I do worry about how hot my pis run though

[@walberg61]

What is the browser system about 19:40? I could not hear it saying

[@geektoolkit]

That was Home Habit, and me configuring it if I'm understanding what you're asking (Which app is at 19:40) heres a link: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.homehabit.view&hl=en_US&gl=US

Thank you very much for your knowledge and experience shared on this video, it really helped me a lot! Best regards from Brazil.

[@geektoolkit]

Whoa Brazil!! I love that people all over get to see this, and Brazil I hope to visit someday, I hear it is beautiful there! Thanks for the kind words and glad it helped

[@ViliusKraujutis]

At 2:40 a the Climate dashboard you show Temperatures widget, which shows temperatures fluxuating by 1-2 degrees, Have you figured out why the fluxuation is so wide and irregular? I sometimes have similar issues with my ESP32 based DHT22 temperature sensors.

[@geektoolkit]

I'm not sure, I didn't notice that till you mentioned it...I'll have to take a closer look. I am resetting up everything (my pi died, so I moved to a VM on a NUC finally). I've been documenting the setup as I go, but I'm a bit behind. When I get everything set back up I'll try to look into that more. Those readings are coming off of remote ecboee sensors, though from what I've seen almost everything ends up with the same (or similar tech) so the DHT22 and those may be using similar techniques with similar noisy readings. Good eye!

[@ViliusKraujutis]

@@geektoolkit yeah I'm using dht22 sensors too and I have these fluctuations. Not an issue currently but I suspect it's when I connect more sensors. Currently all my nodes at home measure just temp and humidity with those dht22.

[@jeroenpruissen1245]

Hello Joe, Thank you a lot for this video. It answers lots of my questions. We are preparing a new house, so I'm able to pick the right choices. Thanks a lot agian.

[@geektoolkit]

Glad it helped and congrats on the new house!!! That’s exciting!

[@lisarotman9109]

Your video is fantastic. After seeing it, I purchased a new Amazon Fire HD 10, Fully-Kiosk & Hubitat (really I bought the Hubitat a month ago to replace wink). I'm playing with a few of the software pieces to see what I like best. One of the questions I have (feels silly to ask) is how do I group individual bulbs? I have several lights that use multiple bulbs. In Alexa & Google I group them. "Alexa, turn on the floor lamp" for example turns on 3 bulbs. All my dashboards show each bulb individually which isn't very convenient.

[@geektoolkit]

I’m not sure using hubitat, but it’s a common problem with bulbs actually (I talk a little bit about this on my recent wiz bulb video actually). Scenes are the only way I’ve found if managing them (routines on Alexa) which you’ve found. Other then that I hide them in the UI. For me I’ll assign them to names like “morning mode” or “movie mode” and they also turn on/off tvs and such. Hopefully that makes sense...basically you’ve found the answer using routines, just see if there is a “scene” equivalent in hubitat and use that

[@nothinbutnetz]

Ever thought of using some acoustical treatments...holy echo.

[@geektoolkit]

Yeah the echo sucked filming there. I think if I were to do it again I'd film in my upstairs and then use B roll. I just didn't think of it at the time and honestly didn't know the technique. Still learning a ton about filming, audio, etc. One other thing I learned later would've helped is putting the mic closer. I spent decent cash on a new directional mic that hopefully is better, but also I'm going to avoid recording in that area again :)

[@goofybrained6929]

GREAT VIDEO.. and thanks for the details research. I have been researching (A LONG WHILE) for a HA_HI and a must (for me) is a wall mounted Touch device with video streaming. Tablets have all but one requirement and that is forced Battery use under charging. The swelling and/or failing battery is still a blocker for me. I have seen endless 'no battery' hacks of old tablets, but newer tablets seem to have lock down 'features' that require hacks that block other features I need. Please comment on your battery concerns for wall tablets. BTW my current design uses POE/Ethernet - data/power thru C connector and wifi disabled.

[@geektoolkit]

Battery circuits today from reputable manufacturers (as in..not something you find on aliexpress) have a 'smart' circuit in them to handle various dangerous situations in batteries that used to lead to swelling. I have had tablets plugged in for years and not had any issues myself, but I'm just one data point. I do know from my experience in the inustry that smart battery circuits are built in now, and there have been firmware and OS updates to also control charging. I feel like if you buy a tablet made in the last year thats not bargain basement you'll be fine. I keep my tablets charging all the time..windows, android, and ios. None have had issues (knocks on wood)

[@goofybrained6929]

@@geektoolkit Thanks - found info getting charge info into HA and using that for power charge control.. using POE/ETHERNET for my situation.. may have to change or hack power flow but doable. Thanks again

[@tonysicily2687]

Subscribed, Liked & Saved The best, clear video I have seen to date, Thank you. I hope this is just one of a series you are going to do 🤞

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou!!! I have a follow up video because it’s been polarizing and I don’t think I explained the benefits well. I have a five part (so far) series on installing home assistant which is my backend, I am also open to suggestions if there’s topics you’re looking to have covered please let me know! I appreciate the support

[@tonysicily2687]

@@geektoolkit thank you, I am the perfect candidate to do this. 😀🤞 I am relatively IT savy, can program in HTML5, CSS, C++ (but not an expert) I have been programming Arduino / ESP for about a year+, BUT, have ZERO server knowledge and am just starting my home automation journey (I had too much to learn first). Looking forward to seeing the rest of the vids, thank you again

[@VideoNOLA]

5:45 Wait, where and what is the other end of that USB power cable? I was thinking of doing something similar (basically ensconcing within wall cavity), but didn't wanna "rig" it too badly. Curious where you tapped in!?

[@geektoolkit]

Good question, I think I cut that part of the video possibly. I had a security panel there so I had wired into the old security panel wire. But...right below it are light switches so I plan on getting a wire setup from makes by mike and wiring into that instead. I’ll pull off of the neutral and line wires coming into the box

[@stampeder1686]

GREAT JOB!! You have provided some very helpful and useful ideas. Thanks.

[@geektoolkit]

Glad it helps! I did a followup video to address some things, but for ideas and info this is really my main one for this currently. Glad it helped!

[@brandonstates1365]

Wow! What an amazing video. Awesome job creating this and including so much useful information!

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou! I try to make the videos I wish I'd gotten to see before doing the project. I hope to create more useful content in 2021, and also take some of these projects even further :)

[@eclecticlife]

very nice guide. Thank you for the information. How did you get to hide the side bar on Wall Panel?

[@geektoolkit]

On the side panel for the account name, if you click that there is an 'auto hide side panel' that you can select, cleans it up nice. it's the same UI where you can choose the theme (well one of the UIs).

[@LeonLamothe]

can you add voice control with home assistant?

[@geektoolkit]

Great question! You can integrate google and alexa devices which is what I do. If you wanted to do a DIY system you could do that too, just have to use webhooks or mqtt to interface.

[@d_sellers1]

Excellent video. I appreciate that you showed what you did along with other options and possibilities in the future. I have 2 Fire 7s and 2 Fire HD 8 Pluses. None are wall mounted though. Resolution is really important as you mentioned. The Fire HD 8 Plus has Qi charging so I've got one sitting by my bed on a regular Qi phone charging stand and the tablet runs 24-7. There is a matching charging stand which I also have but you can save money if you already have a phone charger. Fully Kiosk Browser is awesome but there are SO MANY options and settings which can be a bit overwhelming when starting. Also running Home Assistant but I use AppDaemon for my dashboards.

[@geektoolkit]

Ill have to check out Appdarmon more! I love the idea of a Qi charged bedside dashboard/alarm clock. I thought about showing a “non wall mounted” option but cut it as it broke the flow and focus but I’m wondering if a separate “home automation using tablets” ideas video may be a good follow up :) Thankyou for the kind feedback I’m glad you liked that I went into the various solutions. It was what was missing for me personally from other videos, and so that’s the video I made!

[@d_sellers1]

@@geektoolkit I just watched your newest video regarding using tablets for home automation. Here's an update. I'm still using the Fire HD 8 Plus with the charging dock. It's great since I have not taken the leap to mounting the tablet. I'm still using AppDaemon for my dashboard but I'm considering using Lovelace because AD is effective but not "pretty". I recommend getting a Fire tablet *WITH* the ads since it is cheaper and use Fire Toolkit to easily add the Play Store and remove the ads. I'd also suggest using FTK to use the Nova Launcher instead of the default launcher. With Prime Day coming up soon, I expect to see good discounts on the Fire tablets. For mounts, I'd like to mention MBMounts. I have not purchased one yet, but I've read good things, there are lots of options, and fair pricing. Plus, they show some of the power options available to be able to get everything in one place. The mounts are surface mount; not recessed. But if you consider getting a Fire 7 and replacing a light switch, the tablet is now the switch and mounts to the electrical box. (Hardwire the power to the light socket, use a 120/240VAC to DC converter to power the tablet, and use a smart bulb(s) in the light fixture.) This approach would be useful for someone who does not (or cannot) put holes in the wall. mbmounts.com/collections/tablet-mounts

[@geektoolkit]

@@d_sellers1 This is awesome advice! As a youtuber I thought through the idea of talking about the ad version of the tablet and using a tool to remove it, but honestly that would be me promoting something on my channel that could be considered theft. The ad subsidized versions of tablets by companies are meant to generate revenue, and by nerfing the ads, they lose the revenue. I don't judge anyone that does it and may do it myself (as well as use ad blockers) but I want to be careful on my channel about what I put out there if that makes sense :) That being said that sounds like an awesome idea, and yeah the MakesbyMike definitely have the power solutions down which is really cool (and he does a reasonable price on them!). I hadn't considered straight up replacing a slight switch, but that makes sense too...I may have to think on that. I really like having my switch as a backup just in case (like if my wifi router goes toast I don't want to end up in a state I can't turn the light in the room on). I recently had something similar with Zwave, my switch got into a funky state and I was using wifi to the bulb to turn the lights on, but the switch stopped working for a few days. Just something to think on, I'm not sure this stuff is rock solid enough yet that I'd walk away from a physical switch still :)

[@THEDanODonnell]

Not sure what else you have set up in your network, but have you considered powering your tablet with PoE? They make USB Adapters for it.

[@geektoolkit]

I would LOVE to do that..but I don't have ethernet run anywhere near that section. Or are you saying to use a POE adapter in the wall and then convert that to usb...I haven't thought of that..but thats..intriguing

[@leonardobassi2440]

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR!! thanks!!

[@geektoolkit]

Yay! Glad it helps out, hoping your mount goes smoothly and that you have as much fun as I'm having with it :)

[@Burnman83]

The best information about these kinds of systems I have seen in a while. However, even though I'm an IT guy and just renovated a house, I did put tons of network into the walls, but nothing smart in the way smart homes are considered smart. The reason is easy: - I'm an IT security guy - I planned everything thoroughly, such as lighting etc., so there is just no need for automation on that. In fact, whenever I was somewhere where people had systems like that, they did have their setups for different modes, but everything was kinda off, ALWAYS. TV with children willing to play in the background where it was either to bright for TV, or too dimm for the children. Etc.pp. Basically whatever you configured, the lighting was never perfect in the way you would just switch it on if you would be willing to stand up from your couch. - Price - All the info about IT stuff I have literally IN MY HAND all the time anyway through the native apps on my smartphone that give me all the information, not just what you can pull through these sometimes better sometimes worse interfaces. - I find it very disturbing and annoying that when I walk through my house in dimm light, some random stuff or display or whatever would just flash up although I don't need it really. - The information is always exactly where I DON'T need it. E.g. I have a weather station so I would know the temperature to know how to dress. Thus, I need that info in my bathroom, which is where my headunit sits so I know after my morning shower what I actually need. The tablet in the kitchen is rather... well... just wrong. However, if I put a table in the bathroom, it'd be off for basically everything else. - A tablet on a painted wall where you do things like accessing information, steering, having recipes open for cooking etc. is always either too low for you to have a comfortable look, or too high for the kids. Also, if you have ever seen children cooking (or "helping" you to cook), you can imagine how that wall would look like half a year later. - You are always bound to market development. Whatever you put into your walls... if the vendor dies and your installation has a problem, you are in trouble. If my switches, dimmers or whatever dies, I just replace it. No software involved, no incompatibilities, and no work for findings the right apps and drivers and optimizing interfaces all the time etc. So my general thoughts had been (and that was specifically after talking to a lot of people that were extremely hyped about their systems in the beginning and - after realizing software is the devil - pretty disappointed and all of them with only two exception that had the bad luck to not just put normal hard wiring into the walls in addition, went back to conventional systems. A switch, connected to a lamp. It works. Always! ;) I honestly think this is something for a bachelor living on his own that does only do one thing at a time and does not have to worry about other people. Thus he can set it up specifically for his own needs and wishes and be happy with it. In literally ALL other cases: Not so much.

[@geektoolkit]

I dunno. I'm far from a bachelor (Married 20 years with a 2 year old amazing daughter), and I find mine really useful. I am using Home Assistant, so I don't feel tied to a vendor (it's open source, I own the hardware, and use industry standards). My switches are Zwave, so i have the reliability you describe...if I have nothing running they just operate as normal switches. I get that it's not for everyone. And that if you don't plan things out correctly, you'll end up ripping the system out in 5 years due to obsolescence. Proper planning, research, and tradeoffs are the right approach, I believe, to any home enhancement, and this isn't much different. Also, like many things, this is not a singleton design, and it shouldn't be, for home control. This is great for when my babysitter wants to control the lights, or check on my daughter. It's handy for my wife to run an automation or check on something. But for cooking...no...I'd just throw an ipad into a 3D printed holder and rock that. I also use voice for many things, NFC tags, macro switches and more. My ideal automations run without my interactions because they react to sensors and timing. Remember, when wall mounted TV's started, there were a lot of pundits there as well. You bring up great points. I don't think anyone should watch this, bust into a wall and throw a tablet there and think that it's going to solve problems. These things take planning, research, etc. This video is just one aspect of that. Wall mounted tablets are an option for control, that's all. The choice is up to the user.

[@Burnman83]

@@geektoolkit You misunderstood me: This was not meant to be criticism in any way and I think how you did set that up for you personally is a "good to go" solution as is. Especially with the switches - if they operate as you said. What I was referring to really is that most of the people installing "smart" stuff do not inform themselves properly beforehand, installing switches of the vendor their lights come from, to give an example. Later when they want to replace the bulbs, all of a sudden the whole system does not work as intended anymore. Another example that I see more often nowadays is the first KNX-based systems for stuff like windows shades, where they basically put power and KNX bus lines to their windows and - after the systems started creating trouble - there is almost no way out of that and to go to a conservative solution, because those bus cables are generally directed towards the steering unit somewhere, and not to a place where you would want your conventional switch. If somebody has fun building stuff like that and builds it in a way so he does have a fallback solution (such as yours): Fair enough! Generally speaking I just wanted to give my input and not criticize you. I mean obviously everyone has his own flavours of choice, especially when it comes to tech gadgets. As good as you set this video up, if I could wish for something in the future: I think you would be a very good host for exactly those topics to discuss an bring up: What makes sense to make smart, what doesn't? How can you future-proof a system to not be dependent on vendors? What just generally makes no sense and would be better set up in a conventional way? It is your KZbin channel, I can only say: I'd watch it! =)

[@geektoolkit]

@@Burnman83 Thankyou, and I didn't mean to misunderstand you! I was looking for that clarification, and yes, you're absolutely right...KNX, X10, Ultrasync, and even Brinks and such..the list of integrations that have gone in and died leaving carcasses in houses is long and..terrible. Thankyou for clarifying....I like to do a bit of discussing it because I learn a ton, so that's why I challenged it. That all being said, you have my brain spinning....I don't know if I've seen a good series on 'how to design a home automation system to avoid common pitfalls'. I'm going to have to think on that one, though it'll be a challege. Also notice I didn't even try to touch the 'it security' comment you mentioned...because I know just enough about security to know how much I don't know, and it's probably fair to say that adding this much wireless tech, esp. cameras and smart locks, opens it up :) You're awesome, thankyou. I think you inspired a future episode, and definitely enough thoughts to keep me up for a bit as I ponder it :)

[@Burnman83]

@@geektoolkit Haha, good to hear, I'll stay tuned =) Generally speaking - considering I have no idea what networking hardware you are using - it is a good idea to set up a guest network and put all the "smart" bits and pieces in there. You can still use it as a normal guest network, but it will only have access to the internet, and not to the rest of your devices. This of course also goes for Blu Ray Players, TVs, etc. Just make sure you do not enable a feature called "client isolation", since it will prohibit all of your devices from talking to each other. Having that said, this is another big part of why you should have proper switches such as yours. Not being able to switch your light on, because you are in the middle of a network migration: Not that great =D I'm afraid KNX is very much alive over here in Europe. Yet. I do know that cabling is typically a lot easier in the US, since you mainly have wooden construction and dry walls you can work with to put new cables in. Over here, most of the houses are old and have solid walls. That means if you need to pull a wire, it is either visible, or you have to go the entire mile to grind a channel into the wall, afterwards repair the plaster or wall paper, etc... That is what makes it THAT painful over here to go from dumb to smart or vice versa! =) Well, great, I'm looking forward to you new videos and am happy there at least one KZbinr out there that perfectly handles user feedback, even if it isn't in line with what he originally posted. My pleasure and stay safe! (P.S.: Obviously English isn't my mother-tongue, so please excuse typos and/or weirdly put together sentences =))

[@geektoolkit]

@@Burnman83 Your english is better than most people I meet here in the states :) I love teaching because I find it's the best way to learn...people come up with all sorts of things I wouldn't have thought of on my own. Even in that post you bring up great points that I need to expand my mind to think about...for instance I've been thinking very US centric...but the thought of solid walls definitely is a big consideration (also we have some brick walls here...I'm not even sure how you run something with those!). I love feedback, and respectful comments. You're amazing, and it's great to have you contributing to the community. I love the guest network thoughts as well, that's a good idea and something I"ll explore!

[@tonybryant2243]

Great video 👌🏾👌🏾where can I get the power cable for the back of my wall ?

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou! The MakesbyMike has the best solutions I've seen so far (in that he has a ton of options). I had a power cable from an old security system, but I'm going to alter it to pull from the light switch just below it. mbmounts.com/

[@BMWclubb]

Good video. Was hoping you would talk a about the other hardware in the house. Like bulbs, cameras etc. How are these connected? Are they smart bulb or is there smart plugs around?

[@geektoolkit]

Thanks, I tried to keep this focused to the tablets as the way others things are connected is flexible, and I didn't want to tie this to a particular system. That being said, I have many videos talking about different aspects of my system. Short version is the 'hub' ran on a raspberry pi but is now on an intel NUC running home assistant. It acts as the centpoint. My cameras talk RTSP and use ONVIF (Reolink). I use Wiz wifi lightbulbs with Innovelli Zwave switches for lighting. I have an Ecobee for thermostat. I also use GE Zwave switches for non smart lighting control. I also have a weather station made by Ambient for local weather/rainfall automations. I do have a smart plug, but I don't have a video about it yet. I use Dynaframes (which I built) for media display, and I cast to my Samsung Frame (through airplay or miracast). I have videos on just about all of those though, so if you're interested in any there's plenty of content. That being said it sounds like an overall view of my system may make for a good video, so I'll think on that and queue something up :)

[@BMWclubb]

@@geektoolkit thanks so much!

[@stmsonicsony]

Joe... Awesome video...you gave me a lot of ideas/options. I will setup my home and will try out these options. Can I ask you one question. The Softwares which you suggested here, any of them got the security feature of Fully Kiosk browser in-built? What I wanted is the security feature of the FullyKioskBrowser, which locks down the device to just the dashboard. Or you proposing Fully Kiosk Browser on top of the other dashboard apps ? Thanks much, Joe.

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou, I'm glad you found it useful! I use fully kiosk, it does what I need. I'm not sure if the others have the lockdown support. I don't recommend using more than one..if Fully Kiosk does what you need, then I'd just use that. The others were just to show there are options to try, and many of them have free trials, and nothings is exclusive. So you can run multiple, you can try to swap between them to test for yourself. Sorry thats not more of a crisp answer, but I think only you can answer which works for you based on what's important.

[@stmsonicsony]

@@geektoolkit perfect. Thanks much.

[@OnlyEmet]

wanting to setup a system using this tech but being able to connect with each via a intercom style setting being used for a lab setting with multiple rooms what ideas do you have for a setup such as this. Thx

[@gregtaylor5354]

Hi great video. Could you do a video of how to add nest products please?

[@geektoolkit]

I dont have any nest products, so I wouldn't be able to do that currently sadly

[@importfanatik]

Fantastic video. Very comprehensive. Thanks!!

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou glad it was useful!

[@ViciousXUSMC]

I'll be adding mine soon :) just built it this weekend, and then broke it yesterday so building it again... My goal is to have everything on one page for users, and have other pages for me as an admin. Also to have switches and voice control for everything so that the tablet is just another option not the option. I did incorporate your speedtest into one of my admin dashboards. Still trying to decide if I want a always on screensaver or a screen off after X time. BTW I do not have the ad free HD10 but with fully always being active the ad's never come up (and they are easy to remove with tools you can get online)

[@geektoolkit]

Nice!!! I like the idea of having voice, switch, and tablet all play off each other. That makes sense and is smart and gives options

[@ViciousXUSMC]

@@geektoolkit The Hue Dimmers are a powerful option. Once integrated into Node Red they expose 16 different command sets and can be used as switches or remotes, and require no wiring at all. I am trying to think of what else I might want to add to my setup before I do a video, or maybe I will just do a video of "how it is right now" to go over some of those features, and most importantly some of my pitfalls I had building a new instance after being away for a couple of years.

[@leonardomaldonado7882]

Loved it! Great video to keep me started on home automation final UI setup. Kudos!

[@geektoolkit]

Thanks!! Glad you liked it and enjoy getting things setup. I find it’s like an art project I’m constant perfecting but always enjoy working on :)

[@tammympearce]

I am having trouble with all of my mounted tablets battery swelling from being plugged in 24/7. How did you get around this problem?

[@GreatValueLando]

Was going with a Fire tablet, but after watching this I think it's worth getting a Samsung A7 for my HA dashboard.

[@geektoolkit]

Yes that’s what I would do. There have been updates since this to improve the fire tablet story as far as the browser being upgraded but really if I had to do It again I’d spring for a Samsung tablet

[@sjnllp]

Hi Mate, any chance you have a video on how you achieved the "Traffic" panel and also how you incorporated Dakboard

[@geektoolkit]

I’m working on it should be out this week. The traffic uses waze and “panel” mode. Dakboard was done just using fullykiosk as an alternative screensaver

[@TheUnofficialMaker]

nice review of the softwares available..tough choice! Subscribed.

[@geektoolkit]

Thank you! Yeah I’m glad there are a bunch now because the choices when I started this years ago were incredibly expensive and not wall friendly. For instance I recall 800 dollar dedicated devices from I believe Crestron that weren’t terribly configurable and required hard wiring. I’m excited to see where things go!

[@ZJMK605]

Great video. Very informative. Well done!

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou!!

[@mannylobo5056]

Very nice vid! I have Fully Kiosk and had the camera motion sensor to turn on the fire hd tablet but had to disable it since it kept turning on when the camera sensed changes in light reflected on the wall from my TV screen. I tried messing with the motion sensitivity on Fully Kiosk but couldn't get it to not pick up the TV screen light. Looking at how you have your table almost in Front of your living room, have you run into the same issue? If so, what are your camera motion settings? TIA

[@geektoolkit]

My TV has a wall between where it'd reflect and the tablet so that hasn't been an issue. Mine points at the stairs so when I come down it turns on. My settings for motion are the default ones. I do wonder (haven't tried this yet) if having an external PIR sensor would be a better solution. Then the tablet doesn't have to run and process the camera constantly which would likely save battery (mine drains faster than it's charging right now) and it'd allow you to control where and what motion triggers turning the tablet on. I haven't set that up yet but it may be an idea to look into.

[@mannylobo5056]

@@geektoolkit Yeah, I think I might have to move my tablet to another location where it won't pick up the TV screen light. I also have the same issue as you about my tablet's battery draining faster than what is charging. I haven't found out the solution for that either. I'm thinking it might be the charging cable, but who knows. Thanks for the reply!

[@futurepaver2039]

I personally use Home Assistant myself and have been for about 3 months and I have a lot of experience with YAML and JSON so it is perfect for me. My Fire 8 got an update which broke some Fully Kiosk features, and also added a button for Amazon's dashboard. I don't want Amazon's dashboard lol

[@geektoolkit]

Yeah that’s another downfall of the fire solution is if it takes updates who knows what will work or break :(

[@GordonGaz]

Thank you for the detailed look at wall mounts

[@geektoolkit]

You’re welcome!

[@aerobill8554]

Very nice overview. Thank you and greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou! Love the Netherlands, beautiful place full of nice people!

[@EnricAragorn]

Nice video! you helped me to see clear the wallmount option I need!

[@geektoolkit]

Perfect that was my goal! There are so many “here’s my solution” type videos that I wanted to do something different in that it was a “here’s some options”. Glad it worked out!

[@l0gic23]

Awesome video. Keep this up. You got a new subscriber and now I need to check out the rest of your videos.

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou!!!

[@michaelliteonyourfeetsims4125]

WOW! Loads of information to process. You're amazing. Do you offer video or phone consultation?

[@geektoolkit]

Thank you!! I’ve honestly never considered it but I’m always glad to help people. On my about page you can email me if there’s anything I can help with and I’ll do what I can

[@alpha_pixel_]

Track the power of tablet and keep it between 20 to 80 by adding a relay to charger

[@geektoolkit]

Yeah that's a good call, esp. on cheaper tablets. This would prevent overcharging and could help keep the battery in good shape. I think many tablets have the charge circuitry built in to make the most of this, however I wouldn't trust that circuitry on cheap tablets, and being wall mounted may be better to be safe than sad.

[@rGunti]

I took and old Android phone I had lying around and hooked it up to a switched power plug. It now cycles between 50% and 70%.

[@geektoolkit]

@@rGunti That's an awesome idea, and a great use of an old phone to keep it in operation. I realized some of my old phones no longer will turn on because I didn't keep them charged. This would put it to use and keep the battery cycling!

[@jarpok]

Hi! I'm looking for a wall mount, but with wireless charge, so I can pick the tablet whenever I want and move it around. Any help would be appreciated.

[@geektoolkit]

I love that idea! I’ve seen some DIY stuff where they used magnets to hold the tablet and mounted a QI charger..but it was very DIY and didn’t come out very clean. I’ll keep an eye out

[@d_sellers1]

If you have a 3D printer, two ideas that may be useful: iPad Wall Mount Magnetic Qi Wireless Charging - www.thingiverse.com/thing:4667383 Fire Tablet HD8 Plus Qi Charging Wall Mount - www.thingiverse.com/thing:4588627 They might not be what you're looking for but could get you started. MBMounts has a custom design service. I have not purchased from them but have read good things about their products. When I bite the bullet to mount a tablet, I will probably purchase through MBMounts. mbmounts.com/products/custom-tablet-mount-design-service

[@judylong6846]

Great video! Thank you for all the detailed information. Much appreciated!!

[@geektoolkit]

I'm glad it helped! I find them to be quite useful :)

[@leoemmanuel3778]

What do you recommend for Ring Devices and Amazon Automation Device. Also what did you select for your monitor was it an amazon fire device or a samsung galaxy

[@geektoolkit]

I use home assistant and integrations for just about everything. There are 3rd party integrations for ring and alexas and such. I honestly am moving away from stuff like ring...they lock up the protocol, and being cloud based means that if I lose internet I can't see my cameras. I also can't get a direct RTSP feed from them to do my own post processing. The screen I'm using is an alexa, however in the video I go through the plus/minuses of alexas vs various other brands.

[@jamesnb]

I am newbie here... Quick question, using Fully Kiosk browser, how did you get rid of the Home Assistant sidebar (on the far left) in the full browser?

[@geektoolkit]

It's actually a home assistant setting under your profile, there is an 'always hide the sidebar' setting. See if this url helps get you there: homeassistant.local:8123/profile

[@jamesnb]

@@geektoolkit Got it right after I posted the question. But thank you very much for your prompt reply! You rocks. Keep the video coming please!!

[@geektoolkit]

@@jamesnb Thanks for the support, glad you got it! One note I don't think I got into in this video is you can create users for your tablets to customize the UI's...so if you have a tablet near a kitchen and want the UI to reflect the lights/etc. near that kitchen, you can create a lovelace dashboard for 'kitchenuser' and then have it show up. I'm planning on a followup to this to talk a bit more about that stuff, but wrapping up more HA stuff for lighting first :) Happy automating and thanks for the kind words!

[@jamesnb]

@@geektoolkit Man... this just got better and better thanked to you... I may pick your brain again once it comes to the mount!!!

[@anthonyjohnican5455]

Do you know how to keep certain apps from going to black screen? Trying to keep some apps display on screen like Pandora.

[@geektoolkit]

I don’t outside of turning off power saving entirely. That’s a good question though I could see that being useful if it could be per app

[@gnilre1970]

Thanks from Norway.

[@geektoolkit]

Your welcome and greetings from the US! Glad it helped!

[@jamesdavis-vc9ww]

first of all I really enjoyed watching this video, I am trying to put a wall mount in my home and I really didn't know what tablet to use, I have an old ipad I am trying to use , but I think its too old, its a ipad 3, I think I am going to go the andriod route, I was impressed with the way you went over the software, I have a question, and you use more than one tablet , like one upstairs and one downstairs?

[@geektoolkit]

Glad it helped! If an iPad 3 can use the web browser it may work based on what you’re looking to control (if it’s web enabled). I use one downstairs currently but I plan on adding one or two upstairs. Right now my upstairs is controlled mostly using PCs and an iPad on a charging dock, but I plan on adding a wall panel in my office since it’s where I spend most of my time; though I’m looking into a different design

[@jamesdavis-vc9ww]

@@geektoolkit it can get on the web, but I have no idea what software to use for it.

[@geektoolkit]

@@jamesdavis-vc9ww it depends on what home automation system you're running..if it has a web interface then you can use the browser to control it. home assistant is great for this!

[@JN-lu7en]

Great video, learned so much! I have many wi-fi controlled devices in my home, Switches, plugs, light strips, etc. no Zwave or Zigby devices. I currently just use Alexa to control but I really want a couple of wall-mounted tablets to control everything. What is the best route when I only have Wi-Fi devices?

[@geektoolkit]

The only way I'm aware of to do that would be to get a hub like smartthings, and then use actiontiles to control the devices. Even though you don't have Zwave/Zigbee, you'd need a hub (I believe) to act as a go between for Alexa and the tablet to provide a UI. Or possibly launching the alexa app on the tablet, however I am not clear on how customizable that is. The beauty, to me, of a tablet on the wall is that 'dashboard glance and go' feel, but that requires customization.

[@stevansiregar8853]

Is it okay to plug/charge it all the time? Would it damage the battery?

[@geektoolkit]

Modern tablets come with charge controllers that disable and enable the charging to keep the battery from overcharging. This is actually part of tablets for many years now. The problem is that when these fail, sometimes they have failed in such a way as to not disable charging entirely. Apple has made changes to iOS and such to alter how the charging happens to protect even further against this. So it should be fine. That being said I’d likely not put a random cheap no name tablet on the wall.

[@mikeglaske]

@@geektoolkit Yea, I've had issues with Asus Tablets doing that. However my Lenovo ones are perfectly fine.

[@paigec6642]

Are there mounts for the non-iPad options that also allow the slide in and out for use out and about around the house and then re-mounted?? Just like the iPad one??

[@geektoolkit]

Not at the time I filmed, but that would be ideal and I’m looking into it for a follow up project. It’s been a few years since I did this and a lot has changed. I’m hoping for either a dockable mount or a wireless charging magnet mount currently and will do an episode with what I find

[@healeydave]

Hi, I have installed a similar setup but when fully kiosk sleeps the display when I walk away from it, it looks like its just blanking the screen because I can still see a backlight. Have you noticed this? Also, did you have ay joy in getting cctv camera feeds to play from HA on the tablet? They work find on my laptop but fully kiosk doesn't seem to play the stream.

[@geektoolkit]

I’ll have to check as far as if it fully sleeps. It may be that it can’t turn it fully off unless using a rooted device. I have rtsp feeds working but haven’t tried a proper cctv feed. Are you using a fire tablet or full android?

[@healeydave]

@@geektoolkit I'm using the same tablet as yours, a Fire HD 10. I've used firebox toolkit to get the google play store and fully kiosk installed. Its RTSP streams that I'm using but they don't play on the Fire, hence wondering if you had to tweak something?

[@geektoolkit]

I’ll check. I think the reason we are seeing the backlight is because we can’t root it (or at least last I checked) to give full access to fully kiosk. I’ll check my camera feed, it may be that HA was converting it for me. My cameras are currently down as I’m working on getting aarlo working. I’ll let you know once they’re up

[@healeydave]

@@geektoolkit Great, thanks, if I find anything out in the meantime, I'll let you know.

[@shaunwhiteley3544]

Thank you for showing this 😀. I would love to see how you got kiosk working with Amazon 7 fire tablets. I have adds on mine and I'm struggling with getting the screen to stay on and coming out of screen saver. Cheers

[@geektoolkit]

Did you get the ad supported fire version or the non ad one? One thing about what I did is I paid extra for no ads to avoid that

[@happymanadam]

If you contact amazon support and tell them your child is using the tablet and you don't want ads sometimes they'll remove the ads for free. Worked for me.

[@eclecticlife]

Did you get this working on a Fire 7 tablet? Mine does not have ads. Did you try installing Wall Panel?

[@dong6839]

Talk about Ecobee? You should do a video about Echo-eey filming environments! Because you've mastered that subject. Lol. But seriously though.. you're clearly into tech, home automation, and I only assume you have a nice home theater setup.. how do you watch movies or listen to music with that horrible acoustic environment!? You must have standing waves, fighting standing waves! If you ran a standing wave profile to see when standing waves occur, the results would just say, "Anytime there's a speaker cone moving!"

[@geektoolkit]

LOL! That was my downstairs, and yeah I failed in the audio department on this one. Live and learn. As for watching movies in that house, I had a dedicated room for it. I have a new house now that has rugs to balance out the echos, and will use a lapel mic when recording to see if that can help

[@hugoraposo]

This was one of the bests reviews that I found on the internet about how to use a tablet as a Home Assistant to control IoT devices. I heard your comments about the limitations of the Amazon FireHD but I am curious to hear your opinion about the Vankyo Matrixpad S30 10'. Between these 2 options, which one would you choose? With the exception of Apple iPads, I love Samsung devices but I would never pay 700 bucks in 3 tablets. My plan is to install 3 devices like this at my home.

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou! I think the thing about the Vankyo is just finding a solid mount for it. It has some quirks like a 50hz refresh rate according to the ETAPrime Video Review I watched, but overall it's a full android tablet, and for this use you don't need much. The FireHD is an ok option if you're not doing anything too fancy (such as custom cards or animated backgrounds). My regret is that now that I have the FireHD 10, if I do get a custom card or try to do soemthing fancy in Lovelace that doesn't render...I'm pretty much stuck with the browser control I'm using. Unless a root exploit is found. Which isn't a great place to be in IMO.

[@hugoraposo]

@@geektoolkit I am planning to start working on the project of my wall-mounted home automation tablet soon and I would like to hear your opinion about the best software for this type of project. Ariela, WallPanel or Home Assistant running in a Raspberry Pi (or another device)? Which one would you recommend? Do you have a tutorial to recommend for newbies? Correct me if I am mistaken but Home Assistant seems to be much more powerful and flexible but this comes with a high price. I will have to spend 3x more time to set up the dashboard than with WallPanel and Ariela.

[@grahamjones6712]

I use a galaxy tab a6 mounted too a wall which ia permanently plugged in. In settings theres an option thats supposed to protect the battery by limiting maximum charge too 85% should i turn this on?

[@geektoolkit]

I would look into it to understand why the setting is there, but my instinct is that I’d turn it on. This would protect theoretically from over charging (though modern tablets should have that via other means). My instinct would be to turn that on though, but also to research and find out more

[@carloselmano6725]

Hello excellent video. how do you make the tablet call when we approach? (3.50m). I have an iPad Pro. Is it possible to connect when we approach? Thanks.

[@geektoolkit]

For android the software is able to use the camera to detect motion and wake the tablet. I don’t believe iOS allows apps to have that level of control. An iPad Pro is a pretty beefy tablet to wall mount for a display.

[@VideoNOLA]

Can the tablet take a snapshot of something you're holding, like a shopping list or kid's artwork, to view later?? That would be a fun tile. Kids could leave funny face pics for you.

[@geektoolkit]

I...am not sure but I’ll look into it. I mean you can launch the camera app of course, but having a button or tile would be handy! I’ll look into it

[@ekosf]

Look into battery bloat. Having a tablet plugged in 24/7 over a long time can lead it to expand and risk of fire, etc.

[@ekosf]

You may want to discharge battery once in a while with a timer appliance

[@geektoolkit]

@@ekosf Thanks I'll look into it and check it out!

[@jasonjennings6686]

@@ekosf I plan on using an outlet behind the tablet as I am doing a new room build. Maybe I will get a zwave enabled one so I can set it up to cut power once a day for a few hours to drain some. Would that be a good solution?

[@ekosf]

@@jasonjennings6686 I'm not an expert by any means but that's what I do. Some people make it cut power randomly too but I don't know if that's necessary.

[@billkater]

Do you have any videos on smart charging a wall mounted tablet?

[@geektoolkit]

As in turning the power off at 80%? If so I don’t….charge circuits one tablets should be doing that already, and if not that’s a huge problem with the tablet

[@macedit]

How can i install hassio and kiosk app on old android tablet like you? And what's the lowest hardware for using this apps?

[@geektoolkit]

To be clear Home assistant is installed in an Intel NUC...the tablet is just running the web UI. You can’t run home assistant in an android tablet. The kiosk app is just the web page for home assistant rendered in fully kiosk browser, which is an android app. Hope that helps! Lowest hardware for home assistant is a raspberry pi 3b+

[@yaniklandry-ducharme6877]

Do you have suggestions for an App on Fire for a 10 nodes + doorbell home intercom? I really liked your vidéo!

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou!!! I don’t have anything for that in particular...I run most of my home automation off of a raspberry pi or NUC (home assistant) and then just use the tablet as an interface. I’ll think on it I hadn’t thought about using them as intercoms...it makes sense though they have speakers mics and even cameras...very interesting idea!

[@silverback71]

Thank you for posting the video. I was a bit confused about the power source. If I have a combo outlet with usb ports, can I plug into the usb? Will there be long term issues with tablets?

[@geektoolkit]

That should work fine

[@ArcLightAddicts]

For WallPanel, does it use the API for SmartThings, Nest, Alexa, etc and then present it in widgets on a single screen? I use SmartThings for switches, Nest for AC, Govee for RGB lights and camera system.

[@geektoolkit]

I'm not sure, hoping someone else more familiar with it can answer. I'd have to reinstall it, I"d since cleaned that tablet back to fully kiosk after this video

[@BBalasa]

Very good wholistic presentation of the solution in its entireity , I liked this one the best when compared so many other videos which I watched looking for ideas and art of possibility, wish I had visited this one earliest , keep up the good work.

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou!!!! I always try to do something different or add something, so glad that this was useful. A lot of videos showed one persons install/use case and I realized there was a spot for a general overview

[@mmcginn22]

Very curious what tablets have the ability to be magnetic and removable from the wall. Charging or "plugged in" when on the wall via magnet. Any experience with this??

[@cryptogoatdfs]

Great Video! Is it possible to pull power from a Honeywell smart thermostat? (would be mounting directly above or in place of) If so, what type of converters would I need and how would it connect to the thermostat wiring? Thanks!

[@geektoolkit]

I'm not honestly sure. You could use a volt meter to measure the amperage/voltage of your wiring, from a quick search you'd be using the C wire and possibly red to complete the circuit. What you really want to know is the amperage. Then a step down converter to get it to 5 volts..but I'd research it more first on a home automation forum. I don't know of anyone that's done it, and I wouldn't want you to hurt that system. Measuring current/voltage should be safe and get you a start if you know your way around a digital multimeter though.

[@hugoraposo]

Could you please explain the setup that you used on the back-end? Are you running Home Assistant in a Raspberry Pi (or another device)? I already purchased the tablets and the wall mounts but I am struggling to find the right configuration. Is the tablet able to call the IoT devices directly or it does need an automation box (e.g. Raspberry Pi )?

[@geektoolkit]

I’m using a raspberry pi running Home assistant. The tablet can run apps, so you’d want an automation backend to connect to. For instance if you have a SmartThings hub from Samsung you could run that. If your technical and don’t mind some work I recommend Home assistant. If you want “it just works but may not work the way I want” then smartthings is a way to go. You could also just hook up lights like Phillips hue and use the tablet to control them. The tablet is just an interface, how you build off of it is up to you. If you decide to go with Home assistant I have several tutorial videos to help get you started. If you have any other questions let me know and I’ll try to answer

[@tonyhobbs8290]

Hi, can you please post a link as to where you got the slim usb cable from, Ta

[@tonyhobbs8290]

Its ok I found it on another post.

[@geektoolkit]

Cool. Yeah they’re tricky to find but super useful!

[@TiborMiska]

Hi, great video. I have one question, I have the same setup as you with the FireHD and fully kiosk browser, only one thing keeps bugging me and that is that every morning when I come down, the FireHD gives a warning for the microphone permission. Than every time I give permission and the next morning the same pop up warning appears. How dit you solve this?

[@geektoolkit]

I haven’t had that happen on mine. I’ve given the permission and it’s just worked. Sounds like somethings broken for sure. I’d post in the fully kiosk forums to see if someone else has hit that.

[@TiborMiska]

Thanks, hope there is a solution! 👍🏻

[@FETA123456]

Hi I’ve got a question, I’m a beginner and I’m struggling with the wallpanel app I didn’t know how to setup the panel and configure it. I need help please !! The device I’m using is a Samsung tab A

[@geektoolkit]

Are you hooking it into home assistant? what automation system are you hooking it to? What is the error you're hitting?

[@notesdude]

I picked up a frame from 'Makesbymike'. It is for a Fire HD 10 - 2020 - I would not do it again. It is certainly solid in construction and fits tight - too might. My biggest beef is - It has no access to the volume buttons. My next beef is - once its on wow it's hard to get off. Now I get that - you don't want it to pop out to easily - anyway - I'm going to keep looking

[@geektoolkit]

I'm sorry to hear that. The one I have is really tight as well, I'm not sure if the 3d printed ones are going to be made to pop out easily. The volume buttons should be made an option, did you by chance get that feedback to made by mikes? he's been really responsive to me and on reddit/facebook so he may be willing to work with you on that portion. I definitely like having access to the volume buttons. As for the fit...I'd love for more to be designed like the ipad one where it looks like it's just docked and you can remove it.

[@fredflintstone8048]

Well done. thanks for sharing.

[@geektoolkit]

Thanks for watching!

[@MaxSteel74]

What SW are you running? Not sure where I lost that detail (at the end you have options). Is that homeassistant on kiosk browser?

[@geektoolkit]

Yes exactly...I'm showing Kioskbrowser frontending home assistant with a Noctis theme. For now that's working well, though I may need to explore actiontiles or others more

[@joerivandenabeele6707]

Hi thx for the video! May I ask what hardware are you using in back-end? Communication between your touch and for example the light-points?

[@geektoolkit]

Your welcome and of course!! I had at that time a raspberry pi running Home Assistant, and used a Nortek Zwave dongle. The lights are on a GE Zwave switch. Let me know if that’s what you mean and if that helps

[@joerivandenabeele6707]

@@geektoolkit thx for the info!

[@EXPBLUE]

Really enjoyed the video. Thanks.

[@geektoolkit]

Glad to hear it!

[@bradencurrie9732]

Do any of these have a way to control media I’m looking for a program that can control my lights music and anything I add in the future without going from app to app I don’t have a tablet yet so it can be on android or apple

[@geektoolkit]

I’m not familiar with others as much yet but home assistant I’ve seen control media in several ways. It uses a web based front end so you could use whatever you want to control it

[@bradencurrie9732]

@@geektoolkit thanks

[@imtrue2132]

Unfortunately my old tablets (droids v4) won't do the jobs. For wall displays controls it need a pretty recent android version. I'm running home automation (HASSio) and controlling/observing works like a oiled system with my phones.

[@geektoolkit]

Yeah I had some old android ones I tried at the start, but they were six or more years old so when they didn't work I wasn't too shocked (though it'd be nice to come up with a use for them, and I really thought a browser based UI would be simple enough). I do like using my phone, but I also enjoy having a larger screen for my dashboards. I'm just a fan of dashboards I think lol

[@mikehoffman3690]

Super-informative. 🤟😎

[@geektoolkit]

Thanks!!! I’ll have a follow up in a few months moving into new house

[@jahjr1989]

Can you let us know how you did the Waze Map integration / how to pass variables for origin and destination to the map?

[@geektoolkit]

I didn’t really integrate that. I went to waze.com, setup a view and then copied that URL and put it in an . It’s handy for glance and go but not a true integration. The travel times were using the standard integration however

[@jahjr1989]

@@geektoolkit Appreciate the amazingly quick response--subscribed!

[@geektoolkit]

Thanks! Appreciate the support. You caught me while I was fiddling with my phone, but I try to respond to all questions!

[@justinsommerfeld7027]

Thank you for such an excellent video!! I've thought about doing something like this with a eInk display because I think it would look sharp, but I hadn't been thinking about the security camera monitoring... Also, do you know it would work with a second unit, perhaps in master bedroom??

[@geektoolkit]

Thankyou! Depending on what you are running for a backend it may not matter how many tablets you use. For instance home assistant just serves up a website so you could have numerous ones point to it. I’d say you could do five easily without too much hassle. It scales very well! Now as far as two camera streams that’s a bit different, may need a pi4 or a NUC due to bandwidth if they’re streaming off the home assistant itself. My cameras are currently cloud based (Arlo) so I don’t take that bandwidth hit.

[@RafaelRenovato]

Thanks for this great video! I have the fire hd 10 and having problems loading videos - it’s slow and the it blacks out. I’ve tried to optimize it via developer tools but not much luck. Thoughts?

[@geektoolkit]

That sounds like either the tablets defective or maybe overheating

[@RafaelRenovato]

@@geektoolkit so when I had 3 live cameras in the same page/tab it wouldn’t load but when I kept only one camera it works good…I guess the fire tablet is just not as powerful as other ones out there.

[@geektoolkit]

Does 3 cameras work on a pc? I’m just wondering if the bottleneck is your pi/server or the tablet. That’s good info to know!

[@RafaelRenovato]

@@geektoolkit yes I have a NAS running HA and works perfectly - I have 8 cameras running in the same page/tab with no lag.

[@geektoolkit]

@@RafaelRenovato Oh interesting! Ok thankyou that's a great data point...now I wonder what level of tablet can run it. Do you have an ipad or a samsung to test on? I may have to do a followup talking about more power hungry scenarios processor wise. I also need to get more cameras apparently :D

[@mils232]

Thank you. What are your thoughts on actiontiles

[@geektoolkit]

I haven't tried it yet...I got fully kiosk working and honestly that was 'good enough' and reused the work I did on calibrating HA. I mentioned the alternatives for people to know about and try, but for me I want to get the best bang for the buck so to speak so reusing my existing HA design was ideal