Cheap Philips Hue Strip alternative!? Works With SmartThings

[@TaylorTech]

UPDATE! A new flashing method has been discovered and is working great! Thanks Donovan Lewis! check it out ---> kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGGQf4F9bKyqbNk

[@sun1234567890]

Can you drop a link to which power supply you used for the RBG Arilux Controller?

[@andreamitchell4758]

ok i want to flash the .bin for the H801 instead ,i bought an FTDI 232RL from microcenter, it is an inland model and it has a switch on it that has 5v and 3.3 v after doing some reading i found out that that switch does not switch the voltage of the VCC pin to 3.3v ,it always runs at 5v ,i tested with a meter and it turns out what i read was right, i flip the switch to 3.3v and the meter still says 5.12v but the pin in the H801 is labeled 3.3v so looks like i am SOL if want to use this FTDI ,now every other flashing tutorial i have seen on the h801 shows all 4 pins connected from the FTDI to the RGB controller,but i noticed that in your video you only have 3 wires connected , RX,TX, and GND right , so does this mean that i can flash my H801 with the FTDI i have and just power the controller up through it's normal power input and just not connect the VCC pin from the FTDI to the board ? every other video i have seen on the H801 the controller is not being powered by it's normal power input so does this mean that the controller can be flashed without using power from the FTDI adapter as long as it is being powered the normal way through its power input?

[@Yashasveedilliwar]

Try using aliexpress apart from bangood.

[@TaylorTech]

+Yashasvee dilliwar why do you suggest that?

[@Yashasveedilliwar]

TaylorTech more cheaper ( some times wholesale price )and variety for these type of stuff, as you require LEDs, hub and programmer frequently.

[@JimmyReskeNC]

Bless you. You are doing the LORD'S WORK. I've been stuck on this with my Sylvania Lightify kit. Gonna try this tonight!!!

[@peterh.peeters1126]

This info is great! Hope it is still current/applicable. Ordered all the parts today and cant wait to get it installed. Couple of ‘coffee’s’ on the way!

[@TaylorTech]

Thanks Peter! Make sure you check out the updated video on the newer flashing method. I haven't done it in about 6 months, but it worked just fine at that time. Good luck!

[@twodaend]

TaylorTech great video. Just ordered a couple of controllers and the adapter. Can't wait to get them working with ST and see how everything works. Keep the videos coming.

[@TaylorTech]

+twodaend awesome!

[@nwahs]

Is there a version that is still flashable to work with smartthings, available on Amazon? Don't want to wait a month to have it come from China.

[@Abby-ix7qm]

Hey Taylor, First of all Great Videos i've been hooking up my home using your ideals so thank you!! You answered my question below but if I need to cut the led strips in half for two different locations can I hook up a RGBW Arilux Controller to each strip or is the part I cut off not good anymore? Thanks

[@smartassist9700]

This device, how is it compared to SONOFF on reliability and performance and integration into various control apps?

[@way2fast4u]

with that little device are you able to fade in and out RED WHITE BLUE slowly like for 4th of july effect??

[@mcringleborrett9835]

he reminds me of joe pera

[@denisgrabocka1269]

Great tutorial and a good you tube channel ... i have learned a lot from you buddy. I just flashed a couple of hours ago 2 regular Sonoff wifi switches and they worked great i also flashed the 2 rgb controllers without reading the comments and yes same issue over here as well with the wifi id not being broadcast-ed . Can't hardly wait for a new flash package to be ready will be checking frequently ...hopefully it is something that can be fixed real quick. Keep up the good work and please do a tutorial on everything else you got going on with SmartThings such as Kodi etc .

[@markytowers]

Another useful video! Thanks. You asked for ideas. I just bought into the Sonos system for multi-room audio. I've bought a playbar for the bedroom TV and I have wired speakers in the bathroom that I want to add bit on a budget rather than buying a sonos connect:Amp. Any smart ideas for a way to connect this with something SmartThings related so I can control them.

[@TaylorTech]

+Mark Towers since you've already bought into Sonos I would probably have to recommend getting the Sonos amp. I'm not aware of a work around with whole home audio.

[@jonmichael29]

Hey Drew, Love the videos learning a lot here and already working on getting a few things flashed and working with my smartthings. I have a samsung smartcam snh-e6440bn this is the outdoor cam for security at my home and I am trying to get this to work with my Smartthings but with no luck so far. Smarthings already has an option for the indoor version of this cam in their system but nothing for the outdoor model. Do you know of any workarounds for this I have been watching your videos and you have shown some great links and script to put in to get smartthings to work correctly for you on many other projects think you can help me figure this out?

[@pitch59291]

Hi TaylorTech. Thanks for all the videos. I have learned a lot. I just finished flashing 2 Sonoff switches and they work great. I just tried to do a RGB Controller and I am having the same problem as Donovan Lewis. I have flashed it twice and I couldn't get a WIFI signal either time. Both times it said Flush complete, just as the Sonoff switches did. I haven't tried the new command line you gave to Donovan because I didn't want to solder everything again right now. I also saw that it didn't work for him. If you find out anything, please let us know. I think I will also order another controller to see if I got a bad one too.

[@sdonaghey]

I have a LEDMO LED strip that has 2835 SMD led's. It is a 2-wire system. Can I use this controller with these strips? I bought these as they were the only strips I found that had Daylight 6000K white color.

[@DanSaia]

TaylorTech love this. Happy there are people such as yourself doing videos like this. Can you tell me if this will work with SmarthThings v1 hub or should I go with v2. I can pick up a v1 hub cheaply. And any other thoughts you have on this. Thanks

[@TaylorTech]

+Dan Saia it should work on either hub, but I suggest the v2 because it is more responsive

[@donovanlewis1868]

How's it going Drew, any update on a fix for the controller?

[@vishwashehan8441]

is there way to flash this file into something like nodemcu or wemos mini they both have esp8266 right

[@iHeartDom]

How much would you charge me to send me an already flashed unit?

[@andreamitchell4758]

eeek those helping hands clips on the boards that does not look good to me, i am surprised you did not fry something maybe that is how you fried the other FTDI? the clip looks like it could be shorting some GPIO's and maybe one of those SMD's too ,i would insulate those clips if you are going to use them like that

[@feitingen]

Yeah, that surprised me too.

[@natoo55]

Hey can you make a video on how to make my mipow lights more unique and so I can add them to my Apple home kit and google mini please. Thanks

[@MrJoelr27]

Thanks a lot for this video. I have this device, but unable to integrate it to smartthings. I will try this this weekend.

[@sun1234567890]

Hi Tyler. Can you drop a link to which power supply you used for the RBG Arilux Controller?

[@TaylorTech]

+Leo i used the one that came with the light strip. But if yours didn't come with one here's a link amzn.to/2v5j2NS

[@Danneeal]

Does it work with homekit?

[@EdwininfanteLeocadio]

I want to link four 16 foot led strips. 2 on one side and 2 on the other. I would like to know which power supply is best for that amount of led strips???

[@andreamitchell4758]

you probably need about 6 amps

[@EdwininfanteLeocadio]

Andrea Mitchell thanks

[@andreamitchell4758]

actually i would go higher get a 10 amp just to be sure

[@donovanlewis1868]

Hey Drew, How did you have your Alexa timer trigger your led lights when the timer goes off? I made a custom program for it but can't figure out how to link the two. Did you use Core?

[@TaylorTech]

+Donovan Lewis I used IFTTT. The lights are connected to a program or separate "thing" that flashes when turned on. So, in IFTTT if Alexa timer is done, turn on light. Which the light is that program which flashes the lights. You could do this with core also. If simulated switch is on, then flash light etc

[@donovanlewis1868]

Hey Drew i looked and couldn't find the IFTTT that controlled that feature within smartthings. They had one for the Hue light but in Smartthings nothing..... What was the name of the IFTTT that you used?

[@TaylorTech]

+Donovan Lewis if (Amazon Alexa) timer goes off, then (SmartThings) switch turns on. Smartthings is the name of the ifttt

[@donovanlewis1868]

Yea i've looked and that IFTTT is not there, it's not under Smartthings or Amazon Alexa. Maybe it was removed or i'm not looking in the right spot. I went to the IFTTT site and searched for it there.... "if Amazon Alexa timer goes off, then SmartThings switch turns on"

[@TaylorTech]

+Donovan Lewis hmm... Have you tried the IFTTT app? Not sure why it's not showing for you

[@NkySpike65]

On the FTDI adapter, it looks like yours have the jumper set to "3.3V" is that correct? When I got mine from Amazon it was pre-set in the 5V setting, just wanted to make sure that this is where I need to set the jumper pin. Thanks

[@TaylorTech]

+David S. Yes, you will need to change it to 3.3v mine from Amazon was set to 5v aswell. You could fry the flash chip at 5v!! Glad you asked first

[@TaylorTech]

David S. Make sure you watch the updated flashing video also. The manufacturer changed the flash chip so a different method is needed to flash or it won't broadcast the wifi. But don't worry If you already did it this way. You'll just have to redo it the other way

[@NkySpike65]

I haven't done anything just yet, Still waiting on my RGBW Arilux Controllers from Banggood to arrive. I just got the FTDI adapter delivered today from Amazon and noticed it was set to 5V, and it looks like your is set to 3.3V, that is why I was asking. Thanks again!

[@TaylorTech]

+David S. Sounds good! Like I said use the new flashing method and you should be good to go sir. I just flashed 3 more for my daughter's nursery and son's room. These things are aweomse!

[@rrmajiros]

This is brilliant! Are the wifi controllers available preflashed for smartthings?

[@TaylorTech]

+Ron M not that I'm aware of. There are other wifi controller out there that work since this Arilux controller currently isn't working properly. The best would be the H801. It would be flashed the same way though.

[@TaylorTech]

+Ron M not these St the moment

[@denisgrabocka1269]

What is the format of the SSID that your working flashed Arilux shows?? Is it sonoffx.xxxx (where .xxx is the whole mac address) what's before the . after sonoff?? i have seen sonoffT. etc, etc. I was thinking that maybe if we knew the mac address and the format it might work by joining its network, like one of those networks that are hidden, by knowing the right SSID and password (configme) .... this is just a maybe of course cause it might not work at all but since it flashed ok with no errors maybe the only fault is the not showing of the ssid. However i did try once briefly to reset the firmware to the factory default by following your instructions in one of the following posts but it did not seem to work, like i said it was once and in a hurry.

[@TaylorTech]

+Denis Grabocka the SSID will be espRGBW.[mac address]. So it would be difficult to search for the wifi if without knowing the Mac address.

[@denisgrabocka1269]

Is it espRGBW for both rgb and rgb white strips (probably yes)??? can you reset the controller to the factory defaults and get the mac that way than re-flash it again?? or is it not possible to reset??

[@TaylorTech]

+Denis Grabocka it is possible to reset but apparently the method that I read didn't work for others. There should be a method involving a number of boot cycles that resets to factory. There may be a method in the depths of the internet but I've yet to find it.

[@denisgrabocka1269]

Well i guess the flash is definitely not good for these new-ish model controllers. I deployed a networking tool called Vistumbler that scans for all access points available around your laptops wireless nic no matter whether they broadcast an SSID or not and displays all mac addresses found around and these flashed puppies did nothing so they are not accessible via wifi. I was hoping to find their mac and use it as a ssid in conjunction with the espRGBW. but no luck. Lets hope that the new flash doesn't take too long

[@sun1234567890]

Hi Tayler. I just received 2 of these modules and as soon as I popped one open, I noticed it looks different and the RX TX are no where to be found. Can you help me out? Can you PM me and I'll most my photos?

[@TaylorTech]

email me @ [e-mail] i'll try to help

[@sorryIdontrecall]

Hi, after the successful flash it doesn't show any wifi any clue why ? Thanks 😉

[@TaylorTech]

+sorryIdontrecall check the description and tmither comments.... Unfortunately the Arilux controllers got updated and now they no longer work with this method.

[@Hendo30]

I had the same problem. But in the new method I found if I used a blank bin file and flash that first then I did Drew's new flash method with the correct binfile and it worked great on the arilux controllers and Sonoff switches.

[@hankk8526]

Can the RGBW controller be used on RGB LED strips?

[@TaylorTech]

Yes it can. There is a setting in smartthings to turn off the white channel I believe.

[@TaylorTech]

And to create the effect of white, just turn on all 3 channels to 100%

[@hankk8526]

Disregard...Answered my own question by re-watching the video.

[@hankk8526]

Thanks for the lightening fast response.

[@donovanlewis1868]

Hey Taylor, Tried to set up the wifi but it didn't work. It flashed and said flush completed but when I disconnected it I could not get a wifi signal to show up on my computer or phone. I disconneted all the wires and even un jumped the ground, didn't know if I needed to do that or not so I just did it. even tried to different programmers same result. Maybe I just have a bad Wifi controller. Any suggestions?

[@TaylorTech]

+Donovan Lewis you do need to unjump the ground to get the controller out of programming mode. As long as its being powered it should be broadasting wifi. Could be a bad controller. Check out Smartthings community and search for the h801 RGB controller. There may be suggestions on there that can help.

[@donovanlewis1868]

Thanks for the quick reply, it must be a bad controller because it took the program three different times but still no Wifi so I have a few more coming and I will give them a try. Thanks for the good Video keep up the good worK!!!

[@TaylorTech]

+Donovan Lewis if you have a chance, I may have found the solution. For your command try this: esptool.exe -vv -cd nodemcu -bm dio -cb 115200 -cp COM3 -ca 0x00000 -cf AriLux_AL-LC02.ino.generic.bin It adds dio. Try this in a new flash and please let me know if it works.

[@donovanlewis1868]

Hey Drew, I flashed the wifi chip with the new string but still no Wifi....Just like before it gave me all the dots then said flush completed unjumped the ground and took all the other connectors off plugged it in and no wifi..... I should have another wifi board coming today or tomorrow so i will try it on that one. So if I do get a Wifi Signal what will it say? So i will know what to look for. Once again thanks for all your help.

[@TaylorTech]

Donovan Lewis once you power it up it should broadcast a wifi signal that you can see from a phone or laptop, etc. then you would try to connect to it and configure it. it should be: ESPRGBW.[mac address]

[@larryh.5101]

So I update the device but the WiFi doesn't work it worked before I flashed it. I flashed again for the second time still it says it was successful. The device doesn't show up in the WiFi list any suggestions? Shouldn't the name be ESP????? or something like that?

[@TaylorTech]

Larry Hand there seems to be an issue right now the developer is working on. check the other comments for suggestions

[@larryh.5101]

Do you have or now where I can get the original firmware and see if that works again. Would really like to get this to work. Thanks for the quick response.

[@TaylorTech]

Larry Hand. you can reset to factory with this method I believe "This method might be easier to do with a surge strip with a button attached. Unplug controller and plugback in. Within 2 - 5 seconds after plugging in, unplug and plug back in. Repeat this process 4 times. You can know you are doing it correctly because on the second plug in the LED Strip will light up GREEN, the third it will light up BLUE, and the fourth it will light up RED. After it turns RED, you can just leave it alone. The little red led will blink 5 times slowly and then the RED LED strip will start to flash as the storage is being wiped. After that is finished the LEDs will turn off."

[@craignadler8353]

Is there any way someone could download the original firmware from the newer device prior to flashing it the first time ( if you know how to do this?). This way we can revert to the original firmware in case of no other option to get these to work. Thanks.

[@TaylorTech]

+Craig Nadler there should be a way to reset to factory without reflashing. Maybe try contacting customer support?

[@ndfan62]

Great video!

[@denisgrabocka1269]

Any word on the updated firmware

[@TaylorTech]

+Denis Grabocka check out the last few posts on here community.smartthings.com/t/release-smartlife-h801-rgbw-led-strip-wifi-controller-bulb/51182

[@willjack78]

Are the light strips dimmable?

[@TaylorTech]

Yes they are

[@willjack78]

TaylorTech this is awesome thanks for everything

[@0sman]

Do alexa voice commands work with this?

[@TaylorTech]

Syed Hussain yep, it sure does. Alexa, make cabinet lights blue, in my case, turns them blue!

[@0sman]

TaylorTech thanks! Great video btw!

[@TaylorTech]

Syed Hussain thank you!

[@MikeDeRousse]

I'm thinking of doing this for undercabinet lighting in my kitchen but the strip will need to be split into 2 sections. Is there a way to cut the 5M RGBW strip into 2 and then join them together with some kind of ribbon cable or group of wires? I'm capable of doing some soldering if necessary.

[@TaylorTech]

+Mike DeRousse definitely, they sell extensions and connectors just for this purpose so no soldering is even required. That's how I'm able to reach the other cabinet on the other side of the window. Let me know if you need a link to the products

[@MikeDeRousse]

TaylorTech A link would be awesome. Thanks.

[@TaylorTech]

ESUMIC Extension Cable Wire With 5Pin Plug for LED 5050 RGBW Strip Ribbon (5M) www.amazon.com/dp/B013JRRPCG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KbjlzbWGQ6FP3

[@TaylorTech]

+Mike DeRousse EvZ 10PCS LED 5050 RGBW Strip Light Connector 5 Pin Conductor 12 mm Wide Strip to Strip Jumper www.amazon.com/dp/B01COSNKCA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Afjlzb490CFCC

[@TaylorTech]

look around those links to exactly what you need for your application. There are a lot of options out there.

[@DJKnowledge901]

what kind of wall mount is that ????

[@TaylorTech]

+Timothy Walls for the computer monitors?

[@DJKnowledge901]

TaylorTech yea

[@TaylorTech]

+Timothy Walls the center monitor is using a standard flush mount. The two side ones I made myself because they didn't have standard mounting holes. But you could use a tripple monitor mount for all three.

[@TaylorTech]

+Timothy Walls the center monitor is using a standard flush mount. The two side ones I made myself because they didn't have standard mounting holes. But you could use a tripple monitor mount for all three.

[@nikiaedwards5405]

How long do these lights last

[@TaylorTech]

+Nikia Edwards being LED, I would say based on normal use around 15-20 yrs like any led

[@andreamitchell4758]

i did this with the H801 i love it , these controller are cheaper and smaller and have no mosfets , i am wondering what the mosfets in the H801 actually do is it just for better dimming? seem like it is worth it to buy th eH801 since the HW revisions make these have problems flashing no? plus you get an extra channel w2 and you get the mosfetts but TBH i have really cheap RF LED controller remote ,the receiver is tiny as hell and the dimming is not that bad on it , but i bet it is not good for durability , but visually the dimming is not so different to the H801 with the mosfets in it , i just bet dimming with no mosfet or just use in general will cause it to fail after awhile i had a LED IR remote bulb from china and it failed on me , 1st he color fade went then it just failed altogether i am just trying to figure out the benefit to the H801's mosfets i notice the HUE strips have tiny controllers too no mosfets

[@donovanlewis1868]

Hey Drew , Just wanted to let you know the last post on the other site worked! I've flashed all of my controllers and they all have wifi now... You can update your video showing the fix. Thanks for the help again.....

[@TaylorTech]

+Donovan Lewis awesome! I will try it out as soon as I can.

[@craignadler8353]

Guys, which other site are you referring to? Donavan how did you get this to work? I have been waiting for a fix for this. TIA.

[@donovanlewis1868]

Yes Craig I got mine working go to the link TaylorTech is showing and like he said scroll to the bottom.... and then go up to Jtuner318 he will have the link to the tool you need then just download the tool and set the settings just like he has his. the only thing your going to add is the Bin controller file and you should be good to go. He also has a wipe bin file so you can wipe your controller before putting the new bin file on, but I didn't wipe mine and it worked perfect...

[@craignadler8353]

I have tried this on two different PC's. I keep getting this same error. and it just keeps trying and giving that error. what is the bin controller file you need you add that you mentioned below? thanks again. Connecting... raise in device connect chip sync error. baudrate sync fail ... retry...

[@craignadler8353]

Also, what hex number are you using after the @ symbol in the download path config on the programming tool? Are you using 0x000000 as indicated in the graphic they provided? thanks again.

[@Ricktherealtorsc]

i like this guy

[@donovanlewis1868]

Did you see my post on your error?

[@TaylorTech]

+Donovan Lewis yes, responded thanks

[@adelm2877]

Thank you

[@craignadler8353]

Good afternoon, i'll also state that I tried both programming strings and successfully flashed it both times. I am also not getting a wifi signal from the device. I just received it today. I also noticed that the board in the controller I received looks slightly different then the one shown in the video. Perhaps we have received a new revision of the controller which does not work with this firmware. Hopefully, it will be updated. thanks everyone.

[@donovanlewis1868]

Yes Craig I noticed that also the numbers on the left side of the controller board does not match the board in the video. starting from the bottom left mind goes R5, C9, R6, R15 Ect.... Looks like on his video his starts with R2, R22, ect so it is different. That might be the problem hopefully they can get a fix for the new board.....

[@TaylorTech]

+Donovan Lewis I see you are looking in the Smartthings community for the fix. Best place to get help for sure! Do you think I should take this video down until it gets fixed in your opinion?

[@donovanlewis1868]

well I haven't seen anyone that's had success, maybe you can just let people know your waiting on a fix because the video is spot on, on the how too!! I really believe your controller is not the same as what's being sold right now. As you can see the numbers are different. So that's what you can do, just put in the video for people to check their controlloers to make sure they match yours before going forward with the Hack...What you think? You said you had a spare one, did you try it? and if so is it the same or different from the one in the video?

[@TaylorTech]

Donovan Lewis yes I actually tried it this morning. it is a different one and it seems like Eric the developer is working on new firmware for these. mine isn't showing wifi either. thanks

[@donovanlewis1868]

Cool at least we now know it's a real problem and not user error...lol So as far as the video it's Perfect it's just there was a product change so just note that in the video or discription and update it when there is a fix.... because if someone has the one you have then it probably will work. and your inbox won't keep filling up with something you already know.... lol

[@mariusmotea]

With different firmware you can use all hue apps to control as many strips as you want. You will need only an extra RaspberryPi or something similar that will act as Philips Hue Bridge. github.com/mariusmotea/diyHue

[@burnzy3210]

you dont sound very enthused

[@TaylorTech]

+burnzy3210 I was very tired. About 3 am or so. I have a bad habbit of recording so late!