Home Automation Guide 2017 - Part 2 - Z-Wave Tutorial, SmartThings, Harmony, Echo, Google Home

[@ugabrew]

I've been reading about this stuff online for hours and your videos answered every question that I had in a matter of minutes. Excellent work here!

[@cosmogang]

Glad your page is getting more subs since you first posted these videos. When I found your channel I was astonished you didn't have at least 100k. Keep it up and 100k will be a distant memory.

[@cann0nball100]

just wanted to stop and say fantastic description of the 3 way switch situations

[@markoneil2967]

One of the Best informative videos I have ever seen KZbin! Well Done!

[@m4marcel569]

Great video. The production level continues to increase... keep up the great work!

[@zacharymbradleyjr]

Thank you, Jesus! Lawd have mercy, this is the only video that explained how harmony and smartthings work together. the icing on the cake was the z-wave. i forgot I had Z-wave locks! Thank you! Thank You! Thank You! i just bought hue lights and google home and it is wonderful!

[@EmporerEJ]

Very well made video. You just became my go to video guy.

[@Gclifter82]

Excellent, excellent, excellent video! You are my primary automation video expert… Thank you so much for the descriptions and explanations. You make it sound so easy, even though I know I have my work cut out for me.

[@RandyRTorres]

Excellent video. Thank you! Finally someone made a comprehensive and easy to understand video.

[@mainocean7835]

I have to just comment and say that your videos are great. Incredibly insightful and the devices/items used are explained very well. Thank you for being so informative! Subscribed!

[@JoeyDaytonaaa]

These videos are a great introduction to home automation. Thanks!

[@ghost-4230]

I really appreciate you making this video. I have a quickset lock that supports Z-wave. I've been trying to figure out an affordable way to set up the home connect technology. Now I know it's as simple as buying Samsung SmartThings. Thanks!

[@JackAHooper]

Great video. One thing about the 3 way switch. If you are replacing an existing 3 way switch (with traveler wires, line, load) you can place the main dimmer/switch at either the load switch or line switch because if you want your main dimmer/switch at the load location when you connect the line wire with the remaining travler wire at the add switch location you make that travler wire a line wire to be used as the line connection at the main dimmer/switch. Essential looping the line wire to the load location. I ran into this issue this weekend when I installed my first smart switch (brand new to the smart home systems) and wanted my main dimmer/switch at my load switch location because of my home layout. I wanted that because at that time I did not know that both switchs would be able to control dimming manually, so the only reason to have the main dimmer/switch in a given location is it you want the LED on the main dimmer/switch at a particular location. Now keep in mind I am not an electrition, just have some general circuitry knowledge from school (civil engineering) and do it yourself work at the house.

[@RuckasRA3]

Great video man, really appreciate how simple you explain everything.

[@lucaa47]

Thanks for the helpful video. I just getting into this whole home automation thing and this really clears up many questions I had. Keep'em coming!

[@MrTimdtoolman1]

Great video, I have an Echo and Apple TV 4th gen. so do I still need a hub to control light switches with the echo?

[@noyon25]

Thank you, I was hesitating between wink 2 vs smartThing hub. After watching your video going with smarthThing hub. Thank you again.

[@benadams1234]

Absolutely the best home automation video I’ve seen. I’m currently in the process of a home automation roll-out. I started this google home, then Nest, then Smart things. The first smart thing installation was a GE 12722, and 12724. They are side by side. One controls the porch light, and the dimmer controls the den light. Smart things is having trouble pairing them or seeing them. Probably since the hub is around 35 feet away with three walls separating line of site. However, you mentioned that multiple z wave devices will create a mesh network. So will my current switches communicate if I install additional switches in-between that 35 foot expanse? Or would I need to move the hub (which would require wiring another room for cat-5).

[@ChrisMajestic]

+Bennie Adams thanks! yes. Installing more switches, plugs, and other z wave devices will help you. Keep in mind that some of the smartthings devices like their wall plug are zigbee not Z-Wave. So they won't help your situation.

[@gw7895]

I've never seen a video with no down votes. Great video!!! Thanks man :)

[@mattschorr1666]

You do a great job--thanks. What type of wall switch is recommended for a ceiling fan? Thanks again

[@chiefskippy00]

Man these videos are a great help. Thanks so much. Keep it up!

[@BrandonRico]

hey Chris do you know if the wink relay is compatible with the smartthings hub?? also I can seem to find any way to connect my lifx bulbs to my wink app. please help.

[@brandongreen7856]

Could you elaborate a bit more on the accessory switch? i have an existing 4 way switch setup in an older house that was wired with 12/2. i have 1 ge zwave dimmer and 2 addon switches, but because of the wiring, I am not able to have a neutral at every switch and keep the traveler wire common to every switch. when you say wire the accessory switch for power, do you mean run a 120 hot lead to the traveler of the addon switch and neutral to neutral? I do not have a line or load terminal on my addon switches, only neutral and traveler terminals.

[@PokeGuy69473]

great great video explaining this!! Can't wait to see part 3 and more videos to follow on home automation!

[@AH-yr3ge]

You helped me a ton. Thank you! There's not much information because this is fairly new stuff. I was afraid things wouldn't work for my GH with the smartthings hub. Does the tp-link wall outlets work with ST hub?

[@mklik4]

Thank you! great video. 2 questions: Since you said these devices work thru cloud service, Is there a device that can take over in case my internet goes off? If it does go off, will it memorize my settings when it's turned back on?

[@firpofutbol]

Just got a SmartThings kit + Echo Spot + Echo bundled from Amazon for free with another purchase and had no idea what it does and how they work together. Watched like 10 different videos that didnt answer my question until I came across your series of great videos on the topic and cleared everything up. So, thank you! I am looking for a camera to use mainly for security purposes that will start recording when someone triggers a door sensor or motion sensor. I know I can buy Alexa devices or SmartThings devices so was wondering what your advise on how to set this up and a recommendation for a camera if you have one. Thanks!

[@robjohnson7345]

Really enjoyed your videos, I have smartthings in my home and I'm familiar with it when I first got it everything was working fine now I'm having issues pairing my things, none of my things will not pair with the hub any suggestions.

[@marka2008]

Great video, well put together and concise. Thanks for taking the time to put this together. Liked and Subbed.

[@pritamaries]

Thanks Majestechs !! You made Home Automation really simple to understand. One question, if i go for Z Wave switches or devises, can i control them from internet ( outside home ) ?

[@XellosMetallium]

sound like the logitec harmony is a excellent hub. how would you compare between harmony and smartthing?

[@aaronharvey6406]

Chris, What you take on the Insteon Hub2 and their devices? I use Insteon Hub2 with Amazon Echo and it works well.

[@KevinBritain]

Great stuff man, there is another alternative in a scenario where you don't have a neutral wire at the electrical box which is Lutron Caseta.. it does mean another hub but it ties into Amazon echo and the Alexa features.. in my house I've previously installed many Lutron Caseta switches and a hub and over the past 8 months or so I've been adding smartthings sensors that control bathroom switches but recently with the Amazon echo dot, I've finally been able to tie them altogether.. it even communicates with my cheap wifi rgb led controllers through Magic Home.. looking forward to part 3 man..

[@BrandonRico]

Hey Chris, with the Harmony hub can I control other devices (tv) in the house even if they're not in the same room as the hub and IR blaster?

[@ChrisMajestic]

Hey Brandon. Nope. You'd need multiple hubs for that.

[@BrandonRico]

Oh okay I thought so. Thanks for the confirmation. Keep up the great work on the videos. You're extremely helpful.

[@ChrisMajestic]

Thanks!

[@carlp3602]

I have a harmony hub and I would like to be able to control my lights with it. Is there a switch that I can buy where I don’t need to buy another hub?

[@tylerkellen5572]

Nice video. I would like to hear more on connecting the TV's to the Echo with the Harmony devices I haven't been able to find a lot out there that is informative. If I have an Echo, then in order to power on say a Vizio TV I could get a Harmony Home Hub and that would make it so I can turn on my TV with the Echo correct? Or would I also need a SmarThings Hub to do that? Is there anything more I can do with the Harmony Hub through Echo or basically just TV power control?

[@ChrisMajestic]

+Tyler Kellen correct. All you would need is an echo and harmony hub

[@tekolicious8310]

Loved the vid. So I can only have one thing included on a device? That is kinda sucky I have a zwave alarm system that controls my thermostat and lights now. So I would have to exclude them from the alarm system and include into smart things? Or can I tell smart things to tell the alarm to control the devices?

[@ChrisMajestic]

Correct. A Z-wave device can only be included to one network at a time. However, you can see if smartthings supports your alarm panel. It's possible that you may be able to control your thermostat through your alarm panel. If you don't see a smartapp for your alarm panel then it's possible that someone in the community has created one. If not, then it might be best to exclude the thermostat from your alarm panel and let smartthings control it.

[@Aviamoyal]

I feel so bad that this guy has 1000 subs he honestly should have atleast 50k.

[@marka2008]

And now, 2 years later, he does :) 79k currently :)

[@PhillyDjHook]

@@marka2008 Now 122K. That's *DOUBLE* 50k plus 22k more. 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾✊🏾

[@ctsel4u]

Great videos! Question- does z-wave work with a regular router? And adding more z-wave devices makes your WiFi faster and more reliable?

[@ChrisMajestic]

+Robert Easton No. Z-Wave only works with home automation hubs

[@T0mmyGun654]

Great videos. Really brought me up to speed on different home automation integration ideas. One video which would be useful to beginners in my opinion would be a video which compares hub setups like Smarthings to individual Wi-Fi non-hub based smart devices like WeMo and so on. This should cover the downsides of integrating non-hub devices from different companies, Wi-Fi congestion versus z-wave or zig bee and maybe other aspects. I don't see many youtuber channel cover these differences very well. Just an idea.

[@terrysmitherman584]

Wow, very interesting! Awesome job. My new "go to" guy

[@mmarioalonso]

what if I don't have the neutral cable, are there any other options to work with smartthings? thanks

[@richyloreusana1779]

Thanks for the video, i would like to know if the amazon eco o google home can be in spanish version ? , i want to buy my own Home automation for colombia..and another question , which one you recommend me between amazon eco o google home? Thank you very much for your help.

[@AJCoReTV]

Does Alexa control harmony devices or just harmony activities?

[@JerryPena]

Question - I have a few Leviton decora dimmers on my single pole lights. They work great with Alexa. I have a 3 way light. I'm installing the same Leviton decora dimmer but don't know if to install them at both spots. The instruction says to use the 4th screw to install the wire but I don't know if I have to install another one in the upstairs landing or I can just leave the switch that's there now. I know you mentioned the GE add-on switch in the video, but is it necessary? I want to make sure the 2nd switch in the 3-way can work when the internet is down. Thanks for the info in advance.

[@ChrisMajestic]

+Jerry Pena You want to use an accessory or add on switch to avoid issues. The accessory switch will not control any load. It will work independently and communicate through your hub to turn off the light.

[@JerryPena]

Does it have to be the GE add-on switch or does Leviton make one? I just want to make sure that the 2nd switch will work just as a switch even when the internet or the hub is down. Since you mention that the 2nd switch is not connected to the LOAD, I don't want that switch to do nothing if the hub or internet goes down. I need to have a fail-safe back to normal switch function of the load(light) when that happens. I don't a scenario that if that happens, hard to move elders have to move downstairs to hit the primary Leviton decora dimmer to turn off the light.

[@ChrisMajestic]

+Jerry Pena ahh. If you get an accessory switch it will not work if you lose Internet but z wave switches don't work like regular 3 way switched

[@JerryPena]

Yes it does. I just installed 2 switches yesterday. They give you single and 3 ways in the same switch. I just use 3 our of the 4 terminals for my single pole. (1 for line(hot), 1 for neutral (white), and 1 for load. Then I connect the ground.) For the 3 way installation, I have to take the tape off and use the red screw. Here's a schematic of my switch. (www.wink.com/downloads/help/leviton-dzc-universal-in-wall-switch/installation-instructions.pdf) So now that you know the switch I use, can I just leave a regular switch at the other end? I need my system to be fail-safe proof when the internet or hub goes down.

[@ChrisMajestic]

Hmm. I'm not familiar with those switches so I'd have to investigate.

[@FlyHeadCement]

Hey man, thanks for your videos, they're very well done. Question about 3 way switches. Is it necessary to have the accessory switch in the circuit? Or can I just replace one of the existing 3 way switches with a z-wave switch and leave the other existing 3 way in place? Thanks

[@ChrisMajestic]

+FlyHeadCement because of the way the switches are wired, you have to replace all of them. If you just want to replace one, it has to be the one that has the load connected to it. However, once you replace it the other switches won't work.

[@FlyHeadCement]

Gotcha, thanks!

[@MethodOverRide]

On the lights in the ceiling, if I remove the light switch panel and I don't have neutral wires, (basement recessed lights), then I have to go with hue bulbs. However if I do have a neutral I can go with a zwave? If I do go with hue bulbs, I have to leave the light switch in the ON position so they can be controlled remotely, otherwise the hub cannot control them right?

[@ChrisMajestic]

+Gerald Collier If you're trying to install a switch, then yes you need neutral wires and you can either get Hue or just get some Z wave or zigbee bulbs. If you want to you can wire a micro switch at the actual light since there will be neutral wires there.

[@ruyung3224]

give this bro more subs, very good content, very helpful

[@artincorona]

This was is exactly what i was looking for. I have a few questions and you sound like you might be able to answer it. I have an Amazon Echo, Dot etc.. I would like to control lights and in the future control light switches and locks and so forth. First off is a hub recommended? I just bought a Wemo switch that doesn't require a hub, which I like. What is the benefit of a hub? Second, if I were to get a Samsung Smartthings and build my home automation around the Samsung, would this Wemo switch be useless? Thanks

[@ChrisMajestic]

+artincorona Yes. I would recommend a hub for your situation. Smartthings will work with West switches.

[@razatahir5688]

Hi dear. I am working on a control4 automation system installation where i have installed 11motorized window blinds having digital motors which are controlled through zwave digital motor interface devices installed with every blind. Now, when i install zigbee devices they boost up the signal for each other mking a good strong network but, the zwave devices installed in the last portion of the building(10-15meter away from controller) do not get commands and do not work untill i move the contoller to a nearby location. I want to know, can we boost up the signals somehow? can we make a zwave mesh so that every device boosts up the signal coming from the controller? kindly help. Thanks. I have tried using aeotec zwave extender but it didnt work.

[@havenothadmycoffee]

Love your videos btw and I just became a subscriber and rang the 🔔 LOL 😂 (I've obviously had too much coffee already this morning)

[@MrSuperman258401]

Cant wait for part 3

[@billybob0074]

does smarthings automatically detect when you leave the home and then activate everyone's away or do you have to do it manually?

[@ChrisMajestic]

+billybob0074 it can do that automatically

[@ronstiers1142]

Do you know how to update firmware on Honeywell 5800 wireless series to use on the smart things

[@alzakx]

Hey @Majestechs! Love your videos man. Hey I'm looking forward to using Google Home + Smart Things to open my garage door. Can this be done? My idea is to some time down the line I write an Android App for Android Auto to also open the garage door right from my car with a voice command. I'm thinking Raspberry Pi + Smart Things maybe? Help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@ChrisMajestic]

Yes. All you need is SmartThings, Google Home, and GoControl Z-wave Garage Door opener. As far as using it from your car, if you're on Android take a look at the Autovoice app. Last time I checked it was kind of quirky to get voice automation working from your phone but it may be easier now.

[@dhananjaypawar6052]

Now that Amazon echo plus is coming with zigbee, so if i use broadlink rm pro with echo plus will i be able to control majority of smart home devices??

[@ChrisMajestic]

+Dhananjay Pawar zigbee compatibility will be a big help but unfortunately there are more z-wave devices than zigbee. I wish they would have added both.

[@Annguyen-ib3bj]

Hi! can the harmony hub control AC? I have ST hub and google home. For example, I want my AC to turn on and off when arriving and leaving home ( using arrival sensor) and "Hey google, decrease (increase) the temperature" or even " Hey google, it is too cold in here"

[@ChrisMajestic]

+An nguyen You want the Smartthings hub

[@Annguyen-ib3bj]

Majestechs sorry, I cannot understand:(

[@GTCHRIST68]

great video, very informative

[@KyleVeatch]

Thanks for the video. It was very helpful.

[@warr1]

Hi Majestech, Im confused about Philips hue, is it the same as a hub? can you enlighten me here?

[@ChrisMajestic]

+DeTodoaLoTico it's a hub but it's used specifically for lights. It doesn't handle everything like the smartthings hub. But it does integrate either the smartthings hub

[@warr1]

+Majestechs of all products Philips hue handles, can you also use the same smart bulbs and control it with smartthings?

[@ChrisMajestic]

+DeTodoaLoTico if you have both smartthings and Hue, it would be best to connect them to the Hue then control them in smartthings using the Hue.

[@warr1]

Are hue smartbulbs Z-Wave or ZigBee ?

[@jorgefarfanv]

So I can’t turn on my smart tv with the SmartThings hub only? (I have the Echo Dot)

[@blackhelicopters]

Great video!

[@aidanmoran3881]

Awesome videos man

[@PokeGuy69473]

Can you link us to that Zwave switch you used in the video? I saw it on amazon for $184, but that doesn't seem right.

[@PokeGuy69473]

I actually see it on walmart for $61. However, I feel like it would be more cost effective to get a Wemo switch for $25 and pair it with the echo to achieve the same results (turning on lights with voice)

[@ChrisMajestic]

I have the Amazon link in the video description.

[@javo01000]

have you try lutron smart switches no need neutral wire and its a 3 way +

[@ChrisMajestic]

ja ga I haven't seen any lutron without neutral. Do you have a link? I prefer Z-Wave since it's a universal protocol.

[@gokucasper]

so if I buy a Harmony Hub I can control my TV my PlayStation my surround sound light bulbs

[@TomSir79]

I don't get it entirely with the Light bulbs. Do I just put them into the Lamp and let the hub search for them? Is that all?

[@ChrisMajestic]

+Tommaso Sirigu yes

[@TomSir79]

Thank you.

[@phamlinh4451]

Majestech, Can you show me how to Echo dot work with " Alexa open garage door " ? My Echo just work with " Alexa turn on/off " . She does't know "Open/Close" .I am using Z-wave relay + Tilt sensor + Smartthings. Thanks

[@ChrisMajestic]

+Pham Linh I'm using the LGK Garage Door Smartapp. Check the smartthings forums

[@GaMeOvErRules]

you just earned a sub

[@Logic717]

fantastic videos man - helped me make some home automation decisions. Have you tried homeassistant software?

[@ChrisMajestic]

I've seen it but I haven't tried it. I wanted to do a Collab video with Bruh Automation so we can compare it to some of these hubs.

[@Logic717]

I'd be very interested in that. I want to try to use both in my setup. That's exactly the user I've been watching as well so a collab would be awesome especially since I subbed to you both. Just bought a ring Doorbell and Z wave door lock and will be adding exterior light switches set to come on./off at dusk /dawn

[@Lee-qy3bc]

Great videos!

[@ChrisMajestic]

+Lee Keneston Jr. Thanks!

[@havenothadmycoffee]

Okay - so we should have bought a Harmony Hub. We actually bought a Hue Hub and about $1,000 worth of bulbs! LOL 😂😭 When we should have bought a Harmony Hub and some switches. Although I do enjoy the scenes and the routines I can set up. It does make me laugh that people are getting "smart coffee pots". I've been waking up to fresh brewed coffee for years now!

[@ChrisMajestic]

LOL. That's a good point! Enjoy!

[@BenjaminKX500]

Has anyone ever set up several "accessory" switches at say a closet for a single point of switches for all others in the house? I.E. 5 accessory switches in the entryway that control all outdoor switches and maybe kitchen... this way the z-wave would still "remotely" control in case of internet "cloud" outage of a hub.

[@ChrisMajestic]

I've done this using the smart lighting smartapp in smartthings

[@FloridaFamilyLife]

How about a video on you zwave security panel? Likes and dislikes. Why not ActionTiles

[@ChrisMajestic]

+Worrall Family Adventures I honestly don't use it much. I use alexa and Google home for everything. Why get up from your seat? Lol

[@PhillyDjHook]

I finally got my 3rd hub to work by voice. The problem was, I was *Asking Harmony* when I should of just been saying, *Turn on such and such.* So I solved that problem but, I don't know how to connect other devices and apps like IFTTT to Samsung Smartthings. In *How to videos* their devices are already connected. No, step by step instructions on how to connect from scratch (Not to a Samsung product). How do I connect IFTTT, Phillips Hue, TP-Link switches, ADT Pulse with the Safewatch Pro 3000 keypad, how to add *Timers* in routines, etc, all without coding..... 😡😡😡 And, I wanna buy 2 Multipurpose Sensors, but the reviews on Amazon is telling me, don't invest in them. Can you help me? *THANKS*

[@davidferrick]

Wink is forcing their existing customers into subscription based service which is why I am now here. Moving to SmartThings.

[@nickivenable229]

What about Apple HomeKit?

[@jgaldos123]

from my understanding Wink Relays work with Samsung SmartThings

[@ChrisMajestic]

+Jesse Galdos you can load the smartthings app on a Wink relay but I don't really see a benefit to it

[@gavinwhite1606]

how much will everything cost to set up

[@ChrisMajestic]

+GavinClub Depends on what you want to do.

[@gavinwhite1606]

I like to control everything in my house by my voice I have three bedrooms a living room Buy TVs a game room I like to do all the lighting all the TVs the garages the doors and some of Pugs and is it hard to set up

[@ChrisMajestic]

+GavinClub it's not too hard to setup it but it can get pricey pretty quickly. You're looking at about $50 for the smartthings hub. $50 per echo dot. $30 per light switch. $70 for the harmony hub.

[@gavinwhite1606]

Samsung hub butter

[@ChrisMajestic]

Absolutely

[@kaulen.362]

could i pay someone to put a switch in my room

[@Geedimensions]

so you need echo + hub + hub? eh

[@ggivensjr]

I did like on pt1 but pt2 I didn't like. The reason I don't like pt2 is because you talked too fast. Something that help would be to incorporate a flowchart or diagram to help with following the talk. Even a PowerPoint would be helpful.

[@ChrisMajestic]

+George Givens, Jr. If it was the lighting part that was confusing, I recently did a Smart Lighting Guide with plenty of diagrams and more detail

[@davidkk708]

Be sure to read Home Automation review on my blog before you buy. Go to *paulreviews. com/home-automation-review/* Thanks. Randi.

[@giancarlomaldonado]

Nice videos, annoying background music.

[@199724]

I can only afford Xiaomi. :-(

[@KevinRedline]

dude ur late. lol