NodeRED for beginners: 1. Why do you need a NodeRED server?

[@srinidhibs]

I loved the way you directed the viewers to your previous videos' links by using moving icons that moved to the exact location where the links appear! Subscribed!

[@notenoughtech]

Thank you and thanks for the feedback. Probably one of my not many brilliant moments haha

[@pandaengine]

The first example you gave is the exact reason I started watching this video. And it's easier now with gBridge. I easily added a switch that's named Computer. Only thing there's left to do is getting a Pi Zero and setting up the logic.

[@notenoughtech]

Awesome!

[@ThermaRay]

I'm glad you're taking this approach (using a private server). I never liked the idea of using third-party services for the reasons you mentioned. It's great that these do exist - as it allows people to get their projects up and running quickly without having to build the backend. But at some point you really want to take control of the whole infrastructure. It's your project after all, so you want to be in control of all of its aspects. Personally, I'd use a Linux PC-based machine for the server - more memory (RAM and hard drive space) and just about anyone has access to an old retired PC that would fit the bill just fine.

[@notenoughtech]

Personally (unless server is focused on some heavy data processing) I'd stick with low power options. $5 spending can be justified by the power use of the older equipment running 24/7 - but that's me :) But you are absolutely right. Smart home can get really dump really quick if there is a internet outage or company goes out of business (often the case with cheap home automation brands)

[@chrisg2003]

Hi, Firstly I would like to thank you for all the time and expertise that you are prepared to share with others. Your enthusiasm for Node Red has given me in a dilemma. I have just started a Pi based project using Home Assistant and am finding the learning curve a bit of an uphill struggle. I am not a young man and for may years I worked as a programmer in the process control industry. To pass the time in my retirement I wanted a project to occupy my time so hence the Pi project. I have a couple of goals in mind, firstly to automate the various smart devices, lights and switches that have been controlled using Google home or the TP-link KASA app on my phone. The other goal is to replace my Hive smart thermostat with my own logic. So I want to ask you if I would be better using NodeRed with its dashboard rather than Home Assistant. I have already purchased a ConBee 2 Zigbee USB stick and some Ikea Tradfri bits to see if Zigbee woud be a way forward. I hope that you will have time to reply but of course you must be busy. I will in any case continue to watch your videos as they are very informative. Thank you.

[@notenoughtech]

Both systems come with advantages. Home assistant is an easier to get to but more restrictive in use. Node red asks you to be willing to try JavaScript a little but opens up a lot of doors. I not met anyone yet who said "oh I can't do this in mode red so I moved to home assistant" but a lot of home assistant fans run node red alongside. If you like having a project to work on and expanding it with new features you won't regret the time spent with node red. If you just want a quick config based automation server home assistant will cover most of things for you. Extra benefits... I'm not gonna stop my node red tutorials for sure haha

[@omarcruz6326]

I just found your video... Yeyyyy !!! Great stuff, Sir. I'm gonna watch all of them 👍

[@notenoughtech]

Awesome - I hope it will help you with nodeRED!

[@basilbinu4933]

Bro really loved your works.I am planning to make a smart home with this method.Can you please explain the working of the amzon dash button.I see you have created a button yourself in your Instagram post.How does that function.I wanna make a smart light and control it with the toogle switch

[@notenoughtech]

The current state of dash buttons is unknown to me as ever since Amazon discounted it it's hard to get them connected. In the past I'd monitor the whole network for ARP probes. If you want to have a button. Take a look at my page notenoughtech.com/home-automation/adding-sonoff-sensors-in-zigbee2mqtt-and-other-systems/

[@basilbinu4933]

@@notenoughtech I looked through the forum and watched the video assosiated with it but I didn't get much out of it.I don't know much about programming and I just wanna make some lights around my house smart.I don't have the money to buy smart lights so I wanna make a normal light art with esp8266 and controt it via Google assistant.All these times I was looking for a perfect way to make and link my light with Google assistant and I found your video and using node red seems to be the best way.The same time I was confused on how to make an external switch because my parents don't know anything about smart lights and they would like to control the lights with external switch.When I found your video only I came to know we can create a toogle switch with which we can control the light even without internet.I saw your Instagram post in which you made a custom switch and turned on your computer.I wanna make something the same like that.I am just a beginner so please explain me the whole process.Cam we use a blutooth switch to control the lights???Can you please give a complete explanation on the process to my email.My email id is [e-mail]

[@dinfier]

Hi! NodeRED could be installed on Raspberry Pi Zero W too?

[@notenoughtech]

Yes. You can use it wirelessly as well. Just bear in mind I had issues detecting amazon buttons via WIFI. If you are not planning to use them, you shouldn't really see any differences.

[@FikiFirmansyah]

Yes. Im runnubg it for a month now, processor load only 2% idle running headless with esp8266

[@mortenlund1418]

Love the explanation.

[@Coldcorn]

Life saver..

[@GutsyGibbon]

What are those little buttons?

[@taranagnew436]

can you get a node-red server running on a NodeMCU?

[@notenoughtech]

No you can't. You can run it on Raspberry pi zero. And use MQTT to connect the nodemcu devices

[@taranagnew436]

@@notenoughtech ok thanks for th reply

[@mrxmry3264]

When it comes to home automation I would NEVER use anything that requires a server somewhere out on the internet, and there are MANY reasons why. So if it can't happen locally, it ain't gonna happen.

[@notenoughtech]

Many people, different needs I guess. It's good to have options.

[@iamishu1]

you are best Mat your friend Tom

[@TopEveryThing-sq2im]

M***Y city Music