How To Control Practically Anything With Alexa

[@jacquesmarsacq7840]

like the features, setup was difficult for some of my devices (August Door lock, kzbin.infoUgkxhB5YOMNj04GuoAosExygP4cH-dKeb4aB Bose speaker)... but all switches and outlets (5), thermostat, tankless water heater. Unfortunately all I can do is turn on/off Bose. It doesn't support volume or changing channels, but I believe that is due to the particular speaker I have.... Worth getting if you already have other devices to use it with... I don't sit around and ask Alexa questions much so that doesn't really matter to me....

[@ruddymcfudgkins5991]

*I like the old style Echo Dot because it's small also **Newest.Technology**, gives out decent sound and doesn't take up a lot of shelf space if you want to put it on beam in the workshop or shed.*

[@stevenbowness]

brilliant! just ordered a broadlink pro now , have hue ,hive,& Alexa, now can play with many more tricks ,like TV/sat on ,

[@stevenbowness]

update ,came today & I had a basic set up in half hour ,plenty more tricks & gadgets to add over weekend

[@rambledogs2012]

Still waiting for mine. Every time the Postman arrives I think its here. #kidatchristmas

[@RickieJr]

or you could get a harmony hub 10x better

[@nstmania]

sorry Rickie but harmony cost a lot more that the broadlink and it sucks compare to it. Just the easy learn process of any remote control for any device that broadlink has is enough ...and again the price of the broadlink is ridicules

[@darrenmc168]

Paul i followed the video and it works first time now turning my Tv, Sky, and sound bar on/off. Thanks mate keep up the great work i'm learning a lot from you .

[@Yoursoul101]

I used to have the same thing, but with the mini. I liked the software the developer made for it, but the RM devices were just too unreliable. I ended up getting a logitech harmony device and some Lifx lights. They tend to get great support even though they still have their moments where things fail. The only thing I miss was the RF part. Can't believe logitech has not implemented that into their hardware yet.

[@AcrimoniousMirth]

Phenom Menon I think they have in the latest gen!

[@jamesleggett9830]

Excellent video, have just moved into smart tech yesterday with a hand full of hue's, alexa and a nest and was looking at what was the best way to have my TV to come on via voice, new tablet and broadlink next, lol, thx man

[@weeble3383]

Hi Paul, Can you let me know where you got the button icons for the e-control setup. Thanks in advance. Keep up the great work . Update, I found them ☺️☺️☺️ Phil

[@pauliboo2]

I found your channel after searching for Echo Auto reviews last week, I’ve watched around 10 of your videos since, I’m now starting from the beginning. I’m new to home automation, no devices other than an echo dot, so thanks I’ll get through them and then decide what to buy... ironically I’m thinking how to control the garage lights!

[@NicDuVernet]

I actually just bought a RM Pro2 yesterday and saw your video and was excited to set this up however, after a couple of hours of pulling out my hair trying to figure out why it wouldn't work I now see on the support website for the makers of RM Tasker Plugin that there is a new version of the RM Pro2 out that will not work with it. The version is the RM2+v2(10119). If you are seeing a red message "Unable to manage this device" in RM Tasker Plugin when you try to add an Alexa device I believe it's because of this incompatibility with the new version. Pretty bummed about this but I might just try to use the RM Bridge app along with SmarterThings integration to get this to work instead. It's a much longer and more cumbersome process but hopefully it will work until the RM Tasker Plugin gets updated.

[@paulhibbert]

Nic DuVernet sorry to hear this man. Hopefully this video will spur the tasker plugin guy on. Fingers crossed!

[@paulhibbert]

+Nic DuVernet Can you link me to where you've read this? I've Google a lot and can't find it anywhere?

[@paulhibbert]

+Nic DuVernet I got a speedy reply from the developer... RM2+v2 (10119) is not supported by my app at the moment. It may takes me a couple of months to get it supported. Please convey that to your viewers. Thanks for bringing it to my attention brother.

[@NicDuVernet]

Yeah, the developer replied back to me also saying about the same thing. For anyone else in the US looking to buy a RM Pro use this amazon seller. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U5IXFGI/ I ordered that one and just set it up and it works with the RM Tasker Plugin without issue. The first one I got the box was white and the second one (the one that actually works with the RM Tasker Plugin) the box was black. There are also a couple of other differences between them: 1. The first one I got came with firmware version 20024 and when I tried to update it through the app it said there was no update available, even though I know that the most recent firmware is v20025. The second one came with firmware v20022 and was able to update to the newest firmware v20025 with ease through the automatic update process in the app. 2. The first one was not able to learn the remote for my ceiling fan which operates on 303Mhz frequency. The second one is able to operate it without issue.

[@paulhibbert]

Roof Playz haha, great. Looks like I'll be reshooting most of my latest video then :P I've not heard from him yet.

[@TonyAtkins1962]

I did get the Broadlink rm pro. and it is working, using it on 3 tv's changing channels, changing inputs, got it connected to my surround sound too, this is great, able to do everything with Amazon echo dot, thanks for the video

[@beutelleemaier3532]

great video, very instructive !

[@robandsue]

Thanks again Paul - like this idea so just ordered a broadlink and a 12v RF relay off of amazon. Didnt realise you can get 220v rf relays too, much cheaper than resorting to lightwave relays. I have a little project in mind that's too long to go into on here, but I can see now how to do it thanks to this video. Cheers.

[@afsheensiraj8354]

LoL your video triggered my Alexa :)

[@RayyanGHunzai]

Afsheen Siraj :) it switched my leather stick Slexa

[@ErykTV]

Afsheen Siraj just mute it

[@sallybennett3674]

Great video. I've followed your instructions and it all works perfectly! I admit that I was surprised as I know nothing about technology! Just wondering what is going to happen if there is a power cut and my router restarts. Which bits of the process will I need to re set-up?

[@alltheway3]

this is so cool, great watch

[@grahametobin5297]

Hi Paul, thanks for the very helpful video. I got things working as I want them then added MacroDroid to automate lights switching on and off at specific times. MD is capable of running Tasker plugins so works brilliantly with the RM plugin app. I tried the timers in the eControl app but found them limited and difficult, especially to change once set. I've also been able to use Alexa and IFTTT to trigger MD which means I can automate almost anything on the device from a voice command. Ultimate aim is to ask Alexa to switch two amps on (using the RM Pro), start playing music and automatically start multi-room casting to multiple Chromecast audio devices. Almost there! Thanks again!

[@paulhibbert]

Sounds like an awesome setup dude! Well done! :) -P

[@gizmo258963]

Paul, Awesome video - many thanks for adding the link on amazon review page!!! just bought the Broadlink RM Pro literally 30 secs ago! can't wait to set it up tomorrow! miles cheaper than buying an anymote home and getting it shipped from the states.

[@stevenchristie8]

cheers Paul I have just bought the broadlink pro .I followed your video I am over the moon with the outcome of my setup voice controlled with the amazon echo. my grandchildren think it is really cool and want to stay and sleep on my man cave or the doghouse as the eldest one calls it.keep up the good work Paul. cheers.

[@stephenwhite6216]

What a brilliant video: so clear, straightforward and understandable

[@thedonnilad]

Hi Paul, thanks for your posts they are fantastic. I currently have brought a rm pro and have a android box and a old Samsung phone, I also have a Apple iPhone so run off iOS. What do you suggest I use to run everything based on you numerous tutorials? Thanks.

[@spezzington]

Good work! I've done Openremote2, RaspberryPi IO Relays, Frankenstein RF Remotes, Tablet, IR Repeaters, iTach, the list goes on. This is sooo much better!

[@haleydale8]

I am so excited about this video. Thank you again! This may be a silly question BUT what options do I have to download Android besides a tablet or phone? I have a small Asus computer that I no longer use and can continuously run. I also have an older iPad. Will either of these be an option?

[@paulhibbert]

haleydale8 that's potentially an interesting project of its own! There are emulators for android for Windows so potentially the Acer could be a goer. I'd be really interested to know if you got it working! There are super cheap android devices out there now that would likely do the job. A lot of people I've spoken to are turning to Android set top boxes for this project so that's another solution worth thinking about :)

[@nij2k]

Awesome video, finally got round to setting this up tonight, what's the difference between the rm plugin lite app that you pay a yearly subscription too and the rm plugin app that you pay a one off 5.99 for, oh I'm guessing aswell you wouldn't be able too do other stuff like pause or rewind your sky, as there is only an on/off command

[@nikrizal72]

Hi paul..i admire what u have done with your room. I'm in the midst of doing something like yours. If u don't mind...can u share how to go about it? To link everything to one command. Thanks.

[@vikkidyer]

Hi Paul this video is great its helping me a lot as I'm new to home automation. Am I right in thinking that if I have my bedroom lights and tv plugged into rf sockets and if I've got the broadlink in my hall with all the apps setup I can ask alexa to turn the tv and lights on in my bedroom she will do it even if the broadlink isn't in the bedroom.

[@paulhibbert]

Vikki Boswell Hi Vikki, glad to hear it :) Yes, the Broadlink has a really good range on it so it will reach RF sockets in other rooms, and because it's connected to your router via WiFi Alexa will be able to talk to the Broadlink wherever it is in the house. :) Let me know if you get stuck setting it up. -P

[@1TrueWibble]

The RF output on the RM Pro in my house is powerful enough to cover every room to turn on and off the broadlink TC2 light switches - upstairs and downstairs (I suspect it may also cover the neighbours too lol). Not a mansion but still impressive - you can also add more than one device if the range isn't cutting it.

[@qslradio292]

Fantastic demonstration Mr Hibbert. I am just awaiting on an android box being delivered so that I can install the tasker plugin on that instead of mobile etc, a lot of people use kodi on these boxes but hopefully using this device it will always has an on connection without any time outs and isn't a battery drainer. Thanks again for your video.

[@ΗΡΟΔΙΚΟΣ]

after 5 years any new video with new tech :0

[@mrpropergander6800]

Hi Paul, great videos, you might already be aware. If you run Tasker with Autonotifications which can intercept every notification and Join which can push any notification from your bridged android to another phone it will take your automation outside of your LAN to any where in the world. EG When I'm about 200 meters from home Tasker triggers Join and sends a message to the bridges phone which switches off all the lights, turns on the cameras and arms the burglar alarm. Once the script has run the successfully run notifications on the bridged phone get pushed to my mobile and when I return home the scripts run in reverse. Also, I have worked out how to trigger the RM plugin from a Google Calender entry, I imported a sunset calender which triggers on the kitchen light at sunset. But here is where it gets interesting, the RM plugin can get the temperature from the Broadlink which means tasker can use that as a variable, combine that with calendar triggering and you have a fully programmable central heating controller being run by your Google Calender entries. Bye bye Hive 😁

[@paulhibbert]

Awesome work my friend! What kind of Burglar alarm do you have? I'd love to have one that I can control remotely! I used a similar setup as to you to achieve this... www.paulhibbert.co.uk/2017/02/24/alexa-home-alarm-system-tutorial/

[@mrpropergander6800]

Paul Hibbert Very cheap Chinese one but works very well but this should work with any 433Meg alarm that doesn't use a rolling code because the Broadlink isn't able to copy the code. I have got it set up with 5 wireless smoke alarms too. If it triggers it is able to ring a few numbers and send a.text message too. The text isn't that helpful it sends power off and on alarms so now you know if your house has suffered a power cut. Also, it sends the zone number that has triggered which isn't that useful but I have programmed Tasker to intercept the text and convert the zone number EG zone alarm 03 becomes Front room smoke alarm has triggered, then tasker speaks a fire warning alarm, triggers an overlay text message. Then Tasker open ups Tinycam Pro and shows the relevant camera for that room. Also, I have made a calendar entry that arms and disarms part guard everyday because I keep forgetting to set it. rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F112654862491

[@mrpropergander6800]

Paul Hibbert Forgot to say, that is just a link to the panel I have, if you decide to go that route shop around because you can some very good deals. I think mine came with 5 passives, 5 window and 1 smoke alarm for less than 60 quid. It cost another 30 quid for an additional 5 wireless smoke alarms. In summary, a fully functioning fire and burglar alarm for less than a 100 quid with features and capabilities limited by your imagination. One caveat, I had to change the RF remote for one of my light switches because it randomly triggered the alarm. My advice is to buy a box of 10 transmitters because as your RF device count goes up the probability of RF channel clash increases

[@mrpropergander6800]

Paul Hibbert Forgot to mention the SIM card. I use s GiffGaff card because it rolls over each month and once the credit drops to 3 quid it will top itself up eith a tenner but be careful because that doesn't apply if you buy their goody bag deals, I found that out the expensive way 😁

[@paulhibbert]

+Arnold Swaggernigga hey dude. I can't see a link? Can you PM it to me on either twitter.com/hibberthometech Or facebook.com/hibberthometech Really interested in this! Thanks, -P

[@Groegselmaschupp]

Paul, you're a genius! Ur tips helped me to get the smart home I wanted for really small money. Had already 433 all over the place, and it works :) Thanks and all the best. Uwe

[@markleach5172]

Hi Paul, it's all your fault that I am now dipping my toes into the very deep pool of home automations! Thank you for some of the best and easiest to follow tutorials to automate, well, everything! One quick question, can I use an iPhone (iOS) or is the plugin android only? Cheers bud.

[@matt.My_81]

will enabling the Alexa bridge within the tasker plugin, also work for the Google home? I know they both run on the same port of 8080. btw, great video, only video that goes into such detail I could find. definitely worth donating!

[@oommbahh]

Hi Paul, enjoyed the video. Could you tell me if this setup will control dimmer sockets? I have 3x set up to 3 lamps and atm controlled by the home easy remote. Any help would be appreciated. Dave.

[@capricornphone9695]

instead of using a phone/tablet I've thrown android onto a raspberry pi I had lying around and I'm using that headless.. a little bit fiddly setting it up but all appears to be working :) (I've got an orange pi lite on order when that arrives I'll use that as the android bridge). Great video btw your consumer advice/tutorials are much appreciated :)

[@paulhibbert]

Capricorn Phone amazing! Good work mate :)

[@scottbishenden6331]

Serious Paul! Not sure which one I prefer but great video

[@newbiedebater]

Chris sent me - your channel is awesome!

[@paulhibbert]

+newbiedebater tell him I love him, and a pizza is long overdue ;)

[@joebrimelow2110]

Hi Paul, What is the different between between all the Broadlink RM Pro models? Seen a couple of different model names when shopping around..

[@ElXando1993]

Awesome video. Do you need the Philips Hue Bridge to get the Philips Hue bulbs working or can you just buy the bulbs?

[@paulhibbert]

+El Xando sadly you need the Philips hue bride to control Philips hue lamps. If I could go back in time though I would probably buy LED strips and put them in nice vases. Much cheaper and pretty much the same effect.

[@thehandypilot8028]

hey paul. awesome stuff! any idea how to flash the old version of the firmware to allow it to connect RM plugin taster. cheers

[@FazJay]

Many thanks for a great vid. You have a natural knack for explaining these things. This vid has helped me immensely to broaden the capabilities of my Echo Dot. Will be trying out some of the other stuff in your other vids too. Keep up the good work.

[@nij2k]

Great video and living room btw, does the RM plug in app drain your battery, is that why you need a separate android device as I just wanna run both the apps from my phone cheers!

[@twowheeleddaydreams4291]

Cool vid. Gives me many ideas for future set up and much better explanation of setting up devices than others

[@TBlenkTBlenk]

Paul, as usual, a great informative video; you are my 'go to' source. Do you know of an iOS version of the RM Tasker? It seems I need more than the Broadlink device and App to make it work perfectly with Alexa? Tony

[@rogertrueman7149]

Awesome, I bought an Amazon Echo and had a quick play around with Anymote for my TV but it's a bit flakey and the command to get it to work is too long. This looks very good as I already have 3 of those plugs with remotes for my lights around the living room and sub woofer.

[@lisaa4602]

Thanks for videos, lots of ideas now. Great tip regarding having a dedicated tablet for this, do you happen to know if Amazon fire tablets support the relevant apps and plug ins required for these set ups?

[@paulhibbert]

Mrs Ashman thanks brother. Yes, my fire tablet has both installed on it. It wouldn't let me download it from the play store though so I had to download the app on another device and then extract the apk using apk extractor and transfer it to the fire and install it that way. Really easy though.

[@lisaa4602]

Paul Hibbert Ideal, thanks for replying.

[@leejamir]

Find your videos really informative👍, just wanted to know whether rm pro 2 will work with ios 10 on iphone 7...thanks!

[@paulhibbert]

+leejamir hello mate. The iPhone has the Econtrol app, but not the RM plugin. Consequently you will be able to control everything with your phone but not with Alexa. A lot of people in your situation are going for Android set top boxes which gives them the added advantage of having a Kodi box. :) This one is the one I've been recommending. amazon.co.uk/dp/B01LXZBD3W/?tag=paulhibbertco-21 If you buy through my above affiliate link then I'll get a cut too. No pressure ;) -P

[@Neil697]

Hi again Paul. My Rm Pro plugin used to import device remotes from the e control app but doesn't anymore. Have you ever had this problem? Any hints?

[@RetroBoxRoom]

Thanks for this. I always leave my Fire TV 2nd gen on all the time. It would be interesting to know if the app ran okay on that, when side loaded. Program everything up easily on say a tablet, then pass all the settings over to it.

[@andycoopr]

This is really cool thanks for the the guide. I got Broadlink pro this week and I can from my phone control the TV/Virgin box/Surround sound. I also have Google Home. Can I do the same with Google Home as you have with Alexa?

[@paulhibbert]

andycoopr sorry man, but I don't think so at the minute. I have asked Google if they would like to send me a Google home in exchange for a review and some tutorials so I could see how we could make this work, but so far no answer.

[@andycoopr]

Ok thanks for the quick reply. I've seen a few people using Broadlink Pro and google home in youtube videos but they are all demo video not how they did it. I keep digging and see what I can find :) Thanks again

[@jeremymoore62]

Thanks for your great video. Been trying for ages to get a set up like yours. I've got all the separate devices working but not communicating with each other. Got my phone turning on lights from econtroll app via broadlink but can't get echo to "discover" tasker or broadlink. After much internet searches have found it might be the echo and app might not be connected to same router speed 2.4mhz and 5mhz, could this be my problem or can you help please?

[@sonny1977]

My Broadlink rm Pro arrives Thursday, I beg of you dont remove this tutorial my life would COLLAPSE....lol

[@sarasagar76]

Hello sir.. I am your big fan...i always watch your video...Which are very informative. .. You are simply awesome ... Sir ..i have one question. ...can we use android tv box having android 5.1 lollipop software instead of mobile device.??

[@paulhibbert]

Hi Sagar! Thanks for the kind words :) Yes, you can. It is what I do at home :)

[@TheEmagic01]

you definitely making the kewlest voids online thanks for the info

[@Neil697]

Great video. Couldn't have done a better job. One question: Is it essential that I have an android device running and constantly connected? Would my own phone not connect to the system when I'm present and that be enough? (I know that's kinda two questions!)

[@paulhibbert]

+Neil697 hey dude thanks! :) Yeah, it's necessary using this method. There are other ways, check out the link below. The only reason I don't recommend using your phone is that it will wear the battery down. www.paulhibbert.co.uk/2017/11/24/a-complete-guide-to-connecting-the-broadlink-rm-pro-and-broadlink-blackbean-to-alexa/

[@sivisious3571]

Hey Paul, I'm so glad that I've found your channel, keep up the amazing work please! Greetings from Germany

[@chrisdavies7671]

Hey Paul, fantastic videos. had to go back a couple of times but finally have everything working ! all apart from my ps4. any ideas on how to link this, as it doesn't have ir. many thanks.

[@adrianj4423]

I have had an issues similar, you could try closing down your android device, restarting, then re-run discovery ("Aleax, discover devices") This worked for me.

[@paulhibbert]

+Chris Davies hey man, This looks like a pretty slick solution : uk.pcmag.com/sony-playstation-4-ps4-1/40698/feature/how-to-control-your-ps4-with-your-hdtv-remote

[@jamesrobinson5672]

Hey Paul, your videos are great and informative. Also a lot of information. It's going to take me some time to put it together in my head. Remember, if you try to fill a shot glass with a gallon of information, your going to spill a lot. If I give up hope, I can always go back to the 8 track player and beta.

[@miguelmount7821]

Watched your video and got the Broadlink rm pro iPhone remote control to work on a 10+ year old Sony Blu-ray player. Also, Alexa could turn it on & off so I could shut my music off from bed (I'm paraplegic). I moved to a new house - same system & modem but can't get Broadlink remote to work on Blu-ray anymore. Still works fine on old TV. Suggestions?

[@EpicRooster]

Thank you for this video.....Worked a treat and easy to follow......

[@markcain3092]

Great video, Paul. I'm having issues with getting the RM Pro to recognize a set top box that does not power down with the power button. Oddly, the set top box stays on all times so auto coding to the remote is nearly impossible. Have you any suggestions for this? I see you are able to control your stb so maybe you or someone has a workaround. Many thanks.

[@naziradil]

First of all, please install Broadlink's new app IHC (Intelligent Home Control on iOS). Then do the manual set up in the TV grouping (chose Samsung) and do the learning process of each remote buttons manually! Please unplug the STB and do the remote pairing (learning) manually. Open the IHC app and go to + Add appliance, click Television and chose any brand (i.e: Samsung which worked for me). Then click on green tape on the bottom. Then it will load in a few seconds and then you see a orange POWER button. Click it and click NO. Repeat it for 3 times. Then a window will appear (info) and click to customized learning. Then the remote buttons will appear on screen. Press on to the POWER button and press learn button. Then you will see corresponding buttons menu starting with power button. First press that and and follow the instruction on the pop up window. Orange LED will lit on RM Pro and at this time point your physical remote onto the RM Pro and press the desired operating button first on the app screen and then press similar button gently just once on your remote. Now you see the orange LED blinks and disappears on RM Pro. You will see a pop up window appears. Click on the test button now. leave the remote button. Again a pop up window will appear. Now press YES. Now the paired button on the app remote trurns to green and it will say "learned successsfully". Done! Now repeat the last 3 steps until you complete the process for the rest of desired buttons of your physical remote! After the completion of pairing of each and every button, press SAVE button on the top right corner. Now your remote is ready. Now click the small circle on the top right corner and go to settings. Here you can change the room, icon and you can rename your appliance! Don't forget to save! Now go back to the main page and operate your appliance by pulgging in again. You need to be patient but it's an easy process. Stay closer to the RM Pro while doing this job. Better keep everything on a work table and procede. Don't press the physical remote buttons firmly especially for VOLUME and CHANNEL up- down buttons while performing the pairing job! Just one press gently, very gently!!! Otherwise, the volume level or channels will jump 5-6 times either direction. But make sure the RM Pro responds on every pairing process! Now this appliance can be integrated with Alexa but only for power on and off! Good luck! If you have any questions, please reply to this post.

[@PunisherSA5000]

Paul, thanks for creating the video, not sure if you are a paid video maker for RM Plugin (as it appears in their app), if you are do you have any troubleshooting steps for the following or might you have run into this yourself at any stage? 1. Do you experience a drop in internet connection in the e-control app? This is most annoying as it interferes with programming of remote buttons and obviously being able to control the devices. Error received 'No internet access detected. Please check your network connection.' is the message received when clicking on the device in the e-control app Troubleshooting done -I have checked wifi range where i'm using the devices and it all looks good -Turning wifi on mobile off & on again, sometimes that works 2. There are 2 versions of the RM plugin 2.0, Lite/Full I am trialing the lite of course and finding that under DATA there is no Alexa device list like in your video, also Alexa does not detect the device and nothing pops up in the smart home area of the amazon Alexa app. Troubleshooting here, mentions a few devices that they reckon will not work with the Plugin, but they are not my devices, so should be ok. 3. Do you have a working support email address for Broadlink, the one on their site keeps bouncing. If anyone else is having/had these issues and was able to pinpoint the problem(s), please holla back at this post with your resolves. HARDWARE Phone:Samsung S7:Android 7 RM Plugin Lite: RM Pro :Rm2+ (10026) Echo Dot 2

[@kryptonitefitness]

pretty cool stuff . how does this compare to the logitec harmony device?

[@paulhibbert]

Hey dude. The basic differences are the massive price gap and the fact the Broadlink is easier to achieve more outside the box type stuff, Logitech really hold us down to their way of working. The Broadlink can also control RF plug sockets and light switches which the Harmony can't. The one positive Logitech has over the RM pro is that it can control bluetooth devices such as Nvidia shield and Sky and Virgin boxes, BUT the Broadlink can control both Sky and Virgin via Infrared as the set top boxes are actually capable of receiving both. The Nvidia shield can also be controlled using Infrared if you purchase a separate FLIRC. Since this video was made Broadlink have released an official skill which means the Android device is no longer required. Check out my later video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpXNoWmfmJ5siZo My recommendation therefore is always the RM pro. :) -P

[@diez66]

hi, great demo. Found some tricky to follow but that was me and now I have done it I have stumbled at the last hurdle. I ask Alexa to discover new devices and she comes straight back saying done, there are none. But stumped. Any pointers? I see my two devices in the RM plugin, they work from the phone. I am using the Raspberry Pi home built Alexa, maybe it is that?

[@ttone2330]

Great Video. Great step by step instructions

[@maxrock70]

HI Paul, very nice trick. I have the RM mini 3 and I'm going to test it (even if it's official alexa compliant it doesn't work)...I already have an always on Android device so it's not a big deal. Thanks

[@paulhibbert]

+Massimo Rocco no worries dude :)

[@InfinityVideoNiagara]

Hi Paul, I just use my Harmony Elite remote with hub. It has amazing integration with Alexa and ton of other home automation products. Not sure if that would work for you.

[@TheKrescen]

Hello Paul. To control a switch with Alexa need a switch with remote control? Is not BroadLink TC2 useful? In that case, you could use a Sesoo switch for example, if you have a remote control? I appreciate your help and especially your videos, very good! Greetings.

[@SimeonTuitt]

Nice video Paul, good to see you back to doing Home Automation videos, I'd personally charge for this tutorial video though, giving the shop away no one will buy sweets. :-)

[@paulhibbert]

+Simeon Tuitt haha, thanks Sim. The video is monetised, so fingers crossed.

[@SimeonTuitt]

Paul Hibbert Start home automation consulting, people pay for this information because it's not widely known. You could get £100 - £300 easy just sharing that information in the video. A WiFi plug socket controlled by Alexa is around £50 each, the way we do it you can buy 5 remote plug sockets for £20, a RM hub for £20, app to control them for few quid and control multiple devices. So at £100 consultation you've saved them a fortune when they do the whole house. If someone really wants to go all out replacing sockets, then they go for the HE PLUG sockets. Since you've done it all to your own home you can sell your own blueprint because in the UK people are still going through expensive trial and error.

[@thebatu89]

Nicely done tutorial! How is the coverage for broadlink rm pro? Can you actually extend it to other rooms like on logitech harmony with rf extender?

[@paulhibbert]

thebatu89 thanks man :) I'm in a 4 bed and the coverage extends all over the house as long as I locate it fairly centrally. Because it's Wi-Fi you can put it anywhere you like. A hallway is probably the best location.

[@Leaf13]

Hi Paul , Thanks for the detailed video! The issue I'm having is apparently with the RM plugin. I clicked the link for the firmware update and it downloaded, but when I tried to open, it doesn't, looking for file on a flash drive?

[@paulhibbert]

Hi mate, Easiest way to update the firware is using the E-control app. Go to the main page and swipe right, click Eremote, click settings (top right), click device info, click firmware update :)

[@Leaf13]

Hi Paul, I actually emailed the RM plugin app dev and he responded with nice step by step instructions. Firmware is now updated and Alexa just changed my TV to the local news. This is awesome - Thanks so much for your videos!! One other tip I can give, in the RM plugin app, the Alexa device list is no longer under the data section of the main page. I guess the moved it. You actually have to click on the Alexa Bridge link, and the device list is located there.

[@motizagron]

Hey Paul, great video! thank you! Will this work with the cheaper RM mini (Black Bean)?

[@paulhibbert]

moti zagron yes :) the mini can only send IR, but the tutorial is exactly the same to do that. -P

[@motizagron]

Awsome! thank you! love your videos keep it up :)

[@matthewnichols3332]

Hey Paul, just hit the mute on the top when you want to say 'Alexa' without waking her. I have to do it when watching your tutorials or else all hell breaks out in my house. The wife shouts up that the living room has lit up light a Christmas tree.

[@speciallyforernblacksurviv9521]

Entertaining n impressive,a very well done presentation n demo which go into depth details.

[@paulhibbert]

Chow Sing thank you mate. This Saturday I'll be releasing a really important up date to this video. :)

[@ben-johnwalker2850]

Great video Paul, managed to get it all working, just wondered if you can change the command turn on for open, as I have a blind setup and is sounds a little weird saying turn on blind rather than open blind, thanks

[@paulhibbert]

+Ben-John Walker sadly not mate. The smartest thing you can do is create scenes, so you can say "quiet mode on" or "movie mode on" and have the blinds close as part of your macro. For me it would simply be included in my group for "living room devices" and as I enter the room and say "switch living room devices on" it would power up the projector, close the blinds, set the lights on dim etc etc. And saying "switch living room devices off" would reverse it! :) Hope that helps. -P

[@ben-johnwalker2850]

Thanks for the reply, shame about that I'll set it up as you have suggested, I seem to have another problem now with the rm tasker, it keeps going to sleep and showing all my devices are offline and I have all the setting set correctly with a few emails to the tasker devs, I'm just in the middle of trying to install tasker on my Amazon fire tv as that is on all the time and won't use any battery, have you had any experience with this. Thanks best regards Ben

[@paulhibbert]

+Ben-John Walker hi Ben I've not experienced this myself personally but I have seen other people saying the same thing. I think it's a power setting in some versions of Android. I think some people have got around it by switching off a power setting somewhere in Android power settings. The fire TV workaround seems like a perfect solution though

[@ben-johnwalker2850]

yeah I changed all the settings so Wi-Fi stayed on and on battery settings never save power and in developer options stay awake and also stay awake in the app, it still put the devices offline, I think it's the new android os that does it. I've managed to get the rm tasker pro on the fire tv, so just testing that the moment to see if that goes to sleep, all seems ok so far, but this is not supported by anyone, it's an unofficial method you might say....

[@paulhibbert]

+Ben-John Walker I'll be interested to know how you get on with it. Another thought occurred about your blind. Broadlink sell a sensor that detects cleanses in light etc. You could use that to open and close your blind automatically!

[@dominicstenzel7631]

Hi Paul, thanks for the video really informative. Do you know if I can use 2 broadlink pros in my house that can be used on rm tasker then to Alexa?

[@paulhibbert]

Dominic Stenzel hey, yes you can. :) You can save a bit of money though if you buy one rm pro to control all the RF stuff and then a couple of rm blackbeans to control additional infrared devices in other rooms. Have a look at my recent video kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKiWfpyQrsegZrs

[@dominicstenzel7631]

Superb!! I really appreciate your quick response. It was great to have Alexa turn my TV on!! The whole house is now going to be automated. Also going to use Reverb!! Thanks for the link 😀

[@wocko1]

I also bought one of these bad boys, due to being compatible with Home Assistant, and the fact they are extremely cheap, especially compared to the competition like the Logitech Harmony Hub (which has no RF capabilities). I successfully can control the telly and the RF ceiling fan using my Google Home, as well as some cheapo remote plug sockets. I highly recommend this for a Home Assistant setup.

[@sweetlad87]

I found it really useful I am about to get into my own place and I want to make it work for me as best as it can. I have a echo and a spare tablet so I am looking forward to getting my set up and running smoothly

[@sweetlad87]

Paul do you have a better system or is this the best system I can do with what I have already?

[@harryjohnson615]

Hey Paul thanks for taking the trouble to make these videos, these are some of the best that I've seen for following along, well done dude. Just a tip, I found getting Alexa to understand your 'chosen' command to be bloody finicky, EG Alexa switch the surround sound off would work but Alexa switch the surround sound on wouldn't. I ran in to this problem with many words. However, if you say Alexa TURN the surround sound on it would work. Took me 2 days to work that shit out :-) So, in short, make sure you say TURN

[@paulhibbert]

Thanks mate, she is a finicky cow for that stuff. I've noticed similar issues. If you type "TV" instead of TeeVee then she's listening for the word "tehv". hahaha

[@cesarp6761]

how did I find this GEM from Paul's 'previous life!!' when he was sooo serious!! ooooh the zigbee!! hahaha

[@timsch8408]

This Video is awesome! Thank you very much! Just to be shure, does this mean, I could completely control my tv? if I create an extra button for every action? For example volume up and down? and the rm pro, should it be place somewhere special ?

[@paulhibbert]

+Muratagh Silie hey man. It can be placed pretty much anywhere, it's infrared so needs some line of sight, but it does better than my original remotes You can control anything that is IR and pretty much any RF device. The commands are limited to "on" and "off" so you would need to use those words. Consequently controlling volume is a little awkward as you would need to say "volume up on" for example. It works better for setting scenes with macros. There is another route to control the RM pro using IFTTT. That allows you to use commands starting with the word "trigger" so you could say "trigger cinema mode" for example. I'll be going into that in detail in my next video :)

[@timsch8408]

wow, thanks for the fast reply and your work! I really like your content!

[@normanwalker-worth3039]

Great tutorial Paul, it's going to take me sometime to get it in my head (one is dyslexic) as does everything, my idea is to operate a smart alarm system for house and garage linked to Alexa ...I have an electric garage door that I have fitted a Meross door opener (not that simple) which won't connect to internet, as yet! ...and then one is on with smart door locks, this is the future 🤟🤟🤟

[@normanwalker-worth3039]

Hi Paul, thank you very much for quick response to my message, and sorry for my delay in getting back ..it has taken me a while to work out how to reply 🤣🤣🤣 ...but I've sorted it, will have a look at what you have suggested ...one is looking to control lights, heating system and security of house and garage. And going back to what said previously, is there an Alexa wall mounted control hub (if that's what they are called) I can stick somewhere central? ...I was over the moon when the good lady got my TV and home theater to turn on by Alexa 🤟🤟🤟 ...just the log burner to fire up next 🤨🤨🤨 ...thanks again Paul ...any T-shirts for bikers?

[@wandersonartiaga3151]

Hi Paul great job. I create a macro in rm plugin but the alexa dont find the device macro. Any trick? Thank you!

[@motizagron]

Hey Paul, do you know of a way to control a tp-link socket (hs110) with the rm pro2? I can't find a way to add the socket to e-control. Love your videos, keep it up :))

[@davem4217]

Hey Paul - great vids as always. Question if I may. I have Alexa on a Fire HD. I want it to control apps other than STD Amazon apps (I have Waze mapping installed). Is there a way to get Alexa to open other apps?

[@vpdtube]

Very impressive Paul, very impressive! Now, can you tell me is there a way to control multiple harmony hubs from Alexa without having to create multiple Amazon accounts and using different mobile to control it. Currently, what I heard is, out of the box we can have only once hub work with Alexa which sucks!!!

[@r123om]

hi Paul, great tutorial, really helpful. do you know a way to turn on a scene from the econtrol app via alexa? ( i know there are groups in the alexa app, but it's not working well with lots of commands...), tnx.

[@paulhibbert]

r123om hey dude. If you create a macro in Econtrol then you can select it in the RM plugin in exactly the same way :)

[@adamwickenden9133]

Mr Hibbert can I just say your tutorial was absolutely amazing :) also managed to get a android box I had lying around running the rm Tasker plugin :) no need for a tablet or phone :) boom again thanks for all the tutorials :)

[@antonybutt3166]

Hi Paul, Not sure if this has been asked before as there are many questions asked. I dont have an android phone or tablet, i have an iphone. There is a broadlink app for ios but no RM Tasker. Can this video be done with ios? I do have an Amazon fire stick but not sure if this is out of the question to use. Thank you

[@richiesmith9702]

Hi Paul can you help me out ? i am thinking of getting a Broadlink rm pro to control my tv with alexa can you advise on what version is best to buy ?

[@stevebarlow1969]

Many thanks for this. Usually too lazy to comment but been watching a few of your vids now & good stuff. Love how you don't faff around repeating stuff & to the point. :-) I'm having a few issues with Alexa device discovery, not always showing up the RM Plugin tasks. Found that the "Alexa Bridge Troubleshoot Wizard" sorted the problem.

[@paulhibbert]

Steve Barlow thanks man! :)

[@MrRadicalad]

Hi Paul thank you for your videos, do you have a link to a video on how I can link my rm pro to my hue bulbs as I'd like to be able to change the colour by saying turn on red in living room etc, many thanks

[@paulhibbert]

+Adam Smith hi Adam, the only thing that can control hue bulbs is the bridge from Philips as far as I know. If you have one of those already you should be able to get Alexa to scan for them and then us Philips built in functionality. Hope that helps. -P

[@anonthemegatron]

Hey Paul, thanks for making all these amazing tutorials! I had the rm plugin working with alexa perfectly and yesterday it stopped working Alexa doesn't rediscover the devices and it says device malfunctions. Any idea how to fix this issue?

[@anonthemegatron]

@@andreamitchell4758 I ended up switching from the alexa bridge to the mqtt bridge and have it hooked up to my openhab/Matt broker. Works better actually now

[@golfy2161]

This was hell to watch with an echo nearby! Thanks for the video.

[@paulmccairn3446]

Hi Paul, Great tutorial worked first time. Set it up using my phone to download the e-control & RM Plugin. I didn't have an old tablet so bought a cheap one (JYJ 7 Inch Android Google Tablet PC 4.2.2) to replace my phone in the setup and leave powered up all the time. However (and there had to be a however coming) playstore states that the e-control app isn't compatible with my device.... and I can't seem to identify what it is that isn't compatible. Any glues please? Paul M

[@paulhibbert]

+Paul McCairn I had the same issue with my Kindle Fire. I found the apk on the net and installed it and it worked fine, so I'm not sure what the incompatibility message is all about!

[@paulmccairn3446]

Hi Paul, downloaded the apk file and installed ok. Had a few problems getting Alexa to connect to the new app but plenty of brut force and ignorance got it to work. Making sure the android device doesn't go to sleep helps too.

[@tonykula]

finally got it working you da man paul nice one

[@GFPen]

I loved the video but not being a tech person I'm not sure if this will operate my Louvolite blind. Please could you advise me?

[@ghostcracker123]

thanks so much for your help paul all working now thanks again

[@bootman9817]

Great video. Will this concept work in controlling a TV and cable box ? For example, can I say commands like TV Volume Up/Down, TV Channel Up/Down or TV mute. I'm getting the idea Alexia can only handle on/off commands and if a device is on when the on command is given, Alecia seems to skip the device and get out of synce? Which makes no sense since TVs only have a power button for both on/off

[@paulhibbert]

+glen s hi Glen, Alexa is being fooled into thinking each device or comma d is a Philips Hue bulb which means shei listening for on or off commands. In the RM plugin software you can name each remote button or macro whatever you like but Alexa will be listening for that name followed by the word on or off. Consequently if you wanted to get her to turn the volume up then you would need to name the command volume up and then say to Alexa "volume up on". Obviously this isn't ideal so a better way to do this would be to create a macro called quiet mode that would send the volume down key press 5 times and then you could say "Alexa turn quiet mode on". You could add to this macro to lower the lights to 20% amongst other things. In the RM plugin you could set the off command to turn the volume back up 5 times and then when you say "Alexa turn quiet mode off" she would raise the volume back to normal. If you can find a QR code to set the volume by percent then obviously this would yield better results. You could alternatively use IFTTT to do the same thing but using a trigger word, so you could say "trigger quiet mode" If you look at my channel you'll find a video on controlling cable TV, and also a video series in creating a home alarm. Part 2 of that series will walk you through how to use IFTTT to control the RM plugin. There's also a handy written tutorial here that will explain a bit more about using the RM plugin to achieve this sort of thing with ifttt... www.paulhibbert.co.uk/written-tutorials/ Cheers, -P

[@4D4M83]

Hi Paul.... Luvin the videos. But I need your help! I can't get Alexa to find any devices. Do I have to do anything on my Alexa app? Like enable something. Cheers Ad

[@ItsOthman]

Hey wondering if this can this be used in conjunction with a games console. Like maybe to turn on a PS4, Xbox One or Nintendo Wii? Couldn't see a Games Console option on the 'Add Remote' section of the video 7:13

[@paulhibbert]

+It's Othman as long as the games console can accept Infrared then yes :) ps4 is a pain because it's Bluetooth, but you can buy a USB infrared receiver for it. Can't vouch for it as I haven't tried it. I can confirm for definite that Xbox one can be controlled though as I've done that. Thanks, -P

[@tobydavid1595]

Fantastic Videos. I made a small contribution. Set it all up with very few glitches. Keep up the good work.

[@paulhibbert]

+Toby David thanks mate! That's very kind of you!!

[@tobydavid1595]

Hi I seem to have into a weird snag. One of my created remotes is for a Samsung Dumb TV. I have created individual one learn single remotes such as ON, Channel, Volume, Mute, etc. All these work well. But as soon as I try to combine them into a learn combo remote, or even a macro (or scene) of the sequence--- TV ON, Change Channel to 4, Vol Up, etc etc, I end up with the TV turning on, but the channel does not change. If I then just tap one of the single remotes (channel) it changes. If have tried various combinations including the set duration etc, and nothing works. I have also tried this in a Macro (Scene) with the same result. However Macros with multiple devices (TV ON -> AC COLD -> LIGHTS ON) and so on, work fine. Hope this is not too cryptic a description.

[@paulhibbert]

Hey man. Check this video out and see if you're doing exactly the same thing I am... kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHjIan6MbbCtl8U

[@tobydavid1595]

Wow what a fast response. Thanks. I definitely followed your video to begin with, and just rechecked again. Being an EX Unix C Programmer I tried various "kludges" as well. It looks like there may be a timing glitch of some sort which for some reason only affects the channel change. Anyway, thanks for your interest and great work.