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

[@Theyhateusandwedontcare]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 .

[@beutelleemaier3532]

great video, very instructive !

[@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

[@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.

[@ΗΡΟΔΙΚΟΣ]

after 5 years any new video with new tech :0

[@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!

[@afsheensiraj8354]

LoL your video triggered my Alexa :)

[@RayyanGHunzai]

Afsheen Siraj :) it switched my leather stick Slexa

[@ErykTV]

Afsheen Siraj just mute it

[@stephenwhite6216]

What a brilliant video: so clear, straightforward and understandable

[@alltheway3]

this is so cool, great watch

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@newbiedebater]

Chris sent me - your channel is awesome!

[@paulhibbert]

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

[@sivisious3571]

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

[@cesarp6761]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@TheEmagic01]

you definitely making the kewlest voids online thanks for the info

[@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?

[@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

[@twowheeleddaydreams4291]

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

[@sonny1977]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@scottbishenden6331]

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

[@velvetpresly707]

That's a piece of proper genius brother... Your a legend. Your channel is great.. 10/10 👍🌎

[@velvetpresly707]

Still watching vids.. Question maybe you can advise on. My dad's in a home with dimentia (not the worst) I know you said echo 5 is pants.. All I want is to video call him.. Is it cool just for that? Its only 50quid to save me dtuving up and the grandkids.. Like if I was abroad? What do you wreckon? Cheers brother.. 👍🌎🎸🤔

[@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.

[@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.

[@EpicRooster]

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

[@ttone2330]

Great Video. Great step by step instructions

[@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. :)

[@golfy2161]

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

[@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 :)

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@jimmybondy1140]

Compliment! The way you explained and above all presented it here, it was just brilliant! you took the time, spoke slowly ... everything perfect! only one thing was missing personally ... the FUNNY Paul as he is now…. stay healthy and don't get annoyed ... I'll have a beer on you at 🎃 ... even if it's just a German 😉

[@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..

[@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!

[@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.

[@peterdavies4807]

At last! some good practical advice. Thanks.

[@paulhibbert]

Thanks mate! :) if you don't want to use an android device then broadlink have a proper Alexa skill now too, check this out... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpXNoWmfmJ5siZo

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@E1iteWolf]

Hi Paul, Sacriel (Chris) sent us to check how awesome you are.

[@paulhibbert]

+E1iteWolf tell him I love him, and a pizza is long overdue ;)

[@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 😀

[@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! :)

[@mpguirey]

Simply Genius! Thank you so much Paul.

[@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.

[@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

[@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 :)

[@MrKnotKun]

Thank you for the video Paul.

[@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

[@tonykula]

finally got it working you da man paul nice one

[@jamestant4098]

Oh my god paul you are a god this works fantastic keep up this fantastic work. Love you

[@paulhibbert]

James Tant thanks man! :) Another tutorial coming tomorrow if I can get it finished.

[@mikeschaffer7022]

James Tant are you using the RK Plugin Lite or did you have to buy the app?

[@jamestant4098]

Hi mike . I bot the app . Works perfect .Thanks to our man paul

[@mikeschaffer7022]

James Tant weird because I bought the app too but didn't work so got my refund back

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@oracle331]

Very informative video. Can you setup link affiliates for Amazon in the US?

[@paulhibbert]

+Oracle331 try these, hopefully they'll work!... RM pro: amzn.com/B01GIXZDKO/?tag=paulhibbertco-21 Echo dot: amzn.com/B01GIXZDKO/?tag=paulhibbertco-21 Full size echo: amzn.com/B01GIXZDKO/?tag=paulhibbertco-21 Cheers, -P

[@oracle331]

Can you put the needed apps on a Firestick or does it have to a Android device? If it does require only Android, what's the lowest version required? Thanks again.

[@clintirvine9495]

Thanks Paul, this was awesome!!!!

[@paulhibbert]

+Clint Irvine you are most welcome good sir.

[@524rt]

Hi Paul, thanks for the guide. quick question, how strong are the signals from RF Pro? Do their signals penetrate across rooms? or do you have to have individual RF Pro to control different devices in each room?

[@paulhibbert]

ctys2ard1 hey! The RF signals reach all over my 4 bedroom house. So I can control lights in any room. The infrared can obviously only control stuff in the same room, but you can buy rm minis for other rooms that just blast infrared and are much cheaper. Thanks, -P

[@zuhoo0]

Hi Paul, do you need a philips Hue account to active the hue skill in alexa in order to get this work?

[@paulhibbert]

+H Zhang hey man, check out towards the bottom of my article here... www.paulhibbert.co.uk/2017/11/24/a-complete-guide-to-connecting-the-broadlink-rm-pro-and-broadlink-blackbean-to-alexa/

[@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!

[@weavermj]

Hi Paul, this is a super useful video, thanks. I have just ordered my first Echo Dot. I already have Hue and WeMo devices which I'm looking forward to being able to control in groups. I also have some roller blinds that are controlled by RF, and am looking into getting the Broadlink RM2 to learn the RF codes for timed opening/closing of the blinds. Adding echo control would be helpful. I'm wondering how it would work with opening the blinds (they stop at the top by say I want to open them by 50%) - guessing I would have to make a macro to press the up button, wait a few seconds, then press the stop button. I'll let you know how it works out, and maybe even make a video to help others. Cheers!

[@paulhibbert]

Matthew Weaver good shout. I think your suggestion is the same as I would have recommended. You might find the blinds are on a different frequency depending on where they originated. Fingers crossed they're not. My projector screen is 315Mhz range and the RM pro is 433Mhz range. You can buy RM pros in both ranges because different countries use one of the two. You cod technically buy both RM pros and control all frequencies!

[@weavermj]

Thanks for the freq tip. Luckily it says 433mhz range on the back of the remote. The remote has 5 channels that you can switch between. I'm presuming the channel selection just changes which memory location the remote uses to send the RF frequencies, so hopefully I'd be able to get the RF for each blind and create groups within the Alexa app to control certain blinds together. Not sure how this would work in combination with a macro.

[@paulhibbert]

Great news! :) Yeah, it's likely the blinds are each on a separate fixed frequency that you'll teach the RM pro. You'll be able to create each blind as a separate button, and then create "scenes" in the broadlink app/RM plugin such as "All blinds" or "Living room blinds" etc. When it's all working I will be super jealous! :P

[@1TrueWibble]

Just for info the RM Pro in the UK covers both 433 and 315 ranges (as well as IR obviously) - currently using an RM Pro with RM Tasker via my Echo to control my lighting via broadlink TC2 light switches, turn on and off my TV, Sky Box and Amp, and also turn my Eufy Robototic vacuum cleaner on and off (yes that is the ultimate lazy)

[@paulhibbert]

Andy Stubbs that is utterly awesome! Time for me to get that set up! Are you sure your RM pro can control 315Mhz? They're advertised that way but mine only came with the 433Mhz transmitter and I was told later on that it's illegal to sell 315MHz devices in the UK! Do you have it controlling 315Mhz?

[@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

[@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.

[@Ryan-xw6xx]

Hey buddy nice videos, is it possible to have a wireless PIR sensor link to the broadlink rm pro - i have a home easy socket and wireless pir with it, so wondering if the pir can talk to the rm and start a action . cheers

[@paulhibbert]

+ryan Agate hey man, I have one but not tried it yet, give this a look... www.dx.com/p/broadlink-s1-smartone-kit-alarm-security-system-door-motion-sensor-sos-remote-for-ios-android-phone-406093#.WViqAHPTXqA

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@ghostcracker123]

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

[@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!

[@domoticaalicante2787]

Wonderful. Awesome. Thank you. Do you know if alexa or other tts voice can do the same but in spanish? Thank you.

[@paulhibbert]

Domótica Alicante not sure on that one sorry.

[@gbislayvideo]

Hi Paul, ace video. Which RF units do you use as the ones I have work OK with their remote but the RM Pro won't learn these RF codes. Got the IR remotes working OK with Alexa would be good to get the RF working as well.

[@paulhibbert]

I have some old Byron Home easy sockets, and some cheap no brand things from Maplins. Both work well, but the range on the Maplin sockets isn't as good so I end up using them in the same room as the RM pro. The RM will only learn frequencys that are in the range of your country 433Mhz in the UK and EU (I think) and 315Mhz in the US (I think). I always get mixed up as to which countries use which. The consequence for me is that I can't teach the RM my projector screen remote as it's been imported and is on the wrong frequency range. Check which range the sockets are on and check which range the RM pro is on (they should say on them somewhere I think). If they're in the same range then I'd try a firmware update on the RM pro and try again :) -P

[@JaypaulBarrow]

The RM Pro only works with 433mhz according to the spec sheet. One trick you can try, sometimes the plug or switchs will let you "learn" a new remote button. If so you can do the trick I did, search in e-Control in the add remote section (mag glass top right) for "4 button generic rf 433mhz" or similar options. Load that remote, then engage learning mode on the plug/switch and "press" the virtual button, the RMPro will spit out the RF signal from the random button that was used to record the remote (probably by me).

[@gbislayvideo]

Cheers Paul, Acording to Amazon my RF units are 433mHz and so is the RM pro . I'll try the maplin ones an see how they are. Thanks for you help.

[@paulhibbert]

JayPaul, great tip! Nice one! The RM pro will ship with either a 433Mhz transmitter or a 315Mhz transmitted depending on the country you buy it from. A lot of their advertising actually misleads people into thinking that each device can control both frequencies, but if you challenge them on it later they'll tell you it's illegal to sell a 315Mhz transmitter to the UK. Gordon, well worth a firmware upgrade on the RM pro too. I think the latest update had some release notes saying about supporting more remotes. -P

[@gbislayvideo]

I like your logic so I'll give that a go. Thanks

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@edgebaru]

Does the remote come with the broad link or do you have to buy it separately

[@dalerobinsuk]

Great video! Does this work with the Broadlink RM Mini 3?

[@paulhibbert]

Dale Robins thanks man. Yes it does :) Same principles apply, just means you will only be able to control IR not RF. Thanks, -P

[@dalerobinsuk]

Thanks for such a quick reply. Excellent! IR is all I need :)

[@dalerobinsuk]

My Broadlink Mini 3 just turned up, setting it up as per your excellent video. Just one more question, can it still work with the Philips Hue Hub if you set this up as I'm about to get a Hue Hub as well.

[@dalerobinsuk]

I've got RM Plugin running on my Fire TV 4K, with a caveat... The Amazon on screen keyboard you cannot give it a name, it will just keep saving it as nothing... If that pops up press escape to close it and use an external Keyboard to write in the box (Without a on screen keyboard showing) when you entered it the on screen keyboard will pop up again, just close it :)

[@paulhibbert]

Dale Robins nice one mate :) As for your other question the harmony hub will work independently from this. I think their Alexa commands are "ask Harmony to..." or something like that, but I could be wrong.

[@oliverkardos2934]

Hi Paul! Great Video, On / off switches works fine for me. But do you know any solution for other commands such as (in my case a shutter control) "up" , "down", "stop" ? Thanks

[@paulhibbert]

+Oliver Kardos hey bud, you mean like a roller blind?

[@oliverkardos2934]

Hi Paul, Exactly!

[@paulhibbert]

Oliver Kardos because Alexa thinks she is turning a light on and off she is only listening for on and off commands. You could say "blind on" to close it and "blind off" to open it. Another option would be to use IFTTT to trigger scenes. So you could say "trigger night mode" and the blinds would close, but that takes quite a bit more effort as you'll need to setup port forwarding on the router and set the RM plugin up to respond to http requests. My home alarm videos will help you understand that stuff if you're interested in using IFTTT to control the RM pro. Hope that helps. -P

[@oliverkardos2934]

Thanks for the quick answer Paul, I see now. For the moment I did a separate "on command" for the STOP function. So with that I can set the blinder wherever I want. I'm using IFTTT for tother home automation but not with RM so far. I'll check out your other video and try it out . Thanks again

[@lewoody]

Hi Paul, sorry to drag up an old video but is there any way to get the Rm plugin to drag in remotes from econtrol since the update?

[@paulhibbert]

+lee wood hello mate. Yes, visit www.paulhibbert.co.uk/downloads You'll find an older version! :)

[@KhaledHiato]

Hi Paul, thanks for the video! Do you happen to know if the UK version of the Broadlink RM Pro supports only 433MHz frequency? (Not the 315MHz) thanks.

[@paulhibbert]

+Khaled Hiato hey dude. UK version supports 433 only. American version supports 315 Mhz only. Sadly neither of them support both. Thanks, -P

[@KhaledHiato]

Paul Hibbert thanks! I think there's a version on Amazon US that supports both, the RM2 Pro. I'll try my luck with the UK version. Thanks again.

[@paulhibbert]

Khaled Hiato nah, it's a con. I've seen people get cheated with those adverts before. They can't legally contain both chips as 433Mhz is reserved for military in the US and vice versa for Europe. They word the advert badly on purpose to fool people into buying through them. ;)

[@KhaledHiato]

Paul Hibbert cool! I'll go ahead and purchase the UK version then. Thanks mate!

[@paulhibbert]

+Khaled Hiato 😁

[@modelmodz]

Hey Paul, I would like to use a broadlink in each room have u tried using Alexa to control multiple broadlink, for example if I ask alexa to say turn on the bedroom fan will it send the command to multiple links

[@paulhibbert]

Hi Chloe, yep! When you add another Broadlink device it will be accessible alongside the existing Broadlink RM pro. I would recommend buying an RM blackbean as they work in exactly the same way (but can only control Infrared rather than RF) but they are cheaper! I have one broadlink RM pro and multiple blackbeans. Check them out here and you will also see what I mean about them working alongside the RM pro: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKiWfpyQrsegZrs Hope that helps!

[@modelmodz]

Paul Hibbert perfect just what I needed. I'm on it

[@KetoCaveMan]

Hey Paul! Any knowledge on a alexa controlled Hdmi switch?

[@garryw1159]

Hi Paul. Can you control your garage door with this system? Thanks Garry

[@paulhibbert]

Hi Gary, as long as the garage door operates on the same frequency range as the RM pro then yes! There are two frequency ranges 315Mhz and 433Mhz, you'd need to establish which one your garage door operated on and then check with the seller whether they are sending you an RM pro with a 315Mhz chip or a 433Mhz chip, if you're in the EU it will almost certainly be 433Mhz, and if you're in the states it will be 315Mhz. Hope that helps. -P