Simple ECHO Voice Control SMART PLUG from TP-Link

[@camerongray1515]

Great video, I'd much rather see something like this where you explain what you are using it for and how you have it set up rather than someone just reading out a list of features of the device with no context! It amazes me how so many people can't seem to understand that people make videos about things that work best for themselves and then get all upset when the video shows something that isn't something the viewer would do themselves. I recently had a video that got reasonably popular where I built a PC, so many comments about why I didn't use part x or why I used part y because it would "be better for gaming" or similar nonsense. It's as if I can't be trusted to know what I need for my specific use case! Can totally relate to your "How to write a KZbin comment" video!

[@jorenmartijn]

Became a Patreon just now. It's not much but it's something. ;) Don't forget you have a lot of people in your corner and don't be discouraged by trolls please. I always enjoy listening to you. You're on the same level as the 8-bit guy and LGR to me. :)

[@CAHSR2020]

I've honestly never seen David or Clint delete a video because their subscribers were being too critical of an inanimate device.

[@Techmoan]

@CAHSR You seem to be very interested in this - so if you think there is something not being said here - type it below - the forum is yours. That last video had a few dozen comments on it before it was deleted (most of which revolved around "First") and about 6500 views. This one has 23,000 views at the time of typing and 443 comments. What is this thing that needs to be said that you say was deleted - *TYPE IT BELOW FOR ALL TO SEE*

[@michaelfingers7726]

There have been major hacks in the past to internet-connected devices, letting millions of anonymous people be able to search for and find people's networked devices and do some horrible things (everything from stealing their unsecured financial documents on NAS devices, to making a baby's video monitor/webcam scream obscenities and disturbing noises at the toddler who is crying in deep fear and confusion).... However, 100% of the people affected by this "hack" were idiots who bought cheapo devices or didn't set up proper security on those devices/their network. They just threw it on the desk, turned it on and left everything at default (including "let this device be reachable through the internet via a simple or nonexistant password system" !!!) on a WiFi network easily accessible (once again due to bad or nonexistant security settings) locally by anyone wardriving down their highly trafficked street.....Or worse, the device was so crappy that it had no such security settings available at all! Now, no device that is connected to the internet is going to be unhackable. Given enough time and resources (or just the right amount of social engineering or threats to a person's livelihood), anything can be broken in to and any resources can be unsecured... But its the same with locking your doors to your house and car, and making sure valuables aren't visible...its about not making yourself an easy target to a bunch of bored and lazy douchebags....the majority of people out there that are looking for something to steal are looking for quick easy things that won't get them into too much trouble if they're caught.

[@anew742]

Though I have no desire to get an Echo, I couldn't help but watch this video...very interesting and informative, as always

[@BeatRush2011]

I've done something similar in my home, but considering that I'm a cheapass and like to do electrical projects, I've used some of these "normal" RF switches with the remote control. How it works is basically along these lines: There is an ESP8266 (a microcontroller with Wi-Fi capability) emulating a WeMo bridge using the fauxmoESP library on which you can spoof the Echo into seeing as many "sockets" as you want. When it receives a signal to switch on a socket, it outputs a signal through an RF sender at 433 MHz which turns the RF socket on. So, using just one "bridge", you can turn on as many RF outlets as you want. I have also added an IR led which can be used to simulate a remote control of, for example, a TV, thus being able to turn on any IR controlled devices also.

[@MrJohndensley]

I have an Amazon Echo (First Generation) and I decided to experiment with smart plugs to turn off my lights etc. I did the usual searching on the internet for info. and narrowed it down to either Wemo or TP. After watching this video I decided upon a TP-Link HS100 Wi-Fi Smart Plug, due to price and because they are smaller than the Wemo. The video is very good at explaining how to set them up without too much techie jargon. When I tried to set it up I could get it to turn off my table lamp but it would not connect to Alexa for voice control. It kept failing at the stage where I was enabling it to work with TP-Link Kasa. I spent a few hours trying to find a solution and in the end the only thing that worked was; 1 Resetting Amazon Echo to factory settings and setting it up again 2 Resetting TP smart plug 3 Removing Alexa and TP Kasa from my mobile phone and then reinstalling them again 4 Followed the video and this time everything worked Okay

[@Techmoan]

Who else got the GTA Online: Gunrunning advert at the beginning? It made a nice change to have something different from the usual adverts.

[@joejoe3011]

I got a Monster Hunter one

[@dvdmike007]

Wix again

[@SianaGearz]

I got Mr. Bean advertising Snickers in German language. By the way, don't let haters get to you. Now of course some concerns regarding both Echo and a multitude of smartphone software and Windows Cortana and other things are in order, but don't feel yourself beaten over the head with these things, we all need to make our own risk assessments.

[@odkres]

I got a THREE MINUTE long F-Secure ad, so suits quite well.. I've already watched the video, but still watched the ad. Maybe every click counts for the channel, that's why I whitelisted it..

[@konchatzi]

Got an ad for hot hands.

[@puneethpoduri]

You should review more latest tech stuff! A calm and sane outlook towards tech :) I like it.

[@leopold7562]

I've just had an Echo Plus delivered thanks to my new broadband provider and seeing this video has got me interested in the whole smart home thing again. Bye bye, money, it was nice having you... NB Your affiliate link for the UK doesn't seem to work any more. But as an update, one of these in the UK is now £15.99 and £19.99 for the one with the energy monitor. Also, there's a 3 pack for £39.99, which is a useful saving if you want three of them.

[@bigblumerstrikesback]

Watched it again, just to be sure that you don't lose my view from the original upload. I enjoyed it just as much the 2nd time.

[@11679MRT]

I'm happy to see the video mad it's way back..sorry that people got upset enough that you felt that you needed to take it down in the firs place.

[@Deltaforcemember]

My Grandmother has that same little Coca Cola Scheme in her basement , its really awesome to see something similair halfway across the world , cheers for the video .

[@JanRademan]

Professor Plum with a Lamp in the Conservatory

[@meady200]

Presenting getting better and better - surely TV beckons?! Great work.

[@arijip]

A new kind of a video, it was very informative and educational. I plan to take an initiative to apply some of them to my home with either Belkin or TP Link depending upon the price in my country, India. Another thing I wish to thank you about are the comic relief at the end of a video - I usually wait for one to happen. You may open up a separate channel for an improvised and elaborate comic strip or episodes if that's not a problem. Kudos, thanks and cheers 😁

[@jezw1138]

Great video. I've been considering adding some smart plugs but couldn't find information that was as clear as you've presented here. I'm sold. PS I bought a Sony HAP-S1 largely based on one of your previous videos and it's one of the best bits of tech I've ever bought. Keep up the good work.

[@mickeymouse12678]

Wow, that little corner of your conservatory is very stylish. I'd imagine the rest of the room is just as fantastic. :)

[@Mikej1592]

this is so cool, once we finish fixing up all the stuff broken in our house we bought I so want to automate all the things

[@HPad2]

I love the TP-Link smart products. I have several WiFi lightbulbs and a good amount of smart plugs and love that it all fits in one app. Don't use an ECHO though.

[@CadillacM]

Nothing beat the "CLAPPER". Clap ON ------- Clap OFF.

[@TestOfInsanity]

Round of applause: Strobe

[@bensimms7294]

I'm not entirely sure why I watched a whole 17 minute video about a product I already own and use - but great vid as always. You should also look into the TP-link wifi and Alexa enabled bulbs.

[@GornersCorner]

I've got these all round the house! Fantastic little device and so easy to set up!

[@SKOOZUL]

i have this system set-up. i also use the Harmony remote to control my TV and other IR devices as well as the Philips Hue for lights. The Echo can be finicky at times but over all it works great.

[@siuoleht]

You’ve just got to love the puppets at the end!

[@cliffordsmith9628]

I think that is fantastic technology. I can remember when you had to plug in different things manually.

[@carsonking5549]

Yeah, I still do it, it's back breaking.

[@da5idnz]

I can see something like this being very useful to turn your heater or electric blanket on from work so your room is nice and warm when you get home. The price here locally in New Zealand is over $50 for just _one_ plug though.

[@Nukle0n]

thank you for putting this back up, ignore the haters. to KZbin any viewer involvement is a good thing for you 😀

[@jeeptrail08]

Love the puppet segments!

[@ryanamberger]

I love stuff like this. Thanks for the review man. Something about connected homes seems so sci-fi and cool to me. 👍

[@MikeBMW]

Great video. I've been using the echo, along with a few Dash buttons to order regular products. I've got her linked to a Wink hub to control all of my lights and appliances. I haven't touched a switch in over a year (except to set up a new GE Link bulb and connect it to the Wink hub) It has geolocation so, if I'm not home at night - or leave during the day, it'll turn lights on and off as appropriate. Great ending - love the puppets! :D

[@serjoprot]

For sockets behind furniture I use cord mounted switches. Good video ;)

[@the_cheese]

I got a hearty chuckle out of the skit at the end.

[@busog97641]

2:55ish I represent number 1 here but I enjoy your videos so much I can't just skip it.

[@vintagecoinop]

Your puppet skits was great. They always make me laugh. I would love to see you do a video on Quadraphonic sound and equipment. Now that one would be epic. With all the different Quad format's and equipment and 8 track's & Q8 tapes. please have a go at it. As always your videos are top notch.

[@Techmoan]

I've been putting the start of something together on this subject for a couple of years but I just don't have the room in the house to set anything up.

[@scottmccluremcclure3916]

So much for the local shops. One day will have Amazon and Wal-Mart

[@BarryMildon]

The only thing I will say, is that I think the automated plug is a little exspencive at the moment, the RF plug dose the job and at much less cost, but the idear is good, just needs cost less, but as time goes by I expect they will come down in price, and I will be right on it lol, oh and Techmoan, I love ❤ the puppets keep them coming, nice Videos

[@povvercrazy]

Oh and big thumbs up for reviewing these as they were the exact brand of plugs I was looking at, but Im not sure if I want to go for actual sockets not plugins

[@SkywereProductions]

Could I for example tell my google home turn on [device] and then turn off [device] in 15 minutes or something similar?

[@astrotrance]

Skip the video? Never. I'm unlikely to be in the market for a Tefiphon either. Doesn't make it any less fun to watch. :-)

[@williamsjohn83]

Great video TechMoan I was thinking of buying one of these as a security measure for when im away, you've just sold it to me :)

[@michaelnjensen]

Already use Phillips Hue at home, but have always wanted to be able to switch some more powerful lamps on, this could be quite useful, didn't even think about just using a device like this :)

[@HedgehogStudios1]

Get the Sonoff S20 sockets. They're cheaper and also work with the Echo. You can also reprogram them to use MQTT if you so desire.

[@mike_x48954]

For a future video, can you review some products that work with your NetGear Arlo cameras?

[@cuddles6938]

There is another company that makes one for your garage door. You place it where the signal can reach your garage door opener on the ceiling. Once it's connected to your wireless network you can use something like Echo to open and close it. Great for people who drive away from their house and wonder if that garage door was closed when they left.

[@DrCoolHands]

@Techmoan Have you encountered Home-Assistant? It's a FOSS program which allows you to tie all sorts of smart home platforms and devices together. It lets each ecosystem co-exist while giving you control over everything without relying on 'the cloud' or different manufacturers playing nice with each other.

[@sambomacho1]

Hey Techmoan I have just bought one of these from amazon and it is exactly what I needed, thanks for the recommendation (I forgot to use the affiliate link SORRY!!!!) But will be buying more and maybe some smart lights too next month to go with my Google Home and I will make sure to use the link then :) :) :)

[@jhc_fan]

I enjoyed the puppet show at the end

[@davebarr6983]

have you tried using IFTTT ? it connects a lot of things together, want a light to come on when you get home, light can flicker when you get a text, ect.

[@tilago]

I love how passive aggressive he was in the reupload

[@cuddles6938]

TP-Link has a MINI model which doesn't cover up another outlet when used on a USA wall socket. One of the big problems with most PowerLine Ethernet devices to convert a wall socket into an Ethernet port, Western Digital was the only one I have found that doesn't cover the wall sockets and you still have 1 socket available for use.

[@TheRanblingjohnny]

You should look into getting the Hook. It a smart hub that work with dumb remote plug. Essentially instead of buying a bunch of WiFi plug you get a bunch of cheaper RF plug and a RF hub that also does Alexa.

[@henrymilkha6700]

You should do a video where you setup the motion controls on the hub and make like an elaborate 'house of the future'

[@SamValiant]

I have a few of these plugs along with the logitech harmony hub to control tv etc. A better option might be the smart bulbs as you can then control local dimming and colours etc.

[@LerrySanders]

Homeseer is the way to go for smart stuff. It can integrate with the Google Home, Amazon and even a Kinect. Plus its zwave which is amazingly awesome. Its a little on the pricey side if you dont catch it on sale, but its cool stuff.

[@davidmiscavige5663]

In the event of a power cut, and the power coming back, will the device revert to its last on/off state?

[@Quantum72]

Hey , was just curious... What is the name or where can i find that really catchy tune you used at 2:49 for the disclaimer ?

[@eas197419741974]

another great video....i love how you handle trolls! Keep up the great work!

[@joebob3719]

Are these things rated for high load uses like crock-pots, potable water heaters, small ovens, air-conditioners, and machinery?

[@jarded056]

joebob3719 You really wouldn't want to.

[@joebob3719]

Dominick J Why not, it's really no different than a timer controlled outlet. I did check the US specs and it looks like it's limited to 15A. Not enough to power a stove, but enough for a coffee pot to small A/C.

[@Horrox101]

I have 3 of these, one of which I use for my TV and it really annoys me the Kasa app has no TV Icon. there is an icon for fish tank and garden gnome! but no TV icon!

[@JessicaFEREM]

take a photo of the TV then?

[@Leon14344_]

So far, i've bought both the Belkin and TP-Link models (although a couple years apart).I wasn't using it as a remote switch exactly, but mostly for its timer feature. I've got a lamp I have turn on before I get in from work, and the older non-smart timers were a hassle because I had to reach behind the table it's on to turn the lamp on at any other time. So the Belkin did fine, but the app was complete shite. It's STILL complete shite, even after many updates. I barely functions and drops connection from the device constantly so you have to reset the plug to get it to work again. It also doesn't like playing with 5ghz wifi networks at all. In contrast, Kasa by TP-Link has worked perfectly minus a little daylight savings time confusion in its settings (It was kicking on an hour early than expected). Once I got that ironed out it's been flawless. App stays connected to device and firmware updates have been simple.

[@Techmoan]

Thanks for the info.

[@hippyraverocker]

How much energy do the smart plugs waste constantly being on standby?

[@scotia4429]

Good video, I’m thinking of getting 3 tp links for lamps that are on the old fashioned times , pain in the bum to change twice a year . The bizarre thing is amazon uk sell one unit for £25 and a twin unit @ £60 , why buy a twin unit when it costs £10 more ? Great logic amazon.

[@CommodoreFan64]

I'll say this I'll never have a need for anything with Amazon Alexa as I'm not the biggest fan of Aamzon, or even a Google Home at this point as my Android phone with google assistant can do most everything they do but turn on devices, but whatever floats your boat, and cool video none the less.

[@miawgogo]

I think there is a vulnerability in the TP-Link switches, I'll research it as it was recent issue and i am not sure if they have fixed it

[@krissi0013]

You Should Really check out the Belkin RM pro. it gives out RF and IR. I use a single Alexa command to Turn on my Hi-Fi, Turn off all The lights, Turn on the Projector and Switch everything to their proper inputs.

[@AlexPlusLEDS]

Loved the Outro!

[@Tony66792]

Is its power rating a full 13 amps, can it, say, safely handle turning on a 3kw heater?

[@Natdave]

I llike that clock you have where can i find one like it?

[@rsdene]

Helped me set mine up!! Thanks techmoan 👍🏻

[@mac69041]

If there is a power failure would they need to be re programmed when power is restored?

[@danxepha4535]

What is the silver thing with all the knobs on it at the bottom right of your hifi? I don't think I've seen that before.

[@Techmoan]

It's the switchbox for all the recorders - ins & outs. MD/DAT/DCC/K7/R2R

[@vink6163]

16:49 What's with the noise you can hear at the end of each video? Is it some kind of Easter egg from Techmoan? I don't recognise what it might be from!

[@danielthechskid]

It sounds a bit like computer ground loop noise. I have heard similar with USB powered speakers when they are powered by a port on the same computer that is also the audio source. The difference in ground potential between USB ground and the line-out TRS ground when the load on the power supply changes causes noise.

[@CP-kg6ms]

If you have the Tp-Link plug On and you have a power outage in what state will the Tp-Link plug be when the power comes back on? Thank you!

[@Harpocrates]

What ks the blue lighting that comes on in the conservatory when the lights are turned off?

[@Techmoan]

It's just the auto-white-balance on the camera going a bit crazy in low light.

[@retrogameblog8446]

Went out and got a TP smart plug to use with my Echo, however it's not dual band and doesn't work with the 5ghz wifi i use (2.4ghz gets crazy interference) can't find any on the market that will do what i want, if you find one i would love a video review.

[@jamesm90]

Techmoan, can we have a video about the Jukebox mentioned in this video? is it a 1950's 7" singles player ?

[@MrJohndensley]

I thought my problems were over with the Smart plugs and that I could follow the same setup procedure below to add another two. This was not the case. The only way to get them recognised by Kasa was to plug one smart plug into a socket, uninstall Kasa from my smartphone, reinstall Kasa, log into my account and more or less follow the normal installation procedure. Obviously I had to do this twice but it worked. There might be an easier way but someone else might add a comment to show how it can be done.

[@joejoe3011]

What's that Technics device at the bottom right of your hi-fi system? @9:40

[@Techmoan]

It's a switchbox I got from Japan - it routes all the audio to and from the various recorders.

[@joejoe3011]

Very nice! It's been fun to watch the evolution of your hi-fi setup

[@evilution_ltd]

It’s worth noting that if you try to do this on an iPad, when you do a search for the software, the only option is the wrong app. Spent 10 minutes trying to get it to pair before I went looking for a guide. In the App Store, select the iPhone only filter and it’ll appear.

[@dg-hughes]

I have to say I was a bit surprised at the tone of your comment at 9:58 about anyone who would worry "what if their wifi went down". Is that not a valid concern for a tech product review?

[@shinjisan2015]

Wait, did you say you can control your plugs from outside the home network, over the internet? So the plugs make their own internet gateway? That sound's like a nice backdoor into your home wifi network.

[@resneptacle]

Rowan Streeter So could your router and smartphone and computer and and and...

[@JohnConner101]

do you use the music at the end for your puppets from your German terrifon machine? (the red tape that plays music like vinyls, don't remember exactly what it's called)

[@abousono1]

Tech, I don't know why people complain so much, btw, love your videos. People can be so petty.

[@Evan420]

TP-Link is a very good company! We use them for our internet.

[@fandydhar]

Nice digital clock there where did u get it

[@CrazyRupes]

Id be interested to know how much power the smart plug uses in standby? It could get costly if you have a number of them maybe?

[@CAHSR2020]

Be careful, that could be interpreted as criticism, possibly leading to the video being removed again.

[@Techmoan]

@CAHSR You seem to be very interested in this - so if you think there is something not being said here - type it below - the forum is yours. That last video had a few dozen comments on it before it was deleted (most of which revolved around "First") and about 6500 views. This one has 23,000 views at the time of typing and 443 comments. What is this thing that needs to be said that you say was deleted - *TYPE IT BELOW FOR ALL TO SEE*

[@RyanDavidsonMK]

@CAHSR You're a bit of a knob really, aren't you mate.

[@CAHSR2020]

@Techmoan: There's no one particular topic or discussion that was more valuable than all the others. Each person had their own concerns and perspective that was relevant to them. It's the way you suddenly wiped out all discussions, regardless of motive or merit, and then implied that it was your users who had forced the video to be removed that irked me. What exactly had been said that was so unbelievably horrible you felt the need to go thermonuclear on absolutely everything? My personal concern with commodity IOS devices isn't the lack of privacy from the manufacturer or service provider or even the government. Those are well known issues that most thinking people can probably anticipate. But there is one area that many people do not seem to consider, and that's the rise of denial of service attacks waged by a growing number of low tech IOT devices. We're talking about devices that are relatively easily hacked, rarely if ever updated, and likely to be in use long past any warranty or liability stage. The Echo itself may not be easy to hack right away but eventually it will be removed from active support any unpatched issues will be ripe for perpetual exploitation. Amazon will probably send out some sort of notice but unless people remove the devices from their network they will remain at risk. The same is doubly true for each of the smart plugs and other lower order devices you eventually add to the system, which will in all likelihood be removed from active support earlier and be much easier to hack than the Echo itself. This is a real issue but it's not common knowledge among people who purchase and install these devices in their homes.

[@geebonzo]

Amazon US had a KMC Smart Plug on a Lightning Deal for $10. I bought one. It's $16 now. I just bought the Dot, and I'm still playing around with some of the capabilities, but I think the price of the hardware is going to come way down. I still use wind up spring loaded timers with low voltage DC chargers. Sometimes simple and analog is easier. But they won't tell me a joke.

[@watching_events447]

Bought the Echo Dot last week, and am enjoying it as an alarm clock radio, with weather, and news briefings etc. Anyway, bought the TP-Link smart plug to try, and am quite impressed with it. Works great with my Echo, and I like the scheduling, and remote access feature. I can see me buying more for my lamps and AV gear, and quite possibly the wireless LED bulbs too.

[@Getupkid823]

@techmoan what is the name of that pixel clock in the background?

[@buntoskiffler]

yo thx. I was worried that tower fire might have got to you over there. Why are british plugs clunky? You can make 'em smaller. -b

[@plwinkler]

I'm interested in the clock you have sitting on top of that casette or CD box behind you. Could you please tell me the name of the product and where I could get one in the United States? Also, is it battery or AC powered and what did you pay for it in the equivalent of US dollars. Many thanks.

[@cooljonathan]

What kind of clock do you have on top of your cassette rack?

[@jarded056]

Cool Jonathan It's in the description.

[@cooljonathan]

Thanks!

[@markevayne]

can multiple devices on a strip plug be controlled by one smart plug?

[@kerryhales8736]

Can I add this to my Cherry 2000?

[@mikebe2090]

Another great video. What more is there to say? 😉👍🏻

[@slimmy_0076]

If I plugged my tv into this would it come straight on or just go straight to stand by and I'd have to turn it on with the remote like I would if I'd just switched it off at the wall

[@Lachlant1984]

That depends on your TV. If you turn your TV on with its remote then turn it off by unplugging it, if you then plug your TV back in and it comes on, then yes, you can use this to turn your TV on and off, but if you plug your TV in and it doesn't turn on after previously being unplugged whilst the TV set is on, then using these appliance switches wouldn't be the best thing.

[@slimmy_0076]

Lachlant1984 ah okay thank you I guess it won't work for me then

[@Lachlant1984]

I'm afraid not. If Amazon Echo could interface with some of these smart TVs that are available now, then that would work for you.

[@Lachlant1984]

As always, your demonstration was great. I have a Wemo switch and I'm very happy with it, I use mine as a lamp timer and for that it works wonderfully. As for the Amazon Echo, why would people object to seeing one being used in a KZbin video? I think the Echo is awesome, and I'd get one if they were supported in Australia, which they currently aren't. I know people have privacy concerns about them, but they're easily dealt with. Overall, what's your opinion on the Echo in terms of its features and usability aside from home automation control?

[@davideste1997]

As always, thanks for a great review. I recently bought the plug to work with my echo dot in the bedroom. I like the idea of asking Alexa to 'turn on my kettle' whilst still attempting to wake up. But this leads me to 2 questions - I also like the idea of a smart kettle. One that will boil to a particular temperature and maintain it. So should I stick with the TP Link and buy the Aicock kettle(£53) or go with the Appkettle (£130) that can do everything outside of the Echo system? I also use Lifx light bulbs that not only work within my Echo system, but also the, recently installed Logitech Harmony Elite. That hub not only controls my hi-fi, DVD, tv, sound etc but also works via Alexa so that I can say 'Alexa, tell Harmony to play a movie' it will turn on the relevant components and connections, but also set the LIFX lighting that I had previously programmed when setting up the harmony hub. The only problem is that the harmony hub does not recognize my TP- Link plug!!! So I wonder if I should pay the extra and go for the Appkettle??

[@ZT742]

Hi Mat! Can you control these with Siri directly via the HomeKit app?

[@naughtieindia]

The puppet but at the end was really enjoyed by wifey :)

[@andersml75]

Mellow greetings. Illuminate, deluminate.

[@danielthechskid]

Yep, some of the things in Demolition Man are now possible.