[Chat Log] April-May 2019

[Eugene]

(Yeah, repurposing my dad's old laptop and installing ubuntu so I can use it as a project box.)

 

[Chase]

Last time I used Ubuntu was trying to program home automation 3 years back.

 

[Lee]

You using Alexa?

 

[Chase]

I programmed my own server based off a hass.io instance, so I can use anything -- Alexa, Siri, Google, and whatever else they come up with in the future.

 

[Chase]

But since I'm well invested in the Apple ecosystem, it's Siri who controls my place. She's not brilliant, but she's smart enough.

 

[Lee]

aite that kinda stuff, me knows nothing about. used to wanna do it, but now it's like too easy to plug in some IOT appliances. if me can afford them, so expensive))

 

[Eugene]

(Speaking of IoT, I'm working on a home automation system myself to read rfid cards to unlock doors.)

 

[Eugene]

(Its an interesting adventure, learning node-red and mqtt.)

 

[Chase]

I changed all the blinds and curtains to IR-compatible remotes, and did a backwards compatibility thing with an automated IR receiver/sender to make sure the commands work.

 

[Chase]

For the RFID door access, I ended up using proximity detection with my iPhone in combo with an RFID keycard.

 

[Chase]

So when I'm 50 meters away, temperatures start adjusting and my lights as I like them, turn on. When my RFID card goes into the elevator, it tells the Wifi to unlock my door.

 

[Chase]

I already have RFID access for this building, so that was a nice requisite.