Category Archive

Do Wi-Fi Smart Plugs Work When the Internet is Down? Here’s What Happens A common question when you are starting to build your smart home is, Will Wi-Fi plugs work when the internet is down?  The answer is kind-of, Wi-Fi plugs depend on a link to the cloud via you home or office’s internet connection.  If that link is broken … Read More

If you’re looking for a smart lock that you can control with Alexa (or Google Assistant) for a driveway, fence or pool gate you are in the right place.  This solution is great for anywhere you want to restrict access, but also want voice and remote control. This Smart Gate Lock System is perfect for a variety of applications where … Read More

The answer is YES and it’s not that hard to do. You only need a couple of things and your Christmas lights will be turning on and off at the sound of your voice (or on a schedule if you prefer).  I setup my outside lights using the TP-Link HS100 WiFi Smart Plugs and Amazon Alexa.  I picked up a … Read More

Have you ever wondered if the mail came yet?  With this easy smart home upgrade, you can receive a text or email notification any time your mailbox is opened.  Not only can this device save you from checking your mailbox multiple times a day.  This can be a lifesaver if your mailbox is a long distance from your home, or … Read More

Can Alexa Schedule Lights? Yes, How-to Do It Do you want your lights to automatically turn on and off at a set time?  What about coordinating your lights with other functions like changing your homes temperature in the evening?  Both of these things are possible (and a lot more).  The way to do it is by creating routines within the … Read More

Remote Control for Tello Drone When I pre-ordered a Tello Drone in February the ryzerobotics.com listed GameSir Bluetooth controllers as compatible with the Drone.  Since the GameSir T1S had great reviews so I also ordered one of those to go with it. The drone and remote were a birthday gift for my son and luckily it arrived a few days … Read More

Auxiliary Heat vs Emergency Heat What’s the Difference If your home is heated by a heat pump you have probably seen a button or switch on your thermostat labeled with one of these terms: Emergency Heat EM Heat Auxiliary Heat Aux Heat Do you know what that switch does and when to use it?  If you don’t, you’re not the … Read More

Amazon’s Echo family of devices just got a much-needed update.  The ability to ask follow-up questions. Prior to this update you would have to say the wake word before every question you asked Alexa.  Now, you can continue asking questions without saying Alexa.  With follow-up questions enabled Alexa will remember the context of the question too. You might think this … Read More

If you are ready to take your first step into home automation is lighting control is a great place to start.  With Amazon’s Echo and Alexa virtual assistant you can easily add voice controlled lights to your home. What do you need for voice controlled lights? Before we get into the light commands you can use with the Amazon Echo, … Read More