Rob Archer
67 POSTS
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Why I Migrated My Smart Home from SmartThings to Hubitat Elevation
After many years of satisfied SmartThings automation, I started wanting more from my IoT hub and began looking for better solutions. I was so invested in SmartThings at that point, with...
3 Household Materials That Filter Out Viruses (DIY COVID-19 Face masks)
The CDC and White House now recommend wearing a homemade face mask when you venture out of your house. These recommendations specifically refer to homemade masks, to avoid diminishing the already depleted N95 face mask supply - desperately needed by hospital and front-line workers repeatedly exposed to the Coronavirus COVID-19.
The Ultimate Guide to Buttons for SmartThings
After reviewing over 25 smart buttons for SmartThings and other smart home hubs, we thought it'd be helpful to single-out the top 3 buttons to date. The buttons we link to below are natively compatible with SmartThings, and utilize Z-wave, Zigbee, and sometimes both.
Xbox One S vs. Xbox One X
The Xbox One X is the most powerful and most expensive gaming console released by Microsoft. With its high price tag comes high resolution, ultra-HD, high dynamic range graphics, and performance enhancements for no-lag gameplay.
While the Xbox One S does support 4K upscaling to play 4K Netflix and Blu-ray discs, it doesn't support native 4K gaming like the Xbox One X. In the simplest of terms, the Xbox One X is the "true 4K" version of the Xbox One S.
Funny Wifi Network Names (Updated 2021)
1. Mom, Click Here for Internet
2. Bill Wi the Science Fi
3. Abraham Linksys
4. Keep it on the Download
5. Drop it like it’s Hotspot
6. TheWorldWasWifiEnough
7. B(.)(.)bies
...over 100 more.
Aeotec NanoMote Quad: Multi-function Z-Wave Controller
Released in early 2019, the new Aeotec NanoMote (Available on Amazon) comes natively compatible with Samsung SmartThings, in addition to other Z-Wave Smart Home Hubs. Offering 4 physical buttons, each with 2 touch-modes (short press & long press), the NanoMote is an upgrade to the Aeotec WallMote Dual and Quad button controllers. Comparatively, the NanoMote is significantly smaller; measuring about 2-inches by 2/3-inch.
Cable Management Tools for DIY Home Automation Projects
Black extension cord running along a white baseboard? Matrix of cables hanging from your new flat screen? Three power strips plugged into each other in the closet?
These types of finishing touches can detract from the hard work and hours it took to setup. A few simple additions focused on cable management, like cable clips or raceways, can give any project a professional appearance.
New Philips Hue Outdoor Smart Lighting
Philips Hue is the leader in smart, colored lighting solutions for residential and DIY projects. While Hue products are on the higher end of the price spectrum, their quality...
How to Optimize Your Home WiFi Network for Speed
In addition to router brand, home size, and internet service provider (ISP) speed caps, there are a number physical factors - inside and outside - which can affect performance and speed of the WiFi network in your home. It's important to think about these factors when placing access points, and mesh network nodes, around your house.
Aeotec Z-Wave Smart Dimmer Outlet Plug
The basic operation is to toggle power on and off using the SmartThings mobile app, but you can also dim the brightness of the plugged-in device using a fully customizable sliding scale. This feature enables homeowners to achieve the perfect dimmer level for table and floor lamps, and other lighting applications.