[jamarotta]

Hi Tim - Alexa has the ability to put multiple devices into groups and to control groups (similar to the HAL group function). In addition, the HUB2 software has scheduling capability based on time, although Alexa currently does not have access to the scheduling logic and so schedules of devices (or groups) must be done in the Hub application software.

The more broader thought here though is yes, I agree with you, that HAL is one of the best products there is (if not the best) for operating many different types of devices based on many different types of conditions and conditional logic. Alexa does not currently possess much of this. However what Alexa brings to the table is convenience and great ease of use for the everyday person who doesn't want or know how to spend time on automating their home, they just know they want to be able to speak to turn a light on or lower a thermostat and it happens.

The more these two products are able to integrate and work with each other, the closer I think you get to a solution that works for those who want both the convenience and the flexibility to do alot of things.

Having HAL being able to bluetooth out its speech through an echo/dot/tap, or being able to talk to Alexa and cause HAL to perform something that Alexa can't do on its owns are great moves in the right direction and as a user, enthusiast, and part time hobbyist, I'm excited about the integration if we get there!. Joe

[TimShriver]

The problem with both the Insteon hub, Alexa and even Nest is that if your Wifi has a problem or you have an internet issue, you are dead in the water... HAL only uses the internet to periodically validate your license and if it can't get through it give you a grace period.

See this article for some insight to the pain of a novice!

http://mashable.com/2016/07/05/smart.../#skU1ki780aqd

Tim

[BDD43]

I will definitely look at the bridge if it cuts down on the "Alexa tell <<>>" portion to run macros. I really hate that. As far as On/Off and Dim, the hub and Alexa take care of that as I can already say, "Alexa turn off the hall lights". Using my Alexa Skill, I can also say, "Alexa start Good Morning" to run the Good Morning Macro in HAL.

I understood. I was just stating that I would never allow myself to be in a situation where I had to completely rely on the internet (Alexa, or any device, including wireless) to turn on my lights, etc. as the person in the article did. I see these all as a convenience and not a all or nothing.

[TimShriver]

It's amazing to me how many things are tied to the internet... even your Insteon Hub. The smartphone app communicates with Smartlabs' server which communicates to the the hub. We had a user switch all their Nest Stats over to RTC wifi stats so they would not be dependent on both having the internet up and Nest's servers! He eliminated two points of failure that were out of his control.

Tim

[BDD43]

I agree, it is scary, but I look at the internet like electric. I lost electricity once last year and I lost internet once last year. I could buy a generator for electric outage, but not can be done when the internet is out. That is why I make sure to view it only as a 'nice to have'.

[TimShriver]

LOL!

I loss power so often I had my electric company add a device to my electrical meter that allows me to plug my generator in directly when the power goes out... It automatically switches to the utility when power is back.

Also my internet at home is based on the satellite service provider called Exede. So I lose Internet more than power! Any bad rain or snow storm and see ya later! Soooo I cannot be depending on infrastructure for uninterrupted 365 service. The Internet is out 4-5 times a month! I have customers that have either Verizon or Comcast and they too take their service providers names in vain LOL. Depending on the cloud is gamble. And as more and more services become cloud centric you not only run the risk of an outage because of your own local utility but also that of the service providers infrastructure.

[BDD43]

Yes indeed. We started looking at natural gas generators. The gas lines are in the ground and also kick on when electricity is lost. The cost is higher, but I wouldn't have to fill a tank every 8 or 10 hours, but of course it is not portable either. I guess between electric and internet, it boils down to where you live and how reliable your service is. The last town we lived in, we never lost electric or internet in over 3 years (their power lines were buried).

[TimShriver]

Hi, Just a quick update... http://www.bwssystems.com/ just released their latest version 3.0 Amazon Echo HA Bridge that supports HAL. You must have version 6.1.11 or above to use their software.

The HA Bridge allows connectivity from the Amazon Echo or other automation controllers to various Home Automation systems, such as the Vera, Harmony Hub, Nest, HAL, Limitless/Mi-Light or most devices that has an accessible http interface. There are features that allow connections to any http/https/TCP/UDP or scripts or programs on the host machine to be able to consolidate home automation tasks.

Regards,

Tim

[BDD43]

Tim,
Does that include running macro's? "Alexa, start movie time"...etc. ?

[TimShriver]

Please find attached a first draft of how to get started with the HA-Bridge from BWS to use your Amazon Echo or Dot... Let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Regards,

Tim