Add Echo speaking capability to rules machine

[tonymast]

Can someone point me to "How To" add the ability to speak on Amazon Echo in Rules Machine 5.1? My IPhone is there but Amazon Echo is not. I have added Amazon Skills and can control my lamp with Alexa.

Thx
Tony

[tivomaniac]

There is a community app to let Alexa speak. I don't do too much of that so I just use a virtual switch on the Hubitat side that does an auto off. I export that switch to Alexa and then I put a rule on the Alexa side so if the switch triggers Alexa will say whatever I told it. I do that here with a rule for a tea maker where I want a reminder after the tea is brewed so I remember to put it in the fridge:

So basically when the "Tea Ready" virtual switch is triggered everything is then handled on the Alexa side for the announcement. The switch does an auto off after 1 second.

[terminal3]

The community app @tivomaniac mentioned is echo speaks. It's a bit of a headache to install. Also, unless you want to setup a always on computer on your network, you will need need to pay a monthly fee, as the external server software now charges for it's use. It is an awesome app though, once you get it up and running.

[RELEASE] Echo Speaks V4

RELEASE V4.1.0.0 After a couple of months of beta testing, I think it's time to release this!!! Note I've changed the file structure some so I recommend you use Hubitat Package Manager Those that are currently using the beta version can just update like normal. I will maintain the beta branch alongside the master repository. I highly recommend using Hubitat Package Manager to update your existing install. If you are using HPM now you will need to uninstall HPM and reinstall HPM again and …

[brad5]

@terminal3

you will need need to pay a monthly fee

There is an effort underway to rewrite the portion that runs on an external server so you can run it in a docker container. Once that's complete you'll be able to run it on a local machine that supports docker. I think most of us will choose a small rPi machine to do it, but the beauty of docker is that you'll be able to run it on lots of platforms.

[terminal3]

@brad5

There is an effort underway to rewrite the portion that runs on an external server so you can run it in a docker container.

I mentioned that there is another option, in fact I currently run my setup on a Rpi on my network. I listed the link so they could go read all about it.

[brad5]

Thanks... admittedly I did not click on the link

[tonymast]

I can't seem to get a virtual SWITCH to add to a routine? I can do a contact senor and able to use it in an Alexia routine, but can't close sensor in RM. How do you use a SWITCH?
Thanks

[tivomaniac]

Sorry set it up awhile back it’s not a switch it’s a virtual contact sensor.

[tivomaniac]

That driver is also a community supplied one. For more details check out: Use a Motion Sensor or Virtual Switch to trigger an Alexa Routine

[tonymast]

I used a virtual lock (with no codes) works fine thanks. Now onto Echo speaks