Just got my hub and a quick question

vjv · January 14, 2019, 5:56am

Cheap for plugs, Ikea Tradfri $10 in the US, good repeaters for cheap sensors. They are zigbee.

johny3 · January 14, 2019, 7:48pm

thanks are those only at ikea, I just see bulbs or the whole kit?

JasonJoelOld · January 14, 2019, 7:53pm

johny3 · January 14, 2019, 8:01pm

thanks I saw that too was just unsure if they were elsewhere (no ikea here). Will look to see how to get them to ship cheaper

JasonJoelOld · January 14, 2019, 8:02pm

Ah! I misunderstood the question.

Yes, this model is only at Ikea.

johny3 · January 14, 2019, 9:26pm

the securifi peanut plugs connect to hubitat without a separate hub right? the hubitat is the hub

vjv · January 14, 2019, 9:29pm

Peanut are not good for Xiaomi if you have plans to get cheap sensors too

johny3 · January 14, 2019, 9:31pm

are the ikea ones good for cheap sensors?
i hate paying shipping - so spoiled with amazon since I already pay for prime.
as an aside, so cool that amazon tells you what devices you need to buy something (it only knows what you bought on amazon but still cool)

vjv · January 14, 2019, 10:12pm

Yes.

johny3 · January 25, 2019, 5:55pm

Should have asked this earlier. do you need the control to pair the plugs to hubitat?

vjv · January 25, 2019, 5:55pm

Nop, I just installed one plug yesterday, just use a paperclip to pair

johny3 · January 25, 2019, 5:58pm

ok cool so do the reset, then have it close to the hub and discover devices. my first device i am pairing with hubitat (I am a noob :)). No need to exclude?
ty for quick reply!

vjv · January 25, 2019, 5:59pm

Nop, the plug you have to press and hold until you see the light changes, then you should see it in HE

johny3 · January 25, 2019, 6:21pm

got it thanks! I assume you pair it and then move it to a location within range. pairing needs to be close, communication farther.

vjv · January 25, 2019, 6:24pm

Yes, it's your first plug, next plug you can have it connected to the first plug so you can extend your mesh.

johny3 · January 25, 2019, 6:27pm

got it. thank you! how far do you usually spread out your plugs. I have a use for the first 2 for sure, then going to use the rest to extend to my smart lock that is 40 feet away from the hub. ty again for your help!

vjv · January 25, 2019, 6:33pm

Depends the house or area, you can go to settings, zigbee details, zigbee logging and look your rssi and lqi, rssi is in minus so the higher the negative number is worst, the lower the negative number is better, -50 is better than-70, I will not have anything higher than -80, lqi is a positive number related to the interference, top is 255, if you have more than 240 is good, i have most of my devices with -75 or less and lqi in 254 and 255.

Good luck

johny3 · January 25, 2019, 6:35pm

cool thanks! Will report back. ty for your help. this is super easy to do!

vjv · January 25, 2019, 6:40pm

If it is in a straight line it should be fine, i have presence sensors that pickup the signal like 80ft away

erktrek · January 25, 2019, 6:40pm

I am replying late in this thread but also am pro Sengled bulbs as well. Also echo the sentiment about using switches or behind the switch relays as a better alternative where ever possible. I have come around to some use-cases though.

As I've posted elsewhere I have 2 sconces over our bed. They have switches in the base. Sadly the bases are too far to reach comfortably from the bed so I added some inexpensive SmartThings Smart Buttons. Everything works great!

I have HUE but decided to simplify and removed it and went with Sengled bulbs. All good so far.

I do have some color changing Sengled bulbs in our porch light even though it's controlled by an older behind the switch relay just so I can change colors based on holidays etc.