Zigbee mesh fell apart, and I’m happy!

[bjcowles]

I just thought I’d relate an experience that has me both confused and relieved. I’ve set up some logging of certain automations through IFTTT since I’m away from home a lot. After noticing the porch light had not turned off in a couple of days, I found that I’d lost 6 Cree bulbs, 2 Osram RGBW bulbs, 5 Iris Smartplugs, and a Zen thermostat (Thanks for the dashboards!).

So why would I be happy? Two reasons:

1. Of all of my zigbee devices, I would have never thought the Xiaomi Aqara contact sensors and temp/ humidity sensors would be among the survivors of the EMP or whatever hit my place. I am so happy with these little inexpensive sensors!
2. After walking the wife through a hub reboot over the phone, everything came back immediately. I can’t count the number of times I had to do the reset/re-pair/rinse/repeat thing with the Crees on ST.

I don’t know what caused everything to drop but I’m extremely pleased with the recovery! I also think some VPN research is in my future.

[fpstassi]

@bjcowles

I also think some VPN research is in my future.

Depending on what you're looking to do, take a look at Google Chrome Remote Desktop. The android app works fantastic (no clue about iOS), and I connect into my home machines when I need to do something, and I've used it to work on Hubitat from time to time. I have a VPN set up, but rarely use it. It's more of a PITA...

[bjcowles]

Thank you @fpstassi, that looks like it may work for me. I had totally forgotten that Chome offers that.