(Part 2) Top products from r/SmartThings

SmartThings Version 3 Hub (I have the Version 2 Hub...you will have to look around for this one):
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SmartThings-Generation-GP-U999SJVLGDA-Automation/dp/B07FJGGWJL/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1540989501&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=smartthings+hub+2nd+generation&psc=1

GE Z-Wave Plus On/Off Light Switch:
https://www.amazon.com/GE-Repeater-Required-Works-SmartThings-14291/dp/B01M1AHC3R/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540989582&sr=8-3&keywords=z-wave+switch

GE Z-Wave Plus Dimmer Switch:
https://www.amazon.com/GE-Repeater-Required-Works-SmartThings-14291/dp/B07361Y54Z/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540989582&sr=8-3&keywords=z-wave%2Bswitch&th=1

GE Add On Switch (if you have a 3-way or 4-way switch):
https://www.amazon.com/GE-Bluetooth-Wireless-STANDALONE-12723/dp/B00RKJS8MQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540989718&sr=8-3&keywords=z-wave+add+on+switch

ZigBee Motion Sensors:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F8ZHBLS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

ZigBee Door Sensors:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F956F3B/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

ZigBee Leak Sensors:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F951JDP/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

ZigBee Outlet Plug (you will need to replicate your ZigBee mesh, I use to motion activate lamps, turn lamps on/off at sunset/sunrise, etc.):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F96JB63/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Z-Wave Thermostat:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EJ7YO2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

ZigBee RGB Landscape RGB LED Strips:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R1PB2ZY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

ZigBee RGB Lightbulbs:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073ZBYXKQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Z-Wave Deadbolt:
https://www.amazon.com/Kwikset-SmartCode-Electronic-SmartThings-featuring/dp/B004F1B24I/ref=sr_1_12?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1540990126&sr=1-12&keywords=z-wave+lock

Z-Wave Garage Door Opener:
https://www.amazon.com/GoControl-Linear-GD00Z-4-Z-Wave-Controller/dp/B00M75TEIU/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1540990160&sr=1-4&keywords=z-wave+garage+door+opener

Sonos One Speakers (Great music, and talking through SmartThings):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074XN1LH3/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Amazon Echo Show (for Voice Control...an Echo Dot will work just fine too):
https://www.amazon.com/All-new-Echo-Show-2nd-Gen/dp/B077SXWSRP/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1540990254&sr=1-1&keywords=echo+show

That's about all I can think of at the moment.

If you are going to do this, do it in stages. Z-Wave and ZigBee are mesh networks...meaning that the reliability of the network gets much better the more devices you have. Also, with these mesh networks:

• Battery operated devices DO NOT reinforce the mesh
  
• The only devices that reinforce the mesh are devices that are always powered from the mains
  
  I see so many people complaining about how the Z-Wave or ZigBee devices don't work, when they are relying on too many battery operated devices.
  
  For Z-Wave devices, choose Z-Wave Plus over Z-Wave...it's the newest standard, and has much better range.
  
  In the US, Z-Wave operates in the 900 MHz spectrum and ZigBee in the 2.4 GHz spectrum. Personally, I "prefer" Z-Wave devices as there is a lot of "junk" in the 2.4 GHz spectrum right now. However, the ZigBee devices are operating reliably as I have a strong mesh setup (with non-battery operated devices).
  
  Two great application for the Leak Sensors:
  
  
• Near your hot water heater (when they go, they always leak)
  
• Under your A/C drip pan (if you have central air)
  
  Great applications for door open/close sensors:
  
  
• Turn closet lights on/off when the door opens or closes
  
• Turn on entry and hallway lights when an entry door opens, but only when it's dark (30 minutes before sunset or after sunrise)...turn off 1 minute later
  
• Notify me when my gun safe is opened
  
  Great Application for Motion Sensors
  
  
• Turn on outside ceiling fans (but only if the temp is above 72 degrees)
  
• Turn on lamps while motion is active when it's dark
  
  The motion sensors I linked above are the new ones...the magnetically mount. What's cool is that the magnet is in the sensor, and it's strong enough to attach the sensor to a dry wall screw (no need to mount the adapter bracket).

I personally have used both the Leviton smart plug, but have come to actually like the Inovelli one as you can control both sides = more Christmas lights :)

As for outdoor, GE seems to be the only one out there now, but supposedly per Inovelli's Facebook page, they are coming out with one soon.

Here's the link to both the Leviton one I've used as well as the Inovelli one (indoor):

Leviton - https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-Decora-Appliance-Module-Z-Wave/dp/B00LEWQYC6

Inovelli - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K6J1Y1I

Outdoor:
GE - https://www.amazon.com/GE-Wireless-Lighting-Control-Outdoor/dp/B0013V8K3O

Inovelli - https://www.facebook.com/inovelliUSA/photos/a.1899373336993353.1073741829.1702973266633362/1899528456977841/?type=3&theater

As for setting the sunset/sunrise -- that can be done via the Smart Lights SmartApp within the ST app (Marketplace > SmartApps > SmartThings Recommends > Smart Lights)

Lastly, as for the space heater -- I would advise against that as if the plug doesn't turn off or it tips over, it could cause a fire :/ -- but if you really want to, just check the Maximum Rating on various smart plugs and make sure your space heater does not exceed it.

This would be your best bet, but you do have to know/learn how to get the code up and running on both the Arduino and SmartThings IDE, so maybe a bit intense for some. Plus they stopped selling it a while ago... I'm still mad I didn't buy more.

I've made a few customish sensors (i.e.: doorbell) with these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XUXYSWU - they're relatively cheap, and it's super easy to add external sensors to them. You're stuck with the motion sensors, but I can always find a use for those. But on the contact sensors, just snip the hall sensor out to disable the contact feature, then connect your wired sensor to the provided terminals. Thats it, but If you're feeling ambitious you can copy the device handler in the IDE and edit it to represent what you're actually sensing. May find this handy if you're combining sensors or something similar (i.e. need to know all 1st floor windows are closed, not listed individually).

All that said, I would just stick to straight wireless wherever possible, because the mesh network is strengthened with each device you have scattered around the house. But if you can find an Arduino shield, that would be wayyy cheaper since you could use one device to integrate all pre-wired sensors.

I have the same thing. I logged into the SmartThings IDE and noticed that the Fan Dimmer that shows up correctly is listed as:

>GE In-Wall Smart Fan Control
>
>MSR: 0063-4944-3034
>
>manufacturer: Jasco Products

​

However, the one that Google Home shows as a Light is listed as:

>GE In-Wall Smart Dimmer
>
>MSR: 0063-4944-3131
>
>manufacturer: Jasco Products

​

Both of them were purchased from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XTKQTTV

Chris Jackson's z-wave database shows the 3131 model as:

https://www.cd-jackson.com/index.php/zwave/zwave-device-database/zwave-device-list/devicesummary/281

>Manufacturer: Jasco Products
>
>Manufacturer ID: 0063
>
>Name: ZW4002 Device
>
>Description: In-Wall Smart Fan Control
>
>Category: HVAC
>
>References (Type:Id) 4944:3131

My guess is that SmartThings is reporting it incorrectly.

https://www.amazon.com/GOCONTROL-WNK01-21KIT-Essential-Z-Wave-Security/dp/B00XUXYSWU?ie=UTF8&ref_=cm_cr_arp_d_pdt_img_sims

This is by far the best deal that's been going on for a long time now, so more like standard price (though it goes up to $42 sometimes.)

Not ST brand but compatible and well reviewed. Great price for all three sensors (2 open close and 1 motion). $38 right now.

I am sort of in the market for a smart plug but the one I was looking at amazon offers 2 plugs: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K6J1Y1I/

It looks like your plug is single outlet but costs more money than the linked on amazon and looking at your picture it looks like it would cover by outlets unless I get some sort of mini extension cord to go between the plate and your plug. Is there any reason I would want to get yours?

This is my favorite solution so far. My only reservation is having a dependency on SmartThings to shut off the fan, versus the timer switch.


Would it be possible to use a Z-Wave Micro Switch and keep my physical timer switch?


My thought is that if everything is working (SmartThings), then the automation would start the fan and shut off the fan. But for any reason, if my automation/smartthing, isn't working, everything still acts normal via the physical timer switch.

What I’d do is:

Mount a [smartthings motion sensor](Samsung SmartThings Motion Sensor [GP-U999SJVLBAA] with Slim Design and Optional Automated Alerts - Zigbee – White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F8ZHBLS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_I4JQCb7N2BE5D) underneath and towards the middle of the changing table pointed straight down. The motion sensors work best when something “breaks” their beam, so having it mounted that way allows you to move your foot underneath it and turn the lights on by way of an automation.
If the led lights aren’t smart lights, then you would need a smart plug to use with them.

This is a pretty amazing deal when compared to amazon prices.

SmartThings Hub, $99

SmartThings Motion Sensor, $32

2x Sylvania Dimmable Bulbs, $16 each

Total value is $163. Some things to consider is that the bulbs are dimmable only. They are not color temperature adjustable. The motion sensor is also finicky, from what I've read

/u/BreakfastBeerz is correct. Get a "fan control" z-wave switch so you can better control the fan since the speed is determined by voltage to the motor so this specific "fan control" is needed.

https://www.amazon.com/GE-Controls-Required-SmartThings-14287/dp/B06XTKQTTV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36QO1KOU9KARE&keywords=ge+fan+control+zwave&qid=1562872139&s=gateway&sprefix=ge+fan+contro%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-1

agreed in some part. my concern would be our dog and at night when in a "home mode". i did see the likes of the below to [maybe] solve the pet matter, but that functionality seems sort of questionable to me that it could actually work:

https://www.amazon.com/Z-wave-Install-Immunity-Detector-PIRZWAVE2-5-ECO/dp/B01MQXXG0I/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_421_bs_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=V83F6AYJJZCR68XN8QD4&th=1

i didn't consider mono-price. i do want to find that sweet spot between highly affordable and highly effective/functional. :)

If it's just a normal dual gang box then I'd just put two switches in. Also note that there's a specific switch for fan control. I have the same setup with one dimmer switch and one fan control in the same box.

Edit: See this topic about the fan control for a better explanation than what I could give.

You might try a normal switch connected to an
Aeon Labs Z-Wave Micro Smart Energy Switch
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008VWAPU4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0gD-zbVX154GH

Turns your dumb switch smart :)

There's also a dimmer module:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IRI1CEK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PiD-zbWY6WYJM

If you are going to use a SmartThings Hub you could use a Z-Wave bulb like this:

SYLVANIA SMART+ A19 Full Color + Tunable White LED Bulb, 60W Equivalent, Works with Amazon Alexa and SmartThings, 73693 (Formerly LIGHTIFY) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0197840KQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_TdSNzbFQ85TS5

But it would require you have the hub, and an Ethernet connection.

Something like this would work without a hub (and avoid wifi issues mentioned above):

LE Dimmable A19 E26 LED Light Bulb 6W RGB 16 Colors Remote Controller Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007V1VOI8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_NjSNzbZ8ZABDN

In that case only the Aotec buttons come to mind as a replacement to the smartthings button, I have the nanomote and I very rarely have missed presses, and only because I take it with me.

If it is permanently fixed and in range it shouldn't have issues, other than not looking like a gang switch

I guess the Aeotec wallmote sort of looks like a switch, if you squint a little.

Aeotec WallMote Quad, Z-Wave Plus Wireless Wall Switch, 4 Button, 16 Scene Remote Control https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCEJAOD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_l8DPDbCW26G19

Related items to the rescue:

Looks like a switch, only one button, cheaper.
Insteon 2342-242 Mini Remote Switch, On/Off (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C5RML94/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_w9DPDb5GHG660

If the use case is to be able to buy yourself in, geofence is not accurate enough to trigger that.

Sounds like you'll need to wire something into the door buzzer in your apartment. Like this thing.

Enerwave ZWN-RSM1-PLUS Z-Wave Relay, Z-Wave Plus Micro Switch, Smart Hidden Switch Wireless Remote Control to Lights and Ceiling Fans, Neutral Wire Required, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G7OD1F8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ugPQCbSETGY9R

How exactly? Could not say.... It'll depend on the way the buzzer works.

Keep in mind that this will mean if your internet or power goes down, you are stuck outside.

I used these two and they work pretty well together. Also I can add whatever sounds I want to it.

Nexia Z-Wave Doorbell Sensor, DB100Z https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017VVO9QQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Bj2zCbZGXMSRZ

NuTone LA600WH Universal Wired/Wireless MP3 Doorbell Mechanism, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009DG6EOS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ll2zCb7WHJ9XM

First Alert Z-Wave Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector

Sends me a text message if they go off when I am not home - I have 3 and they work good.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KMHXFAI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XUXYSWU

This also works great, and you get 2 sensors and a motion sensor for the same price

I've got this one: https://www.amazon.com/Aeotec-Aeon-Labs-ZW056-Doorbell/dp/B0182XG27Q/

The "chime" is a z-wave siren with an sd card containing 5 audio files. smart things triggers 1-5, the siren plays the corresponding audio

Doing this with a $20 bulb. No hub needed, connects to Smart things.

It plugs into existing fixture.

I have seen a number if sales and paid $22. Think it's a little more now.


Sengled Element Color Plus A19 Smart LED Light Bulb (Hub Required), RGBW 16 Million Colors and Tunable White 2000-6500K Dimmable, Works with Alexa/Echo Plus/SmartThings / Google Assistant https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073ZBYXKQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_pZcOBb1B5BR0R

These?
In the Q&A somebody said it was fully compatible for ST, but not sure I believe them, lol

I think instead of wireless switches, you could use a motion or other sensor..?

Personally, I've not had good luck with GE devices. I have an outdoor switch (this one: https://www.amazon.com/GE-Wireless-Lighting-Control-Required/dp/B0013V8K3O ), two wall switches, and one wall dimmer. The outdoor switch (the only one I still have installed) goes offline about once or twice a month for seemingly no reason even though it has direct line of sight to the hub (with the only obstruction being a glass window).

Now, that's me. It could just be my home layout. But I've had much better luck with Homeseer products (WS-100 and WD-100), though I don't know if they make an outdoor appliance switch, like the one you linked.

I hear you. I'm finding that smart outlets may not be the answer to most of what I want to do. I'm thinking I'm going be tucking a few of these in some boxes.

This one Z-wave Plus Motion Detector, Easy to install with PET Immunity, White (PIRZWAVE2.5-ECO) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQXXG0I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7.t0AbWGYDA8B

I use the GE lighting module for this purpose: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013V58HU/

It's $35 US (in the US), and it has a Zwave controlled outlet plus a non controlled outlet on it. For an extra 5, there is a Dimmable version as well. It can handle up to 600 watts. I've got two of them in my house now, and they've worked flawlessly for quite a while.

do they work with their own stuff, or is it home/ smarthings compatible?

these look like they are hot only switches.. I'm more looking for a faux switch basically something that tells the hub. hey turn that light on/off

edit2:
Looking for something like this but a simple switch/dimmer for 1 scene

https://www.amazon.com/Aeotec-Aeon-Labs-ZW130-WallMote/dp/B01NCEJAOD/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506113001&sr=8-1&keywords=wallmote

GE Outdoor Smart Plug

What hub do you have?

One of these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010NZV0GE/ref=asc_df_B010NZV0GE5072239

I'm mostly sure those things are Ethernet only. But the product description is awful, so it may be wifi capable.

Yeah check it out on Amazon. They're listing the 2nd gens with the 1st gen pics. The reviewers on there have pointed it out and they're 100% right. Unfortunately, finding the 1st gens are practically impossible now, so whatever.

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SmartThings-F-IRM-US-2-F-CEN-IRM-1-Motion/dp/B01IE35PCC

zwave

zigbee

GE makes one

Aeotec by Aeon Labs ZW130-A WallMote Quad
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCEJAOD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_xLhIAb01C1JFD


ZRC-90US, BW8510US, by Remotec, Cert ID: ZC10-15100007
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016YTTIVW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MMhIAbWNA3TM2

Or you can just use one of these.

https://www.amazon.com/Aeotec-Z-Wave-Micro-Dimmer-2nd/dp/B00IRI1CEK

Nexia Z-Wave Doorbell Sensor, DB100Z https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017VVO9QQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1klAyb7DFFH7J

This will work fitted into this

And works with standalone zigbee bulbs, a hue hub, or smartthings.

https://www.amazon.com/Individually-Appliance-SmartThings-Compatible-Inovelli/dp/B01K6J1Y1I

Two individually addressable outlets for 35. How’s that?

Samsung SmartThings Motion Sensor

Lutron Connected Bulb Remote

You could put a hidden micro-switch inside the back of the receptacle and keep the non-smart outlet downstream. Here is an example of one: https://www.amazon.com/Enerwave-ZWN-RSM1-PLUS-Wireless-Control-Required/dp/B01G7OD1F8

I believe you can can come figure the Aeon Labs doorbell to do this with a custom app.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0182XG27Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WvIryb5ASQYAT

I just installed 2 of these First Alert Z-Wave smoke and carbon monoxide combo models that are reporting battery level and alarm status.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KMHXFAI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There are pet-ignoring motion sensors if you did want motion detection. I have a bunch of Ecolink PIRZWAVE2.5-ECO sensors that have a sensitivity toggle. On lowest sensitivity mode it does not see my 60 lb husky, but still does see people reliably. On medium sensitivity it does see the husky, but not my 35lb dalmatian, and on max sensitivity mode it sees anything that moves.

I was having the same issue. My zWave devices were all battery powered, same with the Zigbee, so they wouldn't work as repeaters. I purchased a couple zWave repeaters and a couple of the ST Zigbee plugs, and put them in my weak areas, rebuilt the networks and it solved my issues.

I use the SmartThings branded one (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F8ZHBLS) with no issues at all. You can't get much more "native" than that! It can also operate and be a part of local automations.

No worries. I have this First Alert smoke and CO detector. It's been working well, and does report the battery status, accurately in my experience.

https://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-Z-Wave-Detector-Monoxide/dp/B00KMHXFAI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486137045&sr=8-1&keywords=z+wave+smoke+co

Yeah, this is possible. Just buy a z-wave plug (I use this one) and plug your AC into it. Turn your AC on. Then, whenever you turn the plug on via SmartThings, the AC turns on. If you turn the plug off, it cuts the AC's power, and the AC is off.

Really simple way to turn a dumb AC into a smart-ish AC.

For Zigbee lights that work directly with the SmartThings Hub I’ve been using Sengled Element Color Plus RGBW+CCT bulbs.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073ZBYXKQ/

Generic Zigbee lights also work with ST’s local execution mode.

Frustratingly, no Z-Wave lights do this (but switches/outlets do).

Sorry, I should clarify. I don't have smart switches, I have dumb ones. They cut off power to the lights if I need them off in a case like this, and when you turn the power back on, Hue bulbs default to on.
I believe this is a setting option with LIFX.

I also have these with dumb bulbs and they are load sensing, so if I turn it off and then on again, it will provide power to the bulb, regardless of the commands it is/isn't receiving from my hub.

Hope this helps!