Homey by Athom

DEVICES:

Of course you can't do much with the Homey without modules / devices. In the device section you will find (very surprisingly) your devices. You can easily switch a device on or off by pressing the icon. If you hold it then you will get to the 'device detail screen'.

You can put devices in a certain zone so that you can organize them logically. A few zones have already been created as standard.

You can of course also create a new zone yourself by pressing devices and going to the radar icon. You can then create a new one there by swiping down. You can also hang an icon on the zone. It is a pity that it is a small selection.

Add devices:

New devices can be added via the + button.

You can add a new device by entering what you want to add at the search screen or by pressing the Homey icon. You then get the choice of Z-Wave, Zigbee and Infrared. To use a device you must install an APP. The Homey arranges all this automatically so you don't have to worry about that. Make sure you do not install too many APPs, because this can make the Homey slow. For the standard Homey this is a maximum of 20 APPs and for the PRO 40. It is good to report that APPs are developed by Homey but also by an active community.

Because good support with a controller is very important, I tested some different devices. I have classified them in the different protocols.

Z-Wave:

Z-Wave is a wireless communication standard. This protocol distinguishes itself among other things by the 2-way communication. It is therefore checked whether the signal actually arrives. There is also a possibility to create a Mesh Network.

This allows modules to communicate with each other, increasing the reach of your network. Z-Wave modules start from 40/50 euros each. I will add a few modules.

Fibaro single switch 2

The Fibaro switch is widely used in the Z-Wave system. So it's good to test this. I do not expect any problems here but we will see. To start adding, go to your devices and click on the plus sign. You then search for the Fibaro single switch 2 and install the APP, if you do not have it yet. After this the adding procedure starts.

Hereby the Homey is placed in a learning position. You must then put the switch in the add mode, if requested. You can do this by clicking 3 times on the button on the front of the module.

We will provide this switch with an extensive review. So keep an eye on our website.

Neo Coolcam adapter

This cheaper plug adapter should of course also not be missing in our test. With this plug you can switch a lamp on or off remotely. It can also measure the power consumption to know when your washing machine is ready, for example. The adapter is for sale for € 40.

Adding is done in the same way as the Fibaro module by going to your devices and pressing the plus sign. Then search for Neo Coolcam and click on the plug. We will first reset it by pressing the button on the top 3x quickly. Then we add it in the same way. The plug will flash to indicate that the addition has started. Unfortunately, the addition did not go well in one go. After bringing him close to the Homey and trying it 4 times, he was found. I also see all options (consumption, on / off, etc).

Qubino Flush Dimmer 2

As a final device I add the Qubino Flush Dimmer 2. This is a built-in switch that you can place behind your existing wall switch. The great thing about this is that you don't see that he is smart. Qubino is a somewhat cheaper alternative to the Fibaro modules. Another reason I add it is that this APP was not made by Homey itself, but by a community developer.

We are going to add it again.

As you can see it is added well and responds to my commands.

Conclusion Z-Wave:

If you have a smarthome then the z-wave protocol should not be missing because there are many different devices available. Fortunately, Homey has realized this and has organized the support very well. We have already added hundreds of devices and all of them are generally performing well. The only comment we make (compared to other controllers) is that adding is sometimes very difficult. Sometimes we had to try more than 20 times. In any case, it helps to ensure that you keep the modules close to the Homey.