Local Control

[bogdan96]

Newbie here coming from two years with SmartThings. I have a question about local control of HA devices. How does it work, and what devices does it cover? Sorry if I posted this on a wrong section...

[fillibar]

I think you mean local control, as in what you can do in your network not using their cloud? The answer is most everything.
Scenes, Rules, and your devices all reside locally on the Almond. Their cloud allows you to more easily control them using the mobile app.
The only parts I think would not work (outside the app cloud connection of course) is IFTTT and Amazon Alexa support. I imagine those work via the cloud. Of course those also rely on other company's clouds as well.

Is that the type of thing you were asking about?

[d.kiran]

I think pretty much any device that you have connected directly to almond can be controlled remotely without the cloud. I have tested with lights, door sensors, water sensors, locks and thermostats.

You would need the cloud for mobile notifications via the app. There are no email text notifications.

Obviously You would also need the cloud for 3rd party integration as such as IFTTT and Alexa

[bogdan96]

Is that the type of thing you were asking about?

Thank you both for your quick replies. Yes, you both knew exactly what I had in mind...And that is, what devices/automation can still run when the internet is down. Was hoping that the mobile app runs on LAN without the need for cloud and also Hue, but it doesn't sound like that is the case.

On a different subject, sounds like both of you (and others are welcome to chime in) are using zwave and/or zigbee devices. I have heard that power users often run into problems when they are dealing with a lot of devices. I have about 30 wifi devices and about 150 zigbee/zwave devices. Are there any "best practices" to avoid running into issues if I decide to drop SmartThings?

[fillibar]

@bogdan96:
Happy to help. You can still control most anything from the app in local mode, but I will plead ignorance to Hue (I do not have one). But the app has to be on your local network then of course. Not sure if there is a way to "trick" it via DDNS or such... Hmm... Anyways, different topic.
I am using a mix, true (ZigBee and Z-Wave, with a Nest thermostat and a mess of Network Devices mixed in as presence sensors). But I have nowhere near the number of HA devices. My ZigBee and Z-Wave count is in the 50s at this point. I have about 70 network devices, but most remain inactive (there are ~20 Amazon Dash buttons on my network, all as presence sensors not for purchasing).
My recommendations for adding so many in would be:
1) Plan it a bit. Right now you cannot reorder devices in the lists. So add them in useful batches (per room, per type, something that is useful to you). Also name them in a useful manner. With many of mine being duplicate devices I number them, then write on them the number.
2) Get a battery. Some means to keep your Almond powered on as you walk around. A small UPS is a good idea for any router. In thus case you could walk around with it all and add the devices in without having to power off and wait for bootup each time you need to move it. I actually have a 12vDC battery backup meant for phone systems that plugs right into my Almond+ but a normal UPS should work.
3) Keep the SmartThings handy. Until you get everything moved over and working the way you want, better to have both. You may find something that is not supported yet that you have gotten used to having.

Last... Keep us posted! I would love to hear how if goes, see a list of what devices you have, etc... I would recommend joining the Beta program if you are so inclined.

[bogdan96]

20 Amazon Dash buttons on my network, all as presence sensors not for purchasing).
Last... Keep us posted! I would love to hear how if goes, see a list of what devices you have, etc... I would recommend joining the Beta program if you are so inclined.

Thanks for your tips! You caught my attention with the dash as presence sensor, can you please elaborate?

I have asked to join the Beta, still waiting for confirmation.

I checked the supported devices and most of mine are covered...I have mostly zigbee sensors (mainly Centralite and NYCE) with some zwave (Ecolink, Aeon, Fibaro) and mostly zwave switches GE, Leviton. A few odds like Mimolite relay, HEM by Aeon...

[fillibar]

Any network device can be used as a presence sensor. Basically they can be added to a rule as part of the IF, to determine if they are Active or Inactive on the network at that moment. This is most useful for WiFi devices (smartphone) but could be used if you have important wired devices.

I have been using the Dash buttons with fair success for some time. Here is a thread that gets more into it, but if you have specific questions just ask.
https://forum.securifi.com/index.php/topic,4356.0.html

[bogdan96]

better to have both...

What a great use for the dash...I shall try it. I have a few around the house...I am currently using the ST zigbee arrival sensors & life 360, but was very interested in using the wifi presence. As for using both hubs, the only big concern is that having multiple zigbee meshes will compete with each other too much. Can you change the zigbee channel on the Almond + (mine hasn't been delivered yet so I am total dark as to what is/isn't possible). 

[fillibar]

No, you cannot adjust the ZigBee channels.

[naphtaliq]

How does one set up local connection?  I on'y really use my Almond for home automation so it's behind the firewall as 192.168.1.105.  But when I put that ip into the app it has a "r0" error when trying to login?!? What am I missing?

[fillibar]

It sounds like the Almond+ is not the router providing the IP. Is it working as an extender or is it a router within another router's network?