like the features, setup was difficult for some of my devices (August Door lock, ru-vid.comUgkxhB5YOMNj04GuoAosExygP4cH-dKeb4aB Bose speaker)... but all switches and outlets (5), thermostat, tankless water heater. Unfortunately all I can do is turn on/off Bose. It doesn't support volume or changing channels, but I believe that is due to the particular speaker I have.... Worth getting if you already have other devices to use it with... I don't sit around and ask Alexa questions much so that doesn't really matter to me....
*I like the old style Echo Dot because it's small also **Newest.Technology**, gives out decent sound and doesn't take up a lot of shelf space if you want to put it on beam in the workshop or shed.*
sorry Rickie but harmony cost a lot more that the broadlink and it sucks compare to it. Just the easy learn process of any remote control for any device that broadlink has is enough ...and again the price of the broadlink is ridicules
Great video. I've followed your instructions and it all works perfectly! I admit that I was surprised as I know nothing about technology! Just wondering what is going to happen if there is a power cut and my router restarts. Which bits of the process will I need to re set-up?
I actually just bought a RM Pro2 yesterday and saw your video and was excited to set this up however, after a couple of hours of pulling out my hair trying to figure out why it wouldn't work I now see on the support website for the makers of RM Tasker Plugin that there is a new version of the RM Pro2 out that will not work with it. The version is the RM2+v2(10119). If you are seeing a red message "Unable to manage this device" in RM Tasker Plugin when you try to add an Alexa device I believe it's because of this incompatibility with the new version. Pretty bummed about this but I might just try to use the RM Bridge app along with SmarterThings integration to get this to work instead. It's a much longer and more cumbersome process but hopefully it will work until the RM Tasker Plugin gets updated.
+Nic DuVernet I got a speedy reply from the developer... RM2+v2 (10119) is not supported by my app at the moment. It may takes me a couple of months to get it supported. Please convey that to your viewers. Thanks for bringing it to my attention brother.
Yeah, the developer replied back to me also saying about the same thing. For anyone else in the US looking to buy a RM Pro use this amazon seller. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U5IXFGI/ I ordered that one and just set it up and it works with the RM Tasker Plugin without issue. The first one I got the box was white and the second one (the one that actually works with the RM Tasker Plugin) the box was black. There are also a couple of other differences between them: 1. The first one I got came with firmware version 20024 and when I tried to update it through the app it said there was no update available, even though I know that the most recent firmware is v20025. The second one came with firmware v20022 and was able to update to the newest firmware v20025 with ease through the automatic update process in the app. 2. The first one was not able to learn the remote for my ceiling fan which operates on 303Mhz frequency. The second one is able to operate it without issue.
I found your channel after searching for Echo Auto reviews last week, I’ve watched around 10 of your videos since, I’m now starting from the beginning. I’m new to home automation, no devices other than an echo dot, so thanks I’ll get through them and then decide what to buy... ironically I’m thinking how to control the garage lights!
I used to have the same thing, but with the mini. I liked the software the developer made for it, but the RM devices were just too unreliable. I ended up getting a logitech harmony device and some Lifx lights. They tend to get great support even though they still have their moments where things fail. The only thing I miss was the RF part. Can't believe logitech has not implemented that into their hardware yet.
I am so excited about this video. Thank you again! This may be a silly question BUT what options do I have to download Android besides a tablet or phone? I have a small Asus computer that I no longer use and can continuously run. I also have an older iPad. Will either of these be an option?
haleydale8 that's potentially an interesting project of its own! There are emulators for android for Windows so potentially the Acer could be a goer. I'd be really interested to know if you got it working! There are super cheap android devices out there now that would likely do the job. A lot of people I've spoken to are turning to Android set top boxes for this project so that's another solution worth thinking about :)
Hi Paul, Can you let me know where you got the button icons for the e-control setup. Thanks in advance. Keep up the great work . Update, I found them ☺️☺️☺️ Phil
Thanks again Paul - like this idea so just ordered a broadlink and a 12v RF relay off of amazon. Didnt realise you can get 220v rf relays too, much cheaper than resorting to lightwave relays. I have a little project in mind that's too long to go into on here, but I can see now how to do it thanks to this video. Cheers.
Hi Paul, thanks for your posts they are fantastic. I currently have brought a rm pro and have a android box and a old Samsung phone, I also have a Apple iPhone so run off iOS. What do you suggest I use to run everything based on you numerous tutorials? Thanks.
Awesome video, finally got round to setting this up tonight, what's the difference between the rm plugin lite app that you pay a yearly subscription too and the rm plugin app that you pay a one off 5.99 for, oh I'm guessing aswell you wouldn't be able too do other stuff like pause or rewind your sky, as there is only an on/off command
I did get the Broadlink rm pro. and it is working, using it on 3 tv's changing channels, changing inputs, got it connected to my surround sound too, this is great, able to do everything with Amazon echo dot, thanks for the video
Hi Paul this video is great its helping me a lot as I'm new to home automation. Am I right in thinking that if I have my bedroom lights and tv plugged into rf sockets and if I've got the broadlink in my hall with all the apps setup I can ask alexa to turn the tv and lights on in my bedroom she will do it even if the broadlink isn't in the bedroom.
Vikki Boswell Hi Vikki, glad to hear it :) Yes, the Broadlink has a really good range on it so it will reach RF sockets in other rooms, and because it's connected to your router via WiFi Alexa will be able to talk to the Broadlink wherever it is in the house. :) Let me know if you get stuck setting it up. -P
The RF output on the RM Pro in my house is powerful enough to cover every room to turn on and off the broadlink TC2 light switches - upstairs and downstairs (I suspect it may also cover the neighbours too lol). Not a mansion but still impressive - you can also add more than one device if the range isn't cutting it.
Excellent video, have just moved into smart tech yesterday with a hand full of hue's, alexa and a nest and was looking at what was the best way to have my TV to come on via voice, new tablet and broadlink next, lol, thx man
Paul i followed the video and it works first time now turning my Tv, Sky, and sound bar on/off. Thanks mate keep up the great work i'm learning a lot from you .
will enabling the Alexa bridge within the tasker plugin, also work for the Google home? I know they both run on the same port of 8080. btw, great video, only video that goes into such detail I could find. definitely worth donating!
Hi paul..i admire what u have done with your room. I'm in the midst of doing something like yours. If u don't mind...can u share how to go about it? To link everything to one command. Thanks.
Hi Paul, enjoyed the video. Could you tell me if this setup will control dimmer sockets? I have 3x set up to 3 lamps and atm controlled by the home easy remote. Any help would be appreciated. Dave.
+El Xando sadly you need the Philips hue bride to control Philips hue lamps. If I could go back in time though I would probably buy LED strips and put them in nice vases. Much cheaper and pretty much the same effect.
Paul, as usual, a great informative video; you are my 'go to' source. Do you know of an iOS version of the RM Tasker? It seems I need more than the Broadlink device and App to make it work perfectly with Alexa? Tony
Hi Paul, thanks for the very helpful video. I got things working as I want them then added MacroDroid to automate lights switching on and off at specific times. MD is capable of running Tasker plugins so works brilliantly with the RM plugin app. I tried the timers in the eControl app but found them limited and difficult, especially to change once set. I've also been able to use Alexa and IFTTT to trigger MD which means I can automate almost anything on the device from a voice command. Ultimate aim is to ask Alexa to switch two amps on (using the RM Pro), start playing music and automatically start multi-room casting to multiple Chromecast audio devices. Almost there! Thanks again!
Hello Paul. To control a switch with Alexa need a switch with remote control? Is not BroadLink TC2 useful? In that case, you could use a Sesoo switch for example, if you have a remote control? I appreciate your help and especially your videos, very good! Greetings.
Paul, Awesome video - many thanks for adding the link on amazon review page!!! just bought the Broadlink RM Pro literally 30 secs ago! can't wait to set it up tomorrow! miles cheaper than buying an anymote home and getting it shipped from the states.
Thanks for videos, lots of ideas now. Great tip regarding having a dedicated tablet for this, do you happen to know if Amazon fire tablets support the relevant apps and plug ins required for these set ups?
Mrs Ashman thanks brother. Yes, my fire tablet has both installed on it. It wouldn't let me download it from the play store though so I had to download the app on another device and then extract the apk using apk extractor and transfer it to the fire and install it that way. Really easy though.
Great video and living room btw, does the RM plug in app drain your battery, is that why you need a separate android device as I just wanna run both the apps from my phone cheers!
Great video, Paul. I'm having issues with getting the RM Pro to recognize a set top box that does not power down with the power button. Oddly, the set top box stays on all times so auto coding to the remote is nearly impossible. Have you any suggestions for this? I see you are able to control your stb so maybe you or someone has a workaround. Many thanks.
First of all, please install Broadlink's new app IHC (Intelligent Home Control on iOS). Then do the manual set up in the TV grouping (chose Samsung) and do the learning process of each remote buttons manually! Please unplug the STB and do the remote pairing (learning) manually. Open the IHC app and go to + Add appliance, click Television and chose any brand (i.e: Samsung which worked for me). Then click on green tape on the bottom. Then it will load in a few seconds and then you see a orange POWER button. Click it and click NO. Repeat it for 3 times. Then a window will appear (info) and click to customized learning. Then the remote buttons will appear on screen. Press on to the POWER button and press learn button. Then you will see corresponding buttons menu starting with power button. First press that and and follow the instruction on the pop up window. Orange LED will lit on RM Pro and at this time point your physical remote onto the RM Pro and press the desired operating button first on the app screen and then press similar button gently just once on your remote. Now you see the orange LED blinks and disappears on RM Pro. You will see a pop up window appears. Click on the test button now. leave the remote button. Again a pop up window will appear. Now press YES. Now the paired button on the app remote trurns to green and it will say "learned successsfully". Done! Now repeat the last 3 steps until you complete the process for the rest of desired buttons of your physical remote! After the completion of pairing of each and every button, press SAVE button on the top right corner. Now your remote is ready. Now click the small circle on the top right corner and go to settings. Here you can change the room, icon and you can rename your appliance! Don't forget to save! Now go back to the main page and operate your appliance by pulgging in again. You need to be patient but it's an easy process. Stay closer to the RM Pro while doing this job. Better keep everything on a work table and procede. Don't press the physical remote buttons firmly especially for VOLUME and CHANNEL up- down buttons while performing the pairing job! Just one press gently, very gently!!! Otherwise, the volume level or channels will jump 5-6 times either direction. But make sure the RM Pro responds on every pairing process! Now this appliance can be integrated with Alexa but only for power on and off! Good luck! If you have any questions, please reply to this post.
Great video Paul. Just curious, is the IR signal strong enough to control devices across 2000 sq ft apartment or it is limited based on where you place the device? I am considering buying the Broadlink RM Mini3 after watching your video tutorial. Kindly reply. TIA :)
+Koushik Mandal not sure about the distance, the usual issue wmis line of sight. My RM pro is really good at controlling things that are a little bit hidden by other objects, but you obviously can't put them in a cupboard. The minis are wireless though so you can just install it close to your device. If you have other devices at the other end of the room then you can just buy 2 minis, they can be Co trolled independently by the Econtrol app, and by the RM plugin. :)
Hi Paul, it's all your fault that I am now dipping my toes into the very deep pool of home automations! Thank you for some of the best and easiest to follow tutorials to automate, well, everything! One quick question, can I use an iPhone (iOS) or is the plugin android only? Cheers bud.
This is really cool thanks for the the guide. I got Broadlink pro this week and I can from my phone control the TV/Virgin box/Surround sound. I also have Google Home. Can I do the same with Google Home as you have with Alexa?
andycoopr sorry man, but I don't think so at the minute. I have asked Google if they would like to send me a Google home in exchange for a review and some tutorials so I could see how we could make this work, but so far no answer.
Ok thanks for the quick reply. I've seen a few people using Broadlink Pro and google home in youtube videos but they are all demo video not how they did it. I keep digging and see what I can find :) Thanks again
Great video Paul, managed to get it all working, just wondered if you can change the command turn on for open, as I have a blind setup and is sounds a little weird saying turn on blind rather than open blind, thanks
+Ben-John Walker sadly not mate. The smartest thing you can do is create scenes, so you can say "quiet mode on" or "movie mode on" and have the blinds close as part of your macro. For me it would simply be included in my group for "living room devices" and as I enter the room and say "switch living room devices on" it would power up the projector, close the blinds, set the lights on dim etc etc. And saying "switch living room devices off" would reverse it! :) Hope that helps. -P
Thanks for the reply, shame about that I'll set it up as you have suggested, I seem to have another problem now with the rm tasker, it keeps going to sleep and showing all my devices are offline and I have all the setting set correctly with a few emails to the tasker devs, I'm just in the middle of trying to install tasker on my Amazon fire tv as that is on all the time and won't use any battery, have you had any experience with this. Thanks best regards Ben
+Ben-John Walker hi Ben I've not experienced this myself personally but I have seen other people saying the same thing. I think it's a power setting in some versions of Android. I think some people have got around it by switching off a power setting somewhere in Android power settings. The fire TV workaround seems like a perfect solution though
yeah I changed all the settings so Wi-Fi stayed on and on battery settings never save power and in developer options stay awake and also stay awake in the app, it still put the devices offline, I think it's the new android os that does it. I've managed to get the rm tasker pro on the fire tv, so just testing that the moment to see if that goes to sleep, all seems ok so far, but this is not supported by anyone, it's an unofficial method you might say....
+Ben-John Walker I'll be interested to know how you get on with it. Another thought occurred about your blind. Broadlink sell a sensor that detects cleanses in light etc. You could use that to open and close your blind automatically!
This Video is awesome! Thank you very much! Just to be shure, does this mean, I could completely control my tv? if I create an extra button for every action? For example volume up and down? and the rm pro, should it be place somewhere special ?
+Muratagh Silie hey man. It can be placed pretty much anywhere, it's infrared so needs some line of sight, but it does better than my original remotes You can control anything that is IR and pretty much any RF device. The commands are limited to "on" and "off" so you would need to use those words. Consequently controlling volume is a little awkward as you would need to say "volume up on" for example. It works better for setting scenes with macros. There is another route to control the RM pro using IFTTT. That allows you to use commands starting with the word "trigger" so you could say "trigger cinema mode" for example. I'll be going into that in detail in my next video :)
Thanks for your great video. Been trying for ages to get a set up like yours. I've got all the separate devices working but not communicating with each other. Got my phone turning on lights from econtroll app via broadlink but can't get echo to "discover" tasker or broadlink. After much internet searches have found it might be the echo and app might not be connected to same router speed 2.4mhz and 5mhz, could this be my problem or can you help please?
Hey Paul, awesome tutorial, i went out and bought a broadlink pro and have it playing nicely with Alexa by following this video, so thanks a bunch! Have you had any luck with getting Alexa to respond to "up / down" type commands and convert them to "on / off" so it's possible to trigger actions? How are you doing volume changes etc? I know its possible in the Kodi integration?
+Jay cee hello mate, There are two ways, an easy way and a hard way and neither of them does exactly what you're describing. The hard way is to set up port forwarding to the android device and configure the RM plugin to receive http requests from IFTTT. Then you can create commands on ifttt so you can use the words "trigger volume up" and "trigger volume down". Everything has to start with trigger, and there is a slight delay after you issue the command so something actually happening. The easy way is to add the volume up and down and curtains open and close commands to groups in Alexa. For example I have a group called "living room devices so when I say "switch living room devices on" it switches my projector on, switches the amp to the right channel and so on. If I had the ability to close the curtains via RF I would add the close curtains command to that group. Likewise, you could create a group called "quiet mode" and when you switch quiet mode on it would drop the volume 3 clicks. Not perfect, but certainly workable. You'll find that the more you use this stuff the less you want to control individual things like volume as it gets tiresome controlling things one at a time when what you really want is to say a few words and have lots of things happen. I use vox commando, which is a lot more malleable and I abandoned "volume up" and "volume down" as soon as I figured out how to use macros. Hope that helps, -P
Hi mate, thanks for replying! I've sort of only just started out tinkering with home automation, but i have had a little bit of experience with voxcommando in the past for kodi bits and bobs but never really got around to fully learning it. From what it seems, i should probably re-visit voxcommando and wait for some kind of Alexa > Voxcommando bridge to be fully functional to have a bit more control. In the mean time, i'll go with your "quiet mode! suggestion as that's pretty much what i wanted to achieve (ie. someone is shouting from upstairs, alexa turn on quiet mode!). Very much appreciated :)
Great video. Couldn't have done a better job. One question: Is it essential that I have an android device running and constantly connected? Would my own phone not connect to the system when I'm present and that be enough? (I know that's kinda two questions!)
+Neil697 hey dude thanks! :) Yeah, it's necessary using this method. There are other ways, check out the link below. The only reason I don't recommend using your phone is that it will wear the battery down. www.paulhibbert.co.uk/2017/11/24/a-complete-guide-to-connecting-the-broadlink-rm-pro-and-broadlink-blackbean-to-alexa/
+leejamir hello mate. The iPhone has the Econtrol app, but not the RM plugin. Consequently you will be able to control everything with your phone but not with Alexa. A lot of people in your situation are going for Android set top boxes which gives them the added advantage of having a Kodi box. :) This one is the one I've been recommending. amazon.co.uk/dp/B01LXZBD3W/?tag=paulhibbertco-21 If you buy through my above affiliate link then I'll get a cut too. No pressure ;) -P
Paul, thanks for creating the video, not sure if you are a paid video maker for RM Plugin (as it appears in their app), if you are do you have any troubleshooting steps for the following or might you have run into this yourself at any stage? 1. Do you experience a drop in internet connection in the e-control app? This is most annoying as it interferes with programming of remote buttons and obviously being able to control the devices. Error received 'No internet access detected. Please check your network connection.' is the message received when clicking on the device in the e-control app Troubleshooting done -I have checked wifi range where i'm using the devices and it all looks good -Turning wifi on mobile off & on again, sometimes that works 2. There are 2 versions of the RM plugin 2.0, Lite/Full I am trialing the lite of course and finding that under DATA there is no Alexa device list like in your video, also Alexa does not detect the device and nothing pops up in the smart home area of the amazon Alexa app. Troubleshooting here, mentions a few devices that they reckon will not work with the Plugin, but they are not my devices, so should be ok. 3. Do you have a working support email address for Broadlink, the one on their site keeps bouncing. If anyone else is having/had these issues and was able to pinpoint the problem(s), please holla back at this post with your resolves. HARDWARE Phone:Samsung S7:Android 7 RM Plugin Lite: RM Pro :Rm2+ (10026) Echo Dot 2
Wow, brilliant! Quick question with the Android device to operate the Broadlink, does it need to be an up-to-date Android version, (as some old versions don't load newer apps) or can it any? Thanks and thumbs up on pioneering stuff!
eweepurburger thank you mate :) Android 4.0 and up for the RM plugin. I know some people have had it come back with "this version is not compatible with your device" if they've been using some android set top boxes, but I've sent them the apk and they've installed it from that and it's been fine.
Hi Paul. Great video which inspired me to purchase the Broadlink RM Pro. Started setting up whilst watching the rest of your video, but now under the impression you can only get Alexa working with this via an Android device. Is there someway of doing the same with Apple products? Thanks. Phil H
Phil Houghton sadly not. A lot of people in your situation are buying Android set top boxes which gives them the added benefit of having a Kodi box under their TV. You just need one with android 4.0 or higher. This one looks like great value for money, and if you buy through my affiliate link I'll get a cut at no cost to you :) amzn.to/2ox8vEc Thanks, -P
Wow. Superfast reply.....much appreciated. Is the Android box easy to set up with the RM Tasker Plugin? Already have a jailbroken Apple TV2, but £30 for an Android box is a cheap option if you think it'll work. Or would I be better off getting a 2nd hand Android phone? Thanks for your help with this.
+Phil Houghton no worries mate. Depends if you plan to use Kodi I guess. They're low power consumption and they're a nice extra to have. If it was me I'd go for the android box just for the sake of getting something new rather than second hand for that price point. Then again an android mobile is nice to have as a physical remote for when you don't wanna do the voice thing. Get both and don't tell the wife ;)
Hey Paul, fantastic videos. had to go back a couple of times but finally have everything working ! all apart from my ps4. any ideas on how to link this, as it doesn't have ir. many thanks.
I have had an issues similar, you could try closing down your android device, restarting, then re-run discovery ("Aleax, discover devices") This worked for me.
+Chris Davies hey man, This looks like a pretty slick solution : uk.pcmag.com/sony-playstation-4-ps4-1/40698/feature/how-to-control-your-ps4-with-your-hdtv-remote
Hi Paul, Great tutorial worked first time. Set it up using my phone to download the e-control & RM Plugin. I didn't have an old tablet so bought a cheap one (JYJ 7 Inch Android Google Tablet PC 4.2.2) to replace my phone in the setup and leave powered up all the time. However (and there had to be a however coming) playstore states that the e-control app isn't compatible with my device.... and I can't seem to identify what it is that isn't compatible. Any glues please? Paul M
+Paul McCairn I had the same issue with my Kindle Fire. I found the apk on the net and installed it and it worked fine, so I'm not sure what the incompatibility message is all about!
Hi Paul, downloaded the apk file and installed ok. Had a few problems getting Alexa to connect to the new app but plenty of brut force and ignorance got it to work. Making sure the android device doesn't go to sleep helps too.
Watched your video and got the Broadlink rm pro iPhone remote control to work on a 10+ year old Sony Blu-ray player. Also, Alexa could turn it on & off so I could shut my music off from bed (I'm paraplegic). I moved to a new house - same system & modem but can't get Broadlink remote to work on Blu-ray anymore. Still works fine on old TV. Suggestions?
Hey Paul - great vids as always. Question if I may. I have Alexa on a Fire HD. I want it to control apps other than STD Amazon apps (I have Waze mapping installed). Is there a way to get Alexa to open other apps?
thank you for a great video Paul !!! btw a dumb question, what program do you use to control your samsung phone / record the video ? thank you for your time :)
No worries brother. I'm using A-Z off the play store. It's amazing on my s7 edge, but it destroyed my Galaxy p4 tablet twice! I had to factory reset it both times. Then I tried it on my Kindle and it killed that too >:( I've hardware reset my kindle and my Galaxy p4 tablets twice each over the last few days, so I'd recommend a doing a backup of your device before you install it. It'll probably be fine. At the end of the day I'm using an old Cyanogenmod rom on my p4 and I had to hack the Play store on to the Kindle to even get the app on that, so probably just unlucky that I'm using dodgy devices. -P
Dominic Stenzel hey, yes you can. :) You can save a bit of money though if you buy one rm pro to control all the RF stuff and then a couple of rm blackbeans to control additional infrared devices in other rooms. Have a look at my recent video ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bw3MiZybm0Y.html
Superb!! I really appreciate your quick response. It was great to have Alexa turn my TV on!! The whole house is now going to be automated. Also going to use Reverb!! Thanks for the link 😀
Great video. Will this concept work in controlling a TV and cable box ? For example, can I say commands like TV Volume Up/Down, TV Channel Up/Down or TV mute. I'm getting the idea Alexia can only handle on/off commands and if a device is on when the on command is given, Alecia seems to skip the device and get out of synce? Which makes no sense since TVs only have a power button for both on/off
+glen s hi Glen, Alexa is being fooled into thinking each device or comma d is a Philips Hue bulb which means shei listening for on or off commands. In the RM plugin software you can name each remote button or macro whatever you like but Alexa will be listening for that name followed by the word on or off. Consequently if you wanted to get her to turn the volume up then you would need to name the command volume up and then say to Alexa "volume up on". Obviously this isn't ideal so a better way to do this would be to create a macro called quiet mode that would send the volume down key press 5 times and then you could say "Alexa turn quiet mode on". You could add to this macro to lower the lights to 20% amongst other things. In the RM plugin you could set the off command to turn the volume back up 5 times and then when you say "Alexa turn quiet mode off" she would raise the volume back to normal. If you can find a QR code to set the volume by percent then obviously this would yield better results. You could alternatively use IFTTT to do the same thing but using a trigger word, so you could say "trigger quiet mode" If you look at my channel you'll find a video on controlling cable TV, and also a video series in creating a home alarm. Part 2 of that series will walk you through how to use IFTTT to control the RM plugin. There's also a handy written tutorial here that will explain a bit more about using the RM plugin to achieve this sort of thing with ifttt... www.paulhibbert.co.uk/written-tutorials/ Cheers, -P
Hey Paul, thanks for making all these amazing tutorials! I had the rm plugin working with alexa perfectly and yesterday it stopped working Alexa doesn't rediscover the devices and it says device malfunctions. Any idea how to fix this issue?
@@andreamitchell4758 I ended up switching from the alexa bridge to the mqtt bridge and have it hooked up to my openhab/Matt broker. Works better actually now
Hi Paul, great videos, you might already be aware. If you run Tasker with Autonotifications which can intercept every notification and Join which can push any notification from your bridged android to another phone it will take your automation outside of your LAN to any where in the world. EG When I'm about 200 meters from home Tasker triggers Join and sends a message to the bridges phone which switches off all the lights, turns on the cameras and arms the burglar alarm. Once the script has run the successfully run notifications on the bridged phone get pushed to my mobile and when I return home the scripts run in reverse. Also, I have worked out how to trigger the RM plugin from a Google Calender entry, I imported a sunset calender which triggers on the kitchen light at sunset. But here is where it gets interesting, the RM plugin can get the temperature from the Broadlink which means tasker can use that as a variable, combine that with calendar triggering and you have a fully programmable central heating controller being run by your Google Calender entries. Bye bye Hive 😁
Awesome work my friend! What kind of Burglar alarm do you have? I'd love to have one that I can control remotely! I used a similar setup as to you to achieve this... www.paulhibbert.co.uk/2017/02/24/alexa-home-alarm-system-tutorial/
Paul Hibbert Very cheap Chinese one but works very well but this should work with any 433Meg alarm that doesn't use a rolling code because the Broadlink isn't able to copy the code. I have got it set up with 5 wireless smoke alarms too. If it triggers it is able to ring a few numbers and send a.text message too. The text isn't that helpful it sends power off and on alarms so now you know if your house has suffered a power cut. Also, it sends the zone number that has triggered which isn't that useful but I have programmed Tasker to intercept the text and convert the zone number EG zone alarm 03 becomes Front room smoke alarm has triggered, then tasker speaks a fire warning alarm, triggers an overlay text message. Then Tasker open ups Tinycam Pro and shows the relevant camera for that room. Also, I have made a calendar entry that arms and disarms part guard everyday because I keep forgetting to set it. rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F112654862491
Paul Hibbert Forgot to say, that is just a link to the panel I have, if you decide to go that route shop around because you can some very good deals. I think mine came with 5 passives, 5 window and 1 smoke alarm for less than 60 quid. It cost another 30 quid for an additional 5 wireless smoke alarms. In summary, a fully functioning fire and burglar alarm for less than a 100 quid with features and capabilities limited by your imagination. One caveat, I had to change the RF remote for one of my light switches because it randomly triggered the alarm. My advice is to buy a box of 10 transmitters because as your RF device count goes up the probability of RF channel clash increases
Paul Hibbert Forgot to mention the SIM card. I use s GiffGaff card because it rolls over each month and once the credit drops to 3 quid it will top itself up eith a tenner but be careful because that doesn't apply if you buy their goody bag deals, I found that out the expensive way 😁
+Arnold Swaggernigga hey dude. I can't see a link? Can you PM it to me on either twitter.com/hibberthometech Or facebook.com/hibberthometech Really interested in this! Thanks, -P
Hi Paul, I recently bought the RM pro, thanks to you :) I am able to add all the appliance with no problem, I use a RF remote to open my gate and the broadlink works my questions is is there a way to add the RF to alexa app so I can use voice control to open it or I would like the RF button to show on en IOS alexa app, any idea? thanks
Hey dude. Some people can add the RF frequency to a lamp in IHC and then name the lamp "gate" and Alexa will find a 'lamp' called "gate" which you can then switch on and off with your voice. She might respond to open and close too! Some firmwares don't work that way and the work around is to add the gate as a user defined remote in IHC and then add the open command to a 'scene' in IHC called something like "open sesame" and add the close command to another scene called something like "secure the driveway". Alexa should then find the scenes and you should be able to initiate them from Alexa :) Hope that helps, -P
Good work! I've done Openremote2, RaspberryPi IO Relays, Frankenstein RF Remotes, Tablet, IR Repeaters, iTach, the list goes on. This is sooo much better!
Very impressive Paul, very impressive! Now, can you tell me is there a way to control multiple harmony hubs from Alexa without having to create multiple Amazon accounts and using different mobile to control it. Currently, what I heard is, out of the box we can have only once hub work with Alexa which sucks!!!
cheers Paul I have just bought the broadlink pro .I followed your video I am over the moon with the outcome of my setup voice controlled with the amazon echo. my grandchildren think it is really cool and want to stay and sleep on my man cave or the doghouse as the eldest one calls it.keep up the good work Paul. cheers.
Many thanks for a great vid. You have a natural knack for explaining these things. This vid has helped me immensely to broaden the capabilities of my Echo Dot. Will be trying out some of the other stuff in your other vids too. Keep up the good work.
Hey dude. The basic differences are the massive price gap and the fact the Broadlink is easier to achieve more outside the box type stuff, Logitech really hold us down to their way of working. The Broadlink can also control RF plug sockets and light switches which the Harmony can't. The one positive Logitech has over the RM pro is that it can control bluetooth devices such as Nvidia shield and Sky and Virgin boxes, BUT the Broadlink can control both Sky and Virgin via Infrared as the set top boxes are actually capable of receiving both. The Nvidia shield can also be controlled using Infrared if you purchase a separate FLIRC. Since this video was made Broadlink have released an official skill which means the Android device is no longer required. Check out my later video here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Pdjp6ic99S8.html My recommendation therefore is always the RM pro. :) -P
Hello sir.. I am your big fan...i always watch your video...Which are very informative. .. You are simply awesome ... Sir ..i have one question. ...can we use android tv box having android 5.1 lollipop software instead of mobile device.??
Awesome, I bought an Amazon Echo and had a quick play around with Anymote for my TV but it's a bit flakey and the command to get it to work is too long. This looks very good as I already have 3 of those plugs with remotes for my lights around the living room and sub woofer.
Hey Paul I had a question I'm not sure if you talked about this on another video but have you been able to turn on your Xbox One with the Broadlink RM Pro, I can get it to work through Anymote but would love it if I could get it to work with the Broadlink, any suggestions would be great thanks.
Paul, you're a genius! Ur tips helped me to get the smart home I wanted for really small money. Had already 433 all over the place, and it works :) Thanks and all the best. Uwe
hi Paul, great tutorial, really helpful. do you know a way to turn on a scene from the econtrol app via alexa? ( i know there are groups in the alexa app, but it's not working well with lots of commands...), tnx.
Hi Paul! Great Video, On / off switches works fine for me. But do you know any solution for other commands such as (in my case a shutter control) "up" , "down", "stop" ? Thanks
Oliver Kardos because Alexa thinks she is turning a light on and off she is only listening for on and off commands. You could say "blind on" to close it and "blind off" to open it. Another option would be to use IFTTT to trigger scenes. So you could say "trigger night mode" and the blinds would close, but that takes quite a bit more effort as you'll need to setup port forwarding on the router and set the RM plugin up to respond to http requests. My home alarm videos will help you understand that stuff if you're interested in using IFTTT to control the RM pro. Hope that helps. -P
Thanks for the quick answer Paul, I see now. For the moment I did a separate "on command" for the STOP function. So with that I can set the blinder wherever I want. I'm using IFTTT for tother home automation but not with RM so far. I'll check out your other video and try it out . Thanks again
Hi Paul, Not sure if this has been asked before as there are many questions asked. I dont have an android phone or tablet, i have an iphone. There is a broadlink app for ios but no RM Tasker. Can this video be done with ios? I do have an Amazon fire stick but not sure if this is out of the question to use. Thank you
hi, great demo. Found some tricky to follow but that was me and now I have done it I have stumbled at the last hurdle. I ask Alexa to discover new devices and she comes straight back saying done, there are none. But stumped. Any pointers? I see my two devices in the RM plugin, they work from the phone. I am using the Raspberry Pi home built Alexa, maybe it is that?
Hi Paul , Thanks for the detailed video! The issue I'm having is apparently with the RM plugin. I clicked the link for the firmware update and it downloaded, but when I tried to open, it doesn't, looking for file on a flash drive?
Hi mate, Easiest way to update the firware is using the E-control app. Go to the main page and swipe right, click Eremote, click settings (top right), click device info, click firmware update :)
Hi Paul, I actually emailed the RM plugin app dev and he responded with nice step by step instructions. Firmware is now updated and Alexa just changed my TV to the local news. This is awesome - Thanks so much for your videos!! One other tip I can give, in the RM plugin app, the Alexa device list is no longer under the data section of the main page. I guess the moved it. You actually have to click on the Alexa Bridge link, and the device list is located there.
This is a great video - really helped me set my rm pro and echo dot up, now have it turning TV/SKY on/off and changing channels, volume etc...(which is good when the kids don't follow my instructions at bedtime!). I am having a bit of an issue with getting it to learn one of the remote buttons on my lg 55eg960v remote though. It's the home button which brings up the WEB OS menu - and I'd like to be able to macro the broadlink to open netflix/amazon etc..... Do you know if it is possible to input an IR code rather than it 'learning' it by pressing the button? Cannot seem to get it to work 'single press' or 'sweep frequency'. Thanks, Dan.
Hi. I've just worked out how to teach it to the RM Pro - for some reason it only works when the TV is off. maybe as it brings up the Bluetooth pointer on screen at the same time? Either way, I'll leave this here just in case anyone else has issues and this is of some use. Keep up the great work, even my wife appreciates the RM pro. Dan.
Dan Brewer thanks mate :) There are two ways to get codes into the RM pro. The way in this video, or by searching their database. Go into the econtrol app, go to add a new remote and instead of adding buttons manually press the little search icon in the top right corner. I would try a few LG TV's so see if you can find one that does what you want. Let me know if that doesn't sort it as I have a harmony one remote that I can download the codes for and then I'll try scanning those codes in using my harmony one, and can then upload the remote for you. Sometimes TV manufacturers do clever things to try stop people using other remotes, but Harmony can usually duplicate these clever sequences and I've been able to teach the RM pro from the Harmony remote where the original remote failed!
Dan Brewer Dan Brewer thanks mate :) There are two ways to get codes into the RM pro. The way in this video, or by searching their database. Go into the econtrol app, go to add a new remote and instead of adding buttons manually press the little search icon in the top right corner. I would try a few LG TV's so see if you can find one that does what you want. Let me know if that doesn't sort it as I have a harmony one remote that I can download the codes for and then I'll try scanning those codes in using my harmony one, and can then upload the remote for you. Sometimes TV manufacturers do clever things to try stop people using other remotes, but Harmony can usually duplicate these clever sequences and I've been able to teach the RM pro from the Harmony remote where the original remote failed!
Paul Hibbert Brilliant. Thanks. although I've got the home button working, I can't seem to get the select/OK button now. Will try as you suggest and get back to you if it doesn't work. Cheers!
Ok. Got the home button working by having the TV off while pressing it and the OK button by downloading an LG oled one as you suggested. Now got a macro working for Netflix and Amazon film. Brilliant. Thanks for the help again
Hello Paul and thanks for taking the time to make your videos, they're greatly appreciated. From what I gather, to get Alexa to control a Broadlink RM Pro, I will need to download the RM Plugin, but that can only be done via an Android device? And not necessarily an Android phone, it could be done via an Android set-top box? Any chance of explaining what it does please and why a plugin on a set-top box can get this to work as this is way over my head?! I take it there's no way of getting Alexa to control a Broadlink using an iPhone or Windows PC? Almost done... from the comments I see there's a new app available that should be able to get Alexa to control a Broadlink without a plugin (for us iPhone users), but that it's not yet available in the UK? Is that correct please, and if so any idea when the UK's likely to get it? And even if we do get it, do you think your Android with RM plugin version is a better option? Thank you!! Justin
Hey Paul, do you know of a way to control a tp-link socket (hs110) with the rm pro2? I can't find a way to add the socket to e-control. Love your videos, keep it up :))
thebatu89 thanks man :) I'm in a 4 bed and the coverage extends all over the house as long as I locate it fairly centrally. Because it's Wi-Fi you can put it anywhere you like. A hallway is probably the best location.
Hi Paul, I just use my Harmony Elite remote with hub. It has amazing integration with Alexa and ton of other home automation products. Not sure if that would work for you.
Hi Paul, thanks for the guide. quick question, how strong are the signals from RF Pro? Do their signals penetrate across rooms? or do you have to have individual RF Pro to control different devices in each room?
ctys2ard1 hey! The RF signals reach all over my 4 bedroom house. So I can control lights in any room. The infrared can obviously only control stuff in the same room, but you can buy rm minis for other rooms that just blast infrared and are much cheaper. Thanks, -P
Great work again Paul! I am following in your footsteps and have just received a Broadlink Pro. The only thing is the Broadlink will not connect to my network! :( I amusing a Virgin hub 3.0 on Virgin. I tested it with an Android mobile hotspot and it found the device. Tried it again with the Virgin hub, no joy. I have looked all over online and can't find much in the way of a solution. I am asking you as you are also on Virgin, did you have any issues connecting the Broadlink hub to your Virgin network? Have you any suggestions? Thanks again for all your work!
Thanks bud :) I've not had any issues with my Superhub. I have an idea though; do you connect your phone to 2Ghz of 5Ghz? You'll perhaps need to connect both the phone and the RM pro to the 2Ghz network so that you can be certain they are on the same LAN range etc. See where that gets you. Thanks, -P
Hi Paul, this is a super useful video, thanks. I have just ordered my first Echo Dot. I already have Hue and WeMo devices which I'm looking forward to being able to control in groups. I also have some roller blinds that are controlled by RF, and am looking into getting the Broadlink RM2 to learn the RF codes for timed opening/closing of the blinds. Adding echo control would be helpful. I'm wondering how it would work with opening the blinds (they stop at the top by say I want to open them by 50%) - guessing I would have to make a macro to press the up button, wait a few seconds, then press the stop button. I'll let you know how it works out, and maybe even make a video to help others. Cheers!
Matthew Weaver good shout. I think your suggestion is the same as I would have recommended. You might find the blinds are on a different frequency depending on where they originated. Fingers crossed they're not. My projector screen is 315Mhz range and the RM pro is 433Mhz range. You can buy RM pros in both ranges because different countries use one of the two. You cod technically buy both RM pros and control all frequencies!
Thanks for the freq tip. Luckily it says 433mhz range on the back of the remote. The remote has 5 channels that you can switch between. I'm presuming the channel selection just changes which memory location the remote uses to send the RF frequencies, so hopefully I'd be able to get the RF for each blind and create groups within the Alexa app to control certain blinds together. Not sure how this would work in combination with a macro.
Great news! :) Yeah, it's likely the blinds are each on a separate fixed frequency that you'll teach the RM pro. You'll be able to create each blind as a separate button, and then create "scenes" in the broadlink app/RM plugin such as "All blinds" or "Living room blinds" etc. When it's all working I will be super jealous! :P
Just for info the RM Pro in the UK covers both 433 and 315 ranges (as well as IR obviously) - currently using an RM Pro with RM Tasker via my Echo to control my lighting via broadlink TC2 light switches, turn on and off my TV, Sky Box and Amp, and also turn my Eufy Robototic vacuum cleaner on and off (yes that is the ultimate lazy)
Andy Stubbs that is utterly awesome! Time for me to get that set up! Are you sure your RM pro can control 315Mhz? They're advertised that way but mine only came with the 433Mhz transmitter and I was told later on that it's illegal to sell 315MHz devices in the UK! Do you have it controlling 315Mhz?
Hi Paul, Fantastic video I followed the instructions and had this working perfectly, one quick question/request well maybe 2... :) Can you kindly advise or possibly put together a tutorial to show how to create a group for setting up macro commands like you show at the end of your video? For example, do you have to create a macro in RM Plugin first before your setup the group in Alexa under smart home as shown? I tried this and Alexa responds with “I have numerous devices using that name” i.e. Alexa turn on living room, which is strange when I only have that in a group and not as another smart device which I noticed can happen if you were to setup a macro and then add it to the Alexa device list in RM Plugin. Slightly confused would appreciate your expert insight. Thanks, Paul, keep up the great work.
+Alex Hughes hey man. Check out my latest video of me installing the GLS touch dimmer. In order to dim the lights I set up a macro and guide you through it. Let me know if it doesn't answer your question. Thanks, -P
Thanks for this. I always leave my Fire TV 2nd gen on all the time. It would be interesting to know if the app ran okay on that, when side loaded. Program everything up easily on say a tablet, then pass all the settings over to it.
Paul, great set of videos. I've got my Alexa controlling my Broadlink via RM Tasker controlling my lights, TV, blinds. Well, I used to.... Just done a factory reset of my phone, my only phone with e-Control setup on. So I have lost all of my e-Control codes. I know how easy it is to share codes from RM Tasker on my Kodi box back to my Android phone, but is there any way of getting those codes back into e-Control, in the same way as its easy to get codes from e-Control to RM Tasker ? Thanks
Fantastic demonstration Mr Hibbert. I am just awaiting on an android box being delivered so that I can install the tasker plugin on that instead of mobile etc, a lot of people use kodi on these boxes but hopefully using this device it will always has an on connection without any time outs and isn't a battery drainer. Thanks again for your video.
Hey Paul is this still the best way of setting up your remote controlled devices e.g. Home Easy sockets & light switches, since you originally produced this vid or are there better ways? I think I've watched all your vids and I can not see any other better ways, but, thought it would be best to check with you. I tend to use the RM Plug on an old samsung phone in for setting everything up and don't bother with the crappy old broad link app, and it seems the latest broad link app is even worse. Great vids by the way, you re a star!
+ian goodfellow thanks mate :D Check this out, it should answer all of your questions!... www.paulhibbert.co.uk/2017/11/24/a-complete-guide-to-connecting-the-broadlink-rm-pro-and-broadlink-blackbean-to-alexa/
Hi Paul, just want to say a great big thanks for your video, I've got it working perfectly !! I bought the RM Pro through your link and I was just wondering if you could recommend a cheap Android tablet from Amazon that I could use - I see from the Plugin that some manufactures devices won't work with it.
Hi Paul, just watched the video and I've put one in my basket !! I don't think the affiliate link is working though so I'm gonna send a small donation through paypal as well just in case. Thanks for all of your help and for replying so quickly.
Hi Paul, love your videos. Have only got IOS in my house, so need a cheap android box to run the Tasker app, what do you recommend, don't need it to run Kodi as already got a Nvidia Shield & Intel Nuc running that. Thank you
Hey man, Thanks! :) The most cost effective way is still an android set top box. You can either put it in another room and have Kodi in another location or just put it in a cupboard and leave it to do it's thing. I've never used one, but this looks well reviewed and super affordable!... amzn.to/2pnSZhO If you buy through the above affiliate link then I'll get a cut at no additional cost to you too :) Cheers, -P
Hey Paul, just hit the mute on the top when you want to say 'Alexa' without waking her. I have to do it when watching your tutorials or else all hell breaks out in my house. The wife shouts up that the living room has lit up light a Christmas tree.
Apologies if this is a really basic question, but what is the difference between the IHC and e-control apps and when should they be used? I notice on some videos you use IHC, then on others you use e-control.
+Dave Starkie hi mate. Long story, but this will answer it and it's really important to read it if you're thinking of buying a broadlink product... www.paulhibbert.co.uk/2017/11/24/a-complete-guide-to-connecting-the-broadlink-rm-pro-and-broadlink-blackbean-to-alexa/
Hi, just a quick question, the tasker link is running in the background. That puts me off wanting to put it on my everyday mobile because I don't want to drain my battery, so I was wondering if the tasker will work on an old android device (4.4)? And does the Android device with the tasker on it need to be powered on at all times? Thanks, love the videos, keep up the good work :)
+richard bissett unfortunately not but a lot of people in your situation are buying Android set top boxes which gives them the added bonus of having a Kodi box too. This one will do the trick... amzn.to/2tysmof -P
Hi Paul, I am trying to make a Broadlink RM Pro work with an Amazon Echo Plus (has device controller inbuilt) and with an Apple TV (Home App). I have eventually downloaded ihc and e-control as well as Amazon Alexa and Apple Home. I am trying to avoid using an additional Android Tablet. I tried to create controls (1) to turn on TV {OK} (2) Turn on Apple TV {OK} but then to connect the two requires Panasonic TV Remote - [AV Button] then [Down Arrow] x2 to get to HDMI4 . This is made more complex by the TV retains the HDMI Channel it was last on. Without looking at the TV Screen it seems impossible to reliably get to HMDI4. Any suggestions? I have tried keeping the [Down Arrow] Button depressed and all this does is scroll unreliable through the AV options list. I am also trying to make some blinds voice controlled . There are 14 channels for 14 motors with a remote to select the channel. Each Channel has an [Up] button + a [Down] button and a [Stop] button plus a [Channel Button] to select the Channel by going [Up] & [Down] through the channels. This needs visual feedback in much the same way as the [HDMI] button problem. The Remote retains the channel that was last used. I am having difficulty Recording the Channel Change Signal. If I tap the [down] button once quickly it does not appear to work. If I hold the [down] button for a period of time the signal is recorded but then I cycle through channels at random. What are your suggestions for recording?
Thanks for posting this Paul. I would not have been about to control my home without your video tutorial.. Question: My e-Control Timers don't seem to be doing anything.. Is there some trick I'm missing?
+Richard Lee I tried mine for the first time the other day just as a test as I'd never used them. Worked fine for me. I long press on the button I want to set a timer for and choose timer. The rest is self explanatory. Is that how you're doing it?
Nope, I was clicking on the timer menu.. Not using the button hold to get the mini-menu for that (off or on) button.. I used your tip, and now my 'new' timers work like they should.. Thanks for replying. I broke down and purchased my first app.. The Tasker plug-in.. :)
Charles Snedden yeah, it has a bug. 😔 good ews is that the developer spoke to me this morning and I've supplied a video of the problem so fingers crossed for a quick turnaround. In the mean time if you visit the below address there's an older version that's still working in the mean time!... www.paulhibbert.co.uk/downloads Thanks, -P
Very nice explanatory video this. Does this method still work? Tasker speaks to myBroadlink ok, but I can't actually set the Alexa Philips Hue skill up. I needed to create an account and then physically press the Hue Bridge to complete registration, which I can't do without the physical device.
Hi Graham, thanks for the kind words :) Yep, this still works. You just enable the Philips Hue skill in the Alexa app, no need for the hub. There is an alternative to this now, but it comes with it's own set of drawbacks, check this video out... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Lg4HQhN5KXo.html
I'm having the same problem. Alexa doesn't let me enable the Hue skill without pressing a button on the Hue bridge. And Alexa doesn't discover any devices even when the Alexa Bridge is switched on (assuming this is because the Hue skill is turned off)
