Smart home from xiomi. "Smart home
One of the trends of our time is the creation of “ smart home" There are many manufacturers who produce devices to make your dream home come true. Xiaomi kits for remote control many processes in the home have proven themselves well in the market of “smart” assistants.
Description: advantages and disadvantages of the Xiaomi system
The Xiaomi smart home system has many positive qualities:
- the ability to adjust the set’s functions to the needs of the owners;
- additional equipment with new devices (as needed);
- economical energy consumption;
- data protection from outside intrusion;
- work via Wi-Fi.
The system can operate in two modes: remotely and directly when the owners are in the house. Separate useful feature Xiaomi kit - setting up a security alarm.
For successful operation of the system, it is desirable that the air humidity in the room does not exceed 95%, and the acceptable temperature limits are from minus five to plus forty degrees.
The advantages of the system include the fact that its installation and connection does not require laying cables or drilling walls; it is enough to secure Xiaomi devices using double-sided adhesive tape, which is included in the kit.
The main disadvantage of the Xiaomi smart home system is its inability to adapt to Europeans. Everything is focused on knowledge of the Chinese language - from connecting to a socket (a specially designed plug) to setting up functional modules (there is neither a Russian nor an English version). Even the radio only works in Chinese.
Main control unit
This device combines several functions: system control, sound dynamics and a light source.
The Xiaomi system control unit will not take up much space
To turn on the device, a regular power supply is suitable, but its plug is made like an Australian one. You will need an adapter, which is included in the kit. You can also purchase a suitable universal extension cable with a USB connector.
There is a control button on the top, with its help you can change the operating modes of the device.
The main system control device looks aesthetically pleasing and can be placed in any room
The speaker can be used as an alarm clock or for listening to Internet radio (Chinese only). There is no possibility of tuning to any other radio stations in the world. You won't be able to play your music archives either.
The central module can also be used as a night light: up to 16 million colors come from this device. The owners of the “smart home” adjust the brightness and color themselves.
The color of the night light can be adjusted to your liking
System components
For remote control A “smart home” requires the Internet and a system that allows you to start or disable certain processes from a distance. Xiaomi company specializes in producing a wide range of products - from smartphones to plasma TVs. This company also produces devices for the “smart home” system.
The Xiaomi smart home system is compact and does not take up much space
Externally, this set looks like a yellowish box, inside of which there are all the components and instructions in Chinese with illustrations.
Illustrated instructions for the system, with captions in Chinese
You can automate some household processes using the Chinese system Xiaomi manufacturers, which includes:
With elements of the “smart home” system, you can automate many processes in the apartment
Video: review of the Xiaomi Smart Home kit
System installation and configuration
Connection wireless network - prerequisite for Xiaomi smart home operation. The first thing to do is download Xiaomi app Smart Home to work in a smartphone with this system: Xiaomi in App Store(for iOS) or its equivalent in the ARK extension for Android OS. After logging into the application, an account is created, it will be useful when further work with the system.
The next step is to connect the central gateway to Wi-Fi. Easy plug-in and appearance yellow light means readiness to select and configure new devices in the system. All actions must be correlated with the algorithm that appears on the screen. The sounds accompanying the operation of the device, unfortunately, will not be understandable to everyone, since voice instructions are given in Chinese.
Installation
Step-by-step connection instructions:
Settings
All manipulations with the main block are done in the Gateway tab. For example, in the light settings you can change the brightness and tone.
Use the sliders to adjust brightness and color
The exact time and days of the week are entered in the alarm settings tab. We must remember to adjust for the time difference with China. You can also set the alarm to turn off by choosing manual method or sensor.
In the alarm settings tab, you can set the start time of the alarm and the duration of the call
To configure the inclusion of the lamp and the duration of its operation, you need to go to the tab for the night light. The operation of the lamp can be correlated with the time of day, days of the week, and depending on this, the necessary data can be set.
The following parameters are indicated in the alarm indicators:
- number of triggered sound devices(one or more);
- type and volume of sound;
- siren activation schedule.
To set up a doorbell, you need to set the signal volume and melody. The smart home system has an important function - a doorbell notification sent to your smartphone.
In the doorbell tab you can turn the signal on or off and adjust its volume
You can add new devices to connected devices using the “add device” function. To connect additional functions you will have to use a paperclip (included in the kit): insert it into the hole on the module body and hold it for a few seconds.
Types of Xiaomi smart home devices
There are a lot of “smart” assistants that make life easier modern people and capable of working in the absence of their owners. The Xiaomi campaign offers a wide range of such devices:
- Robot vacuum cleaner. Dry cleaning of medium-sized rooms can be done by Mi Robot Vacuum. This assistant is designed with a restrictive movement function. The vacuum cleaner can clean without damaging furniture and walls, since the sensor built into it sees obstacles and does not collide with them.
Robot vacuum cleaner is a good help for working women - Fan. This device works both mains and autonomously. It has several airflow modes. The device can be moved to any corner of the house and even to a loggia or terrace. The setup is done through the application.
The fan interface will fit well into any interior - Xiaomi Mi Water Purifier is a filter for water purification. Four levels of purification allow it to be used to improve water quality. Integration of this device into the “smart home” system does not amount to a lot of work.
Using clean water from the tap is easy and simple if you have such a “smart” assistant - Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier - air purifier. Air in need of purification enters the device from four sides and exits through the top hole in a treated form. Wool, unpleasant odors, and impurities are removed at high speed. Ten minutes of operation of the device is enough to purify the air over an area of 20 m2.
With an air purifier, you don't have to worry about harmful impurities in the atmosphere at home. - An air humidifier - Xiaomi Mi Air Humidifier - will help change the condition of the air space, this is especially true when dust accumulates and there is a lack of moisture. In the application, you can make settings for remote operation of the device: timer, on time, etc.
In dry weather, you can humidify the air in the room before arriving home. - Xiaomi Mi Smart Kettle is a remotely operating kettle that can maintain a certain temperature and turn on or off according to the set parameters.
Externally, the Xiaomi kettle is no different from conventional devices - Xiaomi Mi Smart Power plug- a socket that many people dream of. Its advantage is that it is able to monitor the charging process of devices; using this device, you can easily regulate the network power for certain devices over a long distance.
The Xiaomi socket will help save energy and charge the necessary devices in time - Xiaomi home cameras are designed to allow owners to monitor their home in their absence or monitor children or house helpers from a distance.
CCTV cameras can be placed on the floor or on walls using adhesive tape
The company is developing and constantly improving, providing new services to its clients and potential buyers.
Possibilities of a “smart home”
After connecting all the system components, living in a “smart home” becomes very convenient. By default, the Xiaomi system is set to ring front door. The preset also includes:
- alarm triggered by movement or opening of a window sash;
- alarm clock with date and time settings;
- a night light that responds to movement or operates from a power button.
If you have additional components of the Xiaomi system, you can automate other home processes. For example, when the alarm goes off, the video camera will automatically start working or the air supply from the room air freshener will stop simultaneously with the opening of the window.
In the smart home system, you can configure many individual scenarios; each owner does this at his own discretion. For example, a few minutes before the alarm goes off, you can start the coffee machine or turn on the alarm after the car leaves the garage. The capabilities of the smart home system include such a useful function as receiving SMS messages on a smartphone or tablet, this is done via the Internet. Moreover, all family members can have this connection at once, which is convenient for parental control.
You can view sensor readings directly in the smart home system application; all logs are saved. Xiaomi campaign updates quite often system applications, and the sensor batteries are designed for two-year service. After the end of their service life, they can be replaced.
Features of use
The smart home system operates within an Internet connection area with five-meter coverage. This is practical data using Xiaomi, although the documentation defines much smaller boundaries - up to two meters.
About 30 meters of uncluttered space will be needed for the sensors to function well, for a company-guaranteed space - 10 meters. The sensor signal can even pass through two walls. Several controllers can be connected to the central gateway to monitor the operation of multiple sensors. Unfortunately, the system does not provide battery charge monitoring, which can cause unexpected failure of some components.
Control
A stationary personal computer is not suitable for controlling a smart home system. Only two operating systems can do this - Android and iOS. The software is updated constantly and can be downloaded to your tablet or smartphone. Xiaomi has provided for the use cloud service, this will be useful for remote system configuration.
Smart home system applications have three types of icons: devices, profile and store. In the “devices” tab you can control connected sensors, the “store” is necessary to purchase equipment, an account is created in the “profile”, devices are monitored, and feedback is sent to the company about the operation of the system.
Hi all. Today we will take a closer look at five smart devices from Xiaomi: an extension cord with 6 sockets, a gateway device (“gate” is the main device for combining all sensors into single network), WiFi socket with ZigBee technology (more about the technology below), temperature and humidity sensor and motion sensor. Now the topic of “smart home” is very actively developing. Xiaomi does not lag behind and constantly releases new devices: a humidifier, an air purifier, a rice cooker, an IP camera (my review of it), a light bulb, etc. It seems to me that in another year Xiaomi will be among the leaders in such devices. In total, Xiaomi already has more than 50 such devices.
Let's start with the background: I immediately ordered a purifier and a humidifier from Xiaomi, thought for a long time and finally decided to take them (they will arrive in the next few days + time for tests and then I will finish this review). So, in order to measure the temperature not only with the sensor built into the humidifier, I also bought a separate sensor that can be hung in another room (it will also start the humidifier). WiFi socket - for remote control of these devices.
P.S. Will be added.
The devices are delivered in white cardboard boxes, each of them contains instructions only in Chinese and the device itself. 
So, my idea of using these devices. A gateway device and also a purifier are connected to the extension cord. The humidifier is planned to be connected to a separate WiFi socket (working on ZigBee technology. The ZigBee specification is focused on applications that require guaranteed secure data transmission at relatively low speeds and the ability to long work battery-powered network devices). Simply put, ZIgBee allows the same temperature sensor to operate from a regular 3V battery for about a year (less energy consumption due to data transfer speed. But we won’t be downloading torrents from it :)
Next, a temperature (humidity) sensor, a motion sensor, and a WiFi socket are connected to the gateway (this is mandatory, they will not work without the gateway).
Here's a rough sketch of the connection. 
The only thing is that in my circuit the gateway is connected to a tee, it is better to connect it to a separate socket, since if the power to the gateway (the white round “washer”, who forgot) is turned off, all sensors will stop working. Keep this in mind. But when power is restored, all devices themselves reconnect to the gateway and your network works again.
Links to all these devices are in the description of the video at the end of the review! Let's start the review with the extension cord.
Xiaomi Smart Power Strip (6 socket extension cable).
Specifications: cable length is 1.8 meters, the housing is made of fireproof (up to 750 degrees Celsius) plastic, maximum values: 2500W 10A 250V. PHOTOS
On the front side there is a power button, 2 indicators: WiFI and power, 3 sockets for Euro and Chinese (American) plugs and 3 universal sockets.
There are rubber inserts on the bottom to prevent the tee from sliding on the surface. 
The plug is triple (as in the UK), it only comes with this one, so we either use adapters or go to the household. store and buy a euro plug if you have golden hands and a soldering iron. 
For all Xiaomi devices to work, an application is required MiHome. Below I’ll tell you where to get the Russian version of the application and how to set everything up.
MiHome application. Setting up devices.
To download the Russian version of the application, follow the link and download the version from Opel or MIUI Russia (I chose this version). Next, we create an MI account for those who don’t already have one (Xiaomi has 1 account for everything: bracelet, MiHome, Xiaomi phones etc.). Then go to the application, select the location China and go to home screen.
You won't have anything in the device section, I still have the IR remote control set up and an LG TV connected. Here you can select your devices, switch to them, configure them, etc.
I’m telling you the algorithm for connecting devices (for those who don’t understand, there’s a link below with more detailed description): so, the easiest way, turn on the power on the new device and keep it next to the phone, the phone will immediately notice your device (gateway or tee for example. Sensors connect to the gateway!) and you will have a notification and the opportunity to download the device’s control “module”. Configure the settings there (for example, set a name like I have “My extension cord”) and that’s it - on the MiHome main screen you can control your extension cord.
Same for all independent devices (purifier, gateway, tee, etc.), for sensors, smart sockets - the setup is done through the gateway (I’ll show you below).
Main features:
- View statistics (power consumption and approximate money consumption. The cost of kWh is set in the application, but only in Yuan - a dubious feature).
The first screenshot is the main tee control screen. Pay attention to the inscription “low power consumption”. You can configure automatic shutdown if there are no consumers.
Second screenshot - the iron is turned on, consumption is 1186W (manufacturer declared 1180W).
The third is setting the on and off periods.
And a few more screenshots. 
Here, in the first screenshot you can see statistics on the use of the extension cord, in the second - the control screen changes color to gray when disconnected, the third - additional settings.
That's all for the extension cord for now.
Xiaomi Multifunctional Gateway Device (Multifunctional gateway (“gate”) device).
Specifications: 1200 Chinese radio stations (Chinese only), 16 million RGB backlight, a maximum of 30 devices can be connected to 1 gateway (for example, 10 temperature sensors, 10 sockets and 10 motion sensors), there is also an alarm clock and many other functions. I repeat once again: This is the main device (the “gate” of the house) that connects all the sensors, WiFi sockets and some other switches. All major devices connect directly to MiHome.
That is, when buying a temperature sensor for $15, you must also buy a gateway for $28. Since it is he who processes all events: for example, what to do if a motion sensor or door (window) sensor is triggered, what to do with temperature information, etc. This is the main rules store: “If this, then do that.”
PHOTOS
It comes like all devices in a white box, inside the device itself and the instructions are completely in Chinese (it also contains a needle for turning on some sensors, I’ll show you later).
The gateway itself is a white puck with many holes (since there is a speaker inside). 
At the bottom there is again a triple plug, on 4pda there is information on how to convert it to a European one, but personally I appearance I won’t spoil it and use adapters. 
On the side there is a single button to turn on the gateway, as well as to turn on/off the backlight.
There is an insert running around the device, under which there are RGB LEDs. 
Sample design demonstration. 
Main features:
- Management of all sensors and WiFI sockets.
- Backlight (for example, you can set it to turn on if the motion sensor is triggered). Customizable colors. You can turn it off altogether or change the brightness.
- Radio, 1200 radio stations, but all Chinese.
- A repository of rules for processing events from sensors (you can configure anything, from notifications to turning on the humidifier only when you are at home + you are not in the room + the temperature is less than X degrees. Whatever your imagination is enough for).
- Turn on the alarm (you need a door sensor or motion sensor).
- Alarm.
Screenshots of the gateway control screen. The first is setting the color, brightness, backlight on/off, control of the WiFi outlet, information on all sensors. The second is setting up the very rules that I spoke about above. The third is the connected devices tab (I have already connected the socket, temperature (humidity) sensor and motion sensor). 
A couple of illumination examples. 
That’s all for the gateway for now, below I’ll show you how to work with sensors.
Xiaomi WiFi socket (ZigBee version)
Specifications: WiFi universal socket, case made of fireproof (up to 750 degrees Celsius) plastic, ZigBee technology. PHOTOS
On the front side there is a universal socket and a device operation indicator. 
The plug is again triple, again you need an adapter. 
Power button for manually turning off the socket. 
Main features:
Almost everything here is the same as in the extension cord, only slightly different statistics.
- Energy consumption measurement (Watt, W).
- Switching on at certain periods of time (for example, work only from 8 am to 24 pm).
- Shutdown by timer (for example, turn off the tee after 15 minutes or 2 hours).
- View statistics: per day, per month.
That feeling when you connect a WiFi socket to a WiFi socket :) 
Xiaomi temperature and Humidity Sensor (temperature and humidity sensor).
Specifications: measurement error -0.3; 0.3 degrees Celsius, device operating temperature -20; 60 degrees Celsius. Please note that this is not the limit of measurement. People hung it outside at -37 and the sensor continued to measure. PHOTOS
On the front side there is an image of a thermometer. Below we see holes for ventilation (possibly also for moisture removal) and increasing measurement accuracy. On the opposite end is the power button. 
At the back there is a platform for gluing with double-sided tape and a recess for unscrewing the lid.
Double-sided tape is included. 
Disassembled. This is where ZigBee technology comes into play. This small lithium battery will power the device for about a year. 
To understand the size of the devices, I took pictures of everything together. 
Main features:
- Wide measurement range (theoretically unlimited). But the manufacturer does not recommend exceeding -20; 60 degrees.
- Tiny size, low power consumption.
- Minor error.
- Measuring not only temperature, but also humidity.
In general, you can hang it there forever, the only question is why? Interesting note: the temperature dropped by 0.5 - 0.7 degrees.
Xiaomi Human Body Sensor (motion sensor).
Specifications: motion detection range is 7 meters, viewing angle is 170 degrees. PHOTOS
A very simple device, on the face there is the sensor itself and a hole for turning it on. By the way, when you turn on the application, it says - seal the hole so that no one disconnects the sensor :) 
Internally, again thanks to ZigBee, long-term operation is ensured. 
There is double sided tape on the underside for sticking to ceilings etc, but you can just put it on a shelf. 
Main features:
- Motion detection range is 7 meters.
- Viewing angle 170 degrees.
- His task: to determine whether there is anyone in the room. Then, based on this information, you can start something, turn it off, etc.
I described each device in as much detail as possible. As you can see, all smart devices from Xiaomi are divided into basic and additional. Basic - independent devices, such as humidifier, rice cooker, kettle, cleaner, tee, etc. Additional are all kinds of sensors and sensors, smart elements controls (XIaomi Cube Controller), which do not provide any benefit on their own, serve to expand and more flexible configuration of the main devices. In 5 days I’ll write about the cleaner air xiaomi and a little later about the humidifier.
That's all for me. Below is more video material: a detailed video review + demonstration of work.
I recommend watching it. Bye everyone.
Detailed review. Links to all these devices are in the video description!
Good evening!
There hasn’t been a review of this device on Muska yet, so I’m making up for this misunderstanding.
The product was purchased at my own expense through a friend in China.
So what is this device?
This is a gateway for all kinds of sensors from xiaomi, sharing which, together with customized scenarios, will give the house the long-awaited “smartness”.
On present moment The following sensors have been released:
Motion sensor
Temperature and humidity sensor
Sensor for opening/closing doors (windows, cabinets, etc.)
The list is small, but I hope it will grow.
Also in this family there is a “smart” socket, controlled through a single MiHome application, with which you can control electric power. devices with loads up to 16A. The sockets will be my second order, so I can only talk about them in theory. Sockets can turn on/off the connected load based on events from sensors, as well as on a timer. In addition, the outlet collects statistics on electricity consumption from the load that is connected to it.
In addition to customized scenarios, you can control the load connected to such an outlet through a button or a cube, which has a built-in gyroscope inside. Depending on the position in space, up to 8 events can be hung on a cube.
The gateway is a washer made of white matte plastic with dimensions 80*80*37 mm. The plug is Chinese, three-blade, so work is possible either through an adapter or through an extension cord (in my case, also a Xiaomi, on which the plug was replaced). The gateway itself has a backlight and a speaker. Switching of different colors of the gateway illumination can be configured for various events from sensors. The speaker can be used as an alarm clock or as a window/door opening alarm.
Gateway with and without backlight
The backlight intensity and color can be changed in the application. 
According to the description, the gateway has a light sensor and can serve as a night light when it falls below a certain threshold. In addition, it is possible to arm the circuit of an apartment/house by pressing a button in the application or by time. When a scenario is triggered (opening a door, or by a motion sensor), a sound/light signal can be sent with a notification sent to the application. Through the application, a pack of Chinese radio stations is available and a search for local ones does not work :(. Everything described works on IOS, and on Android, I believe, even more so.
There’s not even anything to say about pairing - everything went without a hitch. Installed the application using the QR code from the gateway instructions. After installation, I indicated my Wi-Fi network. The gateway then created its own Wi-Fi network, which needed to be connected to by phone. Apparently the gateway understood that I belonged. After which it was necessary to configure the sensors. To do this, there is a button on the temperature sensor; when pressed for more than 3 seconds, the sensor is paired with the gateway. On the opening/closing sensor, the same action is performed using a paper clip. After adding the sensors, you can call them whatever you want, which is useful in my case - two inputs - two opening/closing sensors, and temperature street/house.
Application screenshots
What is my setup? I hung one of the temperature sensors in the bathroom and, after receiving the smart socket, I plan to connect it to it duct fan, which will turn on when the humidity in the room exceeds 60% and turn off below this threshold.
I will use the second socket for heating control. This scenario is not suitable for many, due to the need for electric thermostats on heating radiators. I have just these - I installed it together with a heat meter, but that's a different story. When the temperature drops below 23 degrees, the outlet will turn on the thermostats on the radiators and turn them off at temperatures above 25.
Electric thermostat
The second temperature sensor was hung on outside windows and now I have, if not very accurate, but not very different from the thermometer, an idea of the outside temperature and humidity. Why it’s not very accurate - in the summer the house heats up and this affects the sensor readings. I don’t know what will happen in winter - perhaps the sensor will last a long time, but its scale in the application is calculated at least to -20. How long the battery will last in this mode is a big question.
By the way, all this stuff communicates via the ZigBee protocol with the gateway, and the gateway communicates through Wi-Fi and Chinese servers unknown to me with my smartphone. He communicates, as far as I can judge from the opening of the door and the receipt of notifications, quite responsively. Less than a second passes from the moment of opening, which is more than acceptable. The manufacturer claims 30-40 meters in open areas. In an apartment with brick walls, from the gateway to the distant sensor, which is also installed behind a metal door, at least 15 meters away. When the event is triggered, notifications arrive regularly.
The opening/closing sensor consists of two parts and has dimensions of 21x41x11 mm of the main unit and 10x26x9 mm of the auxiliary unit and runs on CR2032 batteries. The temperature/humidity sensor has a size of 40*40*8 mm. It is also powered by a CR2032 battery. The manufacturer promises at least 2 years of operation. I don’t know how quickly the battery on the outdoor temperature sensor will run out. The sensor is not protected from bad weather, but precipitation does not fall on it.
Dismemberment
Sensors in the interior
On background there is an opening sensor in the corner of the door
I ordered a couple more opening and closing sensors and will try to make a leakage sensor out of them. Inside is a regular reed switch, closed by a magnet in the mating part. I'll try to solder 2 contacts to the reed switch outputs, which I will place on a short distance from each other. When they are short-circuited with water, the sensor will work and a notification will be sent to the smartphone. Then everything depends on the presence of a valve with a servo drive on the riser. If it exists, then you can send a closing signal to it. If not, then contact your neighbors and plumber to have the riser blocked :) B in this case The more you know, the better you sleep.
Xiaomi also has light bulbs that can also be controlled by events and timers. The motion sensor has triggered - turn on the light, after 15 minutes or when the door closes, turn it off.
Plus, I ordered a Xiaomi Mi Flower Monitor watering sensor. I can’t tell you anything about him other than his characteristics. The measurement of illumination, soil moisture, temperature and acidity is stated. Naturally, for each indicator you can attach a scenario for watering, turning on additional. light or notification.
At GB there is now some kind of free price for the gateway itself - about 1800 rubles, which is a little more expensive than it cost me, taking into account the payment for the services of a friend. Those interested can find the link to the product themselves.
And here's another thing. I purchased a kit consisting of a gateway and an opening sensor. Some time ago, Xiaomi sold several sensors and a gateway called Xiaomi Smart Home Suite - now there is no such kit on the Xiaomi website, but there are plenty of outbids. I think it will be cheaper as a kit.
Here's a review without calipers and scales :) I hope it was informative. Ask questions - I will answer and supplement the review.
UPD. I diluted the review with photographs of the gateway, sensors and application, and also indicated the dimensions of the gateway and its sensors.
I remembered this rake. The application is half translated, so in order to see the sensor states and triggered events and states in English, I switched the phone interface language to English accordingly. On 4dpa, for rooted android devices, there is an application localized into Russian.
UPD3. I tried turning off the Internet on the router. The gateway and sensors work and execute the scenarios completely if the scenario does not send a notification, otherwise only the notification about the scenario triggering does not arrive on the phone, and the rest of the scenario works.
What makes a “smart” home is not the number of smart devices, but the automation logic, which is configured through scripts in .
Considering the number of Smart system devices Home Xiaomi, the number of possible scenarios is in the hundreds of thousands. We will try to analyze the main points, triggers and executed events.
How automation scripts work
Neural networks have not yet reached a level that allows you to completely give control of a smart home artificial intelligence. Therefore, we need to think through all possible situations ourselves and automate them using the Smart Home system. And setting up scripts will help us with this.
The general operating principle of the system can be schematically represented as follows:
Quite simple, isn't it?
You can also configure the script to trigger one of the conditions:
Unfortunately, you cannot combine “AND” and “OR” conditions in one scenario. To do this, you will have to configure several scripts.
Conditions for running the script
All scenes in a smart home are registered and triggered under certain conditions. Let's look at what could trigger a scenario in a Xiaomi smart home. (Considered using the Mi Home application for Android as an example; the iPhone application has slightly different functionality).
- Manual launch- everything is banal here, go into the application and click on the button to execute the script.
- Timer- you can set the script to run on certain days and certain time.
- When calling- when calling your mobile phone the action will be performed.
- When you receive a message- similar to the previous trigger.
- When the weather outside changes- You can ignore it for now, since you can only use weather data in China.
- Triggering of a sensor or device- depending on the devices you have, this could be " ", pressing a button, alarm on, etc..
You can set multiple conditions to be met if they are logically compatible. Let me explain: you can combine, for example, “Timer” and “the temperature in the room is above 23 degrees,” but you cannot combine “Timer” and “pressing a button,” since it is very difficult to compare the operation of these conditions at the same time. If a condition combination is not available, it is marked with a padlock symbol:
When you set a run trigger with an OR condition, you can combine any conditions.
Mi Home script actions
The available script actions depend on the selected conditions and devices. Also available:
- Run script- you can configure the script to run on a specific condition;
- Enable/disable script- scenarios can be either turned on or off, depending on the selected conditions;
- Delay- delayed execution of an action (you can set a delay of up to 1 hour);
- Device action - specified action in a smart device.
You can combine the execution of several scenarios from one condition - creating scenes. Let's look at an example of building several frequently used scenes.
Xiaomi Alarm Scenario
One of the most popular scenarios. But at the same time, it is not so easy to set up. What we need to set up a home alarm system:
- One of
- One or more ;
- Reed switch (door opening sensor);
In principle, this is a minimum set that can be ordered as a set. If necessary, you can add a robot with automatic machine guns.
There are 2 ways to configure the alarm: Setting on the gateway and Setting up a separate scenario.
Gateway 2 signaling
Consider an example of setting up signaling on a gateway. We have already added all the necessary sensors to it in advance. Go to the "Auto" tab of the gateway plugin. We see the “Attention” scene with a shield icon, go into it:
The first tab is “Timely notification”, in it you can configure the operating time of the protection mode on the gateway. The time is set without adjustment to Chinese time, I think there will be no problems with setting the work timer.
In the second tab "Alert trigger conditions" you configure the conditions that trigger the alarm.
Choose necessary conditions(2 door opening sensors and a motion sensor). The alarm will sound when any of these three sensors are triggered.
The next item is “Response time delay”. This is the time after which the alarm is activated. It is necessary so that you have time to leave the apartment before the alarm is activated.
In additional settings, you can set the sound and volume of the alert, light indication, signal time, and set up an alarm connection with another gateway. The phone notification cannot be turned off.
This completes the alarm setup. You can activate the protection mode by double-clicking the gateway button (either in the gateway settings, or setting an activation script). Now, after it passes specified time delay, when the door is opened, or motion is detected, the gateway will turn on the siren and flash red.
What will the alarm give us? Of course, it won’t stop burglars; just unplug the gateway from the socket to stop the siren. But firstly, this may scare off the bandits, and secondly, you will know that someone has broken in on you. And here you can watch what is happening on camera, call the police or run home.
Everything seems simple and clear, but during operation we will encounter an obvious disadvantage: there is no delay in the siren operation. Those. you open the front door and immediately hear the joyful sound of a siren (if you don’t disable the security mode on your phone before opening the door). The alarm is turned off by pressing the gateway button.
The question arises:
How to set the Xiaomi alarm delay?
And there are several solutions.
The first is to set your siren sound with silence at the beginning of the track. Accordingly, the alarm is activated, but you will have time to turn off the alarm.
Second - We set the action of the siren through the script. Let me explain, an alarm at the gateway is one of the conditions for triggering the scenarios.
The first thing we need to do is go to the gateway alarm settings and turn off the light indication and alert sound. Now the gateway protection mode will work, but without external factors. All we have to do is set up a script that triggers a gateway alarm:
Based on the settings of this scenario: When an alarm is triggered on the gateway:
- Delay 15 seconds;
- Play alarm sound;
- Shooting Xiaomi camera with recording to the cloud;
- Sending a notification to your phone.
Actions during anxiety can be supplemented.
But there is a minus, if you did not have time to turn off the alarm, then you will have to listen to the sound of the siren until the end.
Setting up a Xiaomi alarm through a script
There is also an alternative way to set up an alarm without using the gateway itself as a trigger.
The principle of operation is similar to the scenario with a gateway; when one of the doors is opened, or when motion is detected, the siren sound is triggered, the camera is recorded and a notification is sent to the phone.
How to turn on such an alarm? The gateway button will no longer work. You can set the alarm operating time directly in the scenario, item "Start scenario". But it’s better to turn the alarm on and off on separate device, for example, a button Let's assign 2 scenarios to the button: the first scenario turns on the “Security mode” after 15 seconds, and the second turns off the security mode and plays a short melody on the gateway:
Respectively - double tap button sets the alarm after 10 seconds. A single press disables the security mode and plays a short melody. The melody should interrupt the siren if you did not have time to turn off the alarm.
Depending on the configuration of your smart home, the alarm scenario can be expanded. A good addition should become .
Scenarios that control the lighting of a Xiaomi smart home
Lighting control is one of the main purposes of a smart home. Xiaomi knows this and has already released it. And if you like regular lamps, they can be controlled using smart switches. Don't forget about natural light, which can also be adjusted.
What scenarios will help organize lighting at home?
Remember those moments when you have to look for the light switch in the dark? Automatically turning on the light is one of the simplest scenarios. But it is worth considering that the light should not be turned on during the day. For the script we need:
We set the conditions: “The room is dark and motion is detected” and the action: “Turn on the lights.” It looks like this:
In this scenario, the gateway should be in the same room as the lamp; the motion sensor can be placed in front of the entrance or inside the room.
But it’s not enough to configure automatic switching on light, it must turn off at the right moment. To do this, the motion sensor has a condition: There is no movement for 2, 5, 10, 20 or 30 minutes. I think that no movement for 5 minutes will work fine, let's set up the scenario:
This is how you can automate indoor lighting with two simple scenarios.
Turning off the lights throughout the house
Another situation is when you leave home and you need to turn off the lights in the entire house. It’s especially offensive when you’ve already put on your shoes and see the light on in the back room. Of course, you can go into the application and turn off the lights specifically, but it’s easier to set up a script to turn off all the lights in the apartment. There should be no problems with setting up the scenario; to start the scenario, it is better to select the “End manually” option, and in the actions indicate all the lamps and switches that need to be turned off:
This script can be launched in the application, or configured to run on one of the buttons. For example, I have the launch set to the Aqara switch (pressing 2 buttons at the same time), which is located in the corridor.
You can also automate the execution of a script, for example, for no movement for 30 minutes:
According to this scenario, if there is no activity for 30 minutes on each of the motion sensors, the light-off scenario is executed. Here, of course, you need to experiment so that the light does not turn off when you go, for example, to the bath.
Combining scenarios into large-scale scenes
IN Smart system Home Xiaomi has the ability to customize scenes consisting of several scenarios. Let's consider a scenario of leaving home in which we need to turn off the lights in the entire apartment and activate the protective mode. And for convenience, let’s set the scene to be executed on a separate device, for example.
Now, when you press the button, the lights in the entire house will turn off and the security scenario will be activated. You can refine the scene with new conditions, for example, add conditions that all windows are closed.
I would like the house to understand when you leave and return, for example by tracking your bracelet. But so far this has not been implemented in the Xiaomi Smart Home system.
Presence simulation scenario
Returning to security scenarios, we can focus on the presence scenario. If you decide to go on vacation and the apartment is left unattended, then it would be a good idea to create the illusion that there are people in the apartment. Maybe remember the scene from the movie “Home Alone” when Kevin scared off the robbers by throwing a fake party? Something similar can be done through Xiaomi scripts. To simulate presence, you can use lighting devices and devices that produce sounds, such as a radio or TV.
Let's set up the lights to turn on automatically. You can use a timer, but it is better that it does not turn on at the same time. To do this, we use Gateway 2 with its light sensor. We’ll also configure how to turn on the TV using .
The stage can be expanded depending on your smart devices. For example, you can add automatic closing and opening.
I would like to point out that simulating presence can activate an alarm. Make sure that the scenarios do not overlap with each other.
Smart home scenarios
Each scenario is unique and customized for a specific task. On at this stage, with smart home of Xiaomi It will not be possible to implement all scenarios. But new devices are coming out and improving software, so we can say with confidence that the potential of the system is enormous.
If you have any questions or need help setting up the script, write in the comments or our
Xiaomi is a very diverse player in the market, presenting a huge number of devices for various fields. Today we will talk about such a direction as “ Smart home" Let's look at those devices that will make your apartment or house much smarter, performing certain actions automatically, based on the owner's preferences.
“Smart Home” from Xiaomi is supplied both as a kit and as separate modules, which can be purchased in the quantity you need.
Let's start with the kit. We will tell you what devices are included in it and what functions they perform.
The socket is very customizable - you can separately control the power of both the USB port and electrical appliances. Set to turn off (or turn on) after a certain time or according to a schedule.
This device combines two sensors: temperature and humidity.
The sensor is created in the traditional Xiaomi Smart Home style. There is an LED on the front panel that displays the operating status. At the top there is a power button, at the bottom there is a special grill through which air enters for analysis.
Device dimensions: 36 x 36 x 11.5 mm, weight only 10 grams! The sensor is powered by a CR2032 battery.There is another one on the market similar device from Xiaomi - Aqara Temperature Humidity Sensor. Its operating principle and capabilities are similar to the model described above, only, in addition to measuring temperature and humidity, there is another sensor that allows you to measure pressure.
We have listed the main, most common modules for building a Smart Home. Let's move on to a description of the capabilities and examples of scenarios that can be specified in Xiaomi Multifunctional Gateway, thereby automating many actions inside your apartment.
Due to the fact that it is impossible to configure and manage this entire system without the Xiaomi Smart Home mobile application, we will first talk about its installation and “ pitfalls”, which await you during the operation of this program.
XIAOMI SMART HOME APP
Installing the application is standard, no different from installing other applications. Just come in Google Play, if your device is running an operating system Android systems, or in App Store- from Apple devices. Download the Xiaomi Smart Home application. After downloading and installing, you can start connecting devices and setting them up.
However, it is worth noting that there are certain problems with this application, since the translation is very mediocre and is something like a cross between English and Chinese, and Chinese prevails. In this regard, it will take some time and, most likely, patience to figure it out. The easiest way is to find some detailed review, which describes all sections of the program and remembers where and what is configured and where to click. For those running Android, things are a little simpler. From the site w3bsit3-dns.com can be downloaded this application with normal translation, significantly simplifying the process of setting up equipment and scripts. There, in the appropriate sections, you can find all kinds of plugins, instructions and other useful information.
Due to the fact that this is a review and not an instruction, we will not now describe the entire process of connecting various devices and their settings. You can find all this and get acquainted with necessary information by going to link to the 4PDA website. In fact, this process is quite simple and intuitive. We think that you should not experience any problems with this, especially after reading the instructions.
SCENARIOS FOR A SMART HOME
Creating and customizing scripts is the most interesting point. A lot depends not only on your needs, but also on your imagination. Of course, the number of scenarios largely depends on the number and availability of certain modules. They specify an action (or several) that will be activated if certain conditions specified by you are met.
POSSIBLE OPTIONS FOR USING VARIOUS SENSORS
Door sensor
The name generally clears the purpose of this device. You can equip only the front door with such a sensor, or you can add them to all the windows in your apartment. In any case, the main functionality of this device is aimed at safety, so when certain settings“Smart Home” will notify you that a door or window has been opened while you are not at home, and the alarm will also turn on on the central module. For example, you can configure the light in the hallway to turn on when the front door is opened, and the air conditioner to turn off when the window is opened, or in a given room.
Motion sensor
The main purpose of this device is to detect movement in a room. When the sensor is activated, you can configure the light to automatically turn on in this room, and turn it off after a certain time interval if there is no movement. You can, for example, activate recording if there is one in the room.
Wireless button
You can come up with a lot of options for using this device. The thing is that three different actions can be programmed for it, since the button understands single, double and long presses. It can be used as a bell, activate the alarm when leaving the house, as well as all relevant scripts and necessary modules. For example, you can set it up like this: turn the light on or off with one press, with two presses – the humidifier, and with a long press – ().
Smart plug
It’s not for nothing that we added this device to the review. When using such an outlet (especially several), you can come up with many scenarios. It is possible to configure using wireless button activation of the alarm when leaving home. During “putting under protection”, sockets with devices connected to them will be automatically turned off, the operation of which is not required in your absence (kettle, iron, TV, etc.). When the alarm is turned off, those sockets that you specify in the corresponding scenario will be activated. You can plug in a kettle into a socket that is activated at a specified time. Thus, by indicating the required time (5 minutes before you wake up in the morning), getting up and coming to the kitchen, you can immediately pour yourself hot tea or coffee.
Temperature and humidity sensor
These sensors can be combined with smart sockets, to which the heater and humidifier are connected. With this option, you don’t have to worry about the room becoming dry or cold as soon as the indicator drops below the level you set, since all devices will receive a signal and turn on. When the temperature and humidity reach the desired level, the devices will automatically turn off.
CONCLUSION
In this review, we described only some (the most obvious) options for using Smart Home components. As we wrote above, a lot depends on your imagination and imagination. Having a goal and necessary equipment, with a little ingenuity and imagination, you can create just such a scenario that will best meet the requirements assigned to it.
Today, many companies offer their own options for creating a “Smart Home”, but often their systems are quite expensive. In addition, installing and configuring them is not so easy. Product created by Xiaomi, is much more convenient, and it will cost you much less (prices will be presented at the end of the article) than similar solutions from competitors.
Xiaomi's "smart home" allows you to take control of many functions and automate them. It is very convenient that you can buy separately exactly those modules (and in the quantities) that you need to implement certain tasks.
There are, of course, disadvantages to this solution:
- None of the devices are adapted for the European market. In this regard, it is necessary to buy adapters for sockets;
- Problem with translation to mobile application(this especially applies to owners of Apple devices);
- Exclusively Chinese radio stations;
- All sensors use different batteries.
We hope that this article has at least a little revealed the potential of the Smart Home from Xiaomi. Leave your comments. Write how useful the information presented in this review was for you. What devices would you like to see reviewed next?