Introduction
Growing up with iconic shows like Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica, I was mesmerized by the futuristic technology they showcased—computers that could track people, control environments, and help solve whatever mystery of the day that the plot demanded. The seamless integration of technology in these shows always captivated me. Interestingly, the lack of consistency in these fictional universes often meant that the technology was conveniently forgotten in one episode, only to become crucial in another. Imagine if Lt. Worf's console had buzzed every time an uninvited guest beamed onto the ship!Fast forward to today, and the sci-fi of my childhood is no longer just fiction. The automation seen in newly built office buildings, with their computerized lighting, HVAC systems, presence detection, and security, all monitored and controlled remotely, mirrors those once-futuristic ideas. Even in my work at Amazon, I've seen how this technology can integrate with modern cloud solutions like AWS CloudWatch, an improvement on the proprietary databases typical for “enterprise solutions”.
Home automation, once the domain of tinkerers who could build their own hardware and write their own firmware from scratch, has now become mainstream, with a plethora of “Internet of Things” (IoT) products promising ease of use. However, there's a twist. The industry is still evolving, and companies often change course or shut down, rendering their products obsolete and orphaned—ironically making the 'T' in IoT all too often stand for 'trash'.
My personal foray into home automation began modestly, evolving from stand-alone motion-activated lights to more sophisticated systems like SmartThings and Alexa-powered devices. Yet, these early experiments were limited by the technology's siloed nature and lack of interoperability.
Then, three pivotal things happened: the technology matured, I bought a house, and the Home Assistant project emerged. Home Assistant is exactly what I wanted in smart home technology, emphasizing user control, interoperability, and a vibrant open-source community.
Since purchasing my home in the summer of 2020, I've embarked on a journey to retrofit and upgrade its 20-year-old tech. This blog series will chronicle my adventures in home automation – the successes, the failures, the choices, and the lessons learned. I’ll share insights on the technologies and products I've used, all without any corporate sponsorship.
Why "Murasakijou"? It's a nod to my love for Japanese culture and language, meaning "the fortress of purple," and it's the name I've given my home.
This will be fun. Let’s get started.
First, we start with Home Assistant
Home Assistant, or Hassio, is a practical choice in my home automation journey. It's open-source, which means it's free and customizable – a significant advantage for someone like me who enjoys personalizing technology. Its major appeal lies in its compatibility with a wide range of devices. I'm not restricted to products from a single company; it can manage gadgets from various manufacturers, even those that typically don't cooperate with their competitors.The community surrounding Home Assistant is invaluable. Filled with users and developers constantly refining the system, it consistently provides frequent updates and new functionalities. This community-driven development keeps the platform both relevant and evolving.
Privacy is a crucial aspect of Home Assistant. It operates locally, keeping my data secure in my home, away from external cloud servers. This also means my smart home system remains functional, even when my internet connection is down.
Where Home Assistant truly excels is in its customization capabilities. It allows me to tailor my smart home setup exactly to my preferences, from basic operations to intricate automations. This level of flexibility is perfect for aligning the system with my desires.
Home Assistant provides a flexible and user-focused approach to managing my home automation. It's not some corporate product; it's a tool that puts me in charge of how my home operates.
Next, some requirements
I'm not the only one in my house; my family's here too. So, the smart home setup needs to work for them too, not just me. If the internet cuts out, most things should still work. If the Home Assistant computer or any crucial device goes down, the house should work in manual mode, not just shut down. In case of a power outage, and when power returns (be it from the generator or utility), everything must return to normal. I've got to be able to control and to fix things remotely, and anyone in the house should manage basic smart tasks. The property's big, over 5 acres, remote, and full of trees. I want the automation to cover everything - from the mailbox at one end to the well at the other, including the house, gardens, shop, and garage.I aim for most parts to be retail-bought, from reliable companies, with warranties and UL certification, and meeting building and electrical codes. I prefer to avoid devices that need a constant internet connection, but I'm open to some flexibility, provided I can take manual control during internet outages. I am unwilling to pay annual subscription fees without good reason. While I'm up for reprogramming devices and creating custom solutions with things like ESP32 microcomputers, anything I custom build must not be critical to using and enjoying the house.
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