Smart plugs/sockets, recommendations wanted

I may be wrong but I expect the app on your phone will contact the Smart Plug on some default channel and after the appropriate interaction by pressing down the power button the app will download to the device the required details such as SSID.

I used an unflashed sonoff for a while, but the china server (ewelink) changed it's protocols one day requiring a software reinstall. So I flashed them with Tasmota. I still haven't got around to getting Tasmota working with OK Google.

AIUI they make the newer sonoffs easier to flash, i.e. can be flashed via wifi rather than via usb/wires on to the pcb?

In my case...

Run the Smart Life app on my Iphone. Make sure my Iphone is connected to the wifi Access Point I want to connect the plug to (1).

Press the button on the side of the plug for 5 seconds to get the blue LED to flash quickly (there is a slow flash mode for something else).

In the Smart Life app, set it to search for the plug, when it finds it, just type in the wifi password. The flashing stops and stays on solidly.

Alexa will then also find and list the Smart Plug.

(1) I have three wifi AP's. Two of my Samart Plugs connect via one AP repeater, that repeater then connects via wifi to my main wifi router.

Hmm. Time for us Luddites to leave the party!

While I am here.. why on earth is a plastic card superior to a key fob in connection with security and convenience when linked to a motor vehicle?

I'm not sure about the sonoffs, but some of the other sockets have a recent firmware update that blocks wifi reflashing:

;-)

I think it's one of those things where you either have a need and then get something like this to fulfil it or you are interested in playing with a smart switch and might already have say an Alexa or Google Home equipped phone or tablet (or Echo / Home units etc).

If *you* (as in Mr Lamb) wanted to turn an appliance on and off (that you couldn't access easily / remotely) you would be better off with one of the basic remote switches that comes with a physical remote controller with 4 / 8 buttons and mating plug adaptor. One remote can often control 4 sockets, handy to be able to turn on / off different things, like Xmyth light controllers buried under the tree or HiFi components in a busy rack.

When you go 'Smart', you can also make use of the smart functions and have things turned on and off from a schedule or from external triggers.

Like when my mate opens the front door his Amazon Echo stuff turns the hall light on. The hall light isn't linked to the door or alarm in any (physical) way, so the hall light can also be controlled from the app, schedule (security) or by voice ... 'Alexa, hall light on 50%'.

Not generally something we couldn't do without, but can be handy if you want to traverse the hall in the dark and have your hands full. ;-)

I'm not sure I'd want to rely on anything important being driven by a schedule held on the Net, but I'm sure many do.

I bought an Amazon Smart Switch and found it very easy to link up to my WiFi (though their app on my smartphone) and on there you get a soft On/Off button or can say, 'Alexa, turn thing on' etc (I renamed the plug 'Thing' during the setup).

Only really any fun if you 1) like that sort of thing, 2) already have some of the kit (or it can get expensive) or 3) have a need where 'that solution' is the best / cheapest / most flexible one.

Cheers, T i m

It's cheaper.

The RFID card fits in your wallet or phone case, unlike the RFID shaped like an old-fashioned metal key or a plastic box of matches, which doesn't?

(given that some go out with just a phone, a bank card, a house and a car key, especially when their clothes never seem to come with pockets)

Theo

I think you need to buy the "Sonoff R3 DIY" and similar models for that.

Easier to keep in your wallet? My "car key" stays in a pocket only need to push a button on it to lock/unlock the car. Presumably a plastic card doesn't have buttons and the car locks/unlocks on the proximty of said card?

In message snipped-for-privacy@davenoise.co.uk>, "Dave Plowman (News)" snipped-for-privacy@davenoise.co.uk> writes

Cheaper for whom?

OK. You have all covered the convenience bit/ enhanced sales. Security?

It's not a whole lot different from existing keyless entry - where your matchbox keyfob talks RF to the car so it's unlocked when you approach it. Simply that the form factor is made more convenient.

Such systems have a couple of risk factors - one is the relay attack where your key is sitting on a shelf in the hall, so the miscreant walks up to the front door, and the accomplice walks up to the car, and use radio repeaters to pass the signals over a longer distance. I haven't followed this attack since it became possible about 15 years ago, but I'd hope the manufacturers defend against it now (you can do it by bounding time-of-flight).

The other is somebody mugs you and forces you against the car to unlock it. But they could have just made you operate the keyfob at knife/gunpoint anyway.

One thing I don't know is what you do if your battery is flat - you don't have the mechanical key that can be used to open the door and pop the bonnet to get in to jump start. Maybe there's another way?

Theo

Yes, that's OK with my keyfob at least. There is an emergency key inside it.

Thing with that is you have to find the remote. Many will carry their mobile with them at all times. Even in bed. ;-)

You carry a wallet? How very 20th century.

You can get a card which opens your car and house?

Well, a mate was charged £400 for a new key for an Audi. After losing one.

Are you saying a spare card would cost as much?

On my Kuga the doors will not open unless you actually touch the car, so I do not think a simple relay attack will work. The second scenario is obviously a risk. The other convenience we have is the powered tail lift which will open if you have the fob in the vicinity and wave your foot under the rear bumper which might succumb to a relay attack.

Richard

Why can't the accomplice touch the car when their mate has the radio up against your front door?

That does defeat the additional scenario where the accomplice wanders around the car park looking for the car whose lights flash, but if the car is parked on your drive then they know which car to target anyway.

Theo