Controlicz - Easy Domoticz to Alexa Integration Topic is solved

[Madgeni]

Hi all -
quick update: Amazon have released a new version of the Smart Home API, and deprecated the current one.
I've been busy working on rewriting (annoying!!) most of the interactions, so hopefully will release it at the end of next week - It *should* be frictionless to you - apparently this should allow DE users to access all functionality (but i'll believe it when I see it!)

[Madgeni]

Ok, another update - it would seem that some new users are experiencing issues. As nothing has changed my side, but AWS have deprecated the existing API, i'm going to blame them entirely I've tested the interactions for both users i know of, and from Controlicz to their Domoticz all is working.
If anyone is experiencing issues, can you post here?

I've been working furiously on completely rewriting the interactions for the new AWS api, and discovery & TurnOn/Off are ready, so will concentrate on brightness, and thermostats tomorrow.

[Madgeni]

Ok - quick Q, do any of you use Domoticz for your TVs/media devices?

[heggink]

Depends on your definition. I have a harmony hub that controls everything. I use alexa to switch everything on and off.

[heggink]

And alexa (thru controlicz) switches the HH devices in domoticz. So no direct control over tv and such, thru HH/domo.

[Madgeni]

Thanks heggink, makes sense, that's how i would do it. In which case, I don't need to look at the 'entertainment' capabilities of the smart home api

[salopette]

Hi Guys. I can not connect Domoticz to Alexa.
I registered at controlicz.com and also shared port.
But Alexa can not find a single device.
Can anybody help me further?

UID / Password is this from my web interface?


Thank you

[Madgeni]

Hi - you aren't alone.
UID/PWD are domoticz username/password, so if you've set those, and you can access your domoticz externally (using https), then it's possible that Amazon have done something. I've had a few new users unable to discover devices, and i'm wondering if it's tied to the changes they're making to their API.
I'm working hard on refactoring all my interactions, as they've fundamentally changed their API - it should be ready for recertification by the weekend. The process should be seamless to you all, but i can't fully test all functionality (I don't have all the devices!).

[salopette]

Hi, yes I can reach and control my domo via http-8080 and https-443 from outside!
When I run Ha-Bride, all the devices are found by Alexa!

[hayman]

Hi, yes I can reach and control my domo via http-8080 and https-443 from outside!
When I run Ha-Bride, all the devices are found by Alexa!

Same as here no devices found

[robal_k]

Alexa discovery just says "There was an error doscovering your devices"

After a lengthy investigation and a lot of help from Madgeni, I've realised that discovery fails because I don't have any actual Alexa-enabled devices in my profile.
I've added echosim.io and discovery started working OK.

[robal_k]

I think Controlicz deserves it's own forum. Or at least few different threads (eg: initial setup / usage / device type specific)

I've been playing around with Controlicz and my Domoticz installation (some LightwaveRF dimmers and Z-Wave thermostats).
One immediate frustration is Alexa's handling of device names.
My observations so far:

If any device of "Lightning 5" type (LightwaveRF in my case) has "Light" somewhere in it's name (eg: "Bathroom Light"), Alexa will be confused and respond with "I found several devices matching that name. Which one did you mean?"
Renaming my light switch devices to "Bedroom" or "Bathroom" made Alexa understand queries like "Switch on bathroom light" without issues.

Z-Wave thermostats register in Domoticz and multiple devices. One "Temperature" for current temp sensor, and one "Thermostat" type for thermostat setpoint control.
All I wanted was to be able to ask Alexa for current temperature in a room, for current Thermostat setpoint and set/adjust setpoint.
If I name both devices the same, eg. "Bathroom", Alexa will not work and ask you to name devices uniquely.
If I name the Thermostat one "Bathroom Thermostat", Alexa will work OK. You can ask and set the thermostat, provided that you use the full name in query.
Things are more difficult with Temperature device.
Alexa will just not work with it if it's named "Bathroom", because it will confuse it with bathroom's light device.
"Bathroom Temperature" will not work either (probably the keyword "Temperature"). Same as light devices don't work with "Light" in their name.
The only way I've found it to work is to name the device "Bathroom Thermometer" (or something else, but without no-no keywords).
Sadly I have to undignifyingly ask Alexa: "What's the temperature of Bathroom Thermometer".... but it works...

Has anyone got similar experience (and better solution) ?

Cheers,

[Madgeni]

I'm constrained by Alexa's ability to understand, and Amazon's decision for fuzzy matching. So even if it hears the correct device name, it will ask you to clarify if it has others which are similar (as you've discovered). I did however at least provide you with the option to rename devices for Alexa (in the Domoticz device description: Alexa_name: <device name>
In terms of setup, i like to think it's reasonably straightforward - https access to your Domoticz, add devices to room plans in Domoticz, register with Controlicz site and enable the skill.

[Madgeni]

Hi Guys. I can not connect Domoticz to Alexa.
I registered at controlicz.com and also shared port.
But Alexa can not find a single device.
Can anybody help me further?

UID / Password is this from my web interface?


Thank you

Do you have a US Amazon account, a UK one, or a DE one?

[salopette]

UK oder eine DE?



DE

[Madgeni]

can you PM the email address you registered with Controlicz, and i'll take a look at the logs, see what i can do.

[salopette]

I see incoming connection in Domo LOG
Incoming connection from: 35.176.67.167

[Madgeni]

I would recommend reading the FAQs: https://www.controlicz.com/faq

In order to use Controlicz you need:
https set up on your Domoticz;
Room Plans on your Domoticz;
a Domoticz Username/password that can see those room plans;

Register with Controlicz, and enable the skill.

Also, a gentle plea - Controlicz now has over 300 users, and 24 reviews on Amazon across .com/.co.uk/.de - could those of you using it, and enjoying it, please leave a review? It will only take a minute - thanks

[robal_k]

@madgeni

Does it matter that all domoticz devices/groups/scenes are discovered as alexa devices (not scenes) ?
Does it make difference in how you invoke them ?
For example, it feels weird to say "Switch on Downstairs Off"

Also, does it have any bearing in Alexa world, which "room" the devices are in Domoticz ?
It would be useful if you revealed a bit more what pieces of information from Domoticz world get reflected (as what) in Alexa world.

Keep up the good work !

[Madgeni]

Ok - so, no it makes no difference (currently) if they are listed as Scenes in Alexa.
Re: your naming, I can't help you with that Maybe avoid using Off/On in your descriptions (you can create Alexa descriptions as per the FAQ).
You have to remember that i'm limited by the adjectives the AWS Smart Home API supports.

It's very simple - there is a list of supported controls on the FAQs, that's what is available to me, so that's what's available to you.
I can't extend the Skill outside the AWS Smart Home API. If i could, i would In my defence, it is already more functionally rich that the HA Bridge!

The new version of the AWS API has potential for more adjectives and controls, but it's essentially the same for now (In the new version, Scenes will appear in the Scenes group, rather than the Device one - you're on the Beta, give it a try - and 'may' respond to "Alexa, Activate Downstairs Off" - try it and give me some feedback via PM).