Amazon Echo

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Kiwi0ne

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Topic # 204250 23-Sep-2016 10:56

HI all,

new here. Have check the forums and read about Kiwis using the Echo.

I am pretty settled in ordering it from Amazon US, but just wanted to do a final check on why I should not order one?

I plan to use it in connection to an Ecobee3 thermostat, LiFX lights and a few other smart things.

Cheers,

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Spark NZ

Reply # 1639310 23-Sep-2016 11:36

I have an Echo - currently using it as a POC for smart home control in my upcoming home build. One area where I am underprepared is Aircon control. Do you have the EcoBee3 at the moment and if so, what have you got it controlling?

I found the echo a little bit of a challenge to setup initially (need to hack in the local area code to make time and weather work) and I had to install an APK of the mobile app directly, but it all works now.

Cheers -N

Kiwi0ne

22 posts

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Reply # 1639313 23-Sep-2016 11:45

Hello N,

The Ecobee3 is coming so it is not setup yet. But I'll post an update when I will set it up.

Do you have the hack that I need to follow to set it up here in NZ? I am in the Pegasus (Waimakiri District) area.

Cheers, e.

SumnerBoy

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Reply # 1639322 23-Sep-2016 11:56

I can honestly say we would be lost without our Echo now. We very rarely use any *locale specific* functions apart from occasionally asking her the date. That is about the only thing you get when you update the locale, and being able to set time-based alarms, but we have never used them.

We use it primarily for playing Spotify, setting timers (she lives in the kitchen), and for actioning commands via openHAB - e.g. "Alexa, turn on Sky TV", "Alexa, turn on the white noise" (turns on the white noise machine in the nursery), "Alexa, turn on the garage door" (the Hue emulator doesn't work very well with "open/close").

We also use her for our shopping lists, it is so handy to be in the pantry, notice the sugar is getting low, and just call out "Alexa, add sugar to the shopping list".

Kiwi0ne

22 posts

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Reply # 1639340 23-Sep-2016 12:09

Cheers SumnerBoy!

I live in Redcliffs at the moment so we are neighbors. ;)

Good to know, and seems like I am ready to order!

SumnerBoy

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Reply # 1639342 23-Sep-2016 12:11

Howdy neighbour .

I don't think you will regret buying one. And the Dots are only $US50 if you want to add further voice control around your house - very cheap!

Kiwi0ne

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Reply # 1639366 23-Sep-2016 12:51

Yep, will probably get a couple as well!

Cheers!

richms

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Reply # 1639373 23-Sep-2016 12:57

They do not have multiple echos working well yet. The suggestion of differnet wake words for different rooms is a PITA, and if 2 of them hear you asking to do something, it happens twice. Amusingly sometimes they will hear slightly differently and add different things to the shoppinglist.

I have had to move my kitchen one all the way to the other end of it, and it still hears me from 2 rooms away sometimes if the house is really quiet.

Richard rich.ms

Kiwi0ne

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Reply # 1640177 25-Sep-2016 11:53

Quick update guys and I would appreciate your suggestions on this:
The package was undeliverable using the Youshop address that Nzpost provided.
It happened already to another item I bought through Amazon.
Any reseon for this?
Do I have other options?

Cheers
Emanuele

nathan

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Microsoft

Reply # 1640204 25-Sep-2016 13:00

Kiwi0ne: Quick update guys and I would appreciate your suggestions on this:

The package was undeliverable using the Youshop address that Nzpost provided.

It happened already to another item I bought through Amazon.

Any reseon for this?

Do I have other options?

Cheers

Emanuele

This seems like a question NZPost/Youshop should and could answer since you're Paying them for a service...

SumnerBoy

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Reply # 1640209 25-Sep-2016 13:19

I shipped mine using YouShop no problems.

networkn

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Reply # 1640257 25-Sep-2016 15:31

We love ours, she is a part of our family. I was one of the, if not THE first owner in NZ. She is in our kitchen and we use her for timers, shopping lists, playing music, the odd joke etc.

Blanch

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Reply # 1640432 26-Sep-2016 00:20

I just ordered one, using youshop with no problems.

richms

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Reply # 1640433 26-Sep-2016 00:25

My dot's both lost their bluetoothe pairing somewhat recently. Was still in the list, wouldnt connect to the speakers.

Had to delete the speakers and repair them, then they worked.

Richard rich.ms

richms

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Reply # 1640435 26-Sep-2016 01:13

Using an esp8266 to fake a wemo for alexa control

https://github.com/kakopappa/arduino-esp8266-alexa-wemo-switch

Someone else will probably have a play with this before I get around to it.

Richard rich.ms

xbmcnut

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Reply # 1648847 11-Oct-2016 00:20

Sad to say that after settings up Echoism.io to work in NZ on the 19th September, attempting to configure a V1 Dot today is not working using Request Maker and the Magic Order. Timezone ID is returning 200, everything else 400 so although you can enter calendar events in the right timezone, local weather and local restaurants no longer works. Currently no workaround as it appears Amazon now is address verifying the PUT requests.

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